The title is taken from folio i.

Despite the date quoted, the first part was begun in January 1857 and completed in February 1866 (page 250) when the index of titles was compiled (folio ii). The second part (page 251) was begun straight afterwards and completed in March 1868, when the index to it was added at the end of the index to the first part (folio iii verso). The songs are copied from a variety of sources and the dates of copying are appended to each. All the songs are accompanied by musical settings, mostly in simple treble notation. The compiler is nowhere identified but it is thought that it may have been John Reid, minister of Collace Free (later United Free) Church. A fragment formerly loosely enclosed has been tipped in at the back (folio iv).