1786] REV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 1 73 



In regard to the form of the hyrnns I have to remark that I think 

 they should be introduced like the psalms, with the rubric mark before 

 them, with a similar direction in regard to the discretion of the minis- 

 ter, leaving out the word " Supplement," because they will be nearly, if 

 not quite, as large as the collection of psalms. I would change the 

 Latin Gloria Patri to English and call it Hymn i. 



In the collection sent up last week (I do not think the other admits 

 the same criticism) there are some lines which I wish for your consent 

 to alter, under the condition of Mr. Hopkinson's joint approbation. 



Well may the sun as hell be black. 



I wish for a substitute for this. 



See streaming from th' accursed tree, 



may be thus altered, 



Behold, fast streaming from the tree, etc., etc. 



Mr. Hopkinson thinks, with me, that it is altogether improper to 

 transfer psalms to the head of hymns, merely to change their names ; 

 and we think that they may very well stand in their proper places to be 

 applied discretionately, except where some considerable changes in the 

 composition to accommodate it to the occasion may apologize for the 

 transposition ; or else a collection be made from different psalms. 



The psalms applied to the Ascension must be taken in so strained a 

 seiise as not to consist with the liberty allowable in composing a hymn. 

 The two hymns which conclude your second collection, and which refer 

 to Christ's command to preach the Gospel, would suit admirably well 

 for this festival. 



I enclose you a little essay of Mr. Hopkinson for the Fourth of July 

 and the first Thursday in November. He desires me to mention that 

 he is conscious of having left out in the latter some fine portions of the 

 second psalm from which it is taken ; but it was to make it a reason- 

 able portion for singing at one time. He thinks one for each occasion 

 sufficient, and that for the other time of singing, a portion might be 

 taken at discretion from the psalms. But if you choose two for each 

 occasion, you have got one for November against which there can be 

 no objection unless that the sentiments are the same v.ith those of 

 Psalm 65. As to the very fine parts of Psalm 68, I foresee many objec- 

 tions to the making it a stated part of our service for the day. Besides 

 the delicacy of our situation, as well as on account of the prejudice of 

 our brethren at our present application to England, it may well be 

 questioned whether the use of such expressions be not inconsistent with 

 the sentiments which should take place with peace, however proper 

 "flagranti Bel!o." Even the line. 



Their proud oppressors' righteous doom. 



