PSALMS OF DAVID, IN METRE: ALLOWED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, AND OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES WITH NOTES, EXHIBITING THE CONNEXION, EXPLAINING THE SENSE, AND FOR BY JOHN BROWN, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT HADDINGTON. TO WHICH IS ADDED A TABLE OF THE PSALMS, CLASSED UNDER THEIR SEVERAL SUBJECTS.-TOGETHER WITH "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.-1 Cor. xiv. 15. NEWBURGH, N. Y.: DAVID L. PROUDFIT, NEW YORK & PITTSBURG:-ROBERT CARTER PREFACE. NO part of Christian worship is more plainly warranted by the Oracles of God, than the ordinance of the singing of psalms. The ancient Hebrews practised it at the Red sea, before their system of ceremonial worship was prescribed them by God, Exod. xv. It was preferred to the most pompous sacrifices, even while the ceremonial observances remained in their vigour, Psal. Ixix. 30, 31. The divine obligation to it, remained in full force, when the ceremonial law, with all its rites, was abolished, Psal. xlvii. 1. 5, 6, 7. lxvii. 4. and c. 1. 4. Eph. v. 19. with ii. 14, 15. Col iii. 16, with ii. 16, 17. James v. 13. We have it enforced with the most engaging example of the angels who kept their first estate, Job xxxviii. 6, 7. Luke ii. 13, 14. Rev. v. 11, 12.—Of apostles and saints, Acts xvi. 25. 1 Cor. xiv. 15. Exod. xv. Judges v. Luke i. 1 Sam. ii. Isa. xxxv. 10. Jer. xxxi. 12, Rev. iv. 8, 9. v. 9. 10. vii. 10. 12. xiv. 3. xv. 3. and xix. 1-7. Nay, of our Redeemer himself, Matt. xxvi. 30. This exercise, performed in a manner suited to the dignity of the glorified state, will be the everlasting employ of established angels and ransomed men, Isa. xxvi. 19. li. 11. Rev. v. 9-13. The Nor is this exercise of inconsiderable usefulness. whole glories of JEHOVAH, as made known to creatures, and all the wonders of his creating power, his redeeming love, and providential care, belong to its extensive theme. It is therefore an excellent means of conveying holy instructions, Col iii. 16.; of inspiring heavenly affections, Psal. Ivii. 7, 8.; of recreating holy souls, James v. 13.; and, in fine, of bearing up and comforting amidst grief and trouble, Acts xvi. 25. Psal. cxix. 54. And hence it is seasonable, not only in this valley of tears, but even in the most distressful condition, Psal. ci. 1. Hab. iii. 17, 18. It is a duty which ought to be practised by every person in secret by himself, James v. 13. Psal. cxix. 62. 164. By every Christian family and society, Psal. cxviii. 15. 3 |