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

Answ. It hath been showed above, that Prophecy is taken two ways in Scripture. 1. More properly for preaching the Word, that is expounding and applying Scripture to edification. 2. More generally for speaking or publishing the holy things of God, to the glory of God. In the former of these ways, it is not for Pagans, or profane persons, ordinarily and allowably to Prophecy in Christs spiritual Temple, which is his Church. But in the latter way, it is not unlawful as to say Amen, to the public prayers of the Church, and thereby to express their joining in prayer, (which is one act of Prophecy;) so to join with them in singing Psalms; which it hath been showed above, is a duty common to them with the Church, as well to join with them in hearing the Word. Wherein whether they edify the Church or no▪ certain it is, it tendeth to the glory of God, that Gods praises should be set forth by all the sons of men. And it is a further glory to God, that such Pagans and profane persons should sing the word of God to their own conviction and confusion of face: And from both, some edification and comfort redoundeth to the Church, to see the wicked convinced, and Gods Name to be glorified. For it is an honour to God, and a comfort to his Church, that our God is not as their God, our enemies being judges and witnesses.

Answ. It hath been shewed above, that Prophecy is taken two wayes in Scripture. 1. More properly for preaching the Word, that is expounding and applying Scripture to edification. 2. More generally for speaking or publishing the holy things of God, to the glory of God. In the former of these wayes, it is not for Pagans, or prophane persons, ordinarily and allowably to Prophecy in Christs spirituall Temple, which is his Church. But in the latter way, it is not unlawfull as to say Amen, to the publique prayers of the Church, and thereby to expresse their joyning in prayer, (which is one act of Prophecy;) so to joyne with them in singing Psalmes; which it hath been shewed above, is a dutie common to them with the Church, as well to joyne with them in hearing the Word. Wherein whether they edifie the Church or no▪ certain it is, it tendeth to the glory of God, that Gods praises should be set forth by all the sonnes of men. And it is a further glory to God, that such Pagans and prophane persons should sing the word of God to their own conviction and confusion of face: And from both, some edification and comfort redoundeth to the Church, to see the wicked convinced, and Gods Name to be glorified. For it is an honour to God, and a comfort to his Church, that our God is not as their God, our enemies being judges and witnesses.