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

Object. 3. Against the proof from Acts 16.25. It is not said (say some) that Paul and Silas sung the Psalms of David or Asaph, much less with Meter and Tunes devised by men. Had they so done, the Prisoners that heard them might have sung for the outward dispensation such a song of praise to God, as well as they.

Object. 3. Against the proofe from Acts 16.25. It is not said (say some) that Paul and Silas sung the Psalmes of David or Asaph, much lesse with Meeter and Tunes devised by men. Had they so done, the Prisoners that heard them might have sung for the outward dispensation such a song of praise to God, as well as they.

Answ. We do not allege this Example of theirs (as hath been often said in like case before) to prove they sang any Psalm of David, though it stand with good reason, that they joining together in singing, did rather sing a Psalm (or Hymn) known to them both, then any new Song devised by either of them; But what Psalms are to be sung is another Question, which (by the help of Christ) we shall speak to in the sequel. Neither do we allege their Example to prove, they sang in a devised Meter or Tune. For themselves being Hebrews, it is likely they sang the Hebrew Songs in the tunes of the Sanctuary, but that also is another Question, of which we are to speak in his place, when we come to it. All that we gather from this place now, is, no more then the words do plainly hold forth, that they sung an Hymn to God, not only with inward melody of grace in their hearts, but also with outward melody of the voice; for else the Prisoners could not have heard them.

Answ. Wee doe not alledge this Example of theirs (as hath been often said in like case before) to prove they sang any Psalme of David, though it stand with good reason, that they joyning together in singing, did rather sing a Psalme (or Hymne) knowne to them both, then any new Song devised by either of them; But what Psalmes are to be sung is another Question, which (by the helpe of Christ) wee shall speake to in the sequell. Neither doe we alledge their Example to prove, they sang in a devised Meeter or Tune. For themselves being Hebrewes, it is likely they sang the Hebrew Songs in the tunes of the Sanctuary, but that also is another Question, of which we are to speake in his place, when wee come to it. All that we gather from this place now, is, no more then the words doe plainly hold forth, that they sung an Hymne to God, not onely with inward melody of grace in their hearts, but also with outward melody of the voyce; for else the Prisoners could not have heard them.