In this case we offer no apology, because our unpretentious little book is of itself a proof that we have no nefarious design against the persecuted public. We will therefore simply explain our position in a few words, and then throw ourselves upon the mercy of our critics. For many years we have been interested in hymnology, and have enjoyed it, both as a profitable study and a delightful pas time. We have read many of the books upon hymns and hymn writers which have recently been published, and have invariably laid them down with a feeling of disappointment. They are too fragmentary to be entertaining. They are useful as books of reference, but no one thinks of reading them. We have long, vainly waited for some one to write a racy, readable book upon this extremely interesting and fascinating theme; and now — no, dear reader, the Daniel is not yet come to judgment, but we believe that when he does come, he will adopt some such plan as we have sketched in this little book.