Page:Lyra Davidica.djvu/12

---

---

The PREFACE.

AS there has been of late Years a great Revival of the Genius of Musick in General, and great Improvements of it in Divine Use; such Numbers taught to Sing in the Country; and in the Education of Children, both a Care in their Governors, and a Propensity in themselves for the Exercise of Singing to the Praise of God: It has been thought somewhat New in this kind, that might be suited to all Capacities; and of a little freer Air than the grave Movement of the Psalm Tunes, might be both seasonable and acceptable; there being little or nothing advanc'd of this Nature amang us, but what is quite thro set to Musick, and so of less General Use.

It is Observable, that in Germany, where they have such abundance of Divine Songs and Hymns, set to short and pleasant Tunes, and of more Airy Movement; the Peasant at his Plow, the Servants at their Labour, the Children in the Street; and generally Persons both Imploy, and in their Diversions, make use of these for the Expression of their Mirth; and have no such Custome as we unhappily labour under, of Ballads and Profane Songs; which tend so much to Vitiate the Minds of the Younger sort, and Entertain the wicked Inclinations of others. And as it is found they generally have the Start of us both in Religion and Reformation, so if in this Point also follow them, it might be the Transplanting a Flower into our Soil, that would yield a grateful Savour both to God and Man.

The Ground of this Work, was a Collection and Composition for Private Use; in which were two or three of the German Hymns; to which others were recommended to be Added by some of that Nation, and Encouragement given of good Acceptance, if they were made Publick. The