Series 3 > Minutes of the Synod of Argyll, 1639-1651 (1652-1661) > 1652-1661

xii
SYNOD OF ARGYLL
‘ added be Mr. Dug: Campbell and Mr. Jon Cameron.’1
Finally, in May 1659, both the reprint of the Catechism
and the new metrical psalms were in the hands of the
Synod, and the latter appointed to be ‘ made use of in
congregationes and families.’ 2 At this time, too, the work
of translating the remaining hundred Psalms was distri¬
buted among a number of the ministers.
That, however, was for a later day : not until 1694 was
a complete translation of the Psalms published. Of
this edition Mr. Mactavish issued a reprint in 1934,
with a comprehensive Introduction of great value.3 The
Gaelic preface to the edition of 1694 seems to provide a
clue to the work of old John McMarques in the ‘ syllabifica-
tione ’ of the first fifty psalms. ‘ For the sake of the metre,’
said the editors of 1694, ‘ we had at times to stretch out
a word more than is usual in other writings, three syllable
expressions and two syllable ; and at times to cut off the
beginning of a word . . . ’sle for is le, ’smairg for is mairg ;
at times a word was shortened at the end ... as tighearn
for tighearna ; at other times to break the word in the
middle, as in Psalm xxxix. 6, savihlug'adh being broken
from two syllables samhlud'h. Or, again, words are abbre¬
viated, as toir or tabhr for tabhair. ... You may read the
line and tunefully sing it if you observe that there are
eight syllables in the first line and six in the second
alternated.’ 4
It is probable that the Catechism and the Psalms were
issued as separate books (according to the detail of the
agreement with William Brown), but it may be noted that
1 Minutes, ii. p. 188. 2 Ibid., ii. p. 198.
3 Printed and published at Lochgilphead, 1934.
4 In the preface from which the above instruction is taken there are
many ancient or obsolete Gaelic words. I have to acknowledge with
grateful thanks the kindness of Mr. John Campbell of Bearsden, who pro¬
vided me with a complete translation of the preface.