The psalmist here becomes a teacher, instructing his listeners in the right paths of life.
MUSIC. ARNOLD was first published in The Psalms of David for the Use of Parish Churches. The Music celected, adapted, and composed by Dr. Arnold ... assisted by J. W. Callcott, 1791. The tune was set to Psalm 15, arranged so that the first two lines should be sung as a duet by soprano and alto, repeated as a duet by tenor and bass, and then the third and fourth lines sung in full chorus. The present form of the tune is first found in Scotland in Robert Gilmore’s Psalm Singer’s Assistant (undated, but before 1793).
Samuel Arnold, 1740-1802, after ventures and heavy losses in the theater business, received the degree of Mus. Doc. from Oxford and then became organist and composer to the Royal Chapel. Later he became conductor at the Academy of Ancient Music, and in 1789 was appointed organist of Westminster Abbey. He wrote numerous songs, four oratorios and many anthems and edited important musical works, including The Works of Handel, in thirty-six volumes, at the request of King George III.
585. I waited for the Lord my God
Psalm XL
Scottish Psalter, 1650
Psalm 40:1-5. A Prayer for Speedy Relief from Trouble.
After long and patient waiting, the psalmist’s prayer for relief from trouble has been answered, giving occasion for fresh thanksgiving for His mercy.
MUSIC. BALLERMA. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 57].
Robert Simpson, 1790-1832, who adapted this tune from a melody by F. H. Barthélemon (See [Hymn 57]) was a weaver by trade, but of good education and fine musical taste. He was choir-leader in a Congregational Church in Glasgow, then became precentor and session-clerk of the East Parish church at Greenock, at a salary of forty pounds a year, and from that time onward made music his profession. Of weak constitution, he fell victim of one of the cholera epidemics.