Page:The English Hymnal (1906, lyrics only).djvu/11

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

PREFACE.

of the Christian life—a double duty to God and to our neighbour; and such hymns, like the Prayer Book, are for all sorts and conditions of men.

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

The book is divided into twelve parts, and the hymns are arranged alphabetically in each part or section, so that they may be readily found. In Parts I to III, the Office Hymns for each occasion are placed first, and after them the other hymns follow in alphabetical order. Part X is divided into two sections: the first consists of hymns and prayers arranged so that processions may be definite acts of prayer and worship, after the manner of the Prayer Book Litany and the older processions upon which it is based; the second contains other hymns that are suitable for use in procession. The Metrical Litanies in Part XI are similarly arranged, so that they form complete acts of prayer. Part XII consists of liturgical prose pieces, which are arranged in their natural order.

The heading 'Office Hymn' shows that the original was the Office Hymn for the corresponding service in the Salisbury service-books, except in the case of No. 275, which is taken from those of York. The letters 'E.' and 'M.' stand for Evensong and Mattins, the first Evensong being that on the day before the festival. When these letters occur twice for the same festival or season ('E.' and 'M.,' 'M.' and 'E.'), the first 'E.' denotes the hymn for the first Evensong, and the second 'E.' the Evensong on the day itself; while the

vii