PREFACE. THE Commission having in charge the preparation of this Book have proceeded upon the belief that a place was still open, in the long list of similar publications, for a work embodying two features; to wit, the production of the best available music, and publication in serial parts. In pursuance of the first aim, the hymns and the songs here offered have been selected with the utmost care, pains being taken that both music and words shall satisfy the highest standard of artistic taste and Christian sentiment. Tastes differ. But all may be met without sinking to a low standard. Good music need not be difficult; nor is all simple music good. It is believed that every tune in these covers will commend itself to all our schools, and that none are beyond the capacities of any having a musical director of average abilities. The second feature of this work will commend itself to all Sunday-school workers. Few schools use more than twenty-five or thirty tunes in a year. The usual mode of issuing Sundayschool music makes it necessary to pay for a large number of songs which will never be used. The serial plan enables schools to furnish themselves with an ample supply of music at a very low price, and to replenish their repertory when desired. |