A Goodly Heritage

Greatness confers no exemption from the cares and sorrows of life . Its share of them frequently bears a melancholy proportion to its exultation . This the Israelitish Monarch experienced . He sought in piety that peace which he could not find in empire and alleviated the disquietutes of state with the exercises of devotion . His invaluable Psalms convey those comforts to others , which they afforded to himself . Composed upon particular occasions , yet designed for general use . Delivered out as services for Israelites under the law , yet no less adapted to the circumstances of Christians under the Gospel , they present religion to us in the most engaging dress ; communicating truths which philosophy  could never investigate , in a style which poetry can never equal ; while history is made the vehicle of prophesy , and creation lends all its charms to paint the glories of redemption . Calculated alike to profit and to please , they inform the understanding , elevate the affection...

"The Psalms are an epitome of the Bible , adapted to the purposes of devotion . They treat occasionally of the creation and formation of the world ; the dispensations of Providence , and the economy of grace ; the transactions of the patriarchs  ; the exodus of the children of Israel  ; their journey through the wilderness, and settlement in Canaan  ; their law, priesthood and ritual ; the exploits  of their great men , wrought through faith ; their sins and captivities ; their repentance and restoration ; the sufferings and victories of David  ; the peaceful and happy reign of Solomon ; the advent of Messiah , with its effects and consequences; his incarnation , birth , life  , passion , death , resurrection , ascension , kingdom and priesthood ; the effusion of the Spirit ; the conversion of the nations ; the rejection of the Jews ; the establishment , increase ,and perpetuity of the Christian church ; the end of the world ; the general judgement ; the co...