PREFACE. they are not to expect in My design is, to accom IT is necessary that I should inform my readers, that this book an exact translation of the Psalms of David. modate the Book of Psalms to Christian worship. And in order to this, it is necessary to divest David and Asaph, &c., of every other character but that of a psalmist and a saint, and to make them always speak the common sense and language of a Christian. Attempting the work with this view, I have entirely omitted several whole Psalms, and large pieces of many others; and have chosen out of all of them such parts only as might easily and naturally be accommodated to the various occasions of the Christian life, or at least might afford us some beautiful allusion to Christian affairs. These I have copied and explained in the general style of the gospel; nor have I confined my expressions to any particular party or opinion; that in words prepared for public worship, and for the lips of multitudes, there might not be a syllable offensive to sincere Christians, whose judgments may differ in the lesser matters of religion. Where the Psalmist uses sharp invectives against his personal enemies, I have endeavoured to turn the edge of them against our spiritual adversaries-sin, Satan, and temptation. Where the flights of his faith and love are sublime, I have often sunk the expressions within the reach of an ordinary Christian. Where the words imply some peculiar wants or distresses, joys or blessings, I have used words of greater latitude and comprehension, suited to the general circumstances of men. Where the original runs in the form of prophecy concerning Christ and his salvation, I have given an historical turn to the sense: there is no necessity that we should always sing in the obscure and doubtful style of prediction, when the things foretold are brought into open light by a full accomplishment. Where the writers of the New Testament have cited or alluded to any part of the Psalms, I have often indulged the liberty of paraphrase, according to the words of Christ or his apostles. And surely this may be esteemed the word of God still, though borrowed from several parts of the Holy Scripture. Where the Psalmist describes religion by the fear of God, I have often joined faith and love to it. Where he speaks of the pardon of sin, through the mercies of God, I have added the merits of a Saviour. Where he talks of sacrificing goats or bullocks, I rather choose to mention the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. When he attends the ark with shouting into Zion, I sing the ascension of my Saviour into heaven, or his presence in his church on earth. Where he promises abundance of wealth, honour, and long life, I have changed some of these typical blessings for grace, glory, and life eternal, which are brought to light by the gospel, and promised in the New Testament. And I am fully satisfied, that more honour is done to our blessed Saviour, by speaking his name, his graces, and actions, in his own language, according to the brighter discoveries he hath now made, than by going back again to the Jewish forms of worship, and the language of types and figures. If any shall think it best to sing the Psalms in order in churches or families, it inay be done with profit, provided those Psalms be omitted that refer to special occurrences of nations, churches, or single Christians. If the Psalm be too long for the time or custom of singing, there are pauses in many of them at which you may properly rest; or you may leave out those verses which are included within crotchets, [], without disturbing the sense; or in some places you may begin to sing at the pause.-Extract from the Doctor's Preface, dated Dec. 1st, 1718. The names of the Tunes affixed to the Psalms and Hymns refer to "THE COMPREHENSIVE TUNE BOOK," thus: PSALM 1. L. M. Melcombe, 325. That is, Tune 325, in the "Comprehensive Tune Book." The Comprehensive Tune Book. EDITED BY DR. GAUNTLETT AND THE LATE MR. KEARNS, Is arranged in Vocal Score, with Organ or Pianoforte Accompaniment. This valuable collection of Sacred Music for Congregational and Family use, includes Seven Hundred Original and Standard Hymn and Psalm Tunes, in almost every variety of Metrical Hymnody, with Chants, &c., and upwards of Three Hundred Choral Sacred Harmony Pieces, consisting of Anthems, Choruses, Airs, Sanctuses, Chants, Responses, Doxologies, Organ Themes, Symphonies, Interludes, &c., &c. In two parts, 4to., price 9s. 6d. each, bound in cloth. OR SEPARATELY, 1. The Psalm and Hymn Tunes, entitled, THE COMPREHENSIVE TUNE BOOK. 98. 6d. 2. Anthems, Chorusses, &c., &c., entitled, THE COMPREHENSIVE CHOIR BOOK. 98. 6d. Who fears to tread their wicked ways, And hates the scoffer's seat. 2 But in the statutes of the Lord By day he reads or hears the word, 3 [He, like a plant of generous kind, Safe from the storms and blasting wind, 4 Green as the leaf, and ever fair, 5 Not so the impious and unjust: 6 Sinners in judgment shall not stand 7 His eye beholds the path they tread, 1 1 But crooked ways of sinners lead Down to the gates of hell. The saint happy, the sinner miserable. THE man is ever bless'd Who shuns the sinners' ways, Among their counsels never stands, Nor takes the scorner's place; 2 But makes the law of God His study and delight, Amidst the labours of the day, 3 He like a tree shall thrive, Fresh as the leaf his name shall live, His works are heavenly fruit. 4 Not so the ungodly race, They no such blessings find: Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff Before the driving wind. 5 How will they bear to stand Before that judgment seat, Where all the saints at Christ's right In full assembly meet? 6 He knows and he approves 1 The way the righteous go; [hand But sinners and their works shall meet A dreadful overthrow. L. M. Melcombe, 325. Difference between the righteous and wicked. H 1 IJAPPY the man whose cautious feet 2 He loves t' employ his morning light 4 But sinners find their counsels cross'd: As chaff before the tempest flies, So shall their hopes be blown and lost When the last trumpet shakes the skies. 5 In vain the rebel seeks to stand In judgment with the pious race; The dreadful Judge, with stern command, Divides him to a different place. 6 Straight is the way my saints have trod, I bless'd the path, and drew it plain: But you would choose the crooked road, And down it leads to endless pain.' Of heaven, and earth, and seas, Thy providence confirms thy word, And answers thy decrees. 2 Ye perish on the place; Then blessed is the soul that flies For refuge to his grace.] C. M. WH St. James, 163. WHY did the nations join to slay The Lord's anointed Son? Why did they cast his laws away, And tread his gospel down? 2 The Lord that sits above the skies Derides their rage below, He speaks with vengeance in his eyes, 3 I call him my eternal Son, 5 Be wise, ye rulers of the earth, Adore the King of heavenly birth, 6 With humble love address his throne, For if he frown ye die; 2 Those are secure, and those alone, Who on his grace rely. Christ's death, resurrection, &c. 1 WHY did the Jews proclaim their rage? The Romans why their swords employ? Against the Lord their powers engage 2 Come, let us break his bands,' they say, My hand shall bring him from the dead. And he shall stand your Sovereign still.' 5 [His wondrous rising from the earth Makes his eternal Godhead known; The Lord declares his heavenly birth: 'This day have I begot my Son. 6 Ascend, my Son, to my right hand, They break my present peace. 3 But thou, my glory and my strength, 4 [I cried, and from his holy hill 5 He shed soft slumbers on mine eyes, In spite of all my foes; I woke, and wonder'd at the grace That guarded my repose.] 6 Then shall my cheerful powers rejoice, 4 C. M. Bath Chapel, 26. Ver. 3-5, 8. An evening psalm. 6 What though the hosts of death and hell 1 I am for ever thine; ORD, thou wilt hear me when I pray, All arm'd against me stood? Terrors no more shall shake my soul; My refuge is my God. 7 Arise, O Lord, fulfil thy grace, While I thy glory sing My God has broke the serpent's teeth, 8 Salvation to the Lord belongs, Ver. 1-5, 8. A morning psalm. LORD, how many are my foes, In this weak state of flesh and blood! My peace they daily discompose; But my defence and hope is God. 2 Tired with the burdens of the day, To thee I raised my evening cry; Thou heard'st when I began to pray, And thine almighty help was nigh. 3 Supported by thine heavenly aid, I laid me down and slept secure; Not death should make my heart afraid, Though I should wake and rise no more. 4 But God sustain'd me all the night; Salvation doth to God belong : He raised my head to see the light, And makes his praise my morning song. Thou hast enlarged me in distress, 2 Ye sons of men, in vain ye try Who will bestow some earthly good? But Lord, thy light and love we pray, Our souls desire this heavenly food.' I fear before thee all the day, 2 And while I rest my weary head, 3 I pay this evening sacrifice; Great God, my faith and hope relies Upon thy grace alone. 5 1 For the Lord's day morning. LORD, in the morning thou shalt hear My voice ascending high: To thee will I direct my prayer, To thee lift up mine eye 2 Up to the hills where Christ is gone 3 Thou art a God, before whose sight. 4 But to thy house will I resort, 5 O may thy Spirit guide my feet PAUSE. 6 My watchful enemies combine 7 Lord, crush the serpent in the dust, And all his plots destroy; While those that in thy mercy trust 8 The men that love and fear thy name |