‘"hymns for the Camp."’
--Three societies at the North are each preparing a volume of hymns, to be used in the Northern army. In one of these are to be found the ‘"Star Spangled Banner,"’ ‘"Yankee Doodle,"’ &c. We are glad to be able to state that an effort is now being made to prepare a little volume of old fashioned spiritual songs, to be used in the Southern army. Rev. A. E. Dickinson, Superintendent of Colportage, who, with the aid of several clergymen in this city, is preparing this volume, informs us that it will be ready in a few weeks. Instead of imitating the Yankees, and inserting ‘"Dixie,"’ nothing will be published but such old-fashioned hymns as our oldest soldiers have heard from their childhood; such asAm I a soldier of the Cross,"
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause--
Or blush to speak His name?"
Or,
"Soldiers of the Cress, arise,
Lo! your Captain, from the skies.
Holding forth the glittering prize, Calls to victory;
Fear not, though the battle lower;
Firmly stand the trying hour;
Stand the tempter's utmost power; Spurn his slavery.
Or,
"Brethren, while we sojourn here,
Fight we must, but should not tear;
Foes we have, but we've a friend,
One that loves us to the end:
Forward, then, with courage go,
Long we shall not dwell below;
Soon the joyful news will come,
Child, your father calls — come home!"
Such a book as is proposed to be published will answer an excellent purpose, as all the hymn-books have thus far been published at the North, and this is the first attempt at the South to supply this lack of service.