Part I. Original selection -- Part II. Gadsby's hymns -- Part III. Gadsby's supplement -- Part IV. Hart's hymns -- Part V. Philpot's supplement. Inscription on flyleaf: Rehoboth Chapel Sunday School, Pemberton. Presented to Mr. Isaiah Wright by the girls of his class as a small token of esteem and respect being a pleasing testimony that his careful tuition of the young in the truths of the Gospel has bourne pleasing results. 'Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give glory' -- Ps. 115. iv. 3rd February 1884. ( )

As might be expected from a book containing some 1100 hymn/poems from close to 100 different authors and sources, this collection can seem uneven. But even the most casual reader must be struck by the depth of theological knowledge and content that have been lavished on even the shortest one- or two-stanza hymn. Of course, the English language has changed since the 18th (and even the 19th) century, from which these works have been drawn (18th century poets in particular seem fond of using the 'worm' imagery of Psalm 22 and the use of the word 'bowels' has narrowed to the intestinal in intervening years), but the content is clear enough and an enriching experience to the devotional reader. Some are even familiar. (I found myself always looking forward selections by Isaac Watts.) One can only imagine how greatly our contemporary worship might be enhanced by inclusion of one or more of these lyrics (even if updated/edited. Highly recommended! ( )