Certificate of the Committee appointed by the Am. Baptist Publication and Sunday School Society.

The undersigned, having been requested by the Board of Directors of the Am. Bap. Publication and S. S. Society to examine the prooof-sheets of THE PSALMIST." edited by Rev. B. Stow and Rev. S. F. Smith, and to suggest such emendations as might seem expedient to render the work more acceptable to the churches throughout the country, hereby certify, that they have performed the service assigned them, and unite in recommending the work as one well adapted to the purpose for which it was designed. WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, JAMES B. TAYLOR, GEORGE B. IDE, RUFUS W. GRISWOLD, STEPHEN P. HILL,

JNO. L. DAGG,

W. T. BRANTLY,
R. B. C. HOWELL,
SAMUEL W. LYND.

United Testimony of Pastors of Bap. Churches in Boston and vicinity. Messrs GOULD, KENDALL & LINCOLN,-Permit us to take this method of expressing our great satisfaction with the Collection of Hymns which you have of late published for the use of the Baptist denomination. As Pastors, we have long felt the need of some book different from any which could be obtained, and we have looked forward with interest to the time when your proposed work should be issued from the press. The work is now completed, and before the public; and from an attentive and careful examination of its pages, we are prepared to give it a hearty recommendation. It is clear in its arrangement, sound in doctrine, rich in sentiment, sweet and beautiful in its poetry, and, in our opinion, most admirably adapted to the wants of the denomination. We cannot but hope, therefore, that it will soon be adopted by all our churches.

DANIEL SHARP,
R. W. CUSHMAN,
R. H. NEALE,
WILLIAM HAGUE,
ROBERT TURNBULL,
NATH'L COLVER,

T. F. CALDICOTT,
W. H. SHAILER,
H. K. GREEN,
SILAS B. RANDALL,
THOMAS DRIVER,
DUNCAN DUNBAR,

NICHOLAS MEDBERY,
J. W. PARKER,
BRADLEY MINER,
J. W. OLMSTEAD,
JOSEPH BANVARD,
THOS. D. ANDERSON.

From the Professors in Newton Theological Institution. Union of judgment in regard to all the principles which should regulate the preparation of a Hymn Book, both as to the character of the hymns, and as to the omission and alterations in the case of selected hymns that have long been in use, is not to be expected. We are free, however, to say, that in copiousness of subject, in adaptation to the various occasions of worship, in devout and poetic character, and in general excellence, we regard the work as eminently superior to collections now in common use. BARNAS SEARS, Pres. and Prof. Christian Theology. IRAH CHASE, Prof. Ecclesiastical History.

H. J. RIPLEY, Prof. Sacred Rhetoric and Pastoral Duties. H. B. HACKETT, Prof. Bib. Literature and Interpretation. Testimony of a Committee of the Faculty of Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution.

Messrs. GOULD, KENDALL & LINCOLN,-The undersigned have been appointed, by the Faculty of our Institution a Committee to examine the Hymn Book, entitled "The Psalmist," recently published by you, and edited by Rev. B. Stow and Rev. S. F. Smith. It gives us pleasure to state, as the result of our examination, that we consider the work decidedly superior to any similar collection with which we are acquainted. Its materials are drawn from the best sources of sacred lyrical poetry in our language; the arrangement is eminently happy; and the variety of its se lections adapts it to almost every occasion. We think the adoption of the work in the Baptist churches of our country would be calculated greatly to elevate that interesting branch of worship with reference to which it is prepared. A. C. KENDRICK, Prof. Greek Lan. and Literature. J. S. MAGINNIS, Prof. Biblical Theology.

T. J. CONANT, Prof. Heb. & Bib. Crit. & Interpretation.
J. H. RAYMOND, Tut.Intel.& Mor. Philos. & Belles-lettres.

United Testimony of the Pastors of Baptist Churches in Philadelphia and vicinity

We, the undersigned, Pastors of the Baptist Churches in the city of Philadelphia, and its vicinity, having examined "The Psalmist," a new Hymn Book for the use of the Baptist Churches, edited by Rev. Messrs. B. Stow and S. F. Smith, published by the Am. Bap. Pub. S. S. Society, and Gould, Kendall & Lincoln, Boston, most cordially express our conviction that it is decidedly superior to any other Hymn Book with which we are acquainted. In arrangement, it is very natural; in doctrine, it is sound and peculiarly evangelical; in its selection of hymns upon every important subject, it is very copious and judicious; while there is a variety that characterizes no other. Its lyrical excellence places it far above all other compilations, and makes it a delightful companion for the Christian, in private and domestic, as well as public worship. We shall regard that as a happy era in the churches of our denomination, when it shail be universally adopted by them. HORATIO G. JONES, THOS. O. LINCOLN, F. KETCHAM.

GEORGE B. IDE,

J. LANSING BURROWS,
A. D. GILLETTE,

RECOMMENDATIONS OF ASSOCIATIONS AND CONVENTIONS.

Boston Baptist Association, 1843.

Whereas, for some time past, we have felt the need of a new collection of hymns, for the use of our churches in their public worship; and whereas, the new work entitled The Psalmist,' edited by two brethren connected with this body, supplies this need, and answers admirably the end for which it was designed, therefore Resolved, That in our opinion, The Psalmist is worthy the patronage of the Baptist denomination, and we cordially recommend its adoption in all our churches.

Miami (Ohio), Baptist Association, 1843.

The Committee appointed to report upon a Hymn Book, have attended to the duty assigned them, and report the following as their views. For several reasons, the Committee recommend to the attention of the churches, the new work called 'The Psalmist,' as worthy of special patronage. 1. It is exceedingly desirable that our whole denomination should use in the praises of the sanctuary the same psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. To secure uniformity, we prefer The Psalmist,' because it is strictly, and from the foundation designed for the use of Baptist churches,-is not surpassed by any Hymn Book in the world, and the proprietorship is wholly Baptist, by which the greatest facilities can be furnished for its introduction to the churches, and the perpetuity of its publication. 2. It has been prepared with the greatest care. instance has a Hymn Book gone through so thorough a revision; and the influence which is rationally exerted in its favor by the Committee of revision,-by the known qualification of the editors, by the popularity of the Boston publishers, and by the fact that it is connected with the series of the Am. Bap. Pub. Society,-will necessarily give it an ultimate circulation greater than that of any other similar work in the churches. 3. It is a book of very superior merits, and probably will not need any important emendation for a long period to come. The Committee therefore recommend to the churches the adoption of this work as well calculated to elevate the taste and the devotion of the denomination.

In no

All of which is respectfully submitted.
S. W. LYND, Chairman.

Philadelphia Baptist Association, 1843.

Resolved, That we request the attention of the churches to The Psalmist, a hymn book, approved by a large committee of distinguished Baptist ministers, in various parts of the United States.

Portsmouth (N. H.), Baptist Association, 1843.

Resolved, That we highly approve of The Psalmist, prepared by Brethren Stow and Smith, and recommend its adoption in all our churches.

Illinois Baptist State Convention, 1843.

Resolved, That, after an examination of the Hymn Book compiled by Messrs. Baron Stow and S. F. Smith, we can cheerfully recommend it to the denomination as being superior to any other work of the kind ever before published, and advise its adoption and use among the churches.

Huron (Ohio), Baptist Association, 1843.

Among the resolutions adopted, was one recommending the new Hymn Book published by the Am. Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia, and Gould, Kendall & Lincoln, Boston.

Munroe (N. Y.), Baptist Association, 1843.

Resolved, That we recommend to the several churches of this Association, for their adoption, the Hymn Book recently prepared by brethren Baron Stow and S. F. Smith, called "The Psalmist," as being in our estimation the choicest selection of hymns extant, and well adapted to promote the objects of Christian worship.

Bethel (Tenn.), Baptist Association, 1843.

The committee on Hymn Books reported as their choice, "The Psalmist." The report having been received, the Hymn Book was adopted, and recommended to the churches.

Kennebec (Me.), Baptist Association, 1843.

Voted, That we recommend to those churches who are intending to supply themselves with new Hymn Books, to purchase 'The Psalmist, recently prepared by Rev. Baron Stow and Rev. S. F. Smith; this, in the estimation of those who have examined it, being the best Hymn Book in the English language.

EDITORIAL NOTICES AND REVIEWS.

From an extended notice in the Christian Review.

Both

The Psalmist was originated under circumstances, and from a source, which give it a claim to our respect and attention. the editors and publishers of the book are so well and favorably known to the religious community, that their motives in this undertaking will not be called in question. We hazard little in saying, that it is the best collection of hymns ever published in the English language. They have been drawn from the best sources, and probably, from a greater number of authors than those in any other hymn book extant.

The Psalmist contains 1180 hymns, besides doxologies and chants. Of the hymns, 303 are by Dr. Watts, or about one quarter

of the whole collection. Next to Watts, are Doddridge, 57 hymns; Mrs. Steele, 52; Beddome, 41; Montgomery, 33; S. F. Smith, 26; Kelly, 17; John Newton, 16; Charles Wesley, 12; Toplady, Stennett and Cowper, 10 each; Heber, 8; Collyer and Heginbotham, 7 each; Bowring, Mrs Barbauld, Dwight, Fawcett, and Mrs. Sigourney, 6 each; Hart, Hawes, Needham, and Scott, 5 each; Addison, Bathurst, Fellows, Gibbons, Hemans, Kippis, Tappan, Reed, and H. K. White, 4 each; Conder, Edmeston, Judson, T. Moore, Noel, Raffles, Swain, and Wrangham, 3 each; thirty-two other authors, 2 each; and ninety, 1 each. The hymns are by 161 writers, besides pieces credited to fifty collections of hymns or other works, the authorship of which is unknown. Forty-five are anonymous, being traced neither to author nor collections.

The order of the book is clear and natural, a due respect being paid to the several subjects of religious worship. We question whether it would be possible to arrange a collection of hymns in better order. The numerous objects of Christian benevolence have created a necessity for a much greater variety of hymns than was formerly needed; and of which no book in use furnished the requisite number. The Psalmist meets this deficiency, particularly in hymns upon the subject of missions, the number of which is 76.

The hymns in The Psalmist are of convenient length; most of them containing four, and some, but two or three verses. The preacher using this book, will seldom find it necessary to abridge a hymn,-a service always unpleasant to him, and disagreeable to the congregation. The variety of metres is good; we do not see how it could be improved.

As a specimen of book-manufacturing, The Psalmist is deserving of great praise. It is printed with beautiful type, on clear, white paper, is strongly bound, opens easily, and may be read with comfort, by old and young. It would be not less gratifying than advantageous for the churches of this country, could they unite in adopting the same hymn book for public worship.

The editors have accomplished a noble work, for which they deserve not only the thanks of our own churches, but of all lovers of true devotional psalmody.

From the Christian Reflector, Boston.

We have before referred to the new hymn book, entitled "The Psalmist." We have since given it a more careful examination, and we cannot withhold from it our unqualified praise. Winchell's Watts has a great many excellent hymns, and will, doubtless, continue to be used by many churches; but the volume contains many hymns that cannot be given out to be sung, with any propriety whatever; and these are in the way, and embarrass a minister in making his selections. We have other compilations in use which contain many of the best hymns extant. The Psalmist surpasses them all, in the select character of all its hymns. Not one can be regarded as inappropriate to public worship. The good old hymns are all there, and many most beautiful new ones. Those from the pen of S. F. Smith, are surpassingly excellent. The book is admirably arranged, neatly printed, and well bound. It cannot fail. of becoming, sooner or later, the standard hymn book of the denomination. It is to be introduced into all parts of the United States.

From the Christian Watchman, Boston.

This volume impresses us as being very complete. The editors seem to have been more solicitous to make a good book, than a new book. The reader will find that a majority of the pieces are such as have long been familiar to his ear in our devotional assemblies. We should have been sorry to have found it otherwise. The hymns of Dr. Watts take the lead. All his pieces are inserted which possess lyrical spirit, and are suited to a Christian assembly. We need say nothing upon the need of a new hymn book. Had Winchell's Watts, which has now been in use in these parts nearly a quarter of a century, been made as perfect as it were possible at the time to make it, we should at this period need a new book.

From the Musical Visiter, Boston.

"The Psalmist," a new collection of Hymns, is just out, in a beautiful style, on good paper, and handsomely bound. It has four Indexes, one of the first lines, one general and one particular index of subjects, and a Scripture index. Having examined the book, we are satisfied that besides many more, it has three great excellences, viz., the hymns are generally short, having about four verses, very many three, and about as many of two as of six, and a few of five verses. Another excellence is, the variety of subjects, well adapted to these last days. Another is, the highly literary, and yet plain and beautiful style of the language. This is truly a literary gem, besides being a sweet 'Psalmist' for the church of Christ.

From the Christian Secretary, Hartford.

We are no great sticklers for changes and innovations in the church, by the introduction of new books, new instruments of music, &c., it having ever been more congenial to our taste to walk in the "old paths." We must say, that The Psalmist, just published, presents claims to the denomination not to be found in any other work of the kind. There is one merit in this hymn book which we are glad to find, viz., it is not divided into parts, as in the case with Winchell's Watts. Another is, that the hymns are of a suitable length for Divine worship, few of them exceeding six verses, and in most cases not exceeding four.

After a somewhat careful examination, we have been led to the conclusion, that this Hymn Book possesses qualities over every other of the kind that we are acquainted with, which entitle it to a place in every Baptist pulpit in the country.

From the Religious Herald, Richmond, Va.

It has evidently been compiled with much care, and comprises a sufficient variety of hymns for all the purposes of worship. The missionary department is very full, containing some original hymns, and others which have not heretofore appeared in our hymn books. Throughout the book, original compositions, with hymns not heretofore met with in our selections, and of modern origin, are interspersed with those long known and familiar to the public. The work deserves high praise for its purity of style and expression. It has great and deserved merit, and as a whole is not only well adapted to the object aimed at, but superior to its predecessors.