THE SHORT COURSE SERIES

Edited by Rev. John Adams, B.D.


The Lenten Psalms

By Rev. John Adams B.D.

General Preface

 

The title of the present series is a sufficient indication of its purpose. Few preachers, or congregations, will face the long courses of expository lectures which characterised the preaching of the past, but there is a growing conviction on the part of some that an occasional short course, of six or eight connected studies on one definite theme, is a necessity of their mental and ministerial life. It is at this point the projected series would strike in. It would suggest to those who are mapping out a scheme of work for the future a variety of subjects which might possibly be utilised in this way.

The appeal, however, will not be restricted to ministers or preachers. The various volumes will meet the needs of laymen and Sabbath-school teachers who are interested in a scholarly but also practical exposition of Bible history and doctrine. In the hands of office-bearers and mission-workers the "Short Course Series" may easily become one of the most convenient and valuable of Bible helps.

It need scarcely be added that while an effort has been made to secure, as far as possible, a general uniformity in the scope and character of the series, the final responsibility for the special interpretations and opinions introduced into the separate volumes, rests entirely with the individual contributors.

A detailed list of the authors and their subjects will be found at the close of each volume.

 

Since the time of Origen, Seven Psalms have received the name of Penitential Psalms. They were placed together in the Roman Breviary; and Pope Innocent III. ordered their recitation at Lent. Indulgences were promised to those who recited them. One historical allusion may be cited. "In his sick chamber at Hippo, Augustine lay dying. It was a plain and barely furnished room in which he lay. The Penitential Psalms, however, were by his order written out, and placed where he could see them from his bed. These he looked at and read in his days of sickness, weeping often and sore. Thus, with his eyes fixed upon the Psalms, Augustine passed to his rest, August 28th, 430."— Pxothbxo.