Sacred Poems and Hymns

In the Christian Psalmist, compiled twenty-five years ago, by the Author of the present Volume, he became known as a Hymn-Writer; and, since then, having frequently exercised his vein in like manner, a considerable number of his compositions have been republished (with or without leave) by editors of similar Miscellanies, or in authorized Hymn-Books. Of this he has never complained, being rather humbly thankful, that any imperfect strains of his should be thus employed in giving "Glory to God in the highest," promoting "On earth peace," and diffusing "Good will toward men." But of the liberties taken by some of these borrowers of his effusions, to modify certain passages, according to their peculiar taste and notions, he must avail himself of the present opportunity to remind them, that if good people (and such he verily believes them to be) cannot conscientiously adopt his diction and doctrine, it is a little questionable in them to impose upon him theirs, which he may as honestly hesitate to receive.