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Bible English. McGill. Selections.

1813

COLLECTION

OF

SACRED TRANSLATIONS,

PARAPHRASES,

AND

HYMNS.

BY STEVENSON MACGILL, D.D.
MINISTER OF THE TRON CHURCH, GLASGOW.

GLASGOW:

Printed by J. Hedderwick & Co.

SOLD BY J. SMITH AND SON, brash and REID, M. OGLE, AND
W. TURNBULL, GLASGOW; BROWN AND CROMBIE, EDIN-
BURGH; AND LONGMAN AND CO. J. HATCHARD,
AND T. HAMILTON, LONDON.

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THIS Collection consists of sacred pieces, selected from various Authors, with a considerable number of Original compositions. Many of the pieces thus selected, are altered; some of them slightly, but others to so great a degree as to retain little of their original appearance. Besides those alterations which were occasionally necessary in the language and rhyme, alterations and additions have been made where the idea appeared to be in danger of being mistaken, or required from its importance to receive greater prominence and interest. On the other hand, verses have been sometimes omitted where they seemed to be either unnecessary, or inconsistent with that unity which should mark such short compositions. It seemed also of importance, that each hymn should be so condensed or divided into parts, as that either the whole, or cach division might be sung at one time with propriety and ease.

No composition of any living author, so far as is known, has been introduced, except the 77th paraphrase; for which the author was so good as grant his permission. Three of the original compositions, excepting some alterations, were written by a friend; for the rest, the Editor must be solely

accountable. The authors to whom this collection is chiefly indebted, are Watts and Doddridge, particularly the latter.

This Collection is divided into FOUR PARTS. Three of these consist of Translations and Paraphrases from sacred Scripture. The passages of Scripture in the FIRST, belong to the period before the coming of our Saviour: in the SECOND, to the period of our Saviour's incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection. Under this division, it was judged expedient, to bring together those passages from the different books of the Gospel history, which relate to the same great events. The passages of Scripture in the THIRD part, belong to the period after the ascension of our Lord. Under the gen eral title of Translations and Paraphrases, pieces of different kinds are comprehended. Some are passages of Scripture without amplification, simply translated into verse; others are Paraphrases in which the sentiment is adhered to, but enlarged and illustrated; others, are more properly the expression of devout feelings, taking their rise from the leading sentiments of the passage. The FOURTH part consists of Hymns, which have not a direct relation to any particular passage of the inspired writings. Many Christians scruple to use compositions of this nature in public worship. It should be acknowledged, that it is safest to use them sparingly; and, in general, that only such should be thus employed, as have long received public approbation. Those in this collection, are chiefly

adapted to particular occasions. Translations and Paraphrases will also be found appropriate to such occasions. But local circumstances, connected with countries, churches, and times, may often give a peculiar interest and effect, which, when judiciously improved, may happily combine with Scriptural sentiment, and increase the feelings and pleasures of devotion. Advantages may sometimes also arise from the number and variety of pieces which are thus afforded. And, as devotional poems, affording subjects of pious meditation, assisting and directing the thoughts and feelings of Christians in their devout exercises, it is to be hoped, they may prove profitable to families and individuals.

It has been an object of attention, to introduce a considerable degree of variety, both in the subjects and in the measures. Among so great a number of pieces, different degrees of excellence may be expected. This will arise not only from a difference in the execution, but from the different nature of the subjects.

Collections of this kind, when properly made, besides their importance for promoting the great objects of public worship, are greatly conducive to the improvement and comfort of Christians in the duties of personal and family religion. If there be seasons in which profit and pleasure may be derived from the perusal of poems on subjects of inferior moment; why should it not be supposed, that much pleasure and improvement may be de

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