PREFACE.
xiii
is from this defect that, popular, and in many respects deservedly popular, as Hymns Ancient and Modern are now, I cannot but believe that, as the science of Hymnology deepens it will either have to reform itself in this particular, or to make way to a rival which shall observe this all-important rule.
I can only repeat, in conclusion, how sorry I should be if anything either in the above preface, or in the notes, gives pain, and that no one can be more thankful than I should be for any criticism of which I may avail myself in (should it be called for) a future edition.
Sackvlle College,
S. Stephen, 1862.
