A34693:85
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
OF THE SINGING OF PSALMS. › Chapter 5OF THE SINGING OF PSALMES. › Chapter 5
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.
Object. 3. But if the Apostle had intended to commend to the Churches the singing of the Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Songs of David and Asaph, what need was there for him to exhort either the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit, or the Colossians, to have the word of Christ dwell richly in them, for such a service? For any small measure of the Spirit, and of the Word, will suffice to sing the Psalms of David and Asaph, in their words, and in the meter and tunes accustomed. But to invent new spiritual Songs, fit to teach and admonish the Church, would require a full measure of the Spirit, and a rich treasure of the word to dwell in us. And therefore Paul biddeth the Ephesians, to be filled with the Spirit, in singing the spiritual songs of the New Testament, as drunkards are filled with wine, and in the strength and spirits of their wine, invent and sing their wanton Sonnets.
Object. 3. But if the Apostle had intended to commend to the Churches the singing of the Psalmes and Hymnes and spirituall Songs of David and Asaph, what need was there for him to exhort either the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit, or the Colossians, to have the word of Christ dwell richly in them, for such a service? For any small measure of the Spirit, and of the Word, will suffice to sing the Psalmes of David and Asaph, in their words, and in the meeter and tunes accustomed. But to invent new spirituall Songs, fit to teach and admonish the Church, would require a full measure of the Spirit, and a rich treasure of the word to dwell in us. And therefore Paul biddeth the Ephesians, to be filled with the Spirit, in singing the spirituall songs of the New Testament, as drunkards are filled with wine, and in the strength and spirits of their wine, invent and sing their wanton Sonnets.
Answ. 1. Paul did exhort them to be filled with the Spirit, as drunkards be with wine, not that they might invent, and sing spiritual Songs, as drunkards do wanton Sonnets; for neither do drunkards filled with wine, usually invent Sonnets, but sing such as they learned before, when they were sober; nor doth the Apostle speak of inventing Songs at all, either wanton Songs by drunkards, or spiritual Songs by the faithful; but only to be filled with the Spirit, as drunkards be with wine, that so they might avoid