POSTSCRIPT.
The tranſlator, with all humility, commends this volume to the attention of thoſe who are engaged in the laudable taſk of compiling Hymnals in the vernacular language for the public uſe of the Church. To thoſe who are acquainted with the ſubject, the vaſt ſuperiority of ancient over nine-tenths of modern hymnody, is ſufficiently apparent.
The compoſitions of the early and middle age of Chriſtianity, are moſty couched in majeſtic and ſolemn language—dignified, yet flowing metres, and always embody and expreſs deep and catholic truths, conjoined with earneſt and fervid prayer and aſcriptions of praiſe.
To this excellence the ſentimental effuſions of more modern times ſcarcely ever attain, although often ſuperior in mere poetical and imaginative feeling.
The tranſlator may further be permitted to remark, that the ballad metre (eights and fixes) never occurs in any of the approved ancient or medieval hymns, and to expreſs his great regret that ſo ſecular and ſlovenly a meaſure ſhould ever have been adopted for ſetting forth the majeſtic praiſes of the Holy Trinity, and of celebrating the glorious memories of the Saints departed.
May, 1866.
