Scripture proof for singing hymns and spiritual songs, or, An answer to several queries and objections frequently made use of to stumble and turn aside young Christians from their duty to God in singing of psalms gathered out of the Scriptures of truth, to which is added the testimony of some learned men, to prove that Scripture-psalms are intended by all those three words, psalms, hymns, and songs, used by the Apostle, Eph. 5. 19, Colos. 3. 16 / by E.H.

Scripture Proof FOR SINGING OF Scripture Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs . OR , An ANSWER to several Queries and Objections frequently made by those who are against Singing of Psalms .

First , WHat Rule have ye for Singing of Psalms ?

Answer . The Scriptures : Pray be pleased to turn to , and consider well those places of Scripture under-written , and you shall need no more to ask for a Rule for Singing of Psalms , if God's Word may ( with you ) be admitted for a Rule .

Exo . 15. 1 , 21. Numb . 21. 17. Judg . 5. 1 , 2 , 3. 2 Sam . 22. 50. 1 Chron . 16. 7 , 8 , 9 , 23. 2 Chron . 7. 3. Psal . 7. 17. and 9. 1 , 2 , 11. and 13. 6. and 18. 49. and 21. 13. and 27. 6. and 28. 7. and 30. 4 , 12. and 47. 6 , 7. and 51. 14. and 61. 8. and 66. 1 , 2 , 4 , 8. and 67. 3 , 4 , 5. and 68. 4 , 32. and 69. 30. and 59. 16 , 17. and 57. 7 , 9 , 10. and 75. 9. and 81. 1. and 89. 1. and 92. 1 , 2. and 95. 1 , 2 , 3. and 96. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. and 98. 1 , 4 , 5. and 100. 2. and 101. 1. and 104. 33. and 105. 2. and 106. 12. and 108. 1 , 2 , 3. and 111. 1. and 119. 54. and 135. 1 , 2 , 3. and 138. 1 , 2 , 5. and 145. 7. and 146. 1 , 2. and 147. 1. and 149. 1. Prov. 29. 6. Isa . 5. 1. and 12. 4 , 5 , 6. and 24. 14 , 15 , 16. and 26. 1. and 27. 2. and 35. 10. and 38. 20. and 42. 10 , 11 , 12. and 51. 11. and 52. 8 , 9. and 54. 1. and 65. 14. Jerem . 31. 7 , 12. Hos . 2. 15. Zeph . 3. 14. Zech . 2. 10. Ezra 3. 10 , 11. Neh . 12. 42 , 43 , 46. Matth . 26. 30. Mark 14. 26. Acts 16. 25. Rom. 15. 9 , 10 , 11. 1 Cor . 14. 15. Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. Heb . 2. 12. Jam . 5. 13. Revel . 5. 9. and 15. 3. and 19. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6.

Here ye see what Rule we have for singing of Psalms : Now pray consider what Rule you have for your opposing of this Ordinance , or for neglecting of it , when it is so abundantly exhorted to , and pressed in the Scriptures .

But if ye judge that these and the like Scriptures are not a sufficient Rule for Singing o● Psalms , then what do you think was the Design of the Holy Ghost in writing them ? Surely ye will not say , it was that all the Churches ( except a few Antipaedo-baptists ) should be deceived by them , and so led into Popery , ( for so you term Singing of Psalms ) this were Blasphemy to affirm ; but ye have not so learned Christ . When some of those Scriptures in the Old Testament were brought for a Rule for singing of Psalms , to avoid their force ( because ye could not answer them ) you put them by , saying , These are Old Testament Texts , and we must not go to the Old Testament for Worship : Which is your Second Objection .

Secondly , We must not go to the Old Testament for Worship .

Answer . If this were true , yet what will ye do with the Texts in the New Testament , that are so plain and full for singing of Psalms ? But to prove that we may , and ought to go to the Old Testament for Worship , the Holy Ghost saith expresly , Whatsoever things were written afore time , ( which must be meant of the Old Testament ) were written for our learning , Rom. 15. 4. And bids us behold Israel after the flesh , 1 Cor . 10. 18. And saith , that ( not only the New Testament , but ) all Scripture is given by Inspiration of God , and is ( he saith not was , but is ●rofitable for doctrine , for reproof , for correcti●● 〈◇〉 instruction in righteousness , 2 Tim . 3. 16. 〈◇〉 have Moses and the Prophets , let them hear 〈…〉 — if they hear not Moses and the Prophets , ●●nher will they be perswaded though one arose from the dead , Luk . 16. 29 , 31. Bind up the Testimony , Seal the Law among my Disciples . To the Law and to the Testimony , if they speak not according to this Word , it is because there is no light in them , Isa . 8. 16 , 20.

If you are not to go to the Old Testament for Worship , then ye are not under the Law to Christ , as the Law is a Rule of Life : For the first Table concerns Worship , and you cannot go to that as a Rule without going to it as a Rule of Worship : Neither can ye be obliged to , or encouraged in the Duty of Prayer , ( or any other Duty to God ) by any of the Precepts or Promises in the Old Testament , if you are not to go to them for Worship . Thus to maintain one Error you run into another , and do as Ephraim , of whom the Lord complaineth , Hos . 8. 12. I have written to him the great things of my Law , but they were counted as a strange thing .

Christ and his Apostles did go to the Old Testament for Worship , Mat . 4. 10. 2 Cor . 6. 16 , 17. 1 Cor . 10. from the first to the twelfth Verse , also the 18th . 19th . and 20th . Verses , Rom. 15. 9 , 10 , 11 , Verses , are quoted from three several places in the Old Testament , and all for singing too .

And some have observed , that the Antipaedobaptists themselves , when they Preach about the Duty of Prayer , or when they keep publick Fasts , do make more use of Old Testament Texts , and less of the New than many others do ; which proves ( when it is for their turn ) they will make use of the Old Testament for Worship , as much as others ; only upon a pinch , to maintain either of their two Errours , they will deny going to the Old Testament for Worship , as hath been often observed : But Old Testament Proofs will still remain to be good New Testament Rules in this , as well as in many other Cases ; for the Scriptures cannot be broken , John 10. 35. Therefore believe his Prophets , so shall ye prosper , 2 Chron . 20. 20 , 21.

Thirdly , Where do ye prove that singing of Psalms was practised in the New Testament ?

Answer . 1. We shall prove from the Exhortations and Precepts delivered by way of Prophesie in the Old Testament , that it was the Duty of the Churches under the New Testament to sing Psalms ; and that is enough for our purpose . 2. Shew that the Spirit of God did give forth several Songs in the New Testament . 3. That this Ordinance of singing is commanded in the New Testament . 4. That in the New Testament we have several directions given us how to sing . 5. An account that they did sing in the New Testament . All which together will make up a full demonstration of the point in hand .

1st . The Gentile Churches under the New Testament are in the prophesies exhorted and commanded to sing , Isa . 54. 1. Sing , O barren ! thou that didst not bear , break forth into singing , &c. Isa . 35. 2. Rejoyce even with joy and singing , ver . 6. The tongue of the dumb shall sing , ver . 10. They shall come to Sion with songs , Zach. 2. 10 , 11. Sing and rejoyce , O Daughter of Zion , &c. Isa . 24. 14 , 15 , 16. They shall lift up their voice , they shall sing for the Majesty of the Lord , from the uttermost parts of the Earth have we heard songs , even Glory to the righteous , Isa . 42. 10 , 11 , 12. Sing unto the Lord a new song , and his praise from the end of the Earth , — let the Inhabitants of the Rock sing , — let them give glory unto the Lord , and declare his praise in the Islands , Isa . 52. 7 , 8 , 9. With the voice together shall they sing — break forth into joy , sing together , &c. Hos . 2. 15. and she shall sing there .

The Church is commanded to sing Praise , upon the occasion of Christ's ascending to Heaven ● surely that must be in New-Testament-times ▪ Psal . 47. 5. God is gone up with a shout , the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet : Upon this five times ove● are we commanded ( in the two next verses ) to sing Praises ; 6 , 7. ver . Sing praises to God , sing praises ; sing praises unto our King , sing praises ; for● God is the King of all the Earth , sing ye praises wit● understanding ; ver. 8. God reigneth over the Hea●then , ( for now they were converted presently after Christ's ascension ) ver . 9. ( Margin ) th● voluntary of the people are gathered unto the peopl● of the God of Abraham , for the shields of the Earth belong unto God , he is greatly exalted .

And in Psal . 68. ver . 4. Sing unto God , sing praise● to his name , extol him ; ( who ? ) him that ridet● upon the Heavens : If you can't see that this i● Christ's Ascending , look to the 18th . ver . Thou● hast ascended on high , thou hast led captivity captive , thou hast received Gifts for men , for the rebellious also , ( sinners of the Gentiles ) compared with Eph. 4. 8. upon this again we are exhorted 〈…〉 ing , ver . 32 , 33. Sing unto God ye Kingdoms of the Earth , ( which must be the Gentiles , and under the New Testament too , for they were not converted before ) O sing praises unto the Lord , to him that rideth upon the Heaven of Heavens : The 1st . ver . and the 17 , 18 , 19 , 20. verses of this Psalm , if well considered , together with Eph. 4. 8. make it plain that he who is here said to be Riding on the Heavens , is Jesus , the Captain of our salvation ; accompanied with many thousands of the Holy Angels , ascending up to Heaven in Triumph , after his mighty Victory obtained for us , over Sin , Hell and Death , and upon which occasion it is that we are thus exhorted to sing Praises to him , and which lays an everlasting Obligation upon us to do it , Us Gentiles , under the New Testament as is further clear from the 31st . verse , considered together with ver . 32 , 33. Princes shall come out of Egypt , Ethiopia shall soon ( soon after Christ's Ascension ) stretch out her hands unto God , ( that is be converted ) then follows this Exhortation to these Gentiles , Sing unto God ye Kingdoms of the Earth , O sing praises unto the Lord , to him that rideth upon the Heavens , &c. And we have a remarkable Instance of the Conversion of an Ethiopian , soon after Christ's Ascension , ( Acts 8. 26. to the end of the Chapter ) as the first frui● of the fulfilling of this Prophesie in the Letter of it : It is also very probable that he might soon spread the Knowledge of Christ in Ethiopia it self , whither he was now returning .

In the 107th . Psalm , after mention made ( in the three first verses ) of the Goodness and Mercy of the Lord to his People , in their Redemption by Christ , ( compare the 2 & 3 verses with Luke 13. 29. ) the Holy Ghost as foreseeing the backwardness of Mens Hearts to this work , saith four times over in this Psalm , Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness , and for his wonderful works to the Children of Men ; which must include this work of Redemption as one of the most wonderful ones , in which his Goodness and Mercy are so much seen , and for which ( especially ) we are to praise him ; and Rev. 5. 9. seems to have an Eye to the three first verses of this 107th . Psalm , and there the New Testament Church is brought in singing , and so obeying this Exhortation given in this 107th . Psalm 1 , 2 , 3. verses , with the 8 , 15 , 21 , 31. verses .

The 95th . Psalm by way of prophesie speaks of the Gospel-day in general , and especially of the Lords-day Sabboth , this the Apostle sneweth at large in the 3 and 4 Chap. to the Hebrews , and in this Psalm we have an account of the Three standing Ordinances for publick worship under the Gospel ; Of singing of Psalms , the 1 , 2. ver . of Prayer , the 6 ver . of Hearing the word , the 7 ver . and they are brought in here as singing of this Psalm under the New Testament , as it should seem by their speaking in the present time , To day , ver . 7. compar'd with 3 and 4 Chap. of Hebrews . And according to Eph. 5. 19. and Colos . 3. 16. They speak to , teach and admonish one another in the very act of singing , how they ought to worship God by Singing , Praying and Hearing , now in this Gospel-day , and on the Lords-day especially : Of singing 1 , 2. verse . O come let US sing , let US make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation , let US come before his presence with thanksgiving , and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms : Of praying , ver . 6 , O come let US worship and bow down , let US kneel before the Lord OUR ▪ Maker : Of Hearing , ver . 7. To day if YE will hear his voice , harden not your hearts ; and thus they go on in the rest of this Psalm to admonish one another against the sin of Unbelief and Apostacy .

Friends , look back into all the Scriptures quoted for a Rule for singing , and see what it was they praised God for in their singing of Psalms , and you will find it was for his wonderful works of Creation , Providence and Redemption , and for his glorious Perfections and Attributes , as Eternal , Infinite , Wise , Holy , Powerful , and for his Love , Grace , Mercy , Goodness , Truth , &c. to his People . Now will you say these were Typical ? or that there was any Type in singing to the Praise of these Works and Attributes that it should n●w cease ? or , have we not as much cause to sing Praise upon these Accounts as ever the Saints had under the Old Testament ?

2dly . The Spirit of God did continue to give forth several songs in the New Testament ; which doth strongly argue that this Ordinance of singing was to continue under the New Testament : The Song of the Virgin Mary , recorded in Luke 1. 46. to 55. ver . the Song of Zacharias , Luk . 1. from 67 , to the 79 verse , the Song of Simeon , Luke 2 ▪ 28 , to the 32 ver .

3dly . This Ordinance of singing of Psalms , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , is commanded in the New Testament : In Rom. 15. the Spirit of God by the Apostle saith , that we Gentiles are to have singing amongst us , and are to glorifie God for his mercy , ver . 9. And that the Gentiles might glorifie God for his mercy , as it is written , ( here you see it was foretold ) for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles , and sing unto thy Name , quoted from Psalm . 18. 49. and in the 11 verse he saith , Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles , and laud him all ye people , quoted from Psal . 117. 1. these two verses would have beeen a full proof that singing is New-Testament-worship , if the Apostle had not gone to the Old Testament for them .

Eph. 5. 19. Speaking to your selves in Psalms , and Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord .

Colos . 3. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom , teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms , and Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord .

James 5. 13. Is any among you afflicted ? let him pray ; is any merry ? let him sing Psalms .

Some from this Text object , That it is those who are merry that are commanded to sing Psalms , but they are not yet merry enough to sing .

Answer . And why do ye not also say , ( and from the same Text too ) that it is the afflicted that are commanded to pray , but ye are not ye● afflicted enough to pray , and so upon the same ground turn both Ordinances out of doors together ? for the Apostle James doth no more forbid the afflicted to sing , than he doth the merry to pray : Not our frames , but God's command ought to be the rule of our obedience . It is the Duty of Believers always to be merry and rejoice in the Lord , Phil . 4. 4. 1 Thes . 5. 16. and so consequently to sing his Praise . David could and did sing when he was afflicted , see the Title of Psalm 51. A Psalm of David when N●than the Prophet came unto him , after he had gone in to Bathsheba ; and the Title of Psal . 3. A Psalm of David when he sled from Abs●lom his Son : Were not these times of affliction with David , and had he not ( think you ) more cause to weep than to sing , as you phrase it ? see also the Titles of Psal . 7. & 34 , & 52 , & 54 , & 56 , & 57 , & 59 , & 102. if David the sweet Psalmist of Israel , must have stayed until he had no afflictions , before he sung , he might not perhaps have sung until he came to Heaven ; no more might many now in our days . Great afflictions could not keep Paul and Silas from their duty : There was a Multitude rose up together against them , and ●aid many stripes upon them , and cast them into prison to be kept safely , then they were put into the ●nner prison , and their feet made fast in the stocks , the ●ext words tell how they behaved themselves ●nder these great afflictions ; At midnight Paul ●nd Silas prayed , and sang praises unto God , Acts ●6 . 22 , 23 , 24 , 25. Observe what the Psalmist ●aith , Psal . 104. 33. I will sing unto the Lord : What , ●hen he is in a good frame , or hath no afflictions ? no , but I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live ; I will sing praise unto my God , while I have my being ; and Psal . 146. 1 , 2. Praise ye the Lord , praise the Lord , O my Soul ; while I live will I praise the Lord , I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being : It is not while I have a prosperous , but while I have any being .

4ly . In the New Testament we have several Directions given about singing . 1. What we should sing : It saith , the Word of God , and then that particular part of the Word of God called Psalms , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , Col. 3. 16. In James 5. 13. he directs us to sing , and mentions only Psalms , as the Common Name by which the Psalm-Book was called , which also contained both Hymns and Songs . 2. We are directed how to sing : Sing with Grace in your Hearts , and sing to the Lord , and teach and admonish one another in Psalms , &c. Col. 3. 16. and to sing with the voice , speaking to , &c. Eph. 5. 19. and teaching , &c. Col. 3. 16. so they in Luke 19. 37. prais'd God with a loud voice and the Prisoners heard Paul and Silas sing , Act● 16. 25. so when Paul directs us to sing wit● the understanding , his plain meaning is , to sin● with a voice , in such Language that others migh● understand what is sung , 1 Cor . 14. 15 , 16. l● the same place he directs us to sing with th● Spirit , and shews how both are consistent together ; to sing with the Spirit , and also with th● Voice ; so Mary did use both Heart and Voice● and Mary said , my Soul doth magnifie th● Lord , Luke 1. 46. Then as to Musick or Melody , we are directed to have that in our hearts , Eph. 5. 19. 3. We are told who are to sing , the Church of Ephesus , Eph. 5. 19. and the Church at Coloss , Col. 3. 26. yea , all the whole multitude of the Disciples , Luk . 19. 37. yea , all People ; praise the Lord all ye Gentiles , and land him all ye people , Rom. 15. 11. Now to what purpose are all these Directions about singing in the New Testament , if it be not to be practised under the New Testament .

5ly . As it was fore-prophesied , that the Churches should sing under the New Testament , and as the New Testament containeth several Songs , and as this Ordinance was commanded in the New Testament , and also many Directions given in the New Testament about singing of Psalms , so also We have several accounts in the New Testament , that this Ordinance of singing was practised both by Christ , his Apostles and Disciples .

1. The Virgin Mary did sing , and also Zacharias and Simeon , in the 1st . and 2d . Chapters of Luke before mentioned .

2. There are two Scriptures , one in the 8th . Psalm 2. v. the other the 9th . of Zach. ver . 9 ▪ both fulfilled in praising of God with ( a part at least of ) the 118th . Psalm , as is plain , and carefully recorded by all the four Evangelists , Mat . 21. 9 , 15 , 16. Mark 11. 9 , 10. Luke 19. 35 , 36 , 37 , 38. John 12. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. And Luke saith expresly , it was done by the Whole multitude of the Disciples , and with a loud voice too ; and our Lord said , if they had held their peace , the stones would have cried out ; such a necessity there is that the Scriptures be fulfilled as well those that speak of singing as the rest .

3. Our Lord Jesus and his Apostles did sing a Hymn or Psalm , ( as the Margin ) Mat . 26. 30. Mar. 14. 26. Now must we look ( in the New Testament ) for a better Example for the practise of singing of Psalms then Christ and his Apostles ? or ( judge ye ) which is best and most safe , to follow Christ and his Apostles in singing , or the Antipaedobaptists in rejecting it as Old Testament Worship ?

If you compare Psal . 22. 22. with Heb . 2. 12. and then both with Christ and his Disciples singing together , it will be most probable that they sung as a Church , especially if it be consider'd that they had ( in the same meeting ) the Lords-Supper , for where that is rightly administer'd , ( as be sure then it was ) it necessarily supposeth a Church : Yea , they were the first New Testament Church , and so a Pattern or Example to all Churches in after Ages ; and it would be very bold for any to say , that we must not , and they will not follow the Example of our Lord and his Apostles , in singing as well as in breaking of bread : But it would be worse for any to charge Christ and his Apostles with Popery for singing ; yet thus they will charge the Churches now , for following of their Example . But our Lord Jesus hath commanded us to follow his Example in singing , Psal . 22. a Psalm of Christ's Sufferings , and where he is brought in speaking ; he first declares that he will sing Praise , ( as he did Mat . 26. 30. ) then commands all that fear God to do so too , 22d . and 23d . ver . In the midst of the Congregation , ( or Church , as Heb . 2. 12. ) will I praise thee , ( then speaks to us ) ye that fear the Lord praise him , all ye seed of Jacob glorifie him : That by Praise here is meant singing of Praise , the Holy Ghost himself telleth us , Heb . 2. 12. see also the 25th . and 26th . verses of this 22d . Psalm , where our Lord doth again declare he will praise , and promises that we shall do so too ; yea , in the 3d . verse it is spoke of as one of God's Titles , ( O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel ! ) and therefore it could not be typical , and so cease as Types do .

4. Paul and Silas sang Praises unto God , Acts 16. 25. they did sing with the voice , for the Prisoners heard them .

5. The Apostle saith , 1 Cor . 14. 15. I will sing with the Spirit , and I will sing with the understanding also : By singing with the Spirit we understand singing by the help of the Spirit of God , and with Faith , Intention , Joy , and Fervour in his own Soul , in opposition to a formal , trifling Spirit . By singing with the understanding , singing with such Words , and in such Language , as that others might understand him . It is plain from the whole Chapter that he is pressing upon them the orderly performance of preaching , praying , and also singing in the publick Worship of the Church , which proves both that they had , and also that they ought to have singing of Psalms , Prayer and preaching the Word , as the three standing Ordinances for Publick Worship under the Gospel .

6. In the Revelations , ( which is a prophetical History of the Church , from that time to the end of the World ) we have account that they did , and shall sing in the several ages of the Church , Rev. 4. 8 , 11. and 5. 9 , 10. and 15. 3. and 19. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5.

Thus Brethren , ye have had the Holy Scriptures given you for a Rule for singing of Psalms , and also to prove that this Ordinance was practiced under the New Testament ; but yet if ye do not believe them , ye will not sing Psams , for indeed ( to be plain with you ) that is the true Reason why ye do not sing , though ye have not hit on 't amongst your Objections ; Exod . 14. and the last verse , with the 15th . Chapter and the 1st . verse , And the People feared the Lord , and believed the Lord and his Servant Moses , then sang Moses and the Children of Israel this Song unto the Lord , and spake , saying , I will sing unto the Lord , &c. Psalm ▪ 106. 12. Then believed they his words , they sang his praise .

Fourthly , We may as well pray by a Form as sing by a Form .

Answer 1. We readily grant ( for any thing we see to the contrary ) that 't is Mens Inventions and Will-worship , to perform to God Publick Worship in the Church , by singing of any form or forms whatsoever , that are invented and composed by the common Gifts of any Man , or Men , ( though never so holy ) if he or they were not inspired by the Holy Ghost for that end , and therefore we own that ( for any thing we yet see ) we may ( in the publick Worship of God ) as well pray by a form of Man's Invention , as sing by a form of Man's Invention ; but we believe you know our Practice , which is to sing those Psalms , Hymns and Songs only , that were indited by the Spirit of God , and are recorded in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament ; and indeed it was one of those that was sung at the time when , place where , and against which ye made these Objections : And therefore we conclude your Meaning is , that we may as well pray by a form of Mens inventing , as sing by such Scripture forms , as you call them ; and we will not dispute about the word Form , but admit it , if it be taken in a good Sence .

And then why should ye be against forms in Worship , where it hath pleased the Wisdom of our Lord to appoint them , as he hath done for singing , though not for any other Ordinance of the New Testament ; the Ordinance of singing being of such a Nature that it is not possible it should be observed without a Form ; for many do joyn together in it , and that not only with their hearts , as in Prayer , but also with their Voices ; as the Prophet speaks , Isa . 52. 8. With the voice together shall they sing : But in all other Ordinances of Worship such a concurrence of voices would make a confused Clamour , and hinder Edification . But more particularly ,

2dly . 〈…〉 ch. 12. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14. we find 〈…〉 ( for New Testament times ) 〈…〉 sort of Adult Believers , and 〈…〉 ctually given , Rom. 8. 15 , 26 , 〈…〉 18. and Experience shews 〈…〉 lever hath received the 〈…〉 or less , but there is no 〈…〉 of Spiritual Poetry , 〈…〉 it , and therefore not 〈…〉 as sing by a form , for 〈…〉 nch the Spirit of Prayer .

〈…〉 find in Scripture that any 〈…〉 s or Apostles , who were inspi 〈…〉 did compose forms of Prayer , and 〈…〉 them to others to pray with , or ●●ny did use the forms of others to 〈…〉 o th which we find of Psalms , as will 〈…〉 anon .

〈…〉 The Spirit of God hath provided for us 〈…〉 Scripture called The Book of Psalms , but 〈…〉 part called The Book of Prayers .

〈…〉 Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. We are com 〈…〉 sing Psalms , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , 〈…〉 writ by Moses , David , Asaph , &c. 〈…〉 , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , therefore 〈…〉 ommanded to sing them .

〈…〉 Nay further , it cannot be proved by 〈…〉 that ever the Church did sing any 〈…〉 ymn or Song , compiled by a common 〈…〉 y ways first given out , but by a 〈…〉 uspiration . Thy statutes have been my 〈…〉 . 119. 54.

〈…〉 he matter of singing is limited , first to the Word of Christ , and then to Psalms , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , as the Poetical part of the Word of Christ , Col. 3. 16. Now we must sing those penn'd by David , Asaph , &c. unless you can say ( and prove it too ) that they are not Psalms , nor Hymns , nor Spiritual Songs ; but time was they were accounted such , and the People of God commanded to sing them too , yea and they did do it , whatsoever things were written afore time , were written for our Learning , and there is a Command writ afore time for singing with the Words of David and of Asaph the Seer , 2 Chron . 29. 30.

8thly . When David sung the 18th . Psalm , it is writ he kept to the words of it , see the Title of Psal . 18. To the chief Musician a Psalm of David the Servant of the Lord , who spake unto the Lord the words of this Song , in the day that the Lord delivered him , &c. See also 2 Sam . 22. 1 , &c.

9thly . And that Prophetical Song of Moses , recorded in Deut. 32. Moses is commanded to write it , and then to teach it the Children of Israel , and put it in their Mouths , Deut. 31. 19. surely whatever it was to Moses , it must be a sorm ( in your sence ) to the Children of Israel ; yea , much more to their Seed , in whose Mouths it was also to be ; verse the 21st . Moses therefore wrote this Song the same day , and taught it the Children of Israel , ver . 22. And Moses spake in the ears of all the Congregation of Israel the words of this Song , until they were ended , verse 30. again 32 Chap. 44. and Moses came and spake all the words , ( Mark that , all the words , ) of this Song in the ears of the people .

10ly . Those that were inspired to write Psalms , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , after they had composed them , did not only sing them themselves , but did also deliver them to the Church and People of God to sing ; thus Moses did teach the People his Song , and did commit it to wri●ting for their Seed , as hath been shewn , ( and indeed if they were sung only by the Authors in an extemporary way , and were not to be sung any more , why were they always committed to writing ? ) David did often deliver thos● penn'd by him into the hands of those wh● were most skilful in , and chief leaders of the● rest of the People in this work of singing ; thi● appears by the Titles of them , which frequent●ly are thus , To the chief Musitian ; or thus For the Sons of Korah . There is a Scriptur● plain for this , 1 Chron . 16. 7. Then on that da● David delivered first this Psalm , to thank th● Lord , into the hands of Asaph and his Brethren .

11ly . David was so famous for his inditin● of Psalms for the praise of God , and for the u● of the Church , that he was called The swe● Psalmist of Israel ; and when he came to dye● taking a review of those Psalms , Hymns and Song● which he had penn'd , in his last words sait● The Spirit of the Lord spake by me , and his wor● was in my tongue , 2 Sam . 23. 1 , 2. Those tha● cannot say thus , we think should not preten● to be Psalmists in God's Israel , to invent and co●pose matter for publick singing ; and indeed it ● pitty some Churches are so easily imposed upo● by them that do so : Can they say , The Lord ga● the word , which the great company publisheth in singing ? Psal . 68. 11. But to go on :

12ly . David's , and the other Prophet's Psalms , and Songs , &c. were known and called by the Name of The Songs of Zion , and The Lords Songs , which shews they were for the publick use of the Church , Psal . 137. 3. They required of us a song ; ( did not bid them compose one , but ) they said , sing us one of the Songs of Zion , Ver . the 4th . How shall we sing The Lord's Song , &c. 2 Chron . 29. 27. And when the Burnt offering began , the song of the Lord began also .

13ly . Likewise when we are call'd to sing to God , we are not bid to make , but to take a Psalm , Psal . 81. 1 , 2. Sing aloud to God our strength , take a Psalm , &c.

14ly . Accordingly we find often in Scripture , when they were to sing , they did take one of the Psalms in the Psalm-book , 2 Chron . 5. tho' here is but one verse set down in the History , yet it is very probable that they sung most , if not all of the 136th . Psalm , and while they were singing , they had a glorious token of God's gracious acceptance , 2 Chron . 5. 13 , 14. we have the like account 2 Chron . 20. 21 , 22. and here is but one verse likewise mentioned , yet it is plainly intimated that they went on singing of more , by these Words , And when they began to sing and to praise ; and it should seem they did very often upon extraordinary occasions sing this 136th . Psalm , see also 2 Chron . 7. 3. and Ezra 3. 10 , 11. yea , it seems fore-told that this Psalm should be sung under the New Testament , Jer . 33. 11th . verse , compar'd with the 15 and 16 verses of the same Chapter , and in the Texts of the Evangelist before-mentioned . The Whole multitude of the Disciples did praise God with a loud voice , with a part at least of the 118th . Psalm , though it is most likely they sung it all , by the time they were praising God , which was both in their way from Mount Olivet to Jerusalem , and also after they came into the Temple . It need not seem strange , that there is in these places but a verse or two ( and not the whole Psalm ) repeated in the History , though it should be meant that they sung the whole Psalm , for we have a like Instance in Exod . 15. 20 , 21. and here ( we suppose ) none will deny but that they sung all the Song which the Men did sing , though only the first verse of it be repeated .

Yet which is more plain , we read that they did sing the 15 first verses of the 105th . Psalm , and the 96th . Psalm , both at a time , 1 Chron . 16th . Chap. and this was done by the Prophet David's appointment ; and here you have not a verse only but the whole repeated , and this place may warrant the singing of part of a Psalm , or part of several Psalms at the same time , according as the Matter of them is suited to the present Occasion : And the New Testament Church is said to sing the Song of Moses , Rev. 15. 3.

15ly . The Title of the 92d . Psalm , is , a Psalm or Song for the sabbath-day , which shews that this very Psalm was written for publick use , and is to be sung on the Sabbath-day , and also that Singing is an ordinance , ordinarily to be performed on the Sabbath , the two first verses commend it for A good thing to sing praises , and to do it both in the Morning and Evening of the Sabbath especially , for the which this is a Psalm .

16thly . The 26th . Chapter of Isa . is a Song , and this very Song is to be sung now under the New Testament , signify'd by the term that day , in ver . the first , In that day shall this Song be sung , and we are in that day , and therefore are to sing it , ( notwithstanding your Objection about singing by a form ) yea , that day here meant , being the Gospel-day , doth last until the Resurrection , see verse 19.

17thly . And in Hezekiah's time ( which was many Generations after David , Mat . 1. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. ) the Text is so clear , as Nothing can be clearer for singing of Scripture-Psalms ; here is both a plain command for it , and also a President they did do it , 2 Chron . 29. 30. Hezekiah the King and the Princes commanded the Levites , ( who were chief Leaders of the People in this work ) to sing praise unto the Lord with the Words of David and of Asaph , and they sang praises with gladness : Were not their words as much a form in Hezekiah's time as they are now ? what ? could not Hezekiah , nor his Princes , nor Levites , ( think you ) by their common Gifts have invented an Hymn ( as they are now call'd ? ) yea , the Prophet Isaiah was then living with them , who did by a spirit of Inspiration write several Songs , as appears by his Book ? Surely then it was not out of meer necessity of want of others , ( but because it was an ordinance of God , and right in his sight , verse 2. to sing with the words of David and Asaph ) that the King and the Princes gave this command to sing Praise unto the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the Seer ; mark that , with the words of Asaph the Seer ; but why should it be said with the words of Asaph , the Seer , ( or Prophet ) and not also with the Words of David the Prophet ? upon the very naming of David all could understand the Prophet David was meant , but we read of several other Asaphs in Scripture , but we must sing the words of that Asaph only who was the Seer ; no Asaph's Words are fit matter for singing , but the Words of Asaph the Seer ; this Text shews us , that when we sing Praise , We must see to it , that we sing with the words of those who were inspired by the spirit of God .

Objection . At the Institution of the Lord's Supper , Christ and his Apostles did sing a Hymn or Psalm , but it is not said it was a Scripture one , or an inspired one .

Answer 1. We read they sung a Hymn , or Psalm ; and we read of none called so in Scripture but those indited by the Holy Ghost , and recorded in Scripture .

2. If Christ did compose one upon this occasion , it makes nothing against us , for we hope none will deny Christ to have had an infallible ▪ Spirit to guide him in it ; then what is this to singing of those indited by the common Gifts of Men ? But we conclude that Christ and his Apostles sung one , or more of David's , or other Scripture Psalms ; because , if Christ had upon this extraordinary occasion indited one , we believe the Evangelists would have recorded the very words of it , for they did record those of Mary , Zacharias , Simeon .

Object . It hath been objected by some , that most of the Scripture Psalms , &c. are written in the Old Testament , and are too Legal for this New Dispensation .

Answer . Is there not cause to fear , least that Spirit which is elevated above Scripture strains , would be found too light and airy if weighed in the even Ballance of the Sanctuary ? But ,

18ly . We must sing Scripture Psalms , Hymns and Songs , for there are several uses and ends of the Ordinance of singing ( which are profitable to us ) that cannot be fully ( if at all ) answered , unless the matter of our Song be the Word of God . It is an Ordinance for our Instruction , as appears by the Titles of the Psalms ; many of which are thus , A Psalm to give instruction : And when we sing them , we speak to our selves in Psalms , &c. Eph. 5. 19. And teach and admonish one another in Psalms , &c. Colos . 3. 16. Deut . 31. 19 , &c. When the very Matter of our Song is the Word of God , and that which he hath appointed to be in our mouth to sing , while it is in our mouth , singing of it , 'T is to be a Witness for God against us , if we are in evils ; and for this end it was God commanded Moses to write and teach them this Song recorded in the 32d . Chap. Now therefore write ye This Song ( he doth not bid them invent and compose one by their common Gifts , but write This Song ) for you , and teach i● the Children of Israel , ( God doth appoint the Song as well as the Use of it ) put it in their mouths , that this Song may be a Witness , &c. read the 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , verses of this 31 Deut. Now how can we expect that God should bless the singing of those Forms that are of humane invention unto us for those ends , to instruct and teach us , to admonish us of our Duty and against Sin , to Witness and testifie against our Evils ? Can Mens invented forms be supposed to have like Authority upon the Conscience with the Word of God ? therefore Let his statutes be our songs , Psal . 119. 54.

What is not of Faith is sin , Rom. 14. 23. How can we perform Worship to God in Faith , when we offer him that which he hath not commanded , yea , may he not justly say , as once he did , Who hath required this at your hands ? Isa . 1. 12.

Are those forms composed by Men , better than those indited by the Holy Ghost ? Are any so bold to say they are ? if not , but the contrary ; then take a Caution , and consider what the Lord saith , in Mal . 1. 13. 14. Ye brought that which was torn , and the lamè , and the sick , thus ye brought an offering , should I accept this of your hands , saith the Lord , but cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flock a male , and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing , for I am a great King , saith the Lord of Hosts , and my Name is dreadful among the Heathen .

Thus we have been proving , That we are to sing by a form , and by Scripture ones only : And to conclude this Head , if the Congregation might not sing with a form , how then could they ever sing with the voice together , as is foretold they should , Isa . 52. 8 , 9. With the voice together shall they sing — and sing together , &c. But how should they all know what is to be sung without a form ? and if they do not all know , they cannot all sing with the voice together .

Fifthly , We must not sing Psalms when there is a mixed company of Unbelievers present .

Answer , Pray what need of this Objection , when you are not for singing of Psalms at all ? If they be absent ye will not sing , yet if they be present ye will lay your fault at their door .

But all the Ordinances of our Lord Jesus for his publick Worship in the Church , are to be performed by the Church as a Church , and no rule in God's Word to omit them , or any of them , when and because Unbelievers are present , nor to give over any part of publick Worship in the Church , when Unbelievers come into their Assemblies , but quite the contrary , Mat . 5. 16. Let your Light so shine before men , that they may see your good works , and glorifie your Father : 1 Tim . 3. 15. The Church of the living God , the pillar and the ground of the Truth .

Amongst the variety of matter ( suited to all particular Persons and Cases ) ●● at the Holy Ghost hath provided in the Scripture Psalms , ( which we are to sing in the p 〈…〉 ck Worsh●● of God ) there are many Exhortations , Commands , Cautions , &c. to Unbelievers , ( Psal . 2. 10 , 11 , 12. and 4. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. and 33. 8. and 34. 8. and 49. 1 , 2 , &c. and 96. 1 , 9. and 7. 11 , 12. ) which doth suppose that they may be present when the Church doth sing them . Yea , further , the Church in singing these and other such like places , do ( while they are praising God ) as it were turn their Speech to Unbelievers , to exhort them to Faith and Obedience : And we singing only Scripture Psalms , Hymns , and Songs , which are the Word of God , may expect to have it blessed to them ; and could ( if need were ) instance in several Persons , to whom God did bless this Ordinance in their first Conversion : It is the Lord's Word , though published by a great company in singing , Psal . 68. 11.

The fore-mentioned Scriptures , which speaks of the whole multitude of the Disciples ( which includes the Apostles ) crying Hosanna to the Son of David , and praising of God with a loud voice , do prove that they did it publickly in a vast and mixed company , both upon the way from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem , and also in the Temple , and they had our Lord's presence to countenance them in it , and he silenced the Pharisees who found fault . Read the places ,

1 Corin . 14. 14 , 15 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26. verses ; It is evident from this Chapter , ( as was said ) 1. That in the publick Worship of the Church , they had Prayer ▪ Preaching the Word , and also singing of Psalm● 2. That there was disorders in the practice of each of them , which hinder'd Edification : And , 3. That this Chapter is spent ( not to take any of these Ordinances away , but ) to set these Corinthians ( and so consequently us ) right in the performance of each of them . And one ground upon which the Apostle urgeth them to the orderly performance of Praying , Preaching , and Singing , is , because of Unbelievers coming into their Assemblies , ( the 23d . ver . and the 26th . compar'd ) which proves That we are to sing , ( and that the Corinthians did so ) notwithstanding the presence of Unbelievers .

If any further Object , and say , If unbelievers may be present when we sing Psalms , they will join with the voice , and so sing with us .

Answer . What if they do ? where are they forbid ? or where have the Church authority from Christ to forbid them , or a command not to sing in their presence unless they will be silent ? but on the contrary , doth not the Church rather stir them up to sing , and that by or in the very act of singing of such Passages as these , 66th . Psal . 1 , 2 , 4 , 8. Make a joyful noise unto God , all ye Lands , sing forth the honour of his Name , make his praise glorious ; all the Earth shall worship thee , and shall sing unto thee , they shall sing unto thy Name : O bless our God , ye people , and make the voice of his praise to be heard ; this is joining with the voice , Psal . 96. 1. O sing unto the Lord a new song , sing unto the Lord all ye Earth , Psal . 117. 1. O praise the Lord all ye nations , praise him all ye people ; see also Psal . 100. 1 , 2. and 67. 3 , 4 , 5. and 68. 32. and 1 Chron . 16. 23. these Scriptures do encourage , yea , exhort them to sing , and who then shall forbid them ?

In Luke 19. 37. it is said , The whole multitude of the Disciples began to rejoice , and to praise God with a loud voice , &c. By whole multitude of Disciples cannot be meant the Apostles and the Seventy only , but also Disciples at large , all that did follow the Lord Christ to hear his Word , though not really converted , yet these did join with the Voice to praise God ; indeed the Pharisees were offended at it , Mat . 21. 15. ( perhaps because they would not join with a mixed company , as was prophesied of them , Isa . 65. 5. compared with 1 , 2. ver . In the 39th . ver . of this 19th . Luke , Some of the Pharises from among the multitude said , Master , rebuke thy Disciples , ( but ) he answered , I tell you , if these should hold their peace , the stones would immediately cry out : Here we see our Lord doth countenance the multitude in joining with their voice to praise God , and silences those that find fault too .

And though true Believers can do it best , Psal . 145. 10. yet it is the Duty of others also to praise and glorifie God , and they are capable of doing it ; and in Scripture , yea , in the New Testament , we often read that they did praise and glorifie him , Luk . 18. 43. Mat . 9. 8. and 15. 31. Mar. 2. 12. Luk . 4. 15. and 5. 26. and 7. 16. and 19. 37. And Natural Worship , performed by Men as Men , may have a kind of acceptance , so far as to the diverting of temporal Judgments , as in the Case of Ahab and the Ninevites , 1 Kings 21. 29. Jonah 3. chap. see also 2 Chron . 12. 12 , 14. And when Men , as Men , or as rational Creatures , do perform Worship to God as Creator , Preserver , &c. may not the Spirit of God come and work Faith in their Hearts , and enable them as Believers to Worship God in Christ ? is not this often done for them when they are hearing the Gospel ? And we have known it done when they have been singing too , as was said , The Word of God sung , as well as preached , may be made powerful to Conversion . As to that Objection of making the words their own , and so singing of a lye , there is nothing in it ; and upon the same ground you may as well deny them the reading of Psalms , for then they say We , Us , and I , as much as in singing of them , so you may as well say , they read a lye , as that they sing a lye . But they that make these Objections , forget that Prayer and Praises are Natural Worship , and so the Duty of all Men ; of Men as Men , and why they may not be present when we sing , whose Duty it is to sing as well as our own , is worth the while to consider .

You say we must not sing Psalms when Unbelievers are present ; but the Prophet David being of another mind , it is but Justice to hear both sides : And it must be confessed that David hath one great Advantage on his side , ( enough to sway with us ) because ( according to 2 Pet . 1. 21. ) He spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost : And 2 Sam . 23. 2. The Spirit of the Lord spake by him . Now then let us hear what he saith as to singing when Unbelievers are present , Psal . 108. 1 , 3. I will sing and ●ive praise — I will praise thee , O Lord , among 〈…〉 le , and I will sing praises unto thee among 〈…〉 : Psal . 18. 49. Therefore will I give 〈…〉 thee , O Lord , among the Heathen , 〈…〉 praises unto thy Name : Psal . 35. 18. I will 〈…〉 se thee among much People : Psal . 96. 1 , 2. ● . Sing unto the Lord , ●clare his Glory among the Heathen , and his wonders among all People : Psal . 109. 30. I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth , yea , I will praise him among the multitude : Psal . 57. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. He doth not speak doubtfully , but saith , My heart is fixed , O God , my heart is fixed , I will sing and give praise , awake up my Glory — I will praise thee , O Lord , among the People , I will sing unto thee among the Nations , for thy Mercy is great unto the Heavens , and thy Truth unto the Clouds . Is not his Mercy as great now , and hi● Truth the same as it was ? why then upon the same grounds are not our Hearts thus fixed to sing his praise among the people ? 2 Sam . 22. 50. I will give thanks unto thee , O Lord , among the Heathen , and I will sing praise unto thy Name .

There is one further End and Use of Singing which cannot be answered , unless the Church in their publick Worship may sing when Unbelievers are present , which is to declare and shew forth the Name and Works of God unto them , Isa . 12. 4 , 5. In that day shall ye say , praise the Lord , proclaim his Name , ( so the Margin ) declare his doings among the People , make mention that his Name is exalted ; sing unto the Lord , for he hath done excellent things ; that is , for our Salvation , as appears by the whole Chapter , ( which is a Song of the Church ) read the 2d . and 3d . verses : Psal . 9. 1 , 2 , 11. I will praise thee , O Lord , with my whole heart , I will shew forth all thy marvellous works — I will sing praise to thy Name , O thou most high — Sing praises to the Lord which dwelleth in Zion , declare among the people his doings : Psal . 96. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Sing unto the Lord a new song , sing unto the Lord all the Earth , sing unto the Lord , bless his Name , shew forth his salvation from day to day , declare his Glory among the Heathen , his Wonders among all People ; For the Lord is great , and greatly to be praised : Psal . 105. 1 , 2. Give thanks unto the Lord , call upon his Name , make known his Deeds among the People ; Sing unto him , sing Psalms unto him , talk ye of all his wondrous works . Now these Texts do prove that it is the Duty of the Church to sing Psalms when others are present , and for glorious Ends too .

Heb . 3. 2 , 5. tells us twice over , that Moses was faithful in the House of God , yet he could sing when a mixed company were present ; yea , he was Head and Chief in the Work , when the whole Congregation of Israel , Men and Women , sung that Song in Exod . 15. and there was then a mixed company with them , as you may see , if you compare Exod . 12. 37 , 38. with Numb . 11. 4.

The Second of Hosea is a Prophecy of New-Testament-Times , as is plain by comparing the 23d . verse with Rom. 9. 26. and with 1 Pet . 2. 10. and in this second of Hosea we are very plainly and clearly resolved in these matters , verse 15. And I will give her her Vineyards from thence , and the Valley of Achor for a door of Hope , and she shall sing there as in the days of her Youth , and as in the day when she came up out of the Land of Egypt : This Text ( as well as many others ) doth shew , that the true Church is always one and the same , both under the Old and New Testament : Give her her Vineyards , &c. and she shall sing there , as in the days of her youth , and as when she came up , &c. Only during the time of the Old Testament she was in the days of her youth , and under the Old Church Covenant or Dispensation , see Gal. 3. 28 , 29. with Gal. 4. 1 , 2 , 3 , 24 , 25 , 26. and this first Covenant is said to be the Covenant with them in the days of their youth , Ezek . 16. 60. under which Covenant they were As Children under age , until Christ came , Gal. 4. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. or until the New-Testament-times , signified by the Gentiles Conversion , whom the Jewish Church was to receive as her Sisters , but not by their Covenant , that 's now at an end , Ezek . 16. 60 , 61. and then again ver. 62. the Covenant is promis'd to be established as everlasting , never to give place to any more New Dispensations : And she shall sing There as in the days of her youth ; here it is said the Church did sing In the days of her youth , under the Old Testament , which is abundantly proved in the Scriptures . But now in this Text here is another time set for the Church to sing , and put after , and by way of distinction from the days of her youth , ( or being under the Old Testament ) which must mean the time of her full age under the New ; She shall sing there as in the days of her youth : And then leads us to a Particular Instance of her singing , and as in the day ( not days , as the other ) when she came up out of the Land of Egypt , an account of which we have in the 14 , & 15. Chapters of Exod . neither is this the only place where the Valley of Achor is put to signifie the Days of the Gospel , see Isa . 65. 1 , 10. and as it was the place or door where the People of Israel first entered Canaan , and so gave them hope of Rest in the good Land , so is it here called a Door of Hope to us under the New Testament , compare it with Acts 14. 27. and with 1 Cor . 16. 8 , 9. And she shall sing there as in the days of her youth , and as in the day when she came up out of the Land of Egypt : This one Scripture doth fully answer all the former Objections against singing of Psalms . 1st . They sung when they came up out of the Land of Egypt , Exod . 15. and they sung often under the Old Testament , the days of their youth , and this Text bids us sing as they did ; here is a Rule for singing . 2dly . We must go to the Old Testament for Worship ; for we are bid to sing as they did , therefore we must go thither to see how they sung . 3dly . This proves they sung in the New Testament , for here it is foretold they should sing as the Church did under the Old Testament , and the Scripture must be fulfilled : And as they sung when they came up out of Egypt , accordingly they are said to sing the Song of Moses , Rivel . 15. 3. 4ly . We are to sing with a form , and a Scripture one too , for we are to sing as they did , and they sung with the words of David , and of Asaph the Seer ; and the Song of Moses is sung , Revel . 15. 3. 5ly . We are to sing notwithstanding the presence of Unbelievers ; for they did so , ( as hath been proved ) and we are to sing as they did .

Objection . Under the Old Testament sometimes they made use of Instruments of Musick when they sung : And if we are to sing as they did , then we must have Musick too . Answer . Yes , so we must have our Harps , when we sing Psalms , Rev. 5. 8 , 9. & 14. 2 , 3. & 15. 2 , 3 , 4. that is , Melody in our Hearts , which their Musick did typifie , Eph. 5. 19. which place seems purposely intended to prevent , or to answer this Objection : For these Ephesians , ( and so others also ) might have said , you exhort us to sing Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , which are the Titles of the Scripture Psalms , but under the Old Testament some of these were sung with Musick , must not we sing them with Musick too ? Yes , says the Apostle , but let it be in your Heart , Singing and making melody in your Heart to the Lord : This place doth ( as we think ) repeal , and take away the use of all outward Musick , except that of the Voice ; the New Testament requires only fit Matter , the Heart and Voice in singing , and where these three are , the Exhortations to singing are answered and obeyed . But observe , that this Objection is not now made with design to bring Musick into the Church , but to cast singing out : They say , Musick was used when they sung , but Musick is at an end , and why not singing too ? If this be good arguing , go on ; Incense was used with Prayer , but if we must not offer Incense now , but that is at an end , then why not praying too , Luke 1. 9 , 10 , 11. according to this way of reasoning you may quickly have done with prayer as well as singing . Musick was but an outward Ceremony , or Type , of that Joy of Heart with which the same Psalms were to be sung under the New Testament , Eph. 5. 19. and was no essential part of this Ordinance of singing of Psalms ; and all the ends and uses of singing of Psalms are preserved and answered without it ; besides we find the Ordinance of singing often commanded and practised in the New Testament , but we never find there a Command to sing with Musick , nor one Example that it was practised . Nay , indeed we do not find that Instrumental Musick was ever practised under the Old Testament in their Synagogues ; to which , rather than to the Temple , our Meeting-houses answer ; and yet in their Synagogues they had all natural Worship , and some Learned Men do judge that their Musick was an Appendix to their Sacrifices . It is plain , that by the ordinary and standing Rule , all their Musick joined with Worship was fixed to the Taberna●le , and afterwards to the Temple , where all their sacri●ces were to be offered , and therefore it ceased with their ●easing under the New Testament : A thing so clear ●o our first Reformers , that they reflect by name ●pon the Piping , Singing , Chaunting and Playing upon the Organs used in Churches in times of Popery , as things for our Deliverance from which we ought greatly to rejoice , and give God thanks ; and things which were sorely displeasing to God , and filthily defiled his Holy House , and his Place of Prayer ; and things for which he hath justly destroyed many Nations : These are their very words in the 2d . part of the Sermon of the Place and Time of Prayer , in the Second Book of Homilies , Hom. 8. and the 39 Articles do say , the Homilies contain godly and wholsome Doctrine .

Sixthly , We may praise God in Prayer , therefore what need is there of a distinct Ordinance for it ?

Answer . Because the Wisdom of our Lord hath though meet so to appoint it , who commands us not only to praise , but also to sing his Praise ; and it is matter of shame to us not to have Respect to all his Commands , Psal . 119. 6. Luke 1. 6. John 14. 15. and 15. 14. Cannot you remember and think on the Death and Sufferings of our Lord Jesus when you pray , hear , or read ? and is it not one great end of the Ordinance of Preaching to shew forth these ? yet do you not also come to the Lords Table , as another distinct Ordinance , appointed especially for the remembrance of him , and to shew forth his Death ? 1 Cor . 11. 24 , 25 , 26. So likewise here we may , and we ought to praise God in Prayer , and also in all we do , but singing o● Psalms is an Ordinance appointed in an especial manner for the celebrating of his Praise by the Congregation , with one joint Consent of Heart and Voice .

God hath taken many ways for the manifesting of his great and everlasting Love , and of his rich , free and distinguishing Grace to his Children and People , and shall any of them be so disingenuous as to say , what need is there of a distinct Ordinance for to praise him , because they can do it in Prayer ? Do ye thus requite the Lord ? Deut . 32. 6.

When our Lord Jesus instituted the Supper , was not his praying and singing two distinct things , and at two times ? in Mat . 26. 27. it is said , he gave thanks , but in ver . 30. it is said they sung , they are also distinguished Acts 16. 25. 1 Cor . 14. 15. James 5. 13. Psal . 42. 8.

And there are other Uses and Ends of singing of Psalms than of Prayer , which proves they are two distinct Ordinances : When we pray we speak to God only , Luke 11. 2. but when we sing Psalms , we also speak to our selves in Psalms , Eph. 5. 19. and teach and admonish one another in Psalms , Col. 3. 16.

Besides all this , If your singing of Praise be included in Prayer , as ye did plead , then you must all pray together with the voice , for so we are to sing , Isa . 52. 8 , 9. With the voice to●ether shall they sing , and sing together , &c. see also Psal . 95. 1 , 2. and 100. 1 , 2. This 52d . of ●sa . is a Prophesie of New-Testament-times , as ●s clear by comparing the ● th . verse with Rom. 10. 15. and the 10 v. with Luk . 3. 6. and the 15 v. with Rom. 15. 21. and it is a Prophesie that speaks not only of the Apostles days , but also doth rea● unto our day , and as to Worship too ; f● this compare the 11th . verse with Rev. 18. and with 2 Cor . 6. 17.

It being clear by these Quotations in t● New Testament , that this 52d . of Isa . do● speak to us now under the New Testamen● the 8th . and 9th . verses do fully prove th● singing , and singing with the voice , and singi● with the voice together , is New Testament Wo●ship , and that it is our duty to be found ● the practice of it ; With the voice together sh● they sing , and sing together . Yea , it foretold ● us now in New-Testament-times , not only th● it should be our Duty thus to sing with the voi● together , but also that we should be in the pr●ctice of it ; With the voice together shall they s● It also shews that it is for want of Light in t● Antipaedobaptists that they do not sing with ● and also it contains in it a Promise that th● shall see into their Duty , and come and s● with us ; Together shall they sing , for they shall s● &c. This Promise is already in part fullfille● for several of their Congregations have of la● seen into , and publickly practised this Ord●nance of singing of Psalms : Thy watchmen sh● lift up the voice , with the voice together shall th● sing , for they shall see eye to eye . Some peradve●ture ( that are apt at Objections ) may here O●ject , that this is spoke of the Watch ▪ men , or O●ficers of the Church , and not of the whole Co●gregations seeing and singing together . Answe● ( 1. ) If the Officers of the Church do see and pr●ctice their Duty , we hope they will also be faithful to their Light , and instruct the People into theirs , and so it may quickly come to be practised by the Congregation . ( 2. ) Read the 2d . and 3d . Chapters of Revel . with Chapter ● . 11. and you will find that what was spoke to ●e Officers , or Angels of the seven Churches , ●as spoke also to the Churches themselves : So ●kewise here , and thus in the next verse , the ●eople signified by waste places , are command●d to sing : Break forth into joy , sing together ye ●aste places of Jerusalem , for the Lord hath com●ted his people , he hath redeemed Jerusalem , ver . ● . All the ends of the Earth shall see the salvation of ● God , ver . 15. So shall he sprinkle many Nations : ●hese are New-Testament-times be sure .

Now Bretheren pray consider seriously , whe●er you and your party ( for these many ●ars ) have not been striving against the Scrip●res , and also against all the other Churches ● Christ , in their concurrent Judgment and ●actice as to Singing of Psalms ? What , came ● Word of God out from you ? or came it unto you ●y ? 1 Cor . 14. 36 ▪

Thus Brethren we have ( as you desired ) ●t to the search of the Scriptures , and from ●● have Answer'd ( as we trust ) your Objecti● against singing of Psalms . But now to con● that sence of the words Psalms , Hymns , ● Spiritual Songs , in which we have took and ●e use of them , Eph. 5. 19. Colos . 3. 16. and ● to answer a further Objection , which tho' made by others , yet doth concern us , and hath a tendency to lead us back to Mens Inventions and Will-worship ; we shall therefore make use of the Testimonies of several , who as to their Abilities and also faithfulness have obtained a● good report in the Church of God . Only first Observe , That as there are scarce any amongst those who call themselves Protestants , that se● up any thing of Mens Inventions in the Worship of God , but presently they will plea● Scripture-rule for it , and rather than want ● Rule , their fruitful fancy will imagine one t● themselves ; so those who plead for , and practise their own invented Forms for publick singing in the Church , say , that we read of th● Psalms of David , and of the Songs of Mose● Deborah , Solomon , &c. but in Eph. 5. 19. an● Colos . 3. 16. we are exhorted to sing not onl● Psalms and Songs , but Hymns also , and th● plead that by Hymns is meant such Forms ● are invented and composed by the comm● Gifts of Men , which are now in the Churc● and accordingly to bring their own compos● Forms under a supposed Rule , they call the Hymns , not Psalms , nor Songs ; and when th● would sing one , they say , let us sing a Hym● which when some out of Conscience have ● fused , they have said , Why do you scruple sing Hymns ? we have a Command for it , ● quoting Eph. 5. 19. Colos . 3. 16. but can little or no command there for singing of Scr●ture Psalms and Songs , ( yet confess them to meant ) as appears by their practise , which to sing generally out of their Hymn-Books ( as they are called ) but very rarely out of the Psalm-Book .

We cannot believe that the Apostle in his Exhortations to sing Psalms , Hymns and Spiritual Songs , would have placed the Word Hymns betwixt the Words Psalms and Songs , if by Psalms and Songs he had meant Scripture ones , and by Hymns quite other things , and especially because he hath both in Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. kept the same order , putting the word Hymns in the middle , and that without the least note of distinction . If Paul by Psalms , Hymns and Songs , or any one of them , doth intend any thing more than James doth by Psalms , then he directs to sing other and different matter than James doth , which cannot be , because both were guided by the same Spirit .

Now to prove that by the word Hymns ( as well as by Psalms and Songs ) is meant Scripture Psalms , We shall ( as was said ) produce the Testimony of some both Learned and Faithful Witnesses .

Mr. Henry Ainsworth ( in his Preface before his Annotations on the Psalms ) saith , This Book of Psalms ( most whereof David made ) is a glorious Testimony , wherein by manifold Psalms , and Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , he set forth the Praises of God .

And he translates the Title of the 145th . Psalm . An Hymn of David , and in his Notes on the first verse of this 145th . Psalm , saith , the whole Book in Hebrew is called The Book of Hymns .

And he translates the Title of the whole Book thus , The Book of Psalms , or Hymns ; see also his Notes on the Title of the Psalms .

Mr. John Cotton of New-England saith , Hymns is the general Title of the Book of Psalms , for though it be translated the Book of Psalms , yet every one that knoweth that Language , knoweth the word is , The Book of Hymns ; Cotton of singing of Psalms , pag . 25. Printed London , 1647.

And upon those two Texts , Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. saith he , In both which places as the Apostle exhorteth us to sing , so he instructeth us what the matter of our Song should be , to wit , Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs . Now those three be the very Titles of the Songs of David , as they are delivered to us by the Holy Ghost himself , some of them are called Psalms , some Hymns , some Songs , now what reason can be given , why the Apostles should direct us in our singing to the very Titles of David's Psalms , if it were not his meaning that we should sing them ? Cotton of singing , pag . 16.

Again , he saith , The Apostle expresly nameth Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , and they three are the very express Titles of the Psalms in the Psalm-Book , now why he should direct them to the very Titles of David's Psalms , and yet not mean the Psalms that bear those Titles , can a good Conscience give a good reason for it ? Cotton of singing , pag . 17.

Those New-England Ministers who translated the Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs ( for so they call them in the Title Page ) of the Old and New Testament into English Meeter , in their Preface say , The whole Church is commanded to teach one another in all the several sorts of David's Psalms , some being called by himself Psalms , some Hymns , some Spiritual Songs , — and if we are expresly commanded to sing Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , then either we must sing David's Psalms , or else may affirm they are not Spiritual Songs ; which being penned by an extraordinary Gift of the Spirit , for the sake especially of God's Spiritual Israel , are not to be read and preached only ( as other parts of Holy Writ ) but to be sung also , they are therefore most spiritual , and still to be sung of all the Israel of God ; and verily as their sin is exceeding great , who will allow David's Psalms ( as the other Scriptures ) to be read in Churches , ( which is one end ) but not to be preached also ( which is another end ) so their si● is crying before God who will allow them to be read and preached , but see● to deprive the Lord of the Glory of th● third end of them , which is to sing them in Christian Churches . — Must the ordinary Gists of a private Man quenc● the Spirit , still speaking to us by the extraordinary Gifts of his Servant David There is not the least foot-step of Example , or Precept , or Colour of Reason for such a bold practice . — Speakin● of Man's bringing into the Church se● forms of Psalms of his own Inventio● for which ( say they ) we find no Wa●rant or President in any ordinary Off●cers of the Church throughout the Scriptures , — The Book of Psalms is so compleat a System of Psalms , which the Holy Ghost himself in infinite Wisdom hat● made to suit all the Conditions , Necess●ties , Temptations , Affections , &c. of Me● in all ages ( as most of all our Interpreters on the Psalms have fully and particularly cleared ) therefore by this the Lor● seemeth to stop all Mens Mouths an● Minds , ordinarily to compile or sing an● other Psalms ( under colour that the o●casions and conditions of the Church a● new , &c. ) for the publick use of the Church , seeing let our condition be what it will , the Lord himself hath supplied us with far better .

The next Testimony is , the Judgment of a Cloud of Witnesses , in their Epistle before the Scotch Translation of the Psalms , where Dr. Owen , Dr. Manton , Dr. Langley , Mr. Poole , with many more , ( in all twenty six Ministers ) give their Judgment in these words : To use David's Psalms seem plainly intended by those Terms of Psalms , and Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , which the Apostle useth Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16.

In Augustine's time they thus understood the word Hymn , and sung their Hymns out of the Book of Psalms , as appeareth by his own words , cited by Calvin : One Hillarie ( saith he ) did in every place wheresoever he could , with malicious blaming rail at the manner , — that the Hymns should be pronounced out of the Book of Psalms , him ( saith Augustin ) I answered , Calvins Instit . Book 3. Chap. 20. Sect . 32.

Mr. Cuthbert Sidenham , in his excellent Discourse of singing of Psalms , doth say : He finds the three Hebrew Words that answer to Psalms , Hymns , and Songs , used in general as the Titles of David '● Psalms , and that sometimes two of them and sometimes all three of them are put as the Title of one and the same Psalm , which he proves at large : An● also , that the New Testament speaks o● no other Psalms , Hymns , or Spiritual Songs but those of David , Asaph , and other such like inspired Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritua● Songs , which are writ in the Scriptures and that it is Will-worship , and Antichristian to introduce an Ordinance to be practised among the Churches , which hath not been commanded by Christ and his Apostles , which he proves those do who cast off Scripture Psalms , Hymns , and Spiritual Songs , and instead thereof do bring into the Congregation their own invented forms , to be sung in the publick Worship of God : These things being too large to transcribe , see his own proofs , in his own Words , in his Discourse of singing of Psalms , bound up with , and belonging to his Book of Infant-Baptism .

Now to him that Inhabiteth the Praises o● Israel , be Glory in the Church by Chris● Jesus , throughout all Ages , World without end , Amen . Psal . 22. 3. Eph. 3. 21. The END