[469]

D.

SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY,

GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS,

NO. 4, ROYAL EXCHANGE;

AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.

1847.

PREFACE.

THIS work was originally intended and undertaken for the benefit of Sunday Schools, but it may be found especially useful in families: for it is probable that the subject and bearing of many of the songs of Zion, as well as many expressions in them, are in general but imperfectly understood: and it is needful that we should "sing with the spirit, and sing with the understanding also." 1 Cor. xiv. 15. If, therefore, on each Sunday, the Psalms for the day be read with this explanation, before going to church, it may be a means, under God's blessing, of exciting a better attention to them, and of enabling some to derive a greater advantage from this important part of our admirable Liturgy. To those families, moreover, in which the reading of a portion of Scripture is happily combined with domestic worship, this manual may afford a seasonable help and service.

There are two methods in which the book may be made useful in a Sunday School. 1st, By being placed in the hands of the Teachers alone, enabling them to explain the subjects of the Psalms, and the meaning of the several verses, to such young scholars as are not sufficiently advanced to read and comprehend the notes themselves. 2nd, By its being made a class-book for the higher scholars in this case it should be lent to them during the week, in order that they may be thoroughly prepared for an examination in the Psalms of the following Sunday. And such as are able, may learn by heart one or more of the practical addresses.

A few questions are added at the end of each Psalm, as a guide to those teachers who require it; but a little attention will show that many more questions may be formed from the words of the Psalms themselves, as well as from the notes and addresses: and an experienced teacher will scarcely want such assist

ance.

AN

EXPLANATION

OF

THE PSALMS.

THE FIRST DAY...

Morning Prayer.

PSALM I.

In this Psalm are described the character and happiness of the righteous, and the misery and ruin of ungodly men. 1 Blessed is the man that wither: and look, whatsoever hath not walked in the counsel he doeth, it shall prosper. of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the 'Lord: and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side: that will bring forth his fruit in due

season.

4 His leaf also shall not

:

5 As for the ungodly, it is not so with them but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.

6 Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement: neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

7 But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ver. 1. that hath not walked, &c.] Who hath not followed the advice of the ungodly, who hath not formed his course of life according to their wicked principles and

B