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by
Charles H. Spurgeon |  |
Preface
 y Preface shall at
least possess the virtue of brevity, as I find it difficult to
impart to it any other.
The delightful study of the Psalms
has yielded me boundless profit and ever-growing pleasure; common
gratitude constrains me to communicate to others a portion of the
benefit, with the prayer that it may induce them to search
further for themselves. That I have nothing better of my own to
offer upon this peerless book is to me matter of deepest regret;
that I have anything whatever to present is subject for devout
gratitude to the Lord of grace. I have done my best, but,
conscious of many defects, I heartily wish I could have done far
better.
The Exposition here given is my own.
I consulted a few authors before penning it, to aid me in
interpretation and arouse my thoughts; but, still I can claim
originality for my comments, at least so I honestly think.
Whether they are better or worse for that, I know not; at least I
know I have sought heavenly guidance while writing them, and
therefore I look for a blessing on the printing of them.
The collection of quotations was an
after-thought. In fact, matter grew upon me which I thought too
good to throw away. It seemed to me that it might prove
serviceable to others, if I reserved portions of my reading upon
the various Psalms; those reserves soon acquired considerable
bulk, so much so that even in this volume only specimens are
given and not the bulk.
One thing the reader will please
clearly to understand, and I beg him to bear it in mind; I am
far from endorsing all I have quoted. I am neither
responsible for the scholarship or orthodoxy of the writers. The
names are given that each author may bear his own burden; and a
variety of writers have been quoted that the thoughts of many
minds might be before the reader. Still I trust nothing evil has
been admitted; if it be so it is an oversight.
The research expended on this volume
would have occupied far too much of my time, had not my friend
and amanuensis Mr. John L. Keys, most diligently aided me in
investigations at the British Museum, Dr. William's Library, and
other treasuries of theological lore. With his help I have
ransacked books by the hundred, often without finding a memorable
line as a reward, but at other times with the most satisfactory
result. Readers little know how great labour the finding of but
one pertinent extract may involve; labour certainly I have not
spared: my earnest prayer is that some measure of good may come
of it to my brethren in the ministry and to the church at
large.
The Hints to the Village Preacher
are very simple, and an apology is due to my ministerial readers
for inserting them, but I humbly hope they may render assistance
to those for whom alone they are designed, viz., lay preachers
whose time is much occupied, and whose attainments are
slender.
Should this first volume meet with
the approbation of the judicious, I shall hope by God's grace to
continue the work as rapidly as I can consistently with the
research demanded and my incessant pastoral duties. Another
volume will follow in all probability in twelve months' time, if
life be spared and strength be given.
It may be added, that although the
comments were the work of my health, the rest of the volume is
the product of my sickness. When protracted illness and weakness
laid me aside from daily preaching, I resorted to my pen as an
available means of doing good. I would have preached had I been
able, but as my Master denied me the privilege of thus serving
him, I gladly availed myself of the other method of bearing
testimony for his name. O that he may give me fruit in this
field also, and his shall be all the praise.
Clapham, December, 1869.
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