REV. CHARLES LYNE,

MINISTER OF LITTLE PETHERICK, CORNWALL.

"Speaking to yourselves in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."-Ephes. v. 19.
"I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding
also,"-1 Cor. xiv. 15.

SOUTHAMPTON:

PRINTED BY JOHN FLETCHER.

1832.

147

364.

PREFACE.

IT is accurately observed by a pious Divine of the present age, that "the service of the Church of England displays one of the most perfect models of Christian worship." But surely it must be lamented that the singing of Psalms, which is such a natural, noble, and essential part of that service, should be so degraded by the manner in which it is often performed in country churches. The office is commonly consigned to a few individuals, not always happily selected, and of whom it is no breach of charity to say, that their efforts are not always calculated to harmonize the soul and call forth its devotional feelings, or to celebrate the praise and glory of God.'

The object of the present little work is to supply, especially to country congregations, a selection of Psalms and Hymns, simple, devout, and suited to the varied necessities of the Church of Christ: and it is humbly suggested that much benefit might arise, if the minister would himself—as was usual in more antient and purer times of the Church-select the tunes, and rehearse the verses in succession. With the assistance of a few leaders and the children of his Sunday School, he would not find it difficult to induce most of the congregation to unite in the delightful and pious work: and thus, under the blessing of God, a new spirit will animate our Psalmody.

PSALMS.

1.

1

How

OW blest is he who ne'er consents
By ill advice to walk;

Nor stands in sinners' ways, nor sits
Where men profanely talk.

2 But makes the perfect law of God
His business and delight;
Devoutly reads therein by day,
And meditates by night.

3 Like some fair tree, which, fed by streams, With timely fruit does bend,

He still shall flourish, and success

All his designs attend.

4 For God approves the just man's ways,
To happiness they tend;

But sinners, and the paths they tread,
Shall both in ruin end.

B