§. 22. 10. To be much employed in the Praises of God, will acquaint the world with the nature of true Religion, and remove their prejudice, and confute their dishonourable thoughts and accusations of it, and recover the honour of Christ, and his holy ways, and servants. Many are averse to a holy life, because they think that it consisteth but of melancholy fears or scrupulosity: But who dare open his mouth against the joyful praises of his Maker? I have heard and read of several enemies and murderers, that have broke in upon Christians with an intent to kill them, or carry them away, that finding them on their knees in prayer, and reverencing the work so much as to stay and hear them till they had done, have reverenced the persons also, and departed, and durst not touch the heavenly worshippers of God. This life of praise is a continual pleasure to the soul; clean contrary to a Melancholy life: It is recreating to the Spirits, and healthful to the body, which is consumed by cares, and fears, and sorrows. It is the way that yieldeth that mirth which doth good like a medicine, and is a continual feast, Prov. 17. 22. & 15. 15. Therefore saith the Apostle, James 5. 13. Is any merry? Let him sing Psalms. He cannot better exercise mirth, than in singing praises to his God. This keeps the soul continually on the wing, desiring still to be nearer God, that it may have more of these delights: And so it overcomes the sense of persecutions and afflictions, and the fears of death; and is a most excellent cordial and companion in the greatest sufferings. Was it not an excellent hearing, to have been a witness of the joy of Paul and Silas, when in the Prison and Stocks, with their backs sore with scourges, they sang at midnight the praises of the Lord? Acts 16. 25. so that all the doors were opened, and all the prisoners bonds were loosed, that had been their auditors; so great was Gods acceptance of their work. O that we would do that honour and right to true Religion, as to show the world the nature and use of it, by living in the cheerful Praises of our God, and did not •each them to blaspheme it by our mis-doings!
§. 22. 10. To be much employed in the Praises of God, will acquaint the world with the nature of true Religion, and remove their prejudice, and confute their dishonourable thoughts and accusations of it, and recover the honour of Christ, and his holy wayes, and servants. Many are averse to a holy life, because they think that it consisteth but of melancholly fears or scrupulosity: But who dare open his mouth against the joyful praises of his Maker? I have heard and read of several enemies and murderers, that have broke in upon Christians with an intent to kill them, or carry them away, that finding them on their knees in prayer, and reverencing the work so much as to stay and hear them till they had done, have reverenced the persons also, and departed, and durst not touch the heavenly worshippers of God. This life of praise is a continual pleasure to the soul; clean contrary to a Melancholly life: It is recreating to the Spirits, and healthful to the body, which is consumed by cares, and fears, and sorrows. It is the way that yieldeth that mirth which doth good like a medicine, and is a continual feast, Prov. 17. 22. & 15. 15. Therefore saith the Apostle, Iames 5. 13. Is any merry? Let him sing Psalms. He cannot better exercise mirth, than in singing praises to his God. This keeps the soul continually on the wing, desiring still to be nearer God, that it may have more of these delights: And so it overcomes the sense of persecutions and afflictions, and the fears of death; and is a most excellent cordial and companion in the greatest sufferings. Was it not an excellent hearing, to have been a witness of the joy of Paul and Silas, when in the Prison and Stocks, with their backs sore with scourges, they sang at midnight the praises of the Lord? Acts 16. 25. so that all the doors were opened, and all the prisoners bonds were loosed, that had been their auditors; so great was Gods acceptance of their work. O that we would do that honour and right to true Religion, as to shew the world the nature and use of it, by living in the cheerful Praises of our God, and did not •each them to blaspheme it by our mis-doings!
