J. C. Ryle - Hymns and Spiritual Songs

In sending forth a new collection of Hymns, I feel it necessary to preface the work by a few words of explanation. The volume now in the reader's hands does not profess to be a complete collection of all the best English hymns. The comfort of invalids and the edification of Christians in private have been the two principal objects I have had in view in preparing this collection. I hold strongly, that holy thoughts often abide for ever in men's memories under the form of poetry, which pass away and are forgotten under the form of prose. The subjects of the hymns in this collection are of wide range. I have specially endeavored to include those which come home to the hearts of all true Christians, of every name, and people, and tongue. Hymns full of Jesus Christ, whether living, dying, rising, interceding, sympathizing, or coming again, — hymns full of the experience of believers, their conflicts, crosses, hopes, fears, sorrows, and joys, — such hymns are always useful. Of such, the Church can never have too many. Of such, I venture to think the present volume contains a rich store. (From the Preface)