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INTRODUCTION.

THE particular occasion on which many of the Psalms were composed, and the general tendency of them to keep up and confirm the principles of genuine piety, having been already treated of by several writers of distinguished abilities, any further testimonial in commendation thereof may justly be considered unnecessary and superfluous.

The Version of the Psalms here offered to the public in Blank Verse, however defective and short of correctness and elegance it may be in that kind of composition, yet perhaps may not be unacceptable to many readers. A different dress and variety of diction may be pleasing to some persons, and be. the means of supplying them with new sentiments of religious devotion.

As the Reviewers will not fail to deliver an impartial and just opinion respecting the following Version, (if deemed worthy of their notice,) the opportunity is now taken. of disclaiming any fond conceit in the execution of it -with this remark, then, it must be submitted to their decision.

The intent of publishing it will be answered, if, in one point of view, it be found useful and conducive to the promoting religious meditation in the different ranks of society; and if, in another light, it should prove instrumental to the better support of the writer's circumstances and condition in life. His gratitude (he thinks fit to express) will be adequate to any success the work may meet with.

THE

PSALMS,

IN

BLANK VERSE.

PSALM I.

BLEST is the man who in the scorner's chair
Hath never sat, nor with th' ungodly walk'd:
But his delight is in the law of God,

That law his constant study. As a tree,
Beside the streams of living water set,
Will flourish ever, and its fruit produce,—
So this man and his works shall prosper still.
Not so the wicked:—they are like the chaff
Driv'n by the wind, and scatter'd o'er the earth :
They shall not stand in judgement, with the pure

In their assemblies they shall not unite.

The just man's way is pleasing to the Lord;

The way of sinners in perdition ends.

PSALM II.

WHY do the Heathen insolently rage?
Why do the people meditate vain things?

The kings and potentates on earth conspire
Against Jehovah and against his Christ.
How vain their rage!

they,

Come, let us break,' say

'Their bands asunder, and their cords destroy.' The heav'nly king beholds them with contempt,

And blasts indignant all their bold designs.
'My king I've set on Sion's holy hill;
My Son, this day begotten. Ask of me,
To thee I'll give the nations of the world,
And all the sea-girt earth for thy domain.
Thou with an iron rod shalt bruise thy foes,
And tread them under foot as potter's clay.'