A34693:58
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.
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, Isai. 55.12. when the Mountains and hills are said to break forth before the Saints into singing, if there be not a Metaphor in singing then Mountains and hills are put (by a Metaphor) for Princes and men of high degree, (as Psal. 72.3.) which shall give example to others in holy rejoicing, and particularly in singing praises to the Lord. So that these Texts in Isaiah, which you thought might excuse you from singing with the voice, (which David exhorted to be done with a loud voice) they will not exempt you at all from this duty, but rather bind you the stronger to it. And therefore ⟨p. 14⟩look as when David saith; I cried to the Lord with my voice, (Psal. 3, 4