A34693:13
Singing of Psalms a Gospel-ordinance, or, A TreatiseSinging of Psalmes a Gospel-ordinance, or, A Treatise
Singing of Psalms a Gospel-ordinance, or, A Treatise wherein are handled these particulars 1. Touching the duty itself, 2. Touching the matter to be sung, 3. Touching the singers, 4. Touching the manner of singing / by John Cotton ...Singing of Psalmes a Gospel-ordinance, or, A Treatise wherein are handled these particulars 1. Touching the duty itselfe, 2. Touching the matter to be sung, 3. Touching the singers, 4. Touching the manner of singing / by John Cotton ...
London: printed for J.R., 1650
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. Touching the manner of singing; Whether the Psalm may be sung, either 1. In Meter Devised? 2. In Tunes Invented? 3. In Order, after the Reading of it?
4. Touching the manner of singing; Whether the Psalme may be sung, either 1. In Meeter Devised? 2. In Tunes Invented? 3. In Order, after the Reading of it?
For the first Question, we lay down this Conclusion for a Doctrine of Truth; That singing of Psalms with a lively voice, is an holy Duty of Gods Worship now in the days of the New Testament. When we say, singing with lively voice, we suppose none will so far misconstrue us, as to think we exclude singing with the heart; For God is a Spirit: and to worship him with the voice without the Spirit, were but lip-labour▪ which (being rested in) is but lost labour (Isa. 29.13.) or at most, profiteth but little, 1 Tim. 4.8. But this we say, As we are to make melody in our hearts, so with our voices also. In opposition to this, there be some Anti-psalmists, who do not acknowledge any singing at all with the voice in the New Testament, but only spiritual songs of joy and comfort of the heart in the word of Christ.
For the first Question, wee lay downe this Conclusion for a Doctrine of Truth; That singing of Psalmes with a lively voyce, is an holy Duty of Gods Worship now in the dayes of the New Testament. When we say, singing with lively voyce, we suppose none will so farre misconstrue us, as to thinke wee exclude singing with the heart; For God is a Spirit: and to worship him with the voyce without the Spirit, were but lip-labour▪ which (being rested in) is but lost labour (Isa. 29.13.) or at most, profiteth but little,