PREFACE. THESE selections are gathered for the convenience of congregations desiring to make the concerted reading of Scripture portions a part of public worship. The Psalms are by their liturgical form and history first in fitness for such use but not to the exclusion of much besides, including many stately and resonant passages from the New Testament. The Revision of 1881-1885 has been followed, with the incorporation of some of the marginal readings, and also of some of the preferences of the American company. Their decision for the direct transfer into our use of the name JEHOVAH is gladly accepted, in the persuasion that the change is of profound importance. This title of God, full of the genius of His revelation to and by the Hebrews, has special and indispensable significance, to which, however accustomed to our ears, the word Lord, containing as it does but the one idea of rulership, is wholly unequal. The name Jehovah is loftier, wider, and more tender; and, chosen as it was by Eternal Grace as the especial designation of Himself, its obliterating by translation has been a vital loss. It is deeply inwrought with that redemptive history which culminated in Him whose name JESUS continues the unfolding idea of the Infinite Being manifested unto salvation. Wherever occurring, the comparatively infrequent Hebrew word corresponding to the meaning of "Lord" is properly so rendered. The form in which these selections are here printed admits, of course, of united reading; or of alternation between minister and congregation by verses; or, yet again, in the poetical portions, of following responsively the original structure, as indicated by the roman and italic characters. To divide the congregation, left and right hand sides reading each with the leader, but antiphonally to each other, is a practicable and vivid method. But whatever is printed in small capitals should always be read in unison by the leader and the entire congregation. 3 SELECTIONS FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE. FOR RESPONSIVE OR UNITED READING IN PUBLIC WORSHIP. Selection 1. PSALM I. LESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers. 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And in His law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The wicked are not so; But are like the chaff which the wind driveth gether, Against Jehovah, and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds asunder, And cast away Their cords from us." 4 He that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh: The Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, And vex them in His sore displeasure: 6 "Yet I have set My king Upon My holy hill of Zion. 7 I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto Me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten Thee. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for Thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the Earth for Thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." 10 Now therefore be wise, O ye kings; Be instructed, ye judges of the Earth. 11 Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish in the way; For His wrath will soon be kindled. BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT TAKE REFUGE IN HIM. |