5.—A greatly enlarged number and variety of hymns, suited to the diversified wants of personal, social, and public devotion. We take pleasure in acknowledging our indebtedness to numerous brethren, for counsel and assistance; especially to Elder William Baxter, whose collected material and original contributions have been cheerfully placed at our disposal. While we have admitted a few original hymns, prepared expressly for this work, the additions have been made mostly from the old authors, or from the new resources furnished by the living authors of our own and other lands. It is believed that the work is brought fully up to the resources and demands of the present time. Knowing that in Christian families, the Hymn Book is generally the most popular book of sacred poetry, and, not seldom, the sole resource of the family in that department, we have felt the importance of a large variety of the choicest lyrical productions that our language affords. We have done what our time and means would allow, toward this end. We hope that it may minister to the comfort, strength, and purity of the Church of God; throw over many a hearth-stone, and many a weary pilgrim-path, the sweet radiance of heavenly song; and give fresh encouragement to the cultivation of all pious sentiments and emotions, alike in the closet, the family, the prayer-meeting, and the public assembly. ISAAC ERRETT, W. K. PENDLETON, W. T. MOORE, T. M. ALLEN, A. S. HAYDEN. Cincinnati, O., August 7, 1865. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 1 L. M. The works and the word of God. Psalm 19. The heavens declare thy glory, Lord! In every star thy wisdom shines; But when our eyes behold thy word, We read thy name in fairer lines. 2 The rolling sun, the changing light, And nights and days, thy power confess; But the blest volume thou hast writ, Reveals thy justice and thy grace. 3 Sun, moon, and stars, convey thy praise Round the whole earth, and never stand; So when thy truth began its race, It touched and glanced on every land. 4 Nor shall thy spreading gospel rest Till through the world thy truth has run; Till Christ has all the nations blest That see the light, or feel the sun. 5 Great Sun of Righteousness! arise; Bless the dark world with heavenly light: Thy gospel makes the simple wise, Thy laws are pure, thy judgments right. 6 Thy noblest wonders here we view, In souls renewed, and sins forgiven; Lord! cleanse my sins, my soul renew, And make thy word my guide to heaven. 2 L. M. Divine love displayed, etc. To thee my heart, Eternal King! Would now its thankful tribute bring, To thee its humble homage raise In songs of ardent, grateful praise.