Preface.

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"Music speaks the heart's emotion,
Music tells the soul's devotion,
Music heavenly harps employs,
Music wakens heavenly joys."

I have prepared this little work because I considered that the Anti-Slavery community needed something of the kind, and I have wished to do something to "help the cause along." The friends of Temperance say — "The influence of Temperance Songs is no longer to be questioned as a powerful means of carrying forward our cause." If the progress of that reform is indebted, in any degree, to the aid of music, will not the Anti-Slavery cause be advanced by the same means? Let our Anti Slavery friends turn their attention to this subject, and organize in every town an Anti Slavery choir. There are many who have not the gift of speech-making, but who can, by song-singing, make strong appeals, in behalf of the slave, to every community and to every heart. Let such be prepared for the work and labor in their way. The "Liberty and Anti-Slavery song book" was published the last year by D. S. King, and the "Anti-Slavery Picknick," by John A. Collins, for the 1st. of August. The Abolitionists need now a larger book, and a still larger one will be furnished when it shall be needed. From the Anti-Slavery Picknick I have made selections by permission. Several hymns have been written for this work. Of the authors of hymns, which I have

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selected, I have given the names when I have been able. With regard to the music which I have selected I have also given the name of the publication from which I have made the selection.

This little book is intended, in some measure, to advance the cause of Emancipation, and to urge those, who have engaged in the cause, to go forward with renewed zeal in accomplishing the work of their holy mission. I present it to the public, trusting that it will answer the purpose for which it was intended, and knowing that it will be encouraged so far only as it may meet the approbation of my Anti-Slavery friends.

JAIRUS LINCOLN.
Hingham, Feb. 22, 1843.