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

We are no more bound to make a loud noise with our voices, then the trees are to clap their hands, (as Isaiah prophecieth) or then the new Converts were to come with external singing of Psalms Isai. 51.11.

We are no more bound to make a loud noyse with our voyces, then the trees are to clap their hands, (as Isaiah prophecieth) or then the new Converts were to come with externall singing of Psalmes Isai. 51.11.

For in so saying, you will not avoid the authority of the Commandment, nor the necessity of that duty of singing. For when God redeemed his people out of the Captivity of Babel, not only their hearts (the hearts of them who were returning to Zion) were filled with rejoicing, but even their tongues also with singing, Psal. 126.1, 2. And though the Trees cannot be said in proper speech to clap their hands, (for they have no hands to clap) yet common sense will easily tell you, that there is a Metaphor either in clapping of hands, or in the trees. If trees be taken properly, then clapping of hands is put (by a Metaphor) for the flourishing fruitfulness of the trees of the field, which (by the blessing of God) is wont to follow the prosperity of the Church, in such abundance, that their boughs and branches shall clap and dash themselves and their fruit one upon another, whereby (as by hands) they reach forth refreshing and food to the children of the Church. But if Trees be put by a Metaphor for trees of righteousness, (as the Saints are so called, Isa. 61, 3.) then they shall clap their hands, and shout for joy▪ and sing aloud, (expressing external signs of comfort) to behold and consider the wonderful goodness of the Lord, to themselves and their brethren. And so in the same verse,