Daily Prayer and Praise – The Book of Psalms Arranged for Private and Family Use, by Henry Law, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, 2 volumes, paperback, 384 and 298 pages, £3.95 each, available from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.
Henry Law (1797-1884) is probably best known for his little volume The Gospel in Genesis. The publishers describe him as “an influential figure in the Evangelical party of the Church of England” (their reference to “the eighteenth century” on the back of these books is obviously a slip). These two volumes cover the whole Book of Psalms and would be suitable for daily readings. Each short chapter, occupying just two or three pages, prints all or part of a psalm (in the Authorised Version) in sections of varying length. Each section is followed by a brief paragraph of comment.
No one should come to these books expecting detailed explanation of any passage. Their value lies in their reverent devotional spirit. Law’s style is simplicity itself, avoiding long sentences completely. Some comments culled from his work follow (and the chapter on Psalm 122 is reproduced below in a separate article).
“He is well taught who studies God in Christ.”
“Where sin abounded, forgiving mercy abounded much more. Can we refrain to adore, to worship, and to praise? We rob our souls of their most hallowed joy when we are slow to revel in this exercise.”
One might have expected an Anglican to assume that the use of musical instruments would carry over into new testament worship. However, Law comments as follows on Psalm 150:3-5: “In the days of Levitical type and shadow, musical instruments of every form and power contributed to swell the melody. Now, when spiritual service takes its enlightening place, let every rational faculty make our hallelujahs sweet and loud.”
Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – February 2001