PREFACE.
Ir will be unnecessary for the Compiler of the present volume to occupy any time in enforcing the duty of congregational psalmody. The Church of England does not content herself with simply recognising it, but she requires it of her members; and even those who do not worship within her pale have of late years not only abjured former antipathies and prejudices, but, by their activity in organizing numerous associations for its promotion, have set the Church herself an example which she would do well to follow. He will at once, then, proceed to give a brief explanation of the general object and character of his work.
THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE WORK.
Its object is to supply congregations, and also families, with a complete manual of all that they are able or may be expected to sing in their collective capacity. It comprises the Prose Psalter, pointed for chanting, with appropriate Chants, 506 Metrical Hymns, with appropriate tunes, six Responses, arranged for different periods of the year, one Sanctus, and two Doxologies. What are called the Metrical Psalms have not a distinct position assigned them, but are incorporated with the Metrical Hymns, for, strictly speaking, that is their proper designation. Certainly, in their present fragmentary and mutilated state, they have no claim to be called" the Psalms of David:" yet, as Metrical Hymns, some of them are admirable, and well fitted for choral purposes. At the same time the number of the Psalm from which each taken is placed alongside the number of the Hymn.