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As it has been the aim of the compiler to furnish a collection of purely devotional music, the tunes in this book will be found peculiarly of that character, and not too difficult for the capacities of ordinary choirs. His long experience, laborious application and rare attainments in musical science and taste, insure to this publication such a character as to en. title it to the attention of all who seek an appropriate medium for a most interesting part of divine worship. Choristers and others interested are invited to call or send for copies for examination.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

The subscribers having been appointed a committee of the "Board of Officers of the New-York Academy of Sacred Music," to examine the "Manhattan Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, &c.," edited by Mr. Thomas Hastings, and published by Mr. Ezra Collier, find it to contain a large number of new a excellent pieces, among which are very many of peculiar metres, in every variety of measure, and that the pieces, original or selected, are not surpassed for harmony or melody by those of any work in use, and are particularly adapted for the practical purposes of devotional service in the church or lecture room.

New-York, October 17, 1837.

W. W. CHester.
GEORGE ANDREWS.
CHARLES HOLT, Jr.
S. WARRINER, Jr.
S. R. BROWN.

I most cheerfully concur in the opinion of the committee; above expressed, in relation to the Manhattan Collection of Sacred Music, excepting such pieces only as bear my own signature.

S. B. POND, Vocal Leader of the

N. Y. Academy of Sacred Music.

MR. EZRA COLLIER-Dear Sir: Please accept my sincere thanks for the copy of the Manhattan Collection you sent ine. I have examined it enough

to be satisfied that it is the best book of the kind that has yet been published, and I hope it will have an extensive circulation.

Yours respectfully,

Springfield, Mass. Oct. 28, 1837.

SOLO. WARRINER.

From Rev. J. W. Alexander, Professor of Rhetoric and Belles-Lettres in the College of New-Jersey.

MR. EZRA COLLIER-Sir: I have spent some time in examining the work, and have no hesitation in declaring my cordial esteem of the whole production. For originality and novelty it stands in the very first rank. The contributions of the distinguished Editor himself, are characterized by graceful tenderness of style, and easy melody, equally remote from the repetition of hackneyed themes, and the pedantic display of perplexed and impracticable passages. The happy adaptation of sentiments from sacred poetry is equal to any thing I have seen; and I cannot forbear to say, that in

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the preliminary "rudiments," Mr. Hastings has given us the plans of a mature experience, expressed in a manner which of itself might justly rank him among our most pleasing and impressive writers.

I am, respectfully yours,

JAMES W. ALEXANDER. College of New-Jersey, November 14. 1837.

The compiler has given evidence of a fine taste and sound judgment, by the introduction of that species which produces an astonishing effect, and is at the same time so simple as to come within the range of ordinary choirs. Like some of the most admired specimens of ancient architecture, the design is plain, but the workmanship of the most finished character.

Respectfully

SAMUEL PARMENTER, Organist of St. George's Church, Newburgh, N. Y.

Mr. Hastings has just published a new Singing Book, in the usual form, of 352 pages, which he names the "Manhattan Collection." It is printed by Collier, in a very distinctly legible and beautiful style. As to the music, every body who is acquainted with the author's taste will expect to find it full of the sweetest strains. The pieces generally are very easy of performance, and yet peculiarly effective. Journal of Commerce.

The name of the author is a sufficient warrant for the excellence of the work.-N. Y. Observer.

This beautifully printed work contains twohundred and ninety tunes, and is one of the best works for singers extant. The distinguished character of Mr. Hastings in his profession renders any any more particular recommendation unnecessary. Gospel Witness.

New-Haven, 9th June, 1838. MR. HASTINGS-Dear Sir: We have recently introduced the "Manhattan Collection" into our Choir, and very much to the gratification of both the Choir and the Congregation-we find the melo-. dies to be beautifully chaste and elegant; and the harmonies simple, and with proper attention easy of execution; exhibiting a richness, and pathos, which upon the whole we have never seen equalled -you will please accept our thanks for the rich treat your work has afforded us.

Respectfully,

your obedient servant;
ALLING BROWN.

THE MOTHER'S NURSERY SONGS, by Thomas Hastings, Author of " Dissertation on Musical Taste"-one of the compilers of "Musica Sacra"" Spiritual Songs" "Infant Minstrel," &c. &c.

The author was one day conversing with a lady · of some distinction, relative to the importance of

teaching young children to sing, when a question arose-whether any thing could be done by the mother in this respect, during the period of the early infancy of her offspring? This inquiry, with the discussion that ensued, gave rise to the present publication.

Much, no doubt, can be done in early infancy, on the mere principle of imitation. Exercises for this purpose should be exceedingly simple; and, as far as possible, adapted to the infantile capacity. Great originality will hardly be expected in such a work as this: yet the materials here presented are, for the most part, such as have not before been published. A few extracts, have been furnished from the writings of Jane Taylor and for many of the other little poems, the author is happy to acknowledge his obligations to several literary friends, among whom are the Rev. James Alexander, Professor of Rhetoric in Princeton College, New Jersey, Mrs. Sigourney, of Hartford, Connecticut, well known as the author of occasional pieces of great poetic merit, and Mrs. Brown, of Monson, Massachusetts, the writer of several interesting anonymous hymns now in general circulation.

The object of the work, as will be readily inferred from its special characteristics, is to aid mothers in attuning the voices of their infant offspring, and inspiring them with the love of vocal music. When the Savior was on earth young children cried hosanna; and ere he is again revealed in the glories of the latter day, his praise shall be perfected out of the mouth of babes and sucklings. Yet they

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