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

3. Though they had made use of their personal gifts, more then they did in the times of the Primitive Persecutions, during the first three hundred years, yet that would not argue they neglected the use of Davids Psalms; much less would it encourage us ⟨p. 66⟩to neglect the use of Davids Psalms now. During the times o• those bloody Persecutions, as the sufferings of the Saints abounded, so did their Consolations (through Christ) abound also. As God honoured sundry of them with miraculous gifts, so especially with a large measure of spiritual joy in the Lord, which might furnish them with more enlargement of heart, to compile Psalms to set forth his Praise, then God is wont to bestow in more peaceable times.

3. Though they had made use of their personall gifts, more then they did in the times of the Primitive Persecutions, during the first three hundred yeares, yet that would not argue they neglected the use of Davids Psalmes; much lesse would it incourage us ⟨p. 66⟩to neglect the use of Davids Psalmes now. During the times o• those bloudy Persecutions, as the sufferings of the Saints abounded, so did their Consolations (through Christ) abound also. As God honoured sundry of them with miraculous gifts, so especially with a large measure of spirituall joy in the Lord, which might furnish them with more enlargement of heart, to compile Psalmes to set forth his Praise, then God is wont to bestow in more peaceable times.

4. Though sometimes they sang Scripture-Psalms, and sometimes spiritual Songs by personal Gifts: yet both sorts evidence the judgement and practise of those times, touching vocal Singing. They did not only make melody to the Lord with Grace in their hearts, but with Songs also in their mouths. Yea Justin Martyr, (who flourished within fifty years after the Apostles time) or whosoever was the Author of those Questions and Answers ad Orthodoxes amongst his works, though he speak of Musical Instruments, as utterly unfit for Church Assemblies, yet simple singing with the voice he much magnifieth; as that which stirreth up the heart to spiritual joy, and holy desires; as that which subdueth the passions and concupiscences of the flesh; as that which scattereth the evil suggestions of spiritual enemies; as that which watereth, and refresheth the soul to fruitfulness in good Duties; as that which stirreth up courage and constancy in wrestlings for the Truth; and as that which giveth some medicine to all the griefs, which befall a man through sad and sorrowful Accidents in this life, Justin in Answ. to Q. 107.