A. Merril Smoak, Jr., Miscellaneous Hymnals & Tunebooks, &c.

Presented by Haaswurth Books

 

The American Sunday-School Hymn-Book. Philadelphia: American Sunday-School Union, 1860. [10078]

Dark green leather spine, printed paper boards, spine originally plain, this copy has remnants of a private paper label on the spine. 4 3/4 x 3 1/4 inches, "Presbyterian S.S., Little Valley" in brown ink on front paste-down. 384 pp., with index. Tight, pages clean. Good. Hardcover.

477 selections, words only.

A Hymn on Creation. New-York: Printed and Sold by Mahlon Day, 1824. [8979]

No wrapper, crude sewn repair at fold, small 8 cm (3 1/8 x 2 inches). 16 pp., with 14 small wood engravings, last leaf torn and missing 1/2 inch at bottom, affecting one line of the recto. Good. Pamphlet.

The printer's address is "At the New Juvenile Book-Store, no. 372, Pearl-street."

Mahlon Day (1790-1854), b. Morristown, NJ; d. at sea in the sinking of the SS Arctic off the coast of Newfoundland. Day was an Orthodox Quaker and traveled with Joseph John Gurney in his ministry chronicling in his diary their trip through the West Indies and the Caribbean in 1839-40. His press produced many tracts for New York Yearly and Monthly Meetings. He was a trustee of the African Free School and a manager of the New York Institution for the Blind.

"Mahlon Day was one of two printers who dominated the New York City children's book publishing scene in the early 19th century (the other being Samuel Wood). Day published entertaining and educational books that, like most others of his time, focus on piety, virtue, and morality." - New-York Historical Society website.

A Hymn on Creation. New-York: Printed and Sold by Mahlon Day | Stereotyped by James Conner, New-York, ca. 1830. [8978]

Printed yellow wrapper, crude sewn repair at fold, small 9.5 cm (3 5/8 x 2 1/4 inches). 16 pp., complete, with 15 small wood engravings, publisher's advert of back with different address - 374 Pearl St. Tattered edges to back of wrapper. Good. Pamphlet.

The printer's address is "At the New Juvenile Book-Store, no. 376, Pearl-street." We know from a different imprint of his that he was at this address in 1828, and further research has him at this address between 1825 and 1833.

Mahlon Day (1790-1854), b. Morristown, NJ; d. at sea in the sinking of the SS Arctic off the coast of Newfoundland. Day was an Orthodox Quaker and traveled with Joseph John Gurney in his ministry chronicling in his diary their trip through the West Indies and the Caribbean in 1839-40. His press produced many tracts for New York Yearly and Monthly Meetings. He was a trustee of the African Free School and a manager of the New York Institution for the Blind.

"Mahlon Day was one of two printers who dominated the New York City children's book publishing scene in the early 19th century (the other being Samuel Wood). Day published entertaining and educational books that, like most others of his time, focus on piety, virtue, and morality." - New-York Historical Society website.

 

[American Tract Society] Songs of Zion: A Manual of the best and most popular Hymns and Tunes, for Social and Private Devotion. New York & Boston: American Tract Society, 1851.[9870]

Black cloth, boards stamped in blind, spine in gilt, 15.2 x 9 cm (6 x 3 1/2 inches), binding dull, very slight wear to the tips, fine joints. 192 pp., light foxing. Very good. Hardcover.
Date taken from the copyright page. 200 selections with music and indices.

"It is a pleasure to acknowledge the Christian liberality of various living composers and the respected publishers of their valuable works, in generously allowing the insertion of their choicest copyright tunes in this unpretending selection. Such acknowledgements are especially due to two whose praise is in all the churches, Lowell Mason, Esq., by whom one third of all the tunes in the book were composed or arranged, and Thomas Hastings, Esq., who has given many of his choicest tunes and aided in preparing the work for the press; also to Mr. W. B. Bradbury and others." - Preface.

 

An Evangelist; [Thomas, Abel Charles]. Hymns of Zion, with Appropriate Music. Designed as an Aid to Devotion in Families, Social Circles, and Meetings for Public Worship. Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co., 1839. First Edition. [9980]

Very worn cloth binding, lacking almost half of the backstrip, fron tboard with old stains at bottom, 14.5 x 10.2 cm (6 x 4 1/4 inches). (i)-iv, (5)-62, 71-216 pp. Leaf 57-8 torn but nearly complete; lacking the 4 leaves as noted. Poor. Hardcover.

Stereotyped by J. Fagan, Philadelphia. Preface signed "A. C. T."

Abel Charles Thomas (1807-1880), b. Philadelphia, PA; d. Tacony, PA. "A Universalist minister whose most important pastorate was at the Lombard Street Church, Philadelphia, 1830-1839, and again 1848-1863. A controversial writer and speaker. He edited Hymns of Zion, Philadelphia, 1839, the first Universalist hymn book to contain tunes." - Henry Wilder Foote, DNAH archives.

 

[Austin, John]; [Birchley, William]. Devotions: First Part In the Antient Way of Offices with Psalms, Hymns, and Pray'rs; for every day in the Week, and every Holiday in the Year. Roan: 1672. Second Edition: Corrected and Augmented. [9812]

Full leather binding, quite worn with loss of leather to edges; old leather repair over the spine with a later black cloth repair over it. 15 x 8.2 cm (5 7/8 x 3 1/4 inches). [28], 450 pp. The first 28 unnumbered pp. are the Dedication and Directory. Text is complete, the first several leaves are weakly attached with separation at the title page hinge; rest tight; scattered staining. Signature with date 1776 on rfep. Good.

Wing 4249, attributed to John Austin. The first edition appeared in 1668; the third (1684); the fourth (1685). Sometimes found attributed to "William Birchley", which name Wing says is a pseudonym for John Austin. The Dedication is signed "J. S."; John Sargeant.

John Austin (1613-1669). "Born at Walpole, Norfolk; educated is St. John's College, Cambridge. Became a Roman Catholic about 1640...He was master of a good English style. His Devotions were altered and adapted to the English Church by Dr. Hickes, in which form they have gone through many editions." - Darling.

"He was a Gentleman, so far from retirement, that his Chamber was generally open to Multitudes, who either lov'd his friendly Affability, or needed his useful Advice or Charitable Assistance. His Conversation and outward behaviour were exceedingly cheerful and pleasant. He appear'd Severe in nothing but sincere Honesty, in nothing Singular but perfect Innocence consistent with so much Freedom. The Great Business of his Life, that concern'd Heaven, was transacted in the inmost recess of his Soul, and never disclos'd it self without reluctancy and constraint. He was a Traveller, and brought home from Forreign Countries all that could conduce to a Manly becomingness and wise carriage, leaving the Extravagancies and follies were he found them. He was well skill'd in the best of our European languages, and an absolute Master of our own." - John Sargeant, Epistle Dedicatory to this book.

Note on ffep: "A new form of Meditations for every day in the year. Written originally in French by F. John Craisset. London, printed for William Granthan in Cock-pit Alley, near Drury Lane 1685. pages 388. Thos Hillman's Book."

 

[Bay Psalm Book] Appel, Richard G. The Music of the Bay Psalm Book, 9th Edition 1698 (I.S.A.M. Monographs: Number 5). New York: Institute for Studies in American Music, 1975. First Edition. ISBN: 9780914678045. [9483]

White covers with blue titles, 8 1/2 x 7 inches, former owner's ink name stamp on first & last pages, 44 otherwise clean pp. Very good. Paperback.

"In the present monograph will be found (1) a discussion of the music of the Bay Psalm Book, including a literal translation of the 'admonition' in the first edition; (2) facsimiles of the 1698 edition's tune supplement (and its prefatory remarks,) with edited transcriptions on facing pages; and (3) a bibliography of literature on the Bay Psalm Book." - Foreword.

 

[Bay Psalm Book] The Crowninshield - Stevens - Brinley - Vanderbilt - Whitney Copy of The Bay Psalm Book (Auction Catalogue); To Be Sold by Direction of the Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Trust. New York: Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., 1947. First Edition. [9479]

Blue printed wrapper, 10 1/4 x 7 inches, newspaper clipping regarding the sale taped inside front, cello tape has yellowed. Six b/w plates of the text & binding of the book being auctioned, auction terms, 12 pp. of text, complete. Very good. Wraps.

Includes the complete description of this copy of "The Bay Psalm Book," and descriptions of every extant copy of the 1640 edition. The book sold for $151,000, and was purchased by A. S. W. Rosenbach.

 

[Bay Psalm Book] Foote, Henry Wilder. An Account of the Bay Psalm Book (The Papers of the Hymn Society VII). Springfield, Ohio: The Hymn Society of America, Inc., 1940. First Edition. [9481]

Staple-bound pamphlet, 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, 18 clean pp. Very good. Pamphlet.
This pamphlet is based upon a chapter in Dr. Foote's Three Centuries of American Hymnody. A study of the first edition of 1640.

 

Brady, N.; Tate, N. A New Version of the Psalms of David, Fitted to the Tunes Used in the Churches. London: Printed by E. James, for the Company of Stationers, 1747. [9806]

Worn leather binding, boards detached, 14.5 x 8.5 cm (5 3/4 x 3 1/4 inches), marbled end papers, gilt page edges. "Anne Louch, Ejus Liber, Anno Domini, 1756" in brown ink on ffep. 192 pp., complete. Fair. Full leather.

The work of Nahum Tate (1652-1715), and Nicholas Brady (1659-1726), a metrical version of the Psalter which supplanted the older version of Thomas Sternhold and John Hopkins. It first appeared in 1696. This copy retains the approbation by the King as frontispiece.

Naham Tate was born in Dublin, Ireland, and was renowned as a poet. He became Poet Laureate in 1692, and is supposed to have done the most work on the traslation of the Psalter.

Nicholas Brady was an Anglican divine and poet, born in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland. His collaboration with Naham Tate to produce the "New Version of the Psalms of David," is his most-remembered work.

 

Brady, N.; Tate, N.; Watts, I. A New Version of the Psalms of David, Fitted to the Tunes of the Churches & Appendix of Hymns by Watts; By N. Brady, D. D., Chaplain in Ordinary, and N. Tate, Esq., Poet-Laureat, To His Majesty. Boston: Printed for, and Sold by A. Barclay, at the Gold Bible in Cornhill, 1771. [9859]

Full leather binding, scuffed & worn, crude sewn repair affixing the backstrip to the spine, joints partly split. 15 x 9 cm (6 x 3 1/2 inches). Front paste-down lacking exposing the wood board, several names and 1787 date on the front end papers. (1)-276; (1)-64, 69-84 P. 230 of the Psalms is misnumbered as 023. Lacking 2 leaves (pp. 65-68) of the Hymns. Last several leaves are tattered with loss, the text has some light staining; the book is shaken. Fair. Full leather.

Title page for second part: Appendix, containing A Number of Hymns, Taken chiefly from Dr. Watts's Scriptural Collection. Boston: Printed and Sold by John Boyles, 1771. This section has 103 hymns.

 

Brady, N.; Tate, N.; Watts, I. A New Version of the Psalms of David, Fitted to the Tunes of the Churches & Appendix of Hymns by Watts; By N. Brady, D. D., Chaplain in Ordinary, and N. Tate, Esq., Poet-Laureat, To His Majesty. Boston: Printed for, and Sold by A. Ellison, 1773. [9857]

Full leather binding, scuffed & worn yet with good joints, some loss of surface leather (see pics), 15 x 9 cm (6 x 3 1/2 inches), tight. Lacks all free end papers, small red-bordered paper label on front and back paste-downs. (1)-4, 9-276; 84 pp. Appendix. Lacks two leaves (pp. 5-8) of the Psalms; leaf of Psalms 85-6 with 2" tear. Appendix section complete, shaken, trimmed closely at top margin. Pages generally clean, some light stains and edge-wear. Good. Full leather.

Title page for second part: Appendix, containing A Number of Hymns, Taken chiefly from Dr. Watts's Scriptural Collection. Boston: Printed by Mills and Hicks, 1773. This section has 103 hymns.

 

Brady, N.; Tate, N. A New Version of the Psalms of David: Fitted to the Tunes used in Churches bound with Hymns for Public Worship, Part II., for the Use of the Church in Brattle Square. Boston (State of Massachusetts): Printed by Joseph Bumstead, for David West, 1790 & 1812. [9804]

Later dark green morocco binding with gilt borders; title, authors, & "Boston | MDCCXC" on spine, binding with light rubbing15 x 9 cm (5 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches). Small brown leather overlay bordered in gilt on front, with "W. Gray." in center. Black marbled end papers, clear tape repair to front hinge & rear end paper. 358 & 156 pp., tight. Good. Full leather.

The Brattle Square hymnal has "2d Edition, Corrected. Boston: Printed by John Eliot, Jr. 1812. It has 156 pp. with 176 hymns and a table of first lines.

 

[Brethren Hymnal]. A Choice Selection of Hymns, from various Authors, recommended to all denominations for the Worship of God. Canton, Ohio: Printed by John Saxton, 1830. First Edition. [9801]

Full leather binding, "Hymns" in gilt to spine, worming with loss to spine, boards weakly attached, 11 x 6.5 cm (4 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches). (1)-96, 101-124, 133-156, 159-254 (of 256) pp.  Leaf 55-56 torn with loss of text at bottom corner; lacking the 8 leaves absent from collation. The book is shaken. Poor. Full leather.

The rare first edition: Hinks, in his Brethren Hymn Books and Hymnals, 1720-1884, pp. 185-186, says that the only copy of which he was aware was as listed in the NUC, but that copy was then unlocated (1986). There is one record at WorldCat, AAS.

 

[BRETHREN HYMNAL] A Choice Selection of Hymns, from various Authors, recommended for the Worship of God. Summers' Place, Near Poland, Trumbull County, Ohio: Printed by Henry Kurtz, 1844. Seventh, Enlarged Edition. [10164]

Full leather binding with leather spine title label, binding very good, 10.3 x 7 cm (4 x 2 3/4 inches), pencil inscription on ffep. 306, [xvi] pp, complete. Very good. 

Hinks CSH-1844 -S, in Appendix A. "In this and future editions Henry Kurtz follows the lead of the Eastern printer by including 293 hymns, and by replacing hymn numbers 68, 136, and 161 with new hymns."

Henry Kurtz (1796-1874), b. Binningham, Germany; d. Columbiana Co., Ohio. Kurtz was a Lutheran who later became an elder in the Church of the Brethren. He was a printer and publisher, first at Pittsburgh and later in Ohio, and was an advocate for a communal society among believers, to be called Concordia. It was modeled after that of Robert Owen and his New Harmony society, with whom Kurtz met in 1825 when Owen was visiting Pittsburgh. - The Pennsylvania Dutch, April 1, 1952. Kurtz published books in both German and English for several German denominations.

 

Campbell, A.; Scott, W.; Stone, B. W.; Johnson, J. T. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Original and Selected...Adapted to the Christian Religion. Bethany, Va.: Printed and Published by A. Campbell, 1849. Twenty sixth Stereotype Edition. [9864]

Black morocco with gilt borders, panels, board & page edges, binding with some surface wear yet tight, joints are good. 11.2 x 7 cm (4 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches). Pencil notes on the ffep. (i)-(ii), 5-266 pp. lacking first front free end paper and one leaf in first section, pp. iii-iv; (present are: 1 free end paper, title page, copyright page, [missing leaf], then first page of the Introduction, to end). Part II. (i)-(ii), (3)-192 pp., complete. To review, this copy lacks the first blank leaf at front, and one leaf of text in the first part, located between the title page leaf and the first Introduction leaf. Good. Full leather.

An early Restorationist hymnal of the Stone-Campbell Disciples of Christ movement. This edition has suggested tunes (but no music) for the first section, with the second section printing only the metre, with no tune suggestion. Campbell at the first was against printing tune selections; this edition, it has been suggested, shows the influence of other men within the movement.

The 1843 (13th stereotype) edition was "the first to feature suggested tunes to use with individual hymns, as earlier and later editions omit these, it seems apparent that some other influence than Campbell's was at work introducing the tunes. The preface states that the suggestions of tunes is hoped to '...be found advantageous' (p. 4). These prefixed tunes thus serve as a historical context to how the early leaders actually sang these hymns." - Hymnals of the Stone-Campbell Movement, Enos E. Dowling Hymnal Collection, online at Lincoln Christian University, Jessie C. Eury Library.

It is interesting to note that the missing leaf (p. 3-4) of the first part is the leaf with the explanation for including the names of tunes. Perhaps it was removed in protest?

Campbell, A.; Scott, W.; Stone, B. W.; Johnson, J. T. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Original and Selected...Adapted to the Christian Religion. Springfield, [Ohio]: Stereotyped by Geo. D. Emerson & Co. | Cincinnati: Organ & Overend, Printers, 1851.

Brown leather binding with black leather spine title label, binding very good, text is 11 x 7 cm (4 3/8 x 2 1/4 inches). 256, 190 pp., counted and complete, includes free end papers, tight. The text has foxing, some smudges. Very good.

Crane, John. A Discourse, delivered at Upton, March 15, 1810, at Grafton, April 12, 1810, and at Sutton, (N. P.) March 13, 1811. At Public Meetings of a Number of Singers, who had been improving themselves in Sacred Music; Published at the Particular Request of the Singers in Sutton, North-Parish. Sutton, (Mass.): Printed by Sewall Goodridge, 1811. First Edition. [8977]

Removed, no wrapper, recent stab-sewn string re-enforcement at fold. 8 1/2 x 5 inches, small hole in first two leaves affecting some letters, 16 pp. Printed in old font with the long "s". Good. Pamphlet.

A discourse on James 5:13, "Is any merry? let him sing psalms." The author does not seem to us to be limiting the definition of "psalms" to the Psalms in the Bible, but includes Christian hymns as well. He speaks to the singers of their duties and dangers based upon Biblical examples and exhortations.

John Crane, D.D. (1756 -1836), b. Norton, MA. Crane graduated at Harvard College in 1780, and in 1782 began preaching at Northbridge, Mass., remaining there as pastor until his death in 1836.

 

Cummings, J. [Adventist] The Pilgrims' Songster: A choice selection of Hymns, designed for Tent, Conference and Private Meetings. Concord, N. H.: Steam Printing Works of M'Farland & Jenks, 1853. Revised and Corrected. [9849]

Leather spine with plain paper over card, binding scuffed and worn and is separated from the text block. 105 pp. with index plus 36 pp. appendix with index. One leaf of the appendix torn with some loss of words; one blank page filled with pencil notations. Fair. Hardcover.

82 + 28 hymns, words only. Hymnary dot org lists this as an "Adventist (general)" hymnal.

Jonathan Cummings (1817-1894), a disciple of William Miller who, after the "Great Disappointment," set a new date for the advent of Christ - 1854. Cummings was one of the founders of the Advent Christian Association and of The World's Crisis periodical.

 

Drummond, George Hay; Miller, Edward [composer]. Select Portions of the New Version of Psalms, For every Sunday throughout the Year; with the Principal Festivals and Fasts, for the Use of Parish Churches; The Words selected by the Rev. George Hay Drummond; the Music Selected, Adapted, and Composed by Edward Miller, Mus. Doct. London: Printed for W. Miller, 1791. Sixth Edition. [9818]

Tunes in manuscript, on lined leaves interspersed between the printed hymns.

Full leather binding, gilt chain border front and back, binding worn and scuffed with loss of surface leather to front, worming to spine, 16.5 x 11 cm (6 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches). Both paste-downs detached from boards, still attached to text block. Top of title page trimmed too close with loss to top line of title (Select Portions). Notes in pencil & ink on the front end papers, including "John Lawrence, His Book, 1817". Free end paper before tp cut out. (iv), (1)-129, (1), (1 adverts), rear end papers with manuscript hymn. Text complete. The leaves in this book are interspersed with manuscript tunes in four parts, each sheet cut in half to allow for two tunes per side that can be opened independently. The last several manuscript pages have prayers or hymns written on them. The book is prepared for a minister or precentor who could look at the words of the psalm and the music of the tune at the same time. Good. Leather .

An advert for the music (verso of tp) would indicate that the engraved music section was sold separately from the "Select Portions." The music in this copy is done by hand.

Rev. George Hay Drummond (1761-1807), according to Julian he was b. at Westminster, educated at Christ Church, Oxford, and in 1783 made Vicar of Brodsworth and Canon of York. John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907), at hymnary dot org.

The music composer, Edward Miller (1735-1807), for 50 years the organist of the Minster Church of Saint George, Doncaster. In his youth he was a flautist in Handel's orchestra. He taught, composed, and published music; he also wrote a history of Doncaster.

The Eclectic Sabbath-School Hymn-Book; Compiled by an old S. S. Superintendent, assisted by a number of S. S. Teachers and others. Baltimore: T. Newton Kurtz, 1870. New Edition, Revised and Corrected. [9934]

Leather spine, printed paper boards, scuffed and worn, joints good. 13 x 9.5 cm (5 1/8 x 3 3/4 inches). 1871 owner's signature on ffep. (1)-192, 177-208 pp. Pages 177-192 are duplicates, inserted in the book twice. Good. Hardcover.

The publisher, and perhaps compiler, also published hymnals for the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

245 selections plus duplicates, with an Index.

 

Elliott, John. The Sacred Lyre, comprising Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, selected from the best authors and adapted to Public, Social, and Private Worship; Including many Original Pieces. Lancaster: Printed by Mary Dickson, 1828. [9931]

Full leather, both joints cracked with the front board nearly detached, 10.5 x 6.7 cm (4 1/8 x 2 5/8 inches). 320 pp., text complete, tight, page edges stained yellow. Good. Hardcover.

OCLC records two locations, with this as the only edition.

The compiler was pastor of St. John's Church, Lancaster. Steel & Hulan include this hymnal in their list of sources of hymns for the Sacred Harp. The Makers of the Sacred Harp, p. 248.

The compiler "is believed to be the Rev. John Elliott who became involved with the Churches of God in Lancaster and then Reformed Methodism. C H. Forney, in History of the Churches of God in the United States of North America (Harrisburg, PA, 1914) p. 315, says, 'John Elliott was an Englishman, eminent as a preacher and theologian. Where and when he entered the ministry the records do not reveal.'" Gail Rodgers McCormick, Sharing Swedenborg's 'Sweets in Secret': The United Free-Will Baptist Church, ca. 1810-1823, in The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, October, 2014, p. 370

McCormick's study finds that Elliott began as a Methodist, then left over Baptism and became Free-Will Baptist, arriving in Lancaster about 1820 as an independent preacher.

"Forney, in History of the Churches of God, p. 20, notes a John Elliott was minister of an 'independent church, of Baptist tendencies' in Lancaster about 1816, affiliating with John Winebrenner's Church of God about 1827."

Another reference has him "disfellowshipped" by the Church of God in 1831 for "holding the doctrine of Universalism," became a Methodist Protestant minister in 1833, and died as minister of Pittsburgh's First Methodist Protestant Church, in 1839. McCormick, footnote p. 385.

The printer, Mary Dickson, was the wife of William Dickson. William and his brother Robert founded the Lancaster Intelligencer newspaper in 1799, an anti-Federalist publication. William and Mary took a stand for the freedom of the press, and when William was jailed for three months 1806 on accusation of a libel against the Federalists, Mary refused to ask the governor for a pardon, on the insistence that they had done nothing wrong. When William died in 1823, she took over the print shop and the newspaper. In 1829 President Andrew Jackson appointed Mary postmaster of Lancaster. - see Lee J. Stolzfus, The Black Art: A History of Printing in Lancaster County, PA., online at lancasterlyrics dot com.

The one caveat with all of the information above is that the compiler has his names as "John Elliot, M. D., Pastor of St. John's Church, Lancaster" on the title page. I see nothing in his history that would indicate that he was a medical doctor. Could the initials "M. D." mean Music Director?

 

Evangelical Association. A Collection of Hymns, selected from various Authors for the use of the Evangelical Association and all Lovers of Pious Devotion. New-Berlin, PA.: Published by T. Buck, for the Evangelical Association | S. G. Miller, Printer, 1842. [9854]

Full leather, worn yet with good joints and no damage, 10 x 6.5 cm (3 x 2 1/2 inches), pencil scribbles on end papers. (i)-iv, (5)-340, text complete. Some foxing. Very good. Full leather.

333 selections, words only, with index. Sometimes found bound with the German edition, this copy is in English only.

 

Evangelical Association.  Hymns, selected from various authors, for the use of the Evangelical Association, and all Lovers of Pious Devotion. New-Berlin, Pa.: Published by Henry Fisher, for the Evangelical Association, 1850. Fifth Edition. [9913]

Full worn leather binding, lacking a portion of the spine label, 12 x 7.7 cm (4 3/4 x 3 inches). Lacks all free end papers (blanks). (1)-464, 467-479 pp. Lacking one leaf of the Table of first lines (pp. 465-466) and the last page (p. 480) of the same. Fair. Full leather.

570 selections, words only, arranged by topic.

 

Evangelical Association. Hymns for the Use of the Evangelical Association, and others; adapted to public and private worship. Cleveland, Ohio: Charles Hammer, 1861. Seventh, Improved Edition. [9860]

Full leather, light surface cracking to joints, 13.3 x 7.5 cm (5 1/4 x 3 inches). 576 pp., tight, foxing. Very good. Full leather.

726 selections, words only, with index.

 

Foster, Robert. General Collection: Hymns, Original and Selected, for the use of Christians. Portsmouth, N. H.: Printed and Sold at the Office of the Christian Herald, 1825. Second Edition - Revised. [10172]

Full brown leather with spine title label, binding tight, joints good 11.2 x 6.5 cm (4 3/8 x 2 7/8 inches). Gray spotting to the front end papers, some faint dampstains. 448 pp., counted and complete. Good. 

Dowling, Hymn and Gospel Song Books of the Restoration Movement: A Bibliography, p. 62. First published 1824; "Note: This is the first part of what was designed as a Portsmouth Collection."

Foster determined after attending the seventh United States Christian Conference, to produce this hymnal.

"He would gratefully acknowledge the kindness of Elder David Millard, and others who have aided him in this work, and hopes it will contribute to the comfort, edification, and upbuilding of Christians in the new and living way, till they shall come to the New Jerusalem, and with the hundred and forty and four thousand, and an innumerable company sing, the new song forever and ever." - Preface.

 

Foster, Robert. General Collection: Hymns, Original and Selected, for the use of Christians. Portsmouth, N. H.: Printed and Sold at the Office of the Christian Herald | Stereotyped by Smith, Reed & Gaylord..Boston, 1828. [9918]

Full calf with red leather title label & gilt lines to spine, rubbed with short exposed area base of front joint, joints otherwise good. 11.2 x 6.5 cm (4 3/8 x 2 7/8 inches). Lacks both front free end papers (blanks) and one from the rear. 448 pp., counted and complete, tight, foxing. Very good.

 

German Reformed Church. Psalms and Hymns for the use of the German Reformed Church in the United States of America. Chambersburg, Pa: Printed by M. Kiefer & Co. | Published by the Synod of the German Reformed Church, 1851. [9927]

Worn red leather binding, boards blindstamped, gilt to spine, former owner's gilt name on front rubbed away. 13 x 8.5 cm (5 x 3 1/2 inches). End paper hinges sprung, shaken. (iv), (1)-613, (xxi) pp., text complete. Good.

The Psalms plus 520 hymns and 11 doxologies; in English, words only.

Gorton, B. A Collection of Spiritual Hymns, suitable to be sung by the True Followers of Christ in all the World: being corrected and revised, with additions. Troy, [NY]: Printed by Oliver Lyon, for the Compiler, 1807. Corrected and Revised. [9800]

Full leather binding, blind rules to spine with no title, 10 x 6.3 cm (4 x 2 1/2 inches), binding with corner and end wear, tight. (i) - (vi.), (7) - 207, (1) pages; one leaf with vertical tear, text is dark but in good condition. Good. Full leather.

A scarce hymnal with no locations reported to WorldCat. An earlier edition of 1802 has four reports.

The Preface is an apology for the hymnal; the final leaf has instructions for family singing, and reasons given for including children even if they have not yet professed faith. The compiler says that he did not include the names of the authors of the hymns because "all good is from God." He states that these hymns are for living Christians and not for dead professors. There is an advert for his A Scriptural Account of the Millennium on the final leaf.

We have identified hymns by John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, William Hammond, Anne Steele, John Fawcett, Benjamin Beddome, John Needham, Philip Doddridge, William Cowper, John Newton, Joseph Hart, John Dowling, and John Leland. This is not a comprehensive list, but are the authors of some of the hymns that we checked against the database at hymnary dot org.

Some of the hymns that reveal the peculiar beliefs of Gorton are Babylon and its downfall described (204), and Millennial Hymn (205), both of which have scripture references for the stanzas, and we think written by Gorton. Some others that we have not found elsewhere begin, "Father, from whom all blessings flow | Great builder of your church below" (27); "Let sects and names no more | With Christians e'er be heard; | Sure all the true born sons of peace | Are one in Christ their head." (35)

Benjamin Gorton (c.1757-1836), a Connecticut native who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, a member of Baldwin's Regiment of Artificers, a Connecticut unit that accompanied regular line and artillery companies, as needed. In 1779 Gorton is listed in records as "Conductor of Military Stores, Field Commissary's department", stationed at Fishkill, NY.

A religious eccentric, he moved to Troy, NY, in 1791. "Having a speculative mind...[he], previous to 1800, had at various times expressed himself a believer in the sudden destruction of the earth, and in support of this opinion, he wrote a number of books, in which he set forth certain biblical prophecies and chronologies as proofs of his individual predictions. He also relied on the visions of certain contemporary persons, and various celestial phenomena occurring at this time, to substantiate and corroborate the Scriptural figures of Daniel and the other prophets. According to his belief the world was to come to an end on the 8th of June, 1816. Many of the inhabitants of Troy were among his converts, and no little preparation was made by the them preparatory to this day of destruction of all mundane matter." - Weise, History of the City of Troy...&c. (1876), p. 112.

In 1802 Gorton wrote to President Thomas Jefferson and sent him his book, A Scriptural Account of the Millennium or Christs Reign on Earth for a Thousand Years, asking him to assist "in doing what Christ Said Should be done before the end come...God has done great things for you in a temporal Sence [sic] - and from whom Much has been Given Much will be required..."

Gorton became a trustee (1791) at the formation of the First Presbyterian Church of Troy, NY, and later served as their treasurer. He was also a charter member of the Apollo Lodge in Troy. It is remembered that Gorton was a very showy dresser, and in the early days of Troy, "the greatest beau in the village." - ibid, p. 59. He was also a trustee of the village (1798-1799), village clerk (1798-1800), and served one term (1799-1800) as village president.

 

Habermann, John; Neuman, Caspar. The Christian's Companion: containing Morning and Evening Prayers for every Day in the Week, by Dr. John Habermann. Also, Dr. Neuman's Prayer of Prayers, and a collection of Morning and Evening Hymns. Harrisburg: Theo. F. Scheffer, 1856. [10179]

Red leather spine with marbled paper over card, dark, scuffed, with good joints, tight, 12 x 8 cm (4 3/4 x 3 1/8 inches). Top corner of ffep torn with loss, wood engraving of a man praying at his bedside. 144 pp., complete, some staining & foxing in the text. Fair. Hardcover.

Sometime translated from the German, unattributed translator. The Hymn section is 24 selections, words only.

Johann Habermann (1516-1590), German Lutheran pastor and theologian. This prayer book was first published in 1565, with the title Christliche Gebet für alle Not und Stende der gantzen Christenheit. It was widely used and translated into several languages.

 

Hanby, William. The Church Harp: or latest compilation of Sacred Songs, designed for all Denominations. Dayton, O.: Printed at the Conference Office of the United Brethren in Christ, 1859. Revised Edition. [9848]

Full leather, edgeworn and scuffed, spine ends chipped, bottom joint cracked, 11 x 8.5 cm (4 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches). "Susan Fouts" in pencil on the front paste-down. 224 pp., complete. Pp. 68 and 78 in exchanged places; text is a bit shaken, nothing missing, foxing. Fair. Hardcover.

"The former editions were deficient in Congregational Hymns. To meet this defect, and to enlarge the work, has been the object in revising it. The subjects are all arranged as before, and most of the old Hymns have been retained. A few excellent Hymns, adapted to public worship, have been added to each subject." - Preface.

William Hanby (1808-1840), b. Washington Co., Pa.; d. Westerville, Ohio. "Indentured as a youth; later pastor, Scioto Conference, Ohio. Publishing agent of the denomination, 1837; editor of magazine Religious Telescope. Bishop, 1845-1849. Active in Temperance and Abolition movements; established Underground Railroad in Circleville, Ohio. Trustee of Otterbein College. Author of a history of the United Brethren church, compiler of The Church Harp, 1841, Circleville, Ohio." - Ellen Jane Lorenz, Dictionary of North American Hymnology archives.

 

 

Henkel, Paul. Church Hymn Book, consisting of newly composed Hymns, with an addition of Hymns and Psalms from other authors, Carefully adapted for the use of Public Worship, and many other occasions. New Market, Shenandoah County (Virginia): Printed in Solomon Henkel's Printing Office, 1816. First Edition. [9811]

Full calf, joints rubbed but not cracked, brown leather title label to spine, 14.4 x 8.5 cm (5 5/8 x 3 3/8 inches). Title page and next leaf detached as one piece, (1)-x, (1)-546 pp. Complete, with index of first lines and end papers. One leaf (pp. 3-4) torn with significant loss, a few other leaves with minor edge-tearing. A few small stains in the text. Good. Full calf.

The hymnal is in English. Hymnary dot org lists 256 texts by Henkel. This book has 347 hymns and 150 psalms, with an Index.

A desirable Virginia imprint.

Paul Henkel (1754-1825), b. on Dutchman's Creek in (then) Rowan Co., North Carolina; d. New Market, Virginia. A cooper by trade, Henkel became an active itinerant for confessional Lutheranism along the American frontier, traveling from North Carolina to Indiana in his preaching ministry. He at first opposed the Piedmont revival of 1801, even debating the Presbyterian minister Rev. James Hall at the camp meeting at Shepherds Cross Roads in 1802, although Henkel later acknowledged some benefits of the revival. He was for forty years a missionary for his church, paid for most of his own expenses, and was instrumental in establishing several frontier Synods. The Henkel Press, operated by his son, was for many years the only Lutheran printing house in the country. Henkel has been compared to Francis Asbury, ministering to the scattered Lutherans in much the same way that Asbury did for the Methodists. He remained firm is his conviction of fidelity to the original Augsburg Confession, and opposed what he considered to be liberalism as promoted by Samuel Simon Schmucker and the General Synod.

 

Henry, G. W. The Golden Harp; or, Camp-Meeting Hymns, old and new. Set to Music. Plus Supplement. Auburn: William J. Moses, 1856. [10162]

Two hymnals bound together as one book. Very worn cloth, lacks about 2/3 of the backstrip, 14.5 x 9.5 cm (5 5/8 x 3 3/4 inches). 159, [1]; 100 pp. Light foxing, the book is shaken with nothing detached. Leaves counted and complete. Fair. Hardcover.

Bound with, The Golden Harp; A Supplement to the First Edition of Camp-Meeting Hymns. Selected by G. W. Henry. Same imprint & date. The first 16 pp. of the Supplement are something of an apology for using popular tunes. This Supplement of 100 pp. does not have any music, words only.

In the first book, words only until p. 99, where tunes with round notes generally in two parts begin. Few of the hymns or tunes are attributed. 

"In 1823 George W. Henry established a manufactory of cow bells, and carried it on a few years with varying success. This Mr. Henry was an active, energetic man, who engaged in many business pursuits, all of which ultimately proved unsuccessful so far as enriching him was concerned. He became permanently blind, and was, during some years, a devoted preacher in the Methodist church. He dictated an autobiography and several other works, which met a ready sale. He died in 1876, at the age of seventy-five." - History of Herkimer County, N. Y. (1879), p. 136.

 

Hymns of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America; Set forth in General Conventions of said Churca [sic], in the years of our Lord, 1789, 1808, and 1826. Philadelphia: S. F. Bradford | Stereotyped by L. Johnson, 1827. First Edition. [9855]

Leather spine, marbled paper over card, about half the paper missing from the rear board, 11.3 x 7 cm (4 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches). 124 (1) pp., complete. A few pencil scribbles, and "Sarah E. Wells" on p. 118. Thin margin stain in last leaves. Good. Hardcover.

212 hymns plus doxologies, words only.

 

Huntsman, John [compiler]. Social Melodies, being a collection of the most popular Hymns and Spiritual Songs, now in use, And designed to encourage and stimulate the Spirit of Devotion. St. Clairsville, O.: Published by E. Harris & J. Huntsman | Printed by Heaton & Gressinger, 1842. First Edition. [9875]

Leather spine, mustard paper over card, small hole in the center of both boards, boards are scuffed and worn, corners rounded, joints are cracked and appear to have been glued at some time; the book is stiff to open. 10.2 x 6.5 cm (4 x 2 5/8 inches). Lacks all free end papers and the last page of the Index. 254 pp. (of 255), front section of book with light stain, occasional foxing throughout. Fair. Hardcover.

Evidently the first and only edition of this hymnal (WorldCat). 163 hymns and one chorus, with index. Words only.

"John Huntsman" is a very common name during this time period in Ohio. The source of the record below suggests that this John Huntsman was the author of a hymnal, but was not definite about it. We give it to you with that caveat.

John Huntsman (1811-1863), b. Jacobsburg, Ohio; d. Glencoe, Ohio. At the age of 51 Huntsman enlisted as a musician with Company H, 61st Infantry Regiment, Ohio. He gave his birth year as 1814 and entered the ranks as 48 years old. He received a disability discharge on Oct. 11, 1862, at Washington, DC., and died 13 months later. There is a photo of him extant holding a fife while in uniform, with a grey beard, which may be found under his name at FindAGrave online.

 

The Infant School and Nursery Hymn Book; being A Collection of Hymns, original and selected; with an Analysis of each, designed to Assist Mothers and Teachers in Developing the Infant Mind; To which are added, Moral Songs and Pieces for Recitation. The whole adapted to the capacity of Children under seven years. New-York: Sold by A. W. Corey..&c., 1829. Second Edition, revised and corrected. [9814]

Red leather spine with crude sewn repair, spine ends exposed, plain paper over card, binding is scuffed and worn, 14.2 x 9 cm (5 5/8 x 3 5/8 inches). Lacks all blank free end papers, top of title page clipped. (1)-94, 97-126. Lacks the one leaf, many pages are edge-worn and stained. Round decorative cloth item pinned to leaf 93-94. Fair. Hardcover.

The copyright was held by John Seymour and he may have been the compiler.

 

(Kroh, Henry). Reformirtes Gesangbuch : oder, ein auszug von 270 lieder aus dem Reformirten gesangbuch, ausgewählt und eingerichtet, besonders zur öffentlichen, doch auch besondern erbauung...&c. Libanon, (Penns.): Gedruckt für den Verfasser, 1829. First Edition. [9914]

Full sheep, spine title label & gilt lines, binding scuffed yet sound with good joints, 10.4 x 6.5 cm (4 1/8 x 2 5/8 inches), green waxed paper bookplate "Private Library of George C. Stahl" on front end paper. (xvi), (1)-416, (xiv) pp., counted and complete. Good. Full leather.

Compiled by Henry Kroh, Printed by Joseph Hartman in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

German language hymns plus register, no music.

A translation of the title yields, "Reformed Hymn Book, or Extract of 270 hymns from the Reformed hymn book, selected and arranged for the edification of all lovers of public as well as private devotion. With an appendix of 13 other hymns, prepared by a friend of lively singing in public worship."

"Another extract from the Synodical hymn book was published in 1829 by the Rev. Henry Kroh, pastor of the Reformed Church in Lebanon...The text of the hymns remained unchanged and to facilitate the use of both hymn books, the number of the hymns as found in the Synodical hymn book was also added. In the preface the compiler mentions two reasons which induced the publication of the smaller hymn book of 1828. The Synodical hymn book is said to be too large, hence few had carried it to church and as a result congregational singing had suffered. Secondly, the Synodical hymn book had been too expensive. Both of these supposed defects were remedied by the new publication." - Hinke, William J. The Early German Hymn Books of the Reformed Church in the United States, Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Society, December, 1907, as found at JSTOR online.

The Synod did not approve of these private compilations from their book and ruled against them in 1829, expressing their "disapprobation of the course pursued by some brethren, and its wish that in future no member of the Synod should introduce a collection of hymns in public worship, besides the books used, and approved by the Synod."

This pronouncement thus ended the publishing of private compilations, such as the one we offer for sale here.

 

Leonard, Silas W.; Fillmore, A. D. The Christian Psalmist; A Collection of Tunes and Hymns, for the use of Worshipping Assemblies, Singing and Sunday Schools. Numeral Edition. Louisville, Ky: S. W. Leonard | Printed by Morton and Griswold, 1849. Seventh Edition. [9974]

Red leather stamped in blind & gilt, worn with front board nearly detached, 14.3 x 11.5 cm (5 5/8 x 4 1/2 inches). Dark green end papers, all edges gilt. [1] publisher's adverts, [i]-vi, [9]-382 pp., complete. End papers foxed, rest generally clean, pencil notations on the first several leaves. Good.

The tunes are made out according to the "Numeral System of Notation," as invented by Mr. T. Harrison of Cincinnati. "To Mr. T. Harrison, of the M. E. Church North, the public is indebted for the invention of the numeral system of musical notation. To Mr. A. D. Fillmore, of the Christian Church, we are indebted for the introduction of the numeral system into the first editions of the Christian Psalmist; and the Rev. Mr. Harrison has kindly permitted me to make some slight alterations in his system, in the manner of presenting the minor or plaintive mode." - Preface to the Sixth Edition.

Silas White Leonard (1814-1870), b. Louisville, KY; d. near Centralia, IL. Silas was orphaned, adopted by a Captain White of Ohio, who was a Baptist. He became associated with the Disciples of Christ. "Taught vocal music and preached primitive gospel. Published The Christian Psalmist with A. D. Fillmore, 1848, first hymnal having music in use among Churches of Christ, figure faced notes. Moved from Jeffersonville, Indiana to farm in Centralia, Illinois, 1856." - Jean E. Garriott, DNAH Archives.

 

Livingston, John H. The Psalms and Hymns, with the Catechism, Confession of Faith, and Liturgy, of the Reformed Dutch Church in North America; Selected at the Request of the General Synod. New-York: Printed and Sold by George Forman, 1814. [9837]

Red leather binding with gilt borders, both boards detached and lacking about half of the backstrip, "Henry Jacobs" in gilt to front, 13.5 x 7.5 cm (5 1/4 x 3 inches). xxiii., [1], (1)-425 pp. Text complete and neatly printed. Text block tight. Fair. Hardcover.

John H. Livingston, D.D. (1746-1825); born at Poughkeepsie, NY, educated in Holland. “Pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, city of N. York, 1770-1810; Theological Professor in the Dutch Church, 1784-1810; President of King’s College, New Brunswick, 1810-1825.” – Allibone.

 

[LUTHERAN] A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship; Published by Order of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio. Zanesville: Printed at the Lutheran Standard Office, 1845. [10163]

"John Younkman's Book, Bought in Canton Stark County Ohio, March A.D. 1846" in blue ink inside the front cover. Full brown leather, worn & stained, joints cracked, small chip bottom of backstrip, black leather spine title label, 15.5 x 9.5 cm (6 1/8 x 4 inches). vi., 368, [2], [2 - half title page], [1}-79 pp., complete. Fair. Full leather.

The first hymnal of the Ohio Synod (Das Deutsche Ev. Ministerium in Ohio und den nachbarten Staaten), which was formed in 1818. The Synod was an offshoot of the Pennsylvania Ministerium, and merged in 1930 with the Iowa and Buffalo synods to form the American Lutheran Church.

 

[Mason, Lowell; Ives, E. Jr.]. Juvenile Lyre: or Hymns and Songs, Religious, Moral, and Cheerful, set to appropriate Music; For the use of Primary and Common Schools. Boston: Carter, Hendee & Co., 1833. [9893]

Leather spine with marbled paper boards, scuffed and worn, partial crack to back joint, 21 x 12.5 cm (8 1/2 x 5 inches). 72 pp., foxing, lacks the front free end papers. Good. Hardcover.

First published in 1831, the Juvenile Lyre contains the first appearance with music of "Mary's Lamb," or "Mary Had A Little Lamb," by Sarah Josepha Hale. The music is different from the modern version. This is on p. 61, with three stanzas.

The copyright holders are Melvin Lord and John C. Holbrook. The Preface is written by Lowell Mason and E. Ives, Jr.

The music is in three parts, round notes.

Includes national ballads, "a large portion of them are translated from works which were collected by the Rev. William C. Woodbridge during a recent visit to Germany and placed by him in the hands of the editors, with the hope of rendering them useful to the children and youth of this country...Most of them have been translated by Mr. S. F. Smith [of Andover Theological Seminary] in such a manner as to preserve the music as originally written. The same gentleman has also furnished several very beautiul original songs. A number have been taken from an interesting little volume of poems for children, by Mrs. Sarah J. Hale..." - Preface.

 

[MENNONITE HYMNAL] A Collection of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, suited to the various occasions of Public Worship and Private Devotion, of the Church of Christ. Singer's Glen, Rockingham Co., Virginia | Elkhart, Indiana: Joseph Funk's Sons | John F. Funk, 1868. Fifth Edition, with an Appendage of German Hymns. [10166]

Full leather, black leather title label, joints cracked with rear board nearly detached, 11.4 x 7.5 cm (4 1/2 x 3 inches). 384 + 48 pp., complete text. Fair. Hardcover.

 

 

Millard, D.; Badger, J. Hymns and Spiritual Songs, original and selected, for the use of Christians. Union Mills, N. Y.: Published by the Christian Gen. Book Association | Printed at the Office of the Ch. Palladium, 1839. Sixth Edition. [9878]

Worn leather binding, joints good, 9.9 x 6.5 cm (3 7/8 x 2 1/2 inches). Lacks the free end papers, paste-downs with scribbles. (i)-iv, (5)-258, 271-464 pp. Several torn leaves; two index leaves torn with loss. Shaken, lacking the 6 leaves noted, many edge-worn leaves. Poor. Hardcover.

David Millard (1794-1873) and Joseph Badger (1792-1852) were important leaders of the Christian Connexion movement. They published the Christian Palladium from Union Mills, New York. Their branch of the Restoration Movement at times opposed some of Alexander Campbell's ideas, for instance, the use of creeds and the frequency of communion.

 

Miller, William. Manuscript Shape-Note Music Book and Ledger. Richland, Pennsylvania: 1843. [9392]

Plain blue paper over card, oblong 6 1/2 x 8 inches, about 70 pp. some pages removed, others partly cut away. Shape-note music on the first 18 pp., account ledger on the other pages. Good. Stiff wraps.

William Miller lived in Richland Township, Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. A note on the back of the book may indicate that he was born in 1798. The manuscript book has 18 pp. of music in shape notes with German titles. It also has about 50 pp. of financial transactions in English. The dates within are from 1843. One note for a purchase of calfskin shoes in 1843 indicates that at the time he had a wife and "little daughter." One entry indicates that Abraham Geissinger was his brother-in-law.

Miller was involved in a surprising variety of occupations. He taught "poor children" in the township of Milford and billed the county; he also did carpentry work, sold apple "sider", cut wood, felled trees for road work, mowed grass, sold mutton, sold pigs, plowed fields, sold beef, made shingles, &c.

Some of the names in the book are Samuel Paywell, John Joseph, Abraham Benner, Rhuben Winch, Henry Trumbow, John Cromen, Jacob Deilz, Samuel Musselman, John Strunk, John Shelley, David Cresman, Peter Theisser, Israel Charles, George Zuck, Deter Geissinger, John Stoneback, Elisabeth Bilger, Elisabeth Miller, Jesse Moyer, Abraham Haas, Samuel Taylor.

 

[Miniature] The Harp of Zion, or Revival Melodist: A Collection of Approved Hymns, Comprising all in general use, For the Closet and Family, and for Prayer Meetings. New-York: J. Arthur, 1833. [9824]

Black leather with gilt title, borders, and harp to front, all faded. Small 7.5 x 4.5 cm (2 15/16 x 1 3/4 inches), black & yellow marbled end papers, frontispiece wood engraving of harp-player and woman in grove. 216 pp., text complete, lacks one front free end paper. "Elizabeth Campbell's Book, Montague...[rest illegible] inscription on final end papers. Very good. Hardcover.

Contains Preface, Index of First Lines, and 181 hymns, words only.

"The Harp of Zion is intended chiefly for revivals; - and it has therefore been the design of the compiler to select such Hymns as presented the greatest vigor in the composition, and the greatest animation in sentiment, - while at the same time he has aimed to prune his collection from those ephemeral productions which are sometimes sung in revivals, but which possessing no intrinsic merit, are not calculated to produce a lively spirit of devotion." - Preface. 

 

Newton, John. Olney Hymns, in Three Books. Book I. On Select Texts of Scripture; Book II. On Occasional Subjects; Book III. On the Progress and Changes of the Spiritual Life; By the Rev. John Newton, London. New-York: Evert Duyckinck | M'Farlane and Long, Printers, 1808. [9822]

Tree calf, worn but with good joints, some worming to spine and front with loss of leather in two places. Red leather spine title label and gilt lines, speckled page edges. "Geo. Evans, 1824, A Present from Sister Evans" in brown ink on ffep. (1)-272, (8) pp. The last 8 pp. with title "Ebenezer," with several poems including two on the death of his wife. p. 32 misnumbered as 23. Light pencil marks noting the metre next to most of the hymn titles. Text in very good condition, tight, light foxing. Good. Full calf.

This contains 348 hymns, the same number as the 1779 first edition, published in London. The first American edition was published in New York in 1790.

Amazing Grace is hymn XLI. on p. 38 of this book. It is based on I Chronicles 17: 16 & 17, and titled "Faith's review and expectation. The hymn has six stanzas. The sixth stanza has "son" for "sun".

"Olney Hymns" on spine & tp; "Olny Hymns" p. (5).

The collection was a collaboration between John Newton and William Cowper, with Newton writing the majority of the hymns. Newton's preface says the hymnal "was likewise intended as a monument, to perpetuate the remembrance of an intimate and endeared friendship," and that "a long and affecting disposition" prevented his friend from contributing much to the work. Cowper's contributions are indicated by a (c) in the titles.

The hymns were written for Newton's rural parish, and speak to the common man. Thoroughly Evangelical, many of the hymns continue to be popular and appear in modern hymnals.

DNB identifies 280 hymns by Newton and 68 by Cowper.

 

Original and Selected Reformation Hymns and Spiritual Songs, designed to Aid in Spiritual Worship in Prayer, Conference, or Camp-Meetings and Dedicated to the Twelve Tribes of the Lord's Modern Israel, and may be used to profit by all the Pious, though not numbered among the Regular Tribes. Concord, [New Hampshire]: Published & sold wholesale & retail by Hoag & Atwood, 1831. Second Edition. [9863]

Leather spine, paper over card with much of the paper missing, front joint partly cracked, 10 x 6.5 cm (4 x 2 1/2 inches). Title page torn with loss (about 25%, top right), 192 pp., text leaves complete, lacks any free end papers. Fair.

149 hymns, words only. This second edition has 37 more hymns than the 1829 first.

 

[Pickering, David]. Hymn Book for the Use of Universalists and Restorationists Sabbath Schools. Providence, R. I.: Published and Sold by Samuel W. Wheeler, 1834. Third Edition. [8972]

Printed yellow wrapper, wrapper stiffened by being pasted to end papers, presumably as issued. 11 cm (4 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches), "Universalists and" on front inked over with black ink. Ink stamp, "Medway Sab. School Lib." on ffep. 64 pp., complete, text very good. With a plain envelope, as found. Very good. Pamphlet.

OCLC with no locations. We find other reference to a copy held by the Boston Public Library. Frank Robertson's Early American Universalist Religious Education Materials at pacificuudotorg has the author as the Rev. David Pickering.

This rare item represents a short period of Universalist history in New England. In 1831 a small group of ministers and laymen left the General Convention of American Universalists over disagreement with Hosea Ballou's position that there is no punishment for sin after death. He taught that all of the woes of sin are experienced in this life, and that all who die will be saved. His cousin, Adin Ballou, promoted the idea that there is limited punishment for sin for some after death, ultimately leading to a restoration to God. Hence the name of this group was the Massachusetts Association of Universal Restorationists. The group dissolved by 1841 over differences between hardliners and moderates and by the pressing demands of other interests, such as abolitionism, temperance and utopian socialism.

"Adin's break with Universalism was part of a resurgence of the Restorationist controversy. In 1830, preaching in Medway, Massachusetts, he gave a pro-future punishment sermon, 'The Inestimable Value of Souls.' His hearers so liked the sermon that they sent it to Boston to be printed on the press of the Universalist periodical, the Trumpet and Universalist Magazine. When the Trumpet's editor, Thomas Whittemore, a disciple of Hosea Ballou, read the sermon, he instituted a campaign to have Adin Ballou removed from the Milford pulpit. Under fire in the denominational press and in his church, Ballou joined the Providence Association, recently founded by Pickering as a haven for Restorationists...In 1831 Adin Ballou, David Pickering, Paul Dean, and a small group of other ministers formed a new denomination..." - Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography.

Notice how this little hymnal ties the above together: It was owned by the Medway congregation where Adin Ballou preached his controversial sermon, it was published in Providence, R. I., the refuge of the Restorationists, and it was compiled by David Pickering, one of the leaders of the Restorationists and the founder of the Providence Association. The hard feelings that developed between the two groups is represented by the blacking out of "Universalists" on the front of the wrapper.

82 selections with an index of first lines, words only.

David Pickering (1788-1859), b. probably at Richmond, NH - his family moved there from Salem, MA., about that time. He was converted to the Free Will Baptist faith when about 17 years of age, and changed to the Universalists under the influence of the preaching of Paul Dean soon after. In 1809 he was ordained and installed over a Universalist congregation in Barnard, VT. He served in three other New England congregations before settling at Hudson, NY, from 1818-1823. He may have suffered a nervous breakdown after the death of his first wife from tuberculosis (1816). 

"In late 1822 six Universalist ministers, calling themselves Restorationists, endorsed a manifesto which implied that 'ultra' Universalists, like Hosea Ballou, were not Christian insofar as they denied a period of punishment in the afterlife before final restoration to God. Among the six were Pickering's mentor Paul Dean. On the subject of the afterlife Pickering's position was then midway between the extremes of the contending parties....As these negotiations were going on, Pickering was beginning a new pastorate with the recently organized First Universalist Society in Providence, Rhode Island, his longest and most productive settlement." - ibid.

The publisher was Samuel Warren Wheeler (1790-1857), of Providence, Rhode Island. Wheeler also published Lectures in Defence of Divine Revelation, delivered at the Universalist Chapel, in Providence, R. I., by David Pickering (1830). A letter of his to William Lloyd Garrison informing him of some New England views on slavery (1854) is held by the Boston Public Library.

 

[Reformed Dutch Church] The Psalms of David, with Hymns and Spiritual Songs, also, the Catechism, Confession of Faith, and Liturgy, of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands; For the Use of the Reformed Dutch Church in North America. New-York: Printed by G. Forman..for S. Campbell, 1796. [9823]

Edge-worn leather binding, old piece of cloth over the spine, back inside hinge detached, front nearly so. 16.5 x 10.2 cm (6 1/2 x 4 inches), end papers full of writing and drawings, second ffep detached. (i)-xvi., (1)-348; (1)-144, 149-152. One leaf in the Psalms with horizontal tear; lacking two leaves (pp. 145-148) of the Catechism, final few leaves detached. Fair.

Names on the end papers include Mary Mastin and Henrietta Hoornbeck.

The first 348 pp. are the Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.

The second book lacks two leaves of the 152 pp. and has it's own title page: The Heidelburgh Catechism, or Method of Instruction in the Christian Religion. As the same is taught in the Reformed Churches and Schools in Holland, together with The Articles of Faith, and Liturgy of Said Church. Translated for the use of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New-York. New-York: Printed by G. Forman, Opposite the Post-Office, For S. Campbell, No. 124, Pearl-Street. 1796. 

[Reformed Church] Classis of Maryland. Psalms and Hymns for the use of the Reformed Church in the United States of America. Philadelphia: Reformed Church Publication Board, (1834). Sixty-sixth Edition. [9871]

Black leather binding, decorated in blind, gilt to spine, small chip top of spine, 12 x 7.5 cm, (4 3/4 x 3 inches), good joints. Lacks the first free end paper. (i)-iv., (1)-613, (xxi), final Table of First Lines hinge partly open. Good. Full leather.

Date taken from the copyright page, but a later printing, probably circa 1860.

The 150 Psalms, many with more than one rendition; 520 hymns and 11 doxologies, words only.

 

Reist, John. [Reformed Mennonite] A Collection of Hymns, designed for the use of the Church of Christ. Buffalo: A. W. Wilgus, 1847. First Edition. [9862]

Black leather with gilt "Hymns" and lines to spine, binding is scuffed, good joints, a few small nicks to the edges, boards a bit warped, 11 x 7.1 cm (4 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches). 224 pp., foxing, tight. Dime-sized black ink stain in the bottom inside corner of the title page and front free end paper. Good. Hardcover.

197 hymns, words only. Includes an index of first lines and an index of subjects.

A first edition of the first English-language Reformed Mennonite hymnal. This copy does not have a German section of hymns, which was in some issues. The first Reformed Mennonite hymnal was published Harrisburg, Pa., in 1837, and was entirely in German, Eine Kleine Lieder-Sammlung.

The interesting Preface is a long poem, ending with: "O may this little work extend | To ev'ry truth-enquiring friend; | And should it cause in them desire | For our given name t'inquire, | Given names are but a sound, | But Jesus Christ is 'lone our ground, | Yet there's a name to us applied, | Which simply is, New Mennonite."

In 1808 John Reist moved to Williamsville, NY, and bought a farm of 196 acres. In 1821, with his brother-in-law, Abraham Long, they built a mill for the Reist Milling Company, which became a profitable business.

"In 1830, John Reist became a preacher of the Reformed Mennonite Church that is still in existence at Main Street and North Forest Road." John, with his son Christian, invested in the Lake Navigation Company and other enterprises. "But the church of which they were members decided a minister should not invest in stocks or in a corporation which might become involved in litigation...John Reist loved his church more than money, so in 1846 he and his son sold out their stocks and took over management of the local mill." - Sue Miller Young, A History of the Town of Amherst, New York, Chapter 18.

"The second hymn book...by John Reist, 1847, Buffalo...There was a German section also, and some copies have both English and German bound together." - Eshleman, A History of the Reformed Mennonite Church (1969).

"The Reformed Mennonites, founded in 1812 in Lancaster County, Pa., by John Herr, have had their own hymnals since 1847. In that year A Collection of hymns, designed for the use of the Church of Christ, by John Reist, minister of the gospel, small format, with 197 hymns, was published at Buffalo, N.Y. Reprints appeared at Lancaster in 1858 (bound with it Eine Kleine Lieder-Sammlung, zum allgemeinen Gebrauch des wahren Gottesdienstes für die Gemeinde Gottes also published at Lancaster in 1858, which had appeared at Harrisburg in 1837), in 1873 (revised), and in 1895." - wikipedia.

 

Reist, John. [Reformed Mennonite] A Collection of Hymns, designed for the use of the Church of Christ (English & German). Lancaster: Elias Barr & Co., 1858. [10161]

Brown sheep, quite worn with cracked joints, worn edges, some of the spine chipped, 10 x 7 cm (4 x 2 7/8 inches). 224 + 216 pp., foxing, damp stain on the last several leaves. "Martin Lapp, Amhurst, Oct 10/63" in blurred brown ink on the ffep. Fair. Hardcover.

 

Roby, Luther. Original and Selected Reformation Hymns and Spiritual Songs, designed to Aid in Spiritual Worship in Prayer, Conference, or Camp-Meetings and Dedicated to the Twelve Tribes of the Lord's Modern Israel, and may be used to profit by all the Pious, though not numbered among the Regular Tribes. Concord, [New Hampshire]: Luther Roby, 1829. [9808]

Full leather binding, joints fine, faint "Hymns" in gilt to spine, 12.6 x 7.8 cm (5 x 3 inches). 168 pp, number of leaves complete, but with most torn or tattered at the edges, many with some loss of text. Fair. Full leather.

112 hymns, words only.

Luther Roby (1801-1883), b. Amherst, NH; d. Concord, NH. Roby was for some years a printer, the first publisher of the New Hampshire Statesman (1823-24); he also published a series of Bibles. Roby served two terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. His varied career included managing the Lyndeborough Glass Company and operating a granite quarry.

 

[Roche, M. B.]. Order of Worship, for the use of the Second New Jerusalem Church of Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Printed and Published by Thomas S. Manning, 1830. First Edition. [9817]

Full sheep with red leather spine title label, gilt lines to spine, binding quite good with corner tips frayed, no other issues, 14 x 9 cm (5 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. 108, 224, x. pp. index. Title page and next several leaves stained; rest bright with light foxing. Good. Full leather.

"Mary Ann Wood's Book. July 3rd, 1830" on the front pastedown; the name is in Fraktur letters. More recent "Bertha Holland" in pencil at top of tp.

The book is in two parts, first the Order of Worship, within which includes 78 hymns, 6 doxologies, a catechism, worship outline, readings for holidays, office of baptism, the lord's supper, etc. The second part is a Hymnal with 292 hymns.

On p. 370 of Annals of the new Church, by Carl Theophilos Odhner (1904), the compiler of this Order of Worship is identified as Rev. M. B. Roche. The 292 hymns included "were substantially the same selection, with modifications." as the 1822 "Hymns for Use of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Apocalypse," published by Manning for the first New Church in Philadelphia. - Benson, The English Hymn, p. 426.

Manning Brinkle Roche (1796-1862), former Episcopal priest ordained by Bishop William White in 1818, converted to Swedenborgianism in 1822. A New Jerusalem congregation was formed in Philadlephia out of adherents from his former church who followed him into his new faith. Roche was a dynamic preacher and evangelist, and engaged in circuit preaching to scattered followers of Swedenborg in addition to his Philadelphia parish duties. Roche was an influential and energetic New Church minister for some years, but his brilliant rise was followed by a meteoric fall into alcoholism which brought him near death. In 1842, upon recovery, he renounced the Church and became a homeopathic physician in New Bedford. 

 

Sankey, Ira D.; McGranahan, James; Stebbins, Geo. C. Church Hymns and Gospel Songs. New York & Chicago: The Biglow & Main Co., 1898. [9894]

Cloth spine with printed paper boards, 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches, some scuffs to the title page, occasional wear/tear to the page edges. 87 clean pp. 1904 inscription in pencil on the ffep. Good. Hardcover.

"It contains three hundred and sixty-seven hymns, selected with great care, conveniently arranged, covering a large range of subjects, and provided with a complete Topical Index."

 

Seybert, John; Niebel, Henry. DIE GEISTLICHE BIOLE, ODER EINE KLEINE SAMMLUNG ALTER UND NEUER GEISTREICHER LIEDER : zum... Gebrauch in den Gemeinden der Evangelischen Gemeinschaft, und zur Erbauung aller heilsuchenden Seelen. Neu-Berlin, [Pennsylvania]: Gedrucht ben G. Miller, 1837. [9835]

Full leather binding, scuffed and worn yet with good joints, 10.5 x 6.5 cm (4 1/8 x 2 5/8 inches), front end papers scribbled, rear end papers lacking. (iv), (1)-222 pp., last leaf tattered with loss. Some staining & edge tatters to the text. Possibly missing leaves at the end - we have not found a reference for this edition with which to compare.

The title may be translated as: THE SPIRITUAL BILL, OR A SMALL COLLECTION OF OLD AND NEW SPIRITUAL SONGS: for use in the congregations of the Evangelical Community, and for the edification of all souls seeking salvation. Printed by G. Miller.

John Seybert (1791-1860) and Henry Niebel (1784-1877), Pennsylvania ministers of the Evangelical Association, a German denomination also known as the "Albright Brethren," a church similar in doctrine to the Methodists. 

 

Streeter, Sebastian; Streeter, Russell. The New Hymn Book, designed for Universalist Societies: compiled from Approved Authors, with variations and additions. Boston: Harsh, Capen and Lyon | Stereotyped at the Boston Type and Stereotype Foundry, 1832. Fifth Edition. [9981]

Full black leather scuffed & worn, gilt titles & panels, "B. Hill No 74" in gilt on front, 15.1 x 9 cm (6 x 3 3/4 inches). [i]-[iv], 1-408 pp., complete. Last leaf chipped with some loss. Good.

550 selections, words only. First published in March, 1829, this "fifth edition" is a fifth printing.

 

Swan, Bradford F. Some Thoughts on the Bay Psalm Book of 1640, with a Census of Copies (The Yale University Gazette, January 1948). [New Haven, CT]: Yale University Library, 1947. First Edition. [9478]

Blue wrapper, 10 x 6 3/4 inches, some wear to the wrapper edges, pages numbered (2), (51)-98, one plate, complete. Text is clean. Very good. Wraps.

The article by Swan is pages (51)-76. Gives the description and provenance of all known copies of the 1640 edition of the "Bay Psalm Book."

Also, laid in is the prospectus and order slip for the facsimile reprint of the Bay Psalm Book, by Wilberforce Eames, published by Dodd, Mead & Company, 1904.

 

Taylor, Jeremiah. The Golden Grove: A Choice Manual: Containing what is to be Believed, Practised, Desired, or Prayed For; The Prayers being fitted to the several Days of the Week. Also, Festival Hymns, According to the Manner of the Ancient Church; Composed for the Use of the Devout; especially of Younger Persons. In Two Parts. London: Printed for J. Knapton, &c., 1761. The Twenty-eighth Edition. [9910]

Leather spine, marbled paper over card, the book is split into two parts with several detached sections. 16 x 9.5 cm (6 3/8 x 4 inches). Frontispiece engraving of a clergyman pointing to a casket, saying, "This is the period of all human glory." Frontis partly detached. (i)-xiv, (15)-156 pp., text complete. Lacks one rear free end paper; the one present is torn with loss. Fair. Hardcover.

First published in 1665. A simple instruction on the Christian faith, partly in the form of a catechism, and partly as commentary on the Nicene creed & Lord's Prayer, and partly as instructions on how to live a day as a pious Christian.

Jeremiah (Jeremy) Taylor (1613-1667), a celebrated Anglican divine, chaplain in ordinary to King Charles I, imprisoned during the Protectorate of Cromwell. After the Restoration he was made Bishop of Down and Connor in Ireland, and became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dublin. His The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living has been found useful by many persons seeking piety and virtue, and his The Rule of Exercises of Holy Dying has been found to be of similar value.

 

Toplady, Augustus. Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship; Collected by the most part by the late Augustus Toplady, A. B. A New Edition Enlarged to which are added, An Index and Table of Scriptures. London: Printed by T. Bensley, 1802. A New Edition Enlarged. [9966]

Full calf, front board detached, "M. S." gilt-stamped to front, signed "Mrs. Martha Shaw, Orange Str. Chapter" on front paste-down. Vertical crack in spine with slight end paper separation within. 13.7 x 8.5 cm (5 1/2 x 3 3/8 inches), (xxiv), (1)-462, (xviii), text complete, tight, some foxing. Good.

Augustus Toplady (1740-1778), Anglican cleric and hymn-writer, an evangelical Calvinist whose writings often opposed John Wesley. His An Historic Proof of the Doctrinal Calvinism of the Church of England was published in 1774. His hymns were published in The Gospel Magazine, and first collected and published in 1776. His most famous hymn has come down to us as "Rock of Ages."

461 selections, words only, with several tables.

 

Union Hymns; Revised by the Committee of Publication of the American Sunday-School Union. Philadelphia: American Sunday-School Union, 1845. [10170]

Leather spine, scuffed printed paper over card, joints good, 11 x 7 cm (4 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches). 1868 owner's name inside front cover, front paste-down scuffed with loss, lacks any free end papers (blanks). 352 pp., text complete. Good. Hardcover.

546 selections; words only, no music.

 

[United Brethren] A Collection of Hymns, for the use of the United Brethren in Christ, taken from the most approved authors, and adapted to Public and Private Worship. Circleville: Printed at the Conference Office, 1837. [9869]

Full leather binding, joints cracked with rear board nearly detached, old cello tape over the spine, 11.2 x 7.5 cm (4 3/8 x 3 inches). 349 pp. text is counted and complete. Fair. Hardcover.

"The Committee appointed by the Pennsylvania and Virginia Annual Conferences of the United Brethren in Christ, to make a selection and publish a Hymn Book for the use of their Church, have now accomplished the work, and hope it will meet the approbation of their brethren and all such as feel a desire to worship and praise God, with singing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs." - Preface.

393 hymns, words only.

Vedder, Nicholas I. A New and Choice Selection of Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, designed for the Christian's Companion through Life, selected from various authors. Cincinnati: N. and G. Guilford | W. M. Farnsworth, Printer, 1828. [9828]

Full brown leather, scuffed and worn yet with good joints, 1/2" split top front, 12.5 x 7.1 cm (4 7/8 x 2 3/4 inches). Remant of private paper label inside front; 187 (v) pp., complete. Some edges tattered, one leaf with long margin cut away affecting some letters, scattered stains/foxing. Fair. Full leather.

168 selections, metre stated, words only, with index of first lines. Hymn 159 is Amazing Grace, with six stanzas. WorldCat lists the book but 1 location for this edition.

The Cincinnati Directory for the year 1829 lists Nicholas I. Vedder as a wagonmaker.

The first several Psalms are from Watts. There are 16 Psalms and 169 "Hymns and Spiritual Songs."

 

Waring, Anna Letitia. Hymns and Meditations; With Selections from Several Authors. Philadelphia: Association of Friends for the Diffusion of Religious and Useful Knowledge, 1859. [10177]

Black blindstamped cloth, "Waring's Hymns" in gilt to spine, binding is tight, shows an old dampstain near the top edge. Light dampstain to pages in most of the book. 96 pp. Good. Hardcover.

Anna Letitia (Laetitia) Waring (1823-1910), Welsh poet and Anglican hymn-writer. The volume offered here was first published in 1850 as a small book of 19 hymns. This volume has 30 hymns by Waring and 35 pages of poems and hymns by other others.

 

Whitefield, George. A Collection of Hymns for Social Worship, More particularly designed for the Use of the Tabernacle and Chapel Congregations. London: Printed for H. D. Symonds, and M. Jones, Paternoster Row, 1801. A New Edition, Embellished with a Portrait of the Rev. G. Whitefield. [10178]

Full leather, lacks the back board and all free end papers, 13.5 x 9 cm (5 3/8 x 3 1/2 inches). [2] adverts, [2] engraved portrait by J. Hopwood, [i]-iv title page & Preface, [vi-xv] Index, [xvi] Hymn to the Holy Ghost, [1]-274, 283-284, 277-282, 275-276, 285-288 Hymns. Several leaves at the end are bound out of order, as listed; text is complete. Last leaf nearly detached, first and last pages soiled. Good. Hardcover.

If you review the page numbers, the text is complete, though out of order.

No. 124 in Roberts, Whitefield in Print: An Annotated Bibliography. The first edition was published in 1753, with 144 pp., and "appeared in connection with the erection of his new Tabernacle in London."

 

Winship, George Parker. An Odd Lot of New England Puritan Personalities: With Some Observations on the Bay Psalm Book. Portland, Maine: The Southworth-Anthoensen Press, 1942. First Edition. [9473]

Brown card wrapper with a printed applied title label to front, stab-sewn folds, 8 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches, folded piece of chain-laid paper watermarked "Fabriano (Italy)" laid in. Frontispiece reproduced illustration of Richard Mather, several plates of facsimiles, (25) clean pp. Fine. Wrapper.

"This Keepsake number fourteen has been set in Linotype Janson with Linotype special italic. Five hundred copies have been printed by the Southworth-Anthoensen Press, Portland, Maine, in the month of March, 1942." - colophon.

An interesting treatment of the production of the "Bay Psalm Book," and comparison of several extant early copies.

George Parker Winship (1871-1952), a native of Massachusetts, graduated at Harvard in 1893. He was the librarian of the John Carter Brown Library (1895) and when the library was donated to Brown University (1904) Winship was appointed to continue as librarian at Brown, which he did until 1915. At that time he became librarian of the Widener Library at Havard.

"The career of historian, bibliographer, and librarian George Parker Winship (1871–1952) combined curatorship and scholarship to a degree that seems remarkable today. As librarian and curator at Brown and later at Harvard, he championed the primacy of the role of rare books in American higher education. As a connoisseur and printer, he played an active role in promulgating enthusiasm for fine printing among collectors and readers in the early twentieth century. Through his teaching at Harvard College, he inspired a generation of bibliophiles." - Harvard University Press.

 

 

Wolcott, T. A Selection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, for those who wish to praise God. Portland, [Me]: Rinted [sic] by A. & J. Shirley, 1817. [8976]

Plain oatmeal wrapper with crude sewing over the fold, "By Daniel L. Celley" written on front, 15.25 cm (6 x 3 3/4 inches). 36 pp., text complete. All leaves tattered with a tear in the middle of the fore-edge (see pics). Small slip laid in, "Lent by Capt. D. P. Celley". Fair. Pamphlet.

Words only, no music. 27 evangelical hymns by such authors as John Newton, Joseph Swain, and John A. Granade, and many that are unattributed. Granade was a Southern author, and several of the hymns seem to have a Southern origin. This little hymnal is not recorded at hymnary.org.

The Penn State University library catalogue attributes this to Talcott Wolcott (1772-1825), b. East Windsor, CT; d. Hartford, CT. "He moved to Hartford about the year 1806; was Justice of the Peace." - Wolcott, Chandler, The Family of Henry Wolcott, One of the First Settlers of Windsor, Connecticut (1912), p. 169. There was also a Talcott Wolcott (probably the same person) involved with establishing two steam boat companies in Hartford, 1818 and 1824.

 

Worcester, Samuel. Select Hymns: The Third Part of Christian Psalmody; with Directions for Musical Expression. Boston: Published by Samuel T. Armstrong, and Crocker & Brewster, 1823. Stereotype Edition. [9821]

Red leather spine, plain boards, scuffed and worn, joints sometime glued, all intact. 15 x 9 cm (5 7/8 x 3 1/2 inches), many contemporary newspaper clippings pasted to the end papers or laid in, by authors such as Mrs. Sigourney, Mrs. Hemans, on motherhood and the death of children. 156 pp., complete. Text somewhat shaken, edge-worn, with foxing. Fair. Hardcover.

Samuel Worcester, D.D. (1770-1821), born at Hollis, New Hampshire, graduated at Dartmouth College with the highest honors in 1795. “[In 1797] he was ordained pastor of the Church at Fitchburg, a society which was cursed by all the evils of the Half-Way Covenant – including among its members Deists, Arians, Universalists, and the openly immoral. With decision, inflexible integrity, and solemn faithfulness to truth and duty, Worcester opened the batteries of the Gospel upon the errors and sins that called for rebuke. As a result, in the ensuing spring, the covenant was revised and an orthodox creed adopted, and in 1799 an extensive revival occurred.” – M’Clintock & Strong.

 

Zion's Harp: or Social and Camp Meeting Songs, for the Pious. Wheeling, Va: J. Fisher & Son, 1831. [9841]

Black leather spine with gilt lines, marbled paper over card, binding is worn and scuffed and opens stiffly. 10 x 6 cm (3 7/8 x 2 1/2 inches). (1)-50, 63-128 pp., including index. Lacks the 6 center leaves, pp. 51-62. The book was damp at one time - there is no dark staining - but light stains, wavy pages, stiff to open. Poor. Hardcover.

102 selections, words only; with an index of first lines.

 

Zion's Harp: or Social and Camp Meeting Songs, for the Pious. Wheeling, Va: J. Fisher & Son | Stereotyped by J. A. James, Cincinnati, 1834. [9911]

Old checkered cloth repair to spine, paper over card, binding is worn and scuffed with the back end paper hinge open. 10 x 6 cm (3 7/8 x 2 1/2 inches). 127 pp., text complete and in good condition. Pencil scribbles on the end papers. Good. Hardcover.

102 selections, words only; with an index of first lines

 

© 2024 Haaswurth Books