Page:The Roman Hymnal.djvu/9



The object of this Manual is to aid the people in complying with the desires of the Most Rev. Archbishops and Bishops, by placing in their hands a collection of Hymns and Chants, containing all that they may be expected to sing in Church, and so arranged as to require the least amount of rehearsal. One of the principal difficulties in the way of Congregational Singing is the scarcity of English hymns suited to large numbers of voices, and intended for use in the Church. The compiler has endeavored to supply this deficiency by drawing largely on the grand old hymns of Catholic ages, which are full of devotion and impress themselves on the mind, each by its own character, never wearying with repetition. Hymns intended for children have not been distinguished from the others; but they are easily known by the freer motion of their melody.

In order to interest the people in the solemn offices of the Church, no less than in private devotions, and