EXPLANATORY NOTES.
first 'M.' shows that the hymn anciently belonged to Mattins only, and the second 'M.' stands over the hymn that belonged to Lauds: as our present Mattins occupies the place of the older Mattins and Lauds, either hymn is equally suitable.
The names and dates of all authors are given, in so far as they are known. Initials only are provided in the case of living translators, whose names are given in the Index of Authors, and in the case of a few living authors. The letters 'Tr.' are prefixed to the names of all translators. The number of the Psalm (Ps.) is given in the case of paraphrases, though it must be remembered that some paraphrases are extremely free, while others are based upon one or two verses only of a Psalm.
Where the author's or translator's name has no mark, the hymn is unaltered or has been revised by the author himself. The sign '†' shows that an alteration has been made in one line only; the sign '‡' denotes alterations in two or three lines. To hymns that are the work of more than one writer a second name is given, or the words 'and others' are added. Translations which have no one special source are marked 'Tr. cento.' Alterations in spelling are not marked, nor is any note made of the omission of verses, nor do the statements as to authorship refer to the doxologies.
In the case of long hymns and of hymns with slow tunes, the sign '*' is prefixed to those verses which may be most conveniently omitted. It does not follow that verses so marked are considered in
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