REVISION OF UNIVERSITY HYMNAL.

The action taken by an undergraduate body for the revision of the University Hymnal marks a significant change in what formerly has been considered the religious attitude of the students. In 1895 it was found expedient to revise and enlarge with great care the hymnal which Edward Everett Hall, Phillips Brooks, Alexander McKenzie, and George A. Gordon had compiled nine years before, and now, after seventeen years that have seen even greater changes in the University, it is no wonder that the need of revision is again felt. No attempt was made by the second group of compilers to provide for the families and friends of the professors who compose so large a part of the Sunday morning congregations. No particular use was apparent at that time for hymns appropriate to burial, communion and other special services, while there seems to have been an intentional exclusion of mystic verses which are now invaluable to many of our preachers in fully expressing their messages.

Another hindrance to the congregational singing is the unfamiliar, unsuitable and often difficult musical settings. Either the air is rarely heard or, if well known, it hardly seems to fit the unfamiliar stanzas; and in several cases where both music and words are familiar the high-pitched arrangements for the former boy choir are out of range of the average voice.

We would suggest that the idea of a supplement which previously has been considered be abandoned as undignified and insufficient, and that a new hymnal which would be useful to Harvard and similar institutions be requested of the Board of Preachers.