HYMNS

FOR

PRAYER MEETINGS AND SPECIAL

SERVICES.

ORIGINAL AND SELECTED.

WITH MUSIC.

BY THE

REV. H. J. GAMBLE.

Sixth Thousand.

JOHN SNOW, PATERNOSTER ROW.

1810

147.0.102.

PREFACE.

In the month of June, of the present year, I paid a visit to Ireland, and spent ten days at Kingstown, where I witnessed the remarkable revival which has taken place, under the pastorate of a dear friend of mine, the Rev. J. D. Smith. I returned home more convinced than ever of the power of prayer; and, on the Sabbath after, invited the congregation to remain for a devotional service at the close of the day. The largeness of the attendance -the deep interest felt by all classes-the manifest tokens of the Divine Presence that have been vouchsafed, encourage me to hope that a "Time of Refreshing" has come to the beloved people amongst whom it is my privilege to minister. Never can I forget the scene which has been witnessed in Clapton Chapel, when, at the close of each Sabbath, nearly the whole of a large congregation has remained for prayer. The rich and poor have met together!" and whilst no one has been called upon by name, such has been the

interest awakened, that the devotional exercises have been sustained with a fervour which has impressed many a heart. Cottage prayer meetings have been instituted; a mother's meeting is held every week; families have assembled for prayer; a young man's prayer meeting has been commenced; and, without any excitement, a general revival of religion has taken place.

The congregation eagerly purchased a thousand copies of a little book, entitled "Times of Refreshing," by the Rev. J. D. Smith. Hymns selected from it have been sung at the "Special Services" at Clapton Chapel, but as it contains many hymns not adapted to an English congregation, from their local references, I have thought it desirable to prepare one for this purpose, thankfully availing myself of the kind permission of my friend to make use of his book; and this unpretending volume is now sent forth with the earnest desire that it may prove a blessing to many churches.

Some of the hymns are original and copyright; others are compiled from popular selections; but as so many suitable for prayer meetings and special services have never been presented to the public in a collected form, whilst several have been obtained from sources not well known to the general reader, it is hoped that there will be a novelty and

freshness in this compilation which will secure for it general acceptance.

The hymns which I have selected are simple, spiritual, and devout. A large number celebrate the Saviour's love and grace; others embody Christian experience; whilst a third class consists of invitations and expostulations adapted to awaken and impress the thoughtless. Special hymns are desirable for special services; and, as such meetings are largely attended by the unconverted, prove not only attractive, but impressive. If any one doubts the effect upon a congregation of such hymns as-"Oh come to Jesus now," "Lord, I hear that showers are falling," Return, O wanderer, to thy home," "One there is above all others," etc., I can only say, let him try, and the most sceptical will be convinced.

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My best thanks are due to a friend who has written expressly for this volume some very beautiful hymns; and to another friend, who has voluntarily taken upon himself the responsibility of its publication.

UPPER CLAPTON, September, 1860.