A34693:31
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.
Answ. 2. Suppose it were true, that these effects of singing Psalms did plead as much for singing and playing with Instruments, as singing with voices; yet evident it is, that singing with voices had the preeminence▪ as that which uttering the word of God, did chiefly utter the Spirit of God breathing in it. And withal evident likewise it is, that it is no impeachment to an Ordinance, that the outward dispensing of it may be performed by nature and art: but notwithstanding that, it may be accompanied of God with a spiritual blessing.
Answ. 2. Suppose it were true, that these effects of singing Psalmes did plead as much for singing and playing with Instruments, as singing with voyces; yet evident it is, that singing with voyces had the preheminence▪ as that which uttering the word of God, did chiefly utter the Spirit of God breathing in it. And withall evident likewise it is, that it is no impeachment to an Ordinance, that the outward dispensing of it may be performed by nature and art: but notwithstanding that, it may be accompanied of God with a spirituall blessing.
Answ. 3. Singing with Instruments was typical, and so a ceremonial worship, and therefore is ceased. But singing with heart ⟨p. 6⟩and voice is a moral worship, such as is written in the hearts of all men by nature: As to pray in distress, so when we are mercy, and have cause of solemn thanksgiving unto God, then to sing Psalms, which the Holy Ghost by the Apostle James approveth and sanctifieth, Jam. 5.13. Or suppose singing with Instruments were not typical, but only an external solemnity of worship, fitted to the solace of the outward senses of children under age, (such as the Israelites were under the Old Testament, Gal. 4.1, 2, •.) yet now in the grown age of the heirs of the New Testament, such external pompous solemnities are ceased, and no external worship reserved, but such as holdeth forth simplicity, and gravity; nor is any voice now to be heard in the Church of Christ, but such as is significant and edifying by signification, (