PREFACE THE aim of this short Psalter is to present the Psalms in such a form that they can be most easily and profitably used for responsive reading in the churches. To this end a few plain rules have been followed. The imprecatory Psalms, Hebrew titles, and musical terms have been omitted. The best Psalms for public worship have been arranged by subjects, under simple titles, and divided into Fifty-three Portions, one for every possible Lord's day in a year. These portions differ in size, so that the minister may choose a long or a short one according to his discretion or his necessity; or, if he so please, they may be read in order through the year. Psalms LXXXIX and CXIX are given only in part, because of their length. All the others are given entire, without mutilation or mosaic-work; it is pleasanter and easier to read them as they stand in the Bible. The Authorized Version is used; it is the most familiar. The division by verses is followed; it is the best for reading. The print is large and clear, and the verses for the congregation are distinctly marked so that none need err therein. The book is sent out with the earnest prayer that it may be made useful in adorning the worship of God, and helping all the people to praise Him with their lips, as well as with their hearts, when they stand in His House. NEW YORK CITY January 1, 1891 HENRY VAN DYKE |