The first edition of these psalms was printed in 1696, and bore this title, "The Book of Psalms, a new version in metre fitted to the tunes used in Churches. By N. Tate and N. Brady." It was dedicated to King William, and though its use was permitted in English churches, it never supplanted Sternhold and Hopkins' Version. In New England Tate and Brady's Psalms became more universally popular,--not, however, without fierce opposing struggles from the older church-members at giving up the venerated "Bay Psalm-Book." Another version of Psalms which is occasionally found in New England is known as "Patrick's Version." The title is "The Psalms of David in Metre Fitted to the Tunes used in Parish Churches by John Patrick, D.D. Precentor to the Charter House London." A curious feature of this octavo edition of 1701, which I have, is, "An Explication of Some Words of less Common Use For the Benefit of the Common People." Here are a few of the "explications:"-- "Celebrate--Make renown'd. Climes--Countries differing in length of days. Detracting--Lessening one's credit. Fluid--Yielding. Infest--Annoy. Theam--Matter of Discourse. Uncessant--Never ceasing. Stupemlious--Astonishing." Baxter said of Patrick, "His holy affection and harmony hath so far reconciled the Nonconformists that diverse of them use his Psalms in their congregation." I doubt if the version were used in New England Nonconformist congregations. Some of his verses read thus:-- "Lord hear the pray'rs and mournfull cries Of mine afflicted estate, And with thy Comforts chear my soul, Before it is too late. "My days consume away like Smoak Mine anguish is so great, My bones are not unlike a hearth Parched & dry with heat. "Such is my grief I little else Can do but sigh and groan. So wasted is my flesh I'm left Nothing but skin and bone. "Like th' Owl and Pelican that dwell In desarts out of sight, I sadly do bemoan myself, In solitude delight. "The wakeful bird that on Housetops Sits without company And spends the night in mournful cries Leads such a life as I. "The Ashes I rowl in when I eat Are tasted with my bread, And with my Drink are mixed the tears I plentifully shed."