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PREFACE

A SUCCESSFUL SUNDAY-SCHOOL largely depends upon its Service Book; and such Book must possess those features calculated to secure this end. It must be inexpensive, that every scholar, however limited the resources of the school, may have a Service Book to himself, and not be forced, in order to participate in its prayers and praises, to depend upon the courtesy of another-sometimes at the expense of both bodily comfort and a devotional spirit. It must be simple in arrangement, that there be no difficulty in at once finding any office or hymn. It should be flexible in character, to be adapted to the various needs and occasions of Sunday-school and Children's Church-worship, and to afford variety without being either cumbersome or costly. It should be responsive and uninterrupted in movement, that the flow of devotion may not stagnate, and the minds of the children be continually engaged by having an equal part to perform with the Leader of the service.

If to these important features of a Service Book it be added, that its prayers should be simple and direct, expressing in plain language the actual needs of Teachers and Scholars, without neglecting-as is too common in Sunday-school services—a full measure of thanksgiving for mercies and blessings received; that its hymns should be suited to different ages, tastes and grades of intelligence, while yet pure in sentiment and teaching, elevated in character, and impressive and inspiring in measure and spirit; then, have we a Service Book possessing the requisites for usefulness and success in the work of the Sunday-school.

The aim of the Editor of the present Manual has been to supply just such a book. The work was undertaken at the request of the Superintendents and Teachers of his Sunday-schools, and has been prosecuted in the belief that a book of this kind was needed, and would be beneficial to schools in general. It was hoped, also, that it would be useful to children and parents at home.

Two full and comparatively long services are given for the Morning and Afternoon sessions of the Sunday-school. Each of these services may be divided into three, the division being plainly indicated by rubric, and easily followed by the Leader,—with no break perceptible, or instruction necessary, to the scholar. This affords those who do not prefer the richer services an opportunity of using many shorter ones, with the advantage of variety and of adaptation to special occasions. All prayers, except those of the closing services, are in the form of a Litany, or to be Isaid aloud with the Leader. Pastors and Superintendents should see that these prayers and responses are committed and said by their scholars. By also chanting the Psalter responsively, increased life and interest will be given the services.

In each part of the Prayer Book, the design has been not only to present a suitable vehicle for children's devotions, but by such means also, to train them in the services of the Church, and make them familiar with its Liturgy. In selecting the hymns of the Praise Book, care has been taken to choose those most valuable for their gospel teaching and literary excellence; but sometimes the latter quality has been more or less sacrificed to the former when both could not be obtained in verses adapted to an inspiring piece of music. It is believed, however, that the hymns of the Praise Book are not excelled for variety, excellence, beauty and impressive religious teaching by any like collection.

The Editor would here convey his grateful thanks for the use of the hymns in this volume, to their authors and publishers. Full lists of both are given in the Indexes, with the Titles of the Books from which the hymns are taken. His thanks are also due to Messrs. Lewis H. Redner and George C. Thomas for counsel and assistance in the management of the work; and especially to Mr. John Graff and Prof. George Colgan for very valuable professional aid in the selection of music appropriate for its hymns, and in preparing its musical portions for the Press. W. F. P.

PHILADELPHIA, October, 1879.

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I.

PRAYER BOOK.

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