834 OUR HYMNS :
others scarcely less eminent. In 1832 he started the " Patriot " weekly newspaper, which he continued to edit till the end of his life. He was also the author of several prose works, some of a general literary character, others having a special religious aim. His largest work was the " Modern Traveller," in thirty volumes, 1830, and " Italy," three volumes, 1831. lu this he had assistance, but several of the volumes were written entirely by himself. He also wrote a "History of Italy," and a " Dictionary of Ancient and Modern Geography," 1834, and a "Life of Bunyan," 1835. Amongst his religious works were " Protestant Noncon formity," two volumes, 1818, and one volume, 1819. " The Village Lecturer, Original Discourses for Village Congregations," 1822. " The Law of the Sabbath," 1830 ; the " Epistle to the Hebrews," a new translation in 1834 ; a " View of all Eeligions ;" an "Exposition of the Apocalypse ;" and a "Literary History of the New Testament " in 1845. And along with these exhausting literary labours he was found taking his part as a lay preacher, and ready to render hearty co-operation in every useful religious or bene volent enterprise.
Modern hymnology owes much to Josiah Conder. Like his friend, James Montgomery, he cultivated it as an art, aided its pro moters, and added to its riches. It was he who in 1836 pro duced thefirst "Congregational Hymn Book." This work was pro duced in accordance with a resolution of the Congregational Union, passed in 1833. It was designed to be used along with Dr. Watts s Psalms and Hymns. It was to include the valuable contributions of modern hymn-writers ; to contain more hymns of direct praise to Grod than are found in some modern collections ; and more of an experimentally religious character, and more suited to missionary services than are found in Watts s collection. The work consists of 620 hymns, by eighty writers. The preparation of it was confided to a sub-committee, by whom the task of collecting and revising the materials was ultimately devolved upon the single editor, Mr. Conder. The work, which appeared in 1836, met with general favour, and several
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