Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon

A third end we are to aim at in singing, is our own cheering and refreshing, making melody in our hearts to the Lord, Eph. 5. 19. Which ariseth not always from the matter simply considered, as it holds true in our own experience: But, 1. from our conscientious going about it, as a piece of worship to God, and so doing, we are accepted in that. 2. From the heartsomenesse of that soul-refreshing exercise of praise; and so that Scripture which might be more saddening in meditation to us, yet should be cheering in praise, because it's then used in that Ordinance. 3. From the possibility that is herein discovered, of attaining such a blessing, frame, or experience, because once a Saint did attain it: and since they were men of the like passions, and infirmities with us, why may not we aim at, and hope to be made Saints of the like graces with them, since they were, what they were, by the grace of God? 4. From this, that it was once made good in another, which mercy should be a ground to us, to mention ⟨p. 52⟩it to the Lords praise. 5. From it's being a part of Scripture, appointed for his praise, whither it agree with our case or not: That being the end wherefore it was designed to be sung, is a sufficient warrant, for our joining in the singing thereof.

A third end we are to aim at in singing, is our own chearing and refreshing, making melody in our hearts to the Lord, Eph. 5. 19. Which ariseth not alwayes from the matter simply considered, as it holds true in our own experience: But, 1. from our consciencious going about it, as a piece of worship to God, and so doing, we are accepted in that. 2. From the heartsomenesse of that soul-refreshing exercise of praise; and so that Scripture which might be more sadening in meditation to us, yet should be chearing in praise, because it's then used in that Ordinance. 3. From the possibility that is herein discovered, of attaining such a blessing, frame, or experience, because once a Saint did attain it: and since they were men of the like passions, and infirmities with us, why may not we aim at, and hope to be made Saints of the like graces with them, since they were, what they were, by the grace of God? 4. From this, that it was once made good in another, which mercy should be a ground to us, to mention ⟨p. 52⟩