contained in this article, in the language of Scripture, for nowhere in the sacred writings is it declared that the Son was "begotten from everlasting," or that he is "the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father-very God and very man"- -or that he "was crucified, dead, and buried to reconcile his Father to us," or to be "a sacrifice for original guilt."

Let another instance be noted, and it shall suffice. It is contained in a summary of doctrines adopted by the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations, and is as follows:

"Man by the fall lost communion with God, and fell under his wrath and curse; became subject to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever."

Or this :

"By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto eternal life, and others foreordained to everlasting death."

This, surely, is not the express language of Scripture. And ought we to express the doctrines of the Bible, as a rule of faith, in language which the Bible does not furnish? We think not. "Whoso readeth let him understand."

HYMNS.

17

As one especial object of this Book of Devotions is to stimulate, and to assist small societies and others who may be destitute of a minister-to establish and keep up religious meeting for social worship and instruction; it has, therefore, been deemed expedient that it should contain a convenient number and variety of appropriate Hymns; adapted both to the usual services of the Christian Sanctuary, and to particular occasions of devotional exercises.

Of the following hymns, a few are original, and so distinguished by an asterisk (*); the others are carefully selected from different publications, with the author's name attached when it could be ascertained. A selection of verses has been made, when the hymn was thought to be longer than necessary; and when the sentiment, in some of the verses, was considered exceptionable. For the same reason, some expressions, also, have, in a few instances, been varied. It is hoped the collection here presented, will be acceptable, and useful.

2

OPENING AND CLOSE OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.

HYMN 1. L. M.

Praise to the Creator. Ps. c.

BEFORE Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations, bow with sacred joy;
Know that the Lord is God alone,
He can create, and he destroy.

2 His sov'reign power, without our aid,
Made us of clay, and formed us men;
And when like wand'ring sheep we strayed,
He brought us to his fold again.

3 We are his people, we his care,
Our souls and all our mortal frame;
What lasting honours shall we rear,
Almighty Maker, to thy name?

4 We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs,
High as the heaven our voices raise;
And earth with her ten thousand tongues,
Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise.

5 Wide as the world is thy command,
Vast as eternity thy love;
Firm as a rock thy truth must stand,
When rolling years shall cease to move.

Watts.