A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

4. In all Conditions. 1. In a time of cheerfulness and inward joy. The Apostle James commands us then to take the advantage of singing Psalms, Jam. 5.13. Holy Singing is the best Exertion of inward rejoicing; Joy may excite, must not stifle this Duty. A dilated heart is fittest for a raised voice. 2. In a time of affliction. Paul and Silas sang in Prison, a place of sorrow and confinement, Acts 16.25. A chain might bind their feet, but not their tongue; while others sleep, they sing, and turn their Dungeon into a Chapel. Holy singing can nobilitate every Duty, and raise it to a better Notion. 3. In a time of Fear. When some would press Luther with the dangers the Church was in, and what a black Cloud hung over Zion, he would presently call for the 46th Psalm to be sung, and he thought that Psalm was a charm against all fears whatsoever. And since,¹ this Psalm is called Luther's Psalm, his sacred spell against invading Fears.

4. In all Conditions. 1. In a time of chearfulness and inward joy. The Apostle James commands us then to take the advantage of singing Psalms, Jam. 5.13. Holy Singing is the best Exertion of inward rejoycing; Joy may excite, must not stifle this Duty. A dilated heart is fittest for a raised voice. 2. In a time of affliction. Paul and Silas sang in Prison, a place of sorrow and confinement, Acts 16.25. A chain might bind their feet, but not their tongue; while others sleep, they sing, and turn their Dungeon into a Chappel. Holy singing can nobilitate every Duty, and raise it to a better Notion. 3. In a time of Fear. When some would press Luther with the dangers the Church was in, and what a black Cloud hung over Zion, he would presently call for the 46th Psalm to be sung, and he thought that Psalm was a charm against all fears whatsoever. And since,¹ this Psalm is called Luther's Psalm, his sacred spell against invading Fears.