AT the request of many dear children of God, who have been refreshed and edified by the perusal of my Hymns and Poems, and who thought that they would be acceptable, and for the edification of others, if more generally known, I have gladly consented to collect and publish them in this little volume; trusting that they may be acceptable to the saints, and for the glory of God, in helping them in "psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, to make melody in their hearts to the Lord.”
It will be evident that I have sought rather to render the Hymns scriptural and true in their tone and character, than to please the natural ear and taste, by an attempt at poetic composition.
Commending this little Service of Song to the Lord's blessing, and to the acceptance of the saints,
Your brother and fellow-servant,
JAMES G. DECK.