A Brief Note Concerning the Gradual Psalms

Here follow in order fifteen Psalms entitled Gradual Canticles. The Hebrew word Mahaloth signifieth Steps, or Ascensions. The reason whereof Aadias¹, and some other Rabbins yield, for that they were sung with highest elevated notes, that can be in Music. The Talmud saith they are so called, because they were sung in the fifteen steps going up into the Temple. But S. Augustin, S. Basil, and other Christian Fathers expound them according to the history, and immediate prophetical sense, of the deliverance of the Jews from captivity of Babylon, ascending into Jerusalem: which is so situated on mountains,² that the way from all parts was by ascending unto it. According to the Mystical sense, of ascending spiritually by virtues to perfection, and to eternal felicity. For the way tending to virtue (saith S. Basil) is like to certain steps (or degrees)³ by little and little bringing the man that loveth wisdom unto heaven. These Canticles therefore are prayers, mixed with consolations, for the joyful deliverance of God's people, from that great captivity in Babylon, which the Psalmist [print: Psamist] King David saw in prophetical spirit, and which his posterity felt, and sometime endured. Which again as a figure signifieth the return and ascending of mankind from sin to grace, and from the miserable state of this world into heaven. Whereupon S. Augustin interpreteth this prophecy of the ascension, or elevation of the heart, from the vale of tears. In the mean time, whiles we are in this world⁴, these Psalms are consolatory prayers, and prophetical assurance, that God's people, Catholic Christians shall be delivered from thraldom, and persecution of Pagans, Turks, and Heretics. As partly we see by the deliverance from the Roman persecuting Emperors, from the Vandals, Goths, and Huns: & therefore with assured confidence we hope and expect the like deliverance from Turks, and all Heretics of Luther's brood.