Introduction to Psalmody

Introduction to Psalmody

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Description
The Introduction to Psalmody was published by Cross & Meares in 1723. The psalmody was compiled by John Church, from the church of St. Peter’s. The book’s introduction sought to instruct the reader on the basic principles of music like notes, scales, time, and keys. Beyond that, the psalmody put music and meter to the words of the biblical book of Psalms. These psalms were sung during congregational worship in Reformed Congregations. Until the mid-1800s most Reformed Congregations exclusively sung psalms rather than hymns, making psalmodies ubiquitous in 18th century New England churches.
The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
book
Measurements
overall: 5/8 in x 8 7/8 in x 5 1/2 in; 1.5875 cm x 22.5425 cm x 13.97 cm
ID Number
DL.006865.03
catalog number
6865.03
accession number
28810
Credit Line
Gift of John Brenton Copp
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
Cultures & Communities
Copp Collection
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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