forms here employed, scarcely deferve notice: but it may afford fome fatisfaction to the fincerely pious and unprejudiced Worshipper to observe, that while an attention to the UNDERS UNDERSTANDING, in fing ing, "has fought out not only acceptable words but words of truth, "-diftinguishing plain Chriftianity from inventions and refinements, antient for modern and while an carneft defire of engaging the HEART has led to as frequent a use of the Versions best suited to enkindle, and to express, its devotional, affections; care is taken throughout to avoid those Peculiarities which distinguisr any Sect. By introducing different metres of the fame Pfalm, Confiderable scope is afforded, not only to the musical Compofer, but to that variety of illuftration by which many of these Divine Songs are exhibited in their more comprehenfive and exalted sense, Writers who have fuccefsfully imitated the fublimity and beauty of the POET, may occafionally unite with others, who (thewing us a yet more excellent way by the light and authority of the New Testament) have unveiled the PROPHET, displayed his evangelical Views, entered into his. Spirit and Experience, and adapted both to the service of the Chriftian Church. Should this Attempt prove, in the Divine Hand, a humble mean of affifting the Private Meditations of those for whose use it was more immediately intended, or of improving that noblest part of their Public Worship, PRAISE, its defign will be fully accomplished. i : PSALMS SELECTED from various VERSIONS. PSALMI. Metre i. ! 1 APPY the Man, whose cautious Feet Who hates the Place where Atheists meet, 2 He loves t' employ his Morning-Light 3 He, like a Plant by gentle Streams, 4 But Sinners find their Counsels croft; 5 In vain the Rebel seeks to stand In Judgment with the pious Race; 6 "Strait is the Way my Saints have trod, B Who nor loves, nor treads the Way, 2 But poffefs'd with facred Awe, 3 Like the Tree that, taught to grow 4 See, ah! fee a diff'rent Fate 5 When thy JUDGE, O Earth, shall come, 6 These th' ALMIGHTY, these alone, I PSALM II. Metre i. WHY did the Gentiles rage, And Jews with one Accord Bend all their Counsels, to destroy 2 Rulers and Kings agree Against the Lord their Pow'rs unite, 3 The LORD derides their Rage, 4 And will fupport his Throne; Now He's ascended high, And asks to rule the Earth; The Merit of his Blood He pleads, And pleads his heav'nly Birth. He asks, and God bestows Far as the World's remotest Ends 5 A large Inheritance; His Kingdom shall advance. 6 The Nations that rebel, Must feel his Iron Rod; 7 He'll vindicate those Honours well Which He receiv'd from God. Be wife, ye Rulers, now, 8 If once his Wrath arise, : I PSALM II. Metre ii. WHY HY did the Nations join to flay Why did they caft his Laws away, 2 The LORD that fits above the Skies, 3 4 " I call Him my Eternal Son, "Afk me, my Son, and then enjoy 5 Le wife, ye Rulers of the Earth, 6 With humble Love address his Throne; 1 For if He frown, ye die: Those are secure, and those alone Who on his Grace rely. M PSALM III. Metre i. Y GOD, how many are my Fears! Conspiring my eternal Death They break my present Peace, |