Singing of Psalms a Gospel-ordinance, or, A TreatiseSinging of Psalmes a Gospel-ordinance, or, A Treatise

Answ. 1. Though no example could be given, yet it is a sufficient warrant for the Duty, if any Precept have been given of it in Scripture, and the Precept is plain in Colos. 3.16. where the whole Church of Coloss is exhorted to have the word of Christ dwell richly in them, not only to Teach and Admonish one another, (as well in the Psalms, as other Scriptures) but also to sing the Psalms with holy melody to the Lord. If God had reserved this Duty to some select Choristers, he would have given some direction in the New Testament for their Qualification and Election: But since he speaketh nothing of any such select Musicians, he commendeth this Duty to the whole Church.

Answ. 1. Though no example could be given, yet it is a sufficient warrant for the Duty, if any Precept have been given of it in Scripture, and the Precept is plaine in Colos. 3.16. where the whole Church of Colosse is exhorted to have the word of Christ dwell richly in them, not onely to Teach and Admonish one another, (as well in the Psalmes, as other Scriptures) but also to sing the Psalmes with holy melody to the Lord. If God had reserved this Dutie to some select Choristers, he would have given some direction in the New Testament for their Qualification and Election: But since he speaketh nothing of any such select Musitians, he commendeth this Dutie to the whole Church.

Answ. 2. It is not safely said, that scarce any example in Scripture can be given of any entire Congregation that sang together.

For 1. In Exod. 15.1. Moses and the children of Israel are said to sing a Song of Thanksgiving to the Lord. And the same, they, that sang this Song, the same are said soon to forget Gods works, and not to wait for his Counsel, but to fall a lusting,