Marking the 80th anniversary of the publication of The Church of Scotland's INTRODUCTION

revised editions of 'The Scottish Psalter' and 'The Church Hymnary' in 1929
As a means of marking the 80th anniversary of the publication of The Church of
Psalm 119 Scotland's revised editions of 'The Scottish Psalter' and 'The Church Hymnary' in
1929, the practice of printing the preferred tunes for The Psalms then abandoned,
these necessary correspondences have been retrieved and are presented again here
that they might again be made of at least occasional use in ordinary church services.
and Sadly, the editors of both the 1973-published Third and 2005-published Fourth
editions of 'The Church Hymnary' did not see fit to include the full psalter in their
revisions of 'The Church Hymnary' and, as a consequence, many of the psalms and
Psalm 117
their associated tunes have completely disappeared from use today.

Though some psalms, like the 176 verse Psalm 119, the longest of all psalms, were
judged to be too long to be sung as a whole in the course of any single church
service, the editors of the old, 1898-published, 'Scottish Psalter' set out divisions
'The Long and The Short' and tunes in order that congregations might be able to sing their way through each
and every one of the 150 'metrical psalms'.

Here, the 'metrical verses' of Psalm 119 set to be sung to 22 different tunes, while
for some might choose to sing the successive sections of the psalm over a series of
services, others might take to the challenge of singing the whole psalm through,
from end to end, on a single occasion.

Congregational Singing For those so inclined to such an endeavour, it is suggested that consideration also
be given to the singing of the shortest of all psalms, Psalm 117 and the whole
occasion be introduced and ended with the singing of Psalm 100, it here, as in the
1898-published, 'Scottish Psalter', set in its two forms, the words of the second
Complete with Music form set to the tune 'Glasgow', the, perhaps 90-minute long, proceedings then
brought to a close with the singing of the 'Amens' from Andrew Mitchell
Thomson's well known Scottish Communion Service tune 'St George's, Edinburgh'.

in As the 'metrical psalms' were mostly in Common Metre (CM), a few in Long Metre
(LM) or Short Metre (SM) and a very small number in other metrical patterns,
within the limits of good taste, almost any 'metrical psalm' can be sung to any psalm
tune and though, particularly for the benefit of older members of choirs and
Staff and Sol - Fah Forms congregations, though all the necessary music may be found in both staff notation
and sol-fah versions in older hymnaries, it should be an easy matter to substitute
other tunes in the place of those suggested here - Faux-Bourdon's to some of the
Donald Kelly, Kintyre, Scotland - 'Candlemas Eve' - 2009 tunes being found in the 1929-published Psalter/Hymnary being celebrated here.
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 Psalm 100 Psalm 119
First Version 1 - Aleph

Tune - Old 100th L.M. Tune - Jackson C.M.

Genevan Psalter, 1551 T. Jackson

1 All people that on earth do dwell, 1 Blessed are they that undefiled,
Sing to The Lord with cheerful voice. and straight are in the way;
2 Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell, Who in The Lord's most holy law
Come ye before Him and rejoice. do walk and do not stray.

3 Know that The Lord is God indeed; 2 Blessed are they who to observe
Without our aid He did us make: His statutes are inclined;
We are His flock, He doth us feed, And who do seek the living God
And for His sheep He doth us take. with their whole heart and mind.

4 O enter then His gates with praise, 3 Such in His ways do walk, and they
Approach with joy His courts unto: do no iniquity.
Praise, laud, and bless His name always, 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep
For it is seemly so to do. thy precepts carefully.

5 For why ? The Lord our God is good, 5 O that thy statutes to observe
His mercy is for ever sure; thou would'st my ways direct!
His truth at all times firmly stood, 6 Then shall I not be shamed, when I
And shall from age to age endure. thy precepts all respect.

7 Then with integrity of heart

thee will I praise and bless,
When I the judgments all have learned
of thy pure righteousness.

8 That I will keep thy statutes all

firmly resolved have I:
O do not then, most gracious God,
forsake me utterly.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
2 Beth 3 - Gimel

Tune - St. Paul C.M. Tune - Evan C.M.

Chalmer's Collection, Aberdeen, 1749 W. H. Havergal

9 By what means shall a young man learn 17 With me Thy servant, in Thy grace,
his way to purify ? deal bountifully, Lord;
If he according to thy word That by Thy favor I may live,
thereto attentive be. and duly keep Thy word.

10 Unfeignedly thee have I sought 18 Open mine eyes, that of Thy law
with all my soul and heart: the wonders I may see.
O let me not from the right path 19 I am a stranger on this earth,
of thy commands depart. hide not Thy laws from me.

11 Thy word I in my heart have hid, 20 My soul within me breaks and doth
that I offend not Thee. much fainting still endure,
12 O Lord, thou ever blessed art, Through longing that it hath all times
Thy statutes teach Thou me. unto Thy judgments pure.

13 The judgments of Thy mouth each one 21 Thou hast rebuked the cursed proud,
my lips declared have: who from Thy precepts swerve.
14 More joy Thy testimonies' way 22 Reproach and shame remove from me,
than riches all me gave. for I Thy laws observe.

15 I will Thy holy precepts make 23 Against me princes spake with spite,
my meditation; while they in council sat:
And carefully I'll have respect But I Thy servant did upon
unto Thy ways each one. Thy statutes meditate.

16 Upon Thy statutes my delight 24 My comfort, and my heart's delight,

shall constantly be set: Thy testimonies be;
And, by Thy grace, I never will And they, in all my doubts and fears,
Thy holy word forget. are counselors to me.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
4 - Daleth 5 - He

Tune - Martyrdom C.M. Tune - York C.M.

Hugh Wilson, 1766 - 1824 Scottish Psalter, 1615

25 My soul to dust cleaves: quicken me, 33 Teach me, O Lord, the perfect way
according to Thy word. of Thy precepts divine,
26 My ways I showed and me thou heard'st: And to observe it to the end
teach me Thy statutes, Lord. I shall my heart incline.

27 The way of Thy commandements 34 Give understanding unto me,

make me aright to know; so keep Thy law shall I;
So all Thy works that wondrous are Yea, ev'n with my whole heart I shall
I shall to others show. observe it carefully.

28 My soul doth melt and drop away, 35 In Thy law's path make me to go;
for heaviness and grief: for I delight therein.
To me, according to Thy word, 36 My heart unto Thy testimonies,
give strength and send relief. and not to greed, incline.

29 From me the wicked way of lies 37 Turn Thou away my sight and eyes
let far removed be; from viewing vanity;
And graciously Thy holy law And in Thy good and holy way
do thou grant unto me. be pleased to quicken me.

30 I chosen have the perfect way 38 Confirm to me Thy gracious word,

of truth and verity: which I did gladly hear,
Thy judgments that most righteous are Ev'n to Thy servant, Lord, who is
before me laid have I. devoted to thy fear.

31 I to Thy testimonies cleave; 39 Turn thou away my fear'd reproach;

shame do not on me cast. for good Thy judgments be.
32 I'll run Thy precepts' way, when thou 40 Lo, for Thy precepts I have long'd;
my heart enlarged hast. in Thy truth quicken me.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
6 - Vau 7 - Zain

Tune - Kilmarnock C.M. Tune - St. Thomas C.M.

Neil Dougall, 1776 - 1862 Ashworth's Collection, c. 1760 ( ? )

41 Let Thy sweet mercies also come 49 Remember, Lord, Thy gracious word
and visit me, O Lord; thou to Thy servant spake,
Ev'n Thy benign salvation, Which, for a ground of my sure hope,
according to Thy word. thou causedst me to take.

42 So shall I have wherewith I may 50 This word of Thine my comfort is

give him an answer just, in mine affliction:
Who spitefully reproacheth me; For in my straits I am revived
for in Thy word I trust. by this Thy word alone.

43 The word of truth out of my mouth 51 The men whose hearts with pride are stuffed
take Thou not utterly; did greatly me deride;
For on Thy judgments righteous Yet from Thy straight commandements
my hope doth still rely. I have not turned aside.

44 So shall I keep for evermore 52 Thy judgments righteous, O Lord,

Thy law continually. which thou of old forth gave,
45 And, sith that I Thy precepts seek, I did remember and myself
I'll walk at liberty. by them comforted have.

46 I'll speak Thy word to kings and I 53 Horror took hold on me, because
with shame shall not be moved; ill men Thy law forsake.
47 And will delight myself always 54 I in my house of pilgrimage
in Thy laws, which I loved. Thy laws my songs do make.

48 To Thy commandements, which I loved, 55 Thy name by night, Lord, I did mind,
my hands lift up I will; and I have kept Thy law.
And I will also meditate 56 And this I had, because Thy word
upon Thy statutes still. I kept and stood in awe.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
8 - Cheth 9 - Teth

Tune - Iconium C.M. Tune - French C.M.

J. Nares ( ? ) Scottish Psalter, 1615

57 Thou my sure portion art alone, 65 Well hast thou with Thy servant dealt,
which I did choose, O Lord: as Thou didst promise give.
I have resolved and said, that I 66 Good judgment me and knowledge teach,
would keep Thy holy word. for I Thy word believe.

58 With my whole heart I did entreat 67 Ere I afflicted was I strayed;

Thy face and favor free: but now I keep Thy word.
According to Thy gracious word 68 Both good Thou art and good Thou do'st:
be merciful to me. teach me Thy statutes, Lord.

59 I thought upon my former ways, 69 The men that are puffed up with pride
and did my life well try; against me forged a lie;
And to Thy testimonies pure Yet Thy commandements observe
my feet then turned I. with my whole heart will I.

60 I did not stay, nor linger long, 70 Their hearts, through worldly ease and wealth,
as those that slothful are; as fat as grease they be:
But hastily Thy laws to keep But in Thy holy law I take
myself I did prepare. delight continually.

61 Bands of ill men me robbed; yet I 71 It hath been very good for me
Thy precepts did not slight. that I afflicted was,
62 I'll rise at midnight Thee to praise, That I might well instructed be,
ev'n for Thy judgments right. and learn Thy holy laws.

63 I am companion to all those 72 The word that cometh from Thy mouth
who fear and thee obey. is better unto me
64 O Lord, Thy mercy fills the earth: Than many thousands and great sums
teach me Thy laws, I pray. of gold and silver be.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
10 - Jod 11 - Caph

Tune - St. Ethelreda C.M. Tune - Cheshire C.M.

T. Turton Este's Psalter, 1592

73 Thou mad'st and fashion'dst me: Thy laws 81 My soul for Thy salvation faints;
to know give wisdom, Lord. yet I Thy word believe.
74 So who Thee fear shall joy to see 82 Mine eyes fail for Thy word: I say,
me trusting in Thy word. When wilt Thou comfort give ?

75 That very right Thy judgments are 83 For like a bottle I'm become,
I know and do confess; that in the smoke is set:
And that Thou hast afflicted me I'm black and parched with grief; yet I
in truth and faithfulness. Thy statutes not forget.

76 O let Thy kindness merciful, 84 How many are Thy servant's days ?
I pray Thee, comfort me, when wilt Thou execute
As to Thy servant faithfully Just judgment on these wicked men
was promised by Thee. that do me persecute ?

77 And let Thy tender mercies come 85 The proud have digged pits for me,
to me, that I may live; which is against Thy laws.
Because Thy holy laws to me 86 Thy words all faithful are: help me,
sweet delectation give. pursued without a cause.

78 Lord, let the proud ashamed be; 87 They so consumed me, that on earth
for they, without a cause, my life they scarce did leave:
With me perversely dealt: but I Thy precepts yet forsook I not,
will muse upon Thy laws. but close to them did cleave.

79 Let such as fear thee and have known 88 After Thy loving-kindness, Lord,
Thy statutes, turn to me. me quicken, and preserve:
80 My heart let in Thy laws be sound, The testimony of Thy mouth
that shamed I never be. so shall I still observe.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
12 - Lamed 13 - Mem

Tune - Felix C.M. Tune - St. Frances C.M.

Adapted from Mendelssohn G. A. Löhr

89 Thy word for ever is, O Lord, 97 O how love I Thy law ! it is
in heaven settled fast; my study all the day:
90 Unto all generations 98 It makes me wiser than my foes;
Thy faithfulness doth last: for it doth with me stay.

The earth Thou hast established, 99 Than all my teachers now I have
and it abides by Thee. more understanding far;
91 This day they stand as Thou ordain'dst; Because my meditation
for all Thy servants be. Thy testimonies are.

92 Unless in Thy most perfect law 100 In understanding I excel

my soul delights had found, those that are ancients;
I should have perished, when as For I endeavored to keep
my troubles did abound. all Thy commandements.

93 Thy precepts I will ne'er forget; 101 My feet from each ill way I stayed,
they quick'ning to me brought. that I may keep Thy word.
94 Lord, I am Thine; O save Thou me: 102 I from thy judgments have not swerved;
Thy precepts I have sought. for thou hast taught me, Lord.

95 For me the wicked have laid wait, 103 How sweet unto my taste, O Lord,
me seeking to destroy: are all Thy words of truth!
But I Thy testimonies true Yea, I do find them sweeter far
consider will with joy. than honey to my mouth.

96 An end of all perfection 104 I through Thy precepts, that are pure,
here have I seen, O God: do understanding get;
But as for Thy commandment, I therefore ev'ry way that's false
it is exceeding broad. with all my heart do hate

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
14 - Nun 15 - Samech

Tune - Grãfenberg C.M. Tune - Abbey C.M.

Crüger's Praxis Pietatis Melica, 1653 Scottish Psalter, 1615

105 Thy word is to my feet a lamp, 113 I hate the thoughts of vanity,
and to my path a light. but love Thy law do I.
106 I sworn have and I will perform, 114 My shield and hiding-place thou art:
to keep Thy judgments right. I on Thy word rely.

107 I am with sore affliction 115 All ye that evil-doers are

ev'n overwhelmed, O Lord: from me depart away;
In mercy raise and quicken me, For the commandements of my God
according to Thy word. I purpose to obey.

108 The free-will-off 'rings of my mouth 116 According to Thy faithful word
accept, I thee beseech: uphold and stablish me,
And unto me Thy servant, Lord, That I may live and of my hope
Thy judgments clearly teach. ashamed never be.

109 Though still my soul be in my hand, 117 Hold thou me up, so shall I be
Thy laws I'll not forget. in peace and safety still;
110 I erred not from them, though for me And to Thy statutes have respect
the wicked snares did set. continually I will.

111 I of Thy testimonies have 118 Thou tread'st down all that love to stray;
above all things made choice, false their deceit doth prove.
To be my heritage for aye; 119 Lewd men, like dross, away thou putt'st;
for they my heart rejoice. therefore Thy law I love.

112 I carefully inclined have 120 For fear of thee my very flesh
my heart still to attend; doth tremble, all dismayed;
That I Thy statutes may perform And of Thy righteous judgments, Lord,
alway unto the end. my soul is much afraid.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
16 - Ain 17 - Pe

Tune - St. James C.M. Tune - Ballerma C.M.

R. Courteville Adapted by R. Simpson

121 To all men I have judgment done, 129 Thy statutes, Lord, are wonderful,
performing justice right; my soul them keeps with care.
Then let me not be left unto 130 The entrance of Thy words gives light,
my fierce oppressors' might. makes wise who simple are.

122 For good unto Thy servant, Lord, 131 My mouth I have wide opened,
Thy servant's surety be: and panted earnestly,
From the oppression of the proud While after Thy commandements
do thou deliver me. I longed exceedingly.

123 Mine eyes do fail with looking long 132 Look on me, Lord and merciful
for Thy salvation, do Thou unto me prove,
The word of Thy pure righteousness As Thou art wont to do to those
while I do wait upon. Thy name who truly love.

124 In mercy with Thy servant deal, 133 O let my footsteps in Thy word
Thy laws me teach and show. aright still ordered be:
125 I am Thy servant, wisdom give, Let no iniquity obtain
that I Thy laws may know. dominion over me.

126 'Tis time Thou work, Lord; for they have 134 From man's oppression save Thou me;
made void Thy law divine. so keep Thy laws I will.
127 Therefore Thy precepts more I love 135 Thy face make on Thy servant shine;
than gold, yea, gold most fine. teach me Thy statutes still.

128 Concerning all things Thy commands 136 Rivers of waters from mine eyes
all right I judge therefore; did run down, when I saw
And ev'ry false and wicked way How wicked men run on in sin,
I perfectly abhor. and do not keep Thy law.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
18 - Tzaddi 19 - Koph

Tune - Bristol C.M. Tune - Salzburg C.M.

Ravenscroft's Psalter, 1621 Johann Michael Haydn, 1737 - 1806

137 O Lord, Thou art most righteous; 145 With my whole heart I cried, Lord, hear;
Thy judgments are upright. I will Thy word obey.
138 Thy testimonies Thou command'st 146 I cried to thee; save me and I
most faithful are and right. will keep Thy laws alway.

139 My zeal hath ev'n consumed me, 147 I of the morning did prevent
because mine enemies the dawning and did cry:
Thy holy words forgotten have, For all mine expectation
and do Thy laws despise. did on Thy word rely.

140 Thy word's most pure, therefore on it 148 Mine eyes did timeously prevent
Thy servant's love is set. the watches of the night,
141 Small and despised I am, yet I That in Thy word with careful mind
Thy precepts not forget. then meditate I might.

142 Thy righteousness is righteousness 149 After Thy loving-kindness hear

which ever doth endure: my voice, that calls on Thee:
Thy holy law, Lord, also is According to Thy judgment, Lord,
the very truth most pure. revive and quicken me.

143 Trouble and anguish have me found, 150 Who follow mischief they draw nigh;
and taken hold on me: they from Thy law are far:
Yet in my trouble my delight 151 But thou art near, Lord; most firm truth
Thy just commandements be. all Thy commandements are.

144 Eternal righteousness is in 152 As for Thy testimonies all,

Thy testimonies all: of old this have I tried,
Lord, to me understanding give, That Thou hast surely founded them
and ever live I shall. for ever to abide.

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 Psalm 119 Psalm 119
20 - Resh 21 - Schin

Tune - St. Kilda C.M. Tune - Dunfermline C.M.

W. R. Broomfield Scottish Psalter, 1615

153 Consider mine affliction, 161 Princes have persecuted me,

in safety do me set: although no cause they saw:
Deliver me, O Lord, for I But still of Thy most holy word
Thy law do not forget. my heart doth stand in awe.

154 After Thy word revive Thou me: 162 I at Thy word rejoice, as one
save me and plead my cause. of spoil that finds great store.
155 Salvation is from sinners far; 163 Thy law I love; but lying all
for they seek not Thy laws. I hate and do abhor.

156 O Lord, both great and manifold 164 Sev'n times a-day it is my care
Thy tender mercies be: to give due praise to Thee;
According to Thy judgments just, Because of all Thy judgments, Lord,
revive and quicken me. which righteous ever be.

157 My persecutors many are, 165 Great peace have they who love Thy law;
and foes that do combine; offence they shall have none.
Yet from Thy testimonies pure 166 I hoped for Thy salvation, Lord,
my heart doth not decline. and Thy commands have done.

158 I saw transgressors and was grieved; 167 My soul Thy testimonies pure
for they keep not Thy word. observ-ed carefully;
159 See how I love Thy law ! as Thou On them my heart is set and them
art kind, me quicken, Lord. I love exceedingly.

160 From the beginning all Thy word 168 Thy testimonies and Thy laws
hath been most true and sure: I kept with special care;
Thy righteous judgments ev'ry one For all my works and ways each one
for evermore endure. before thee open are.

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 Psalm 119
22 - Tau
Tune - Farrant C.M.
Adapted from R. Farrant
169 O let my earnest pray'r and cry
come near before thee, Lord:
Give understanding unto me,
according to Thy word.
170 Let my request before thee come:
after Thy word me free.
171 My lips shall utter praise, when Thou
hast taught Thy laws to me.
Psalm 117
Tune - Tiverton C.M.
Grigg
1 O give ye praise unto the Lord,
all nations that be;
Likewise, ye people all, accord
His name to magnify.
2 For great to us-ward ever are
His loving-kindnesses:
His truth endures for evermore.
The Lord O do ye bless.

172 My tongue of Thy most blessed word

shall speak and it confess;
Because all Thy commandements
are perfect righteousness.

173 Let Thy strong hand make help to me:

Thy precepts are my choice.
174 I longed for Thy salvation, Lord,
and in Thy law rejoice.

175 O let my soul live and it shall

give praises unto Thee;
And let Thy judgments gracious
be helpful unto me.

176 I, like a lost sheep, went astray;

Thy servant seek and find:
For Thy commands I suffered not
to slip out of my mind.

13
Psalm 100 Psalm 100
Second Version Second Version

Tune - Glasgow C.M.

Moore's Collection, 1756

1 O all ye lands, unto the Lord

make ye a joyful noise.
2 Serve God with gladness, Him before
come with a singing voice.

3 Know ye The Lord that he is God;

not we, but He us made:
We are His people and the sheep
within His pasture fed.

4 Enter his gates and courts with praise,

to thank Him go ye thither:
To Him express your thankfulness,
and bless His name together.

5 Because The Lord our God is good,

His mercy faileth never;
And to all generations
His truth endureth ever.

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 Greenock's St Paul's, then Finnart St Paul's Church, from October 1945 to
The Three - Fold Amen September 1972.
as in 'St George's, Edinburgh' The Lord's Prayer
Dr Percy Elton, Music Master of Greenock Academy 1925 - 1955

Notes
Given that Psalms 119 and 117 are respectively the longest and shortest Psalms, it
may also be noted that the central chapter of the The Bible's 1,189 chapters is in fact
Psalm 118, the 595th chapter and, by adding the number of chapters before and
after Psalm 118 i.e. 594 + 594 = 1,118, which answer may be interpreted by some
as reading 118 : 8, or Psalm 118, verse 8, one finds this as the Central Verse of
The Bible, "It is better to trust in God than to trust in Man".

Also here, written by Dr. Percy Elton, Greenock Academy's Music Master from
1925 - 1955, an arrangement of "The Lord's Prayer" which was sung at least once
a week at Senior Assembly and also sung on occasion at the church in Carradale Long out of print even before the 1950's, the copy here was rescued from the old
where he regularly went on holiday - Percy Elton was organist and choirmaster of Greenock Academy school hall before the old school buildings were demolished to
make way to build today's James Watt College in Greenock.
15