THE SPIRIT MINSTREL; A COLLECTION OF HYMNS AND MUSIC, FOR THE USE OF SPIRITUALISTS, IN THEIR CIRCLES AND PUBLIC MEETINGS. SECOND EDITION IMPROVED. By J. B. PACKARD & J. S. LOVELAND. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY BELA MARSH, No. 15 FRANKLIN ST. Spiritualism, as an element of social influence, has become a fixed fact. Nothing can conceal the truth that a wider, deeper and more potent influence is exerted by it then by any other principle merely moral. Circles meet in almost every community-Sunday meetings are held in various places-State Conventions are called, and books, pamphlets, and weekly and monthly periodicals are issued. The friends of Spiritualism will not wish to see that influence diminished, but extended. And nothing more powerfully contributes to such a result then the fascination of music and song. This has been seen, and a few partial attempts made to supply the want. The Spirit Harp and Spirit Voices furnish us some beautiful poetry, but there are such marked defects as to preclude their general use. Much of the Harp is not adapted to metre, while many pieces are of inordinate length, occupying from two to three pages. But the most vital defect is the fact that we have no music, and hence are obliged to use the cumbersome works of common church music. In view of these defects and the increasing demand for a suitable book, we are induced to present this work, as accomplishing in part, what is needed. We conceive the true idea of a book for popular use to include both music and poetry, and have made our book accordingly. We have endeavored to collect the best of the popular music, with what of poetry was adapted to the use of Spiritualists, which with what is original will render our Minstrel, we trust, a welcome visitant to many an aspiring soul and circle. CHARLESTOWN, 1853. THE EDITORS. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by in the Clerk's office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. |