51-3. It is recommended that Psalms be sung along with the hymns of the Church, but that caution be observed in the selection of hymns, that they be true to the Word. Hymns should have the note of praise, or be in accord with the spirit of the sermon.

DIGEST: As per the recommendation from the Constitutional Documents Committee (M3GA, 3-69, p.81), this paragraph was reworded to address the use of Psalms, while also remaining inclusive of the use of hymns in worship. The second sentence of the paragraph remains unchanged from that of PCUS 1929.

BACKGROUND AND COMPARISONS :
1. PCA 1973, Adopted text, DfW 4-3 [M1GA, Appendix, p. 156]
2. Continuing Presbyterian Church 1973, Proposed text,
3. PCUS 1933, IV, § 314.
4. PCUS 1929, IV, § 314.
It is recommended that new hymns be sung along with the familiar hymns of the church, but that caution be observed in the selection of the newer hymns. Hymns should have the note of praise, or be in accord with the spirit of the sermon.

1. PCUS 1925, IV
2. PCUS 1894, IV
[no comparable text]

COMMENTARY:
Morton H. Smith, Commentary on the Book of Church Order, 6th edition, 2007, p. 417.
Having granted that other hymns of human composition may be used, the Book here urges us not to abandon the use of the Psalms in worship. All too often this is the case. Sessions should see to it that the hymn-books in use include a good portion of the Psalms as well as hymns. Failure to do this causes the congregation to fall short of this guideline of our "Directory for Worship." The warning is given that only those hymns which are true to the Word should be used. The last sentence speaks of hymns as suitable for the praise of God, and also commends the use of other hymns that are in accord with the spirit of the sermon. The minister should be involved in the selection of the hymns that will fit his sermon.