Psalms of David imitated in the language of the New Testament

Isaac Watts originally published Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament in 1719, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional Old Testament psalms and Christian theology. By stripping away references to Jewish history and replacing them with themes central to the New Testament, Watts transformed congregational singing in English-speaking churches. This specific 1787 edition, published by J.C. Gerrish, reflects the enduring popularity of Watts's work in the late 18th century as a standard hymnal for dissenting denominations.

The publication of this work represented a significant shift in liturgical practice, as Watts sought to make worship more accessible and emotive for laypeople. By prioritizing accessible language and metrical regularity, his collection moved away from the strict, literal metrical psalters that had dominated Protestant worship for over a century. The Gerrish edition serves as a testament to the continued demand for these hymns, which became foundational to the development of English hymnody and are considered the precursor to the modern hymn style.