Psalterium Americanum : the book of Psalms, in a translation exactly conformed unto the original; but all in blank verse, fitted unto the tunes commonly used in our churches. Which pure offering is accompanied with illustrations, digging for hidden treasures in it; and rules to employ it upon the glorious and various intentions of it; whereto are added, some other portions of the Sacred Scripture to enrich the cantional
Summary: This is the only edition of a metered translation of the Psalms by Cotton Mather, who had intended it to replace the Bay Psalm Book, which he though was too constrained by being rhymed in addition to being metered. All Psalms are arranged to be sung in the common meter, while some could also be sung in the long meter with the inclusion of additional words printed in black letter and set in square brackets.
Signatures: A-2F⁸. Errors in paging: p. 121, 214-215 misnumbered 221, 114-115.
Additional Details: Translation and accompanying text by Cotton Mather. Without music. Errata at foot of p. 426. Front inside cover has the inscription "Mary Greeley's property 1818" and a green bookplate with the text "J.L. Greely, No. 85." The flyleaf recto has the inscription "J.L. Greely, 1857." Three other inscriptions in the book are crossed out and illegible.
Free to use
