Early Prayer Books of America

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George Alexander Kohut, of New York City, an acknowledged authority in Jewish literature. His private library of over ten thousand volumes, composed mainly of orienta. rabbinical writings, has enabled him to speak clearly and positively on subjects pertaining to the ancient ritual of the Israelites. The learned Rabbi of New York City, the Rev. K. Kohler, D.D., has also been serviceable in pointing out the distinctive features that characterize the modern service books of the Jews.

The Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, D.D., of Philadelphia, aided me in securing information relating to the liturgical forms used by the Evangelical Lutherans, and the Rev. Charles G. Fisher, D.D., of the same city, was also helpful in furnishing the desired details of the books of worship of the German Reformed Church.

The Rev. C. E. Vedder, D. D., of Charleston, S. C., and the Rev. D. J. Brimm, of Columbia, in the same State, have been responsive in supplying historical matter touching upon the interesting liturgy of the Huguenots.

Mr. William L. Brower, of New York City, and the Rev. E. T. Corwin, D.D., of Greendale, N. Y., have rendered acceptable service in sending material pertaining to the prayer books of the Reformed Dutch Church.

In the general work of the book, that indefatigable Bible and Prayer Book collector, Mr. Howard Edwards, of Philadelphia, has always been stimulative and suggestive. Mr. Charles T. Dukelow, of Boston, has also been of service in many obliging

ways.

During several visits to the Lenox Library, I have received from the librarian, Mr. Wilberforce Eames, every facility in the examination of liturgical volumes, for which I am grateful.

As it was not possible to go into all the details in the body of this work, of the many editions of prayer books that have been published in this country, a list of such books issued prior to 1861 has been given in Appendix C. While it is not claimed for this list that it is exhaustive, it is hoped that it contains under the several dates the titles of such rare and valuable prayer books as collectors and librarians desire.