“Do Christians feel it their duty to celebrate the attributes of the adorable JEHOVAH, and to praise him for his wonderful works of creation, providence, and redemption? Do they think it their duty to meditate on his dispensations toward mankind, both in the way of judgment and mercy? Do they delight to dwell on the precious promises of God to men, — especially the promises of life and salvation through a Redeemer, — and of inestimable benefits to be bestowed not on the Jews only, but in due time upon all nations? Do they wish to repeat hymns, that express, in a lively manner, all the various affections of a pious mind, in all the different circumstances of life, — in scenes of trouble, and in scenes of joy? What can be better adapted to all these purposes than the Book of Psalms, — the production of the pens of inspired prophets of ancient times?” — Robert Davidson, Preface to A New Metrical Version of the Whole Book of Psalms (1812)