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

Secondly, We would consider the command we have, not only to praise, but to praise in these words of David, and other Penmen of holy Psalms; for which cause, God hath furnished his Church with Songs (but not so with Forms of Prayers, to which he would have us astricted) and that for preventing doubts concerning the matter: For, 1. If God did propone these songs to be sung, then they are fit to praise him. 2. If he did allow none to sing them, but such as had no hesitation or scruple to assert them, with application to themselves; then, either never should they be sung, or never in public: But, 3. Did he not appoint them to be used in David's time? And joiners then were not all of one size; Sure, they had never been committed to public use, if none might have joined in singing them, but these who could sing them from their own experience: Or, will a Believer be challenged for praising God, in the rule and words laid down by him? Certainly not: However he may be challenged, if he be not suitably affected in the singing of them.

Secondly, We would consider the command we have, not only to praise, but to praise in these words of David, and other Penmen of holy Psalms; for which cause, God hath furnished his Church with Songs (but not so with Forms of Prayers, to which he would have us astricted) and that for preventing doubts concerning the matter: For, 1. If God did propone these songs to be sung, then they are fit to praise him. 2. If he did allow none to sing them, but such as had no hesitation or scruple to assert them, with application to themselves; then, either never should they be sung, or never in publick: But, 3. Did he not appoint them to be used in David's time? And joyners then were not all of one size; Sure, they had never been committed to publick use, if none might have joyned in singing them, but these who could sing them from their own experience: Or, will a Believer be challenged for praising God, in the rule and words laid down by him? Certainly not: However he may be challenged, if he be not sutably affected in the singing of them.

Thirdly, We would consider the notion, or capacity under which Believers join in this duty; for they join either as parts of the whole Church, and so they go about their part of the duty of praise (as the matter holdeth true in any member indefinitely, even as they join in prayers) so being that which is sung, be allowed matter for that end: Or, they join as true Believers, and then what points out infirmity, they look on it as agreeing to their flesh; what points out sincerity, they as spiritual, though not perfect, join on that account in the thankful acknowledging of it; what confesseth a sin, if guilty, they acknowledge it, if not, they bless God they are preserved by grace, yet they are made to see their corruption, which hath the seed of that sin in it, and take warning; as in singing the 51 Psalm is requisite, when all are not under that guilt, which David there confesseth.