223.2 1 THE PSALMS OF DAVID, IN METRE: ALLOWED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL WITH NOTES, EXHIBITING THE CONNEXION, EXPLAINING THE BY JOHN BROWN, PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY, AND MINISTER OF THÈ I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the PITTSBURG: PRINTED AND SOLD BY JOHN M. SNOWDEN, MARKET-STREET. 1812. Gift Тарран Prestas PREFACE. 3-14-1932' No part of the 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, Exo. xv. It was preferred to the most pompous sacrifices, even while the ceremonial observances remained in their vigour, Psalm Ixix. 30, 31. The divine obligation to it, remained in full force, when the ceremonial law, with all its rites, was abolished, Psalms xlvii. 1, 5, 6, 7. Ixvii. 4, 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 i. 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. and v. 9, 10. vii. 10. 12. xiv. 3. xv. 3. xix. 1-7. Nay, of our Redeemer himself, Matth. 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. Nor is this exercise of inconsiderable usefulness. The 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 an excellent means of conveying holy instructions, Col. iii. 16. of inspiring heavenly affections, Psalm lvii. 7, 8. of recreating holy souls, James v. 13. and, in fine, of bearing up and comforting amidst grief and trouble, Acts xvi. 25. Psalm cxix. 54. and hence it is seasonable, not only in this valley of tears, but even in the most distressful condition, Psalm 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. Psalm cxix. 62, 164. By every Christian family and society, Psalm cxviii. 15. Acts xvi. 25. And in every public worship |