AN EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS, AS READ IN THE LITURGY OF THE CHURCH. G: Sandham Griffith SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS; 4, ROYAL EXCHANGE; 16, HANOVER STREET, HANOVER SQUARE; 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. THAT the reader may the more easily turn to such Psalms as will best suit the present state of his mind, according to the different circumstances, whether external or internal, into which, by the changes and chances of life, or the variations of temper and disposition, he may at any time be thrown, the common Table of Psalms, classed under their several subjects, is here subjoined. PRAYERS. I. Prayers for pardon of sin. Psalm 6. 25. 38. 51. 130. Psalms styled Penitential, 6. 32. 38. 51. 102. 130. 143. II. Prayers composed when the Psalmist was deprived of an opportunity of the public exercise of religion. Psalm 42, 43. 63, 84. III. Prayers wherein the Psalmist seems extremely dejected, though not totally deprived of consolation, under his afflictions. Psalm 13. 22. 69. 77, 88. 143. IV. Prayers wherein the Psalmist asketh help of GOD, in consideration of his own integrity, and the uprightness of his cause. Psalm 7. 17. 26. 35. V. Prayers expressing the firmest trust and confidence in GOD under afflictions. Psalm 3. 16. 27. 31. 54. 56, 57. 61, 62. 71. 86. VI. Prayers composed when the people of God were under affliction or persecution. Psalm 44. 60. 74. 79, 80. 83. 89. 94. 102. 123. 137. VII. The following are likewise Prayers in time of trouble and affliction. Psalm 4, 5. 11. 28. 41. 55. 59. 64. 70. 109. 120. 140, 141, 142. VIII. Prayers of INTERCESSION. 144. Psalm 20. 67. 122. 132. PSALMS OF THANKSGIVING. I. Thanksgivings for mercies vouchsafed to particular persons. Psalm 9. 18. 22. 30. 34. 40. 75. 103. 108. 116. 118. 138. 144. |