PREFACE.

BESIDES that part in our public Devotions, which properly belongs to the Minister, there is another, which, though it belongs to the whole Congregation, will hardly be performed in a decent & edifying manner without some previous preparation, which is, the singing of Psalms. This divine, and heavenly exercise, the Scripture recommends to us, as one special mean of Edification; and being then in it's greatest Perfection, when it is performed by Christians, in a joint harmony of Heart and Voice, it has ever been accounted a standing part of public devotion, not only in the Jewish, but in the Christian Church. In the Church of England, particularly, whose

Sabbath services are divided into three offices, there is the greater need of the intervention of PSALMODY, that the transition from one service to another, may not be too sudden and abrupt. This Exercise, therefore, being a part of our public Devotions, and very useful, when it is duly and regularly performed, must not be forgotten, while we are considering of proper rules for decency and edification in the Church; especially, as experience shews us, that where no care is taken in this matter, the performance is too often very defective, and even shocking to the ear.

To provide for due solemnity in this part of our public Service, as well as the rest, it is much to be wished that a proper SELECTION OF PSALMS, HYMNS, &c. were used in every Parish; by which means, the Congregation might be furnished with those which are most proper, and also with a due variety; they will degrees, be im