“Making and Marring the Scottish Psalter,” by John L. Clugston, LL.B.
“The purpose of this booklet,” writes the author, “is simply to make available a few facts regarding the compiling of the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650. – – – It is hoped that some knowledge of the painstaking care which produced this version for us may incline its possessors to value it the more highly and resist the specious pleas occasionally heard for new and “better” versions. Section I of the booklet presents a detailed account of the making of the Scottish Psalter. It also outlines the history of the Genevan Psalter, the Dutch Psalter, the Gaelic Psalter with Gaelic Psalm Tunes, and the Welsh Psalter. Section II deals with the marring of the Scottish Psalter, firstly by the publishing of 67 Scottish Paraphrases in 1781, a Gaelic translation, which by Dr John Smith, Campbelltown, was published in 1783, and secondly, by revisions of the Psalter. A proposal for the revision of the Psalter was mooted early in the 19th century. Prominent literary figures were invited to take part. It is interesting to see how strongly opposed Sir Walter Scott was to such a proposal. – – – “But there is still another argument in favour of the old psalmody” he wrote, “and it is with me a decisive one. – – – The Psalms of the old version are those used by the Fathers of our Church to express their sorrows and their triumphs, their hopes and fears, their prayers in danger, and their gratitude for deliverances. This ought to make them invaluable, and with my consent not a line of them should be altered.” The revisions of the Psalter and the sad consequences of such revisions in the Church of England, in the Baptist, Congregationalist, American Presbyterian, Irish Presbyterian, the Christian Reformed, and the Free Reformed Churches, etc., are outlined. The “Psalter Hymnal” and the “Book of Praise” of the last two named Churches, are also used in the “Reformed Churches of Australia” and the “Reformed Churches of New Zealand.” In the “Book of Praise” the melody only is given in staff-notation. The text abounds in long-winded circumlocution and doggerel verse, and a Latinate vocabulary, in disagreeable contrast with the plain Saxon directness of the Scottish Psalter” (pp. 41.42). Examples are given, which sufficiently indicate, as the author states, the character of the book, that it cannot be regarded as a translation of the Psalter, but stands on a similar plane to Isaac Watt’s “Psalms” and other paraphrases in the strict sense.
“The Book of Psalms with Music,” published in 1958 by the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter), was referred to by the Rev. John Colquhoun, Glendale, Isle of Skye, as follows: ” – – – let this book – – – be distributed in the average psalm-singing congregations in Scotland, and they would soon throw it away as something that made very little sense for them. It would be a very poor and emasculated substitute for those who were accustomed from their childhood to the grand old version which stood the test since 1650, and which voiced their deepest feelings in all the circumstances in which they happened to be placed. – – – Why then put a burden on the Lord’s true people to which they and their ancestors for many generations were strangers.” (p.43).
The last section of the booklet is entitled — “The Scottish Version is Archaic.” “This is said,” writes Mr Clugston, “on the basis of the Scots words ‘kyth’st’ and ‘wight’ in Ps. xviii, 26. Two unusual words in 8620 lines is hardly a weighty matter. It kythes that some forward wights are making altogether too much of this, sith ‘kythe’ appears frequently in the current reprints, Ferguson’s and Hutcheson’s Commentaries, and ‘wight’ is used by so recent a writer as J.R.R. Tolkien in “Lord of the Rings.””
The Conclusion is an extract from “Strictures on Psalmody” published in 1835 in U.S.A., the second paragraph of which reads: – – – “We attach no sacredness to the work of any mere man; but we DO attach a sacredness to the Word of God, faithfully and literally translated – – – ‘Rouse’s Version’ has long been the subject of most unjust and bitter recrimination by those who fritter away the truths of the God of heaven to please the carnal, and delight the fanciful and polite – – -. Rouse – – – by whom the groundwork of this Translation was laid – – – presented it to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and being improved by them, was transmitted to the Church of Scotland. – – – They had it under their consideration for three years – – – amending and critically comparing it with the original Hebrew, that it might possess as much as possible the spirit of the original composition. Thus prepared, it was finally adopted by the General Assembly A.D. 1649, as the most correct, smooth and literal translation of that part of the Word of God ever before made. We defy any Hebraist to point us out any translation which is nearer to the original text, and which has an equal claim to be a version. This translation, though it be despised and vilified by many – – – is as emphatically the Word of God, and therefore sacred, as any other part of the Bible.”
We heartily recommend this booklet of 60 pages, as a veritable mine of information, and an arsenal of arguments against those who would tamper with our Psalter, which has stood the test of time. There are 157 References given at the end, proof of the painstaking efforts of the author in the production of this much needed publication. The price, 65 cents (Australian), post free. Obtainable from Mr John Locker Clugston, LL.B., Box C100, Clarence Street Post Office, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia 2000. W.M.
Bible Prophecies by S.F. Paul. Publishers, Gospel Standard Trust Ltd. Price, £1. 147 pp.
This book is part of an attractive series by the author e.g. Bible animals, Bible places, etc. It is a readable contribution to the subject of apologetics for the laymen. Young people at colleges and universities, confronted with atheism, evolution and ridicule of the Bible would do well to read this work. It shows in a clear and simple way how the words of Scripture have been fulfilled time and time again. The range of prophecy covered is indeed very large considering the size of the book. There is suitable material drawn from archaeologists e.g. Sir Leonard Woolley, or travellers e.g. Dr J.A. Wylye and Sir Robert Porter who give authentic accounts testifying to the literal fulfilment of Scripture.
The chapter headed, The Messiah and His kingdom, gives some account of the figures in the book of Daniel relating to the time of the Messiah’s coming. Fuller details of this same subject are available in “Wonders of Prophecy,” by Urquhart and may prove more satisfying than the more brief treatment here. It was not the intention of the author to deal with unfulfilled prophecy, and with one or two brief exceptions he has wisely adhered to this course. It was pleasing to note in the chapter dealing with the church that the author correctly views the church as comprising, “all the election of grace, whether Jews or Gentiles from the beginning to the end of time,” p.100. Too often today the Church is seen only as a New Testament institution. Dispensationalism has encouraged this.
Bible prophecy deserves a wide circulation, for it presents an unanswerable challenge to an unbelieving world. E.R.
Romans Exposition of Chapter 8 (5-17); The Sons of God by Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Banner of Truth Publication, £2.75.
In this volume, the status and privileges of the children of God are suitably stated and contrasted with their counterfeits. Some very interesting facts of history, theology, and experience are dealt with in a devotional manner.
At the outset the author gives a clearly cut difference between the Christian and the non-Christian. The unpalatable but wholesome doctrine of man’s depravity and enmity to God is in no way minimised. In his own words “it is radical and complete.” The author hammers home the startling truth that one may be religious and ‘take up’ many Christian duties without being born again. Thus far, so good, but in our view there are serious defects which greatly detract from the merit of this book. The Dr’s description of the struggle in the believer’s heart and life reveals a lack of knowledge as to the strength, subtlety and virulence of indwelling sin. While we agree that the final issue of the conflict is known, this holy struggle, this warfare without discharge, is a stern and awful reality. The author speaks of the man in Romans 7:24, as a man under conviction of sin, but we disagree, and would like to pose the question as to when the Holy Spirit ceases to convince His people of sin? A quote from the saintly and scholarly Dr John Duncan may constrain the author to think again on this subject. In a letter to his daughter he writes: “Convictions are not lost by our coming to Christ. The deepest convictions (I do not say terrors of wrath, oh no, but convictions of sin and sinfulness are obtained after coming. The more progress in the divine life, the deeper conviction of abounding sin, as well as the sweeter experience of grace that much more abounds). Cf p 138 “Pulpit and Communion Table.” As in the previous volume, the author’s error in this connection, leads to confusion and contradiction in his argumentation.
Again, there is a reference to the meaning of Revelation 3:20 to which we cannot subscribe. We feel that the arguments used by the Beloved in the Song of Solomon are those which apply to believers, as distinct from those used in Revelation 3:20 to a church which has no sense of her need of Christ.
Yet another criticism — “The Christian in spirit is saved absolutely but not in body.” Metaphysics apart, what of the activity of the carnal mind, and what of the filthiness of flesh and SPIRIT from which believers are enjoined to cleanse themselves?
These, and similar statements prevent us from giving our cordial commendation to this volume which so many have praised so highly. F.M.