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PREFACE.
THE antiquity, the use and importance of Psalmody are so generally admitted, that it would be superfluous to adduce any arguments, or to refer to any authorities on these subjects: It is however to be lamented, that while the peculiar fitness of thus addressing our praises to God is acknowledged, too little attention has been paid to this beautiful and sublime portion of our Church service.
In some Congregations, not only the performance itself, but the choice of the words and tunes rests altogether with two or three individuals who are by no means qualified for the office; and whose behaviour during other parts of the service is too often at variance with the solemn ends of public worship. In others, where there
