BOSTON: TRINITY CHURCH

HYMNS FOR TRINITY CHURCH, 1808

ASMI 124

Hymns, Selected from the Most Approved Authors, for the Use of Trinity Church, Boston. Boston: published and sold by Munroe, Francis, & Parker, at the Shakespeare bookstore, No. 4, Cornhill, 1808.

179 p. 17 x 10.5 cm.

P. [1], tp.: p. [2] blank, p. [3], 'Preface'; p. [4] blank; p. [5]-160, Hymns'; p. 161-74-music, p. [175]-79, 'Index. If Psalmody forms not always a most pleasing part of public worship, it must arise from the imperfect manner of its execution. It is rarely executed, without some deficiency in language, some impropriety in the musical composition, or some defect of taste in the performers. The tunes, which prevail throughout New-England, are considered by the best judges as ill calculated to make serious impressions, and to kindle true devotion. Grave and solemn airs are best adapted to this purpose, and the talents of the first masters have been employed in their composition. [New par.] Our book of hymns has heretofore been very imperfect. It contained little variety, and less excellence. The necessity of a larger collection was generally felt, and at length the vestry authorized the present publication. [New par.] In this selection, we are chiefly indebted to Dr. Belknap, whose book unquestionably contains the best specimens of sacred poetry extant; and if we have extracted more copiously from Mrs. Steele, than from any other writer, we have done no more, than what we thought due to her poetical superiority, and to the ardent spirit of devotion, which breathes in her compositions. (Extract from Preface.)

          5 compositions, incl. 1 anthem, for 2 voices; full text. No attribs. No 1st pr. identified.

All traced to non-American sources. 1 Core Repertory.

          S15290 (MWA). CLU, MWA", NcWSM.

ASMI pp.198-199