T 1905 3 HESE hymns have been brought together for the use of the congregations that gather in the high tide of the year at the Isles of Shoals for their annual summer meetings. Hymns that breathe of the spirit of the outdoor world, the tranquillity of the summer sea and sky, the quiet of the season's withdrawal from the fret and custom of the busy world to be near to Nature's heart, have been especially sought out, and the tone of joyousness and exultant faith has been kept dominant; yet the needs of common worship in all its range of human interest have not been neglected. "The Hymns for Church and Home" has been used as the main source of this collection, and several page-plates have been taken from that book without change; but other sources, both American and English, have also been searched out, and our collection has been enriched by several hymns written expressly for this book, or appearing here for the first time for congregational uses. It is hoped that nothing has been included here that cannot be genuinely sung and honestly felt by those accustomed to worship in this place. Simplicity, sincerity, and spiritual earnestness have been the ideals kept uppermost in its preparation. G. H. B. 2. Spiritual Worship. O LORD, where'er thy people meet, William Cowper. O GOD, whose smile is in the sky, Once more from earth's tumultuous strife, Once more to thee our songs we sing, Once more our prayers we raise, And for the refuge of these isles Give thee our deepest praise. Here all the myriad sounds of earth In solemn stillness die ; While wind and wave unite to chant Their anthems to the sky; Far, far away the heat and dust And panting of the race, While here in Nature's temple vast, We meet thee face to face. We come as those with toil far spent Would find in thee release; O Father, soothe all troubled thought, Dispel all idle fear, Purge every heart of secret sin, And banish every care; Until, as shine upon the seas The silent stars above, There shines upon our trusting souls The light of thine own love. John Haynes Holmes. |