A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

5. Singing of Psalms, that is one of the Exercises of Godliness, and is of great Use in the spiritual Life, though usually it be performed perfunctorily and customarily. It is chiefly required as a solemn Profession of Worship. As far as the Voice will extend, we proclaim it to all the World that we are not ashamed of God's Worship. David calls upon the Nations to make a joyful Noise to God; Psal. 66.1, 2. Make a joyful Noise unto God, all ye Lands; sing forth the Honour of his Name, make his Praise glorious. As it is the Custom of Nations to proclaim what they would have noted and observed, by Sound of Drum and Trumpet: so by Singing we manifestly own God's Worship and Service. But this is not all, it is an excellent way of Instruction; Col. 3.16. Teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual Songs; singing with Grace in your Hearts unto the Lord. It was one means of Austin's Conversion; Quantum fluminis in hymnis & canticis suavi sonantis Ecclesiae? How did he weep and mourn when he heard the Psalms sung by the Church? to think of the Mercies and Dispensations of God to the Church. And it is a Fruit and Effect of spiritual Delight, the Vent we give to it. Look as Drunkards when filled with carnal Mirth, they howl out their wanton Songs: So when the Soul is filled with spiritual Consolation, it breaks out into Singing. The Apostle alludes to it, Ephes. 5.18, 19. Be not drunk with Wine, wherein is Excess, but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to one another in Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual ⟨p. 93⟩Songs; singing and making Melody in your Heart to the Lord. It gives vent to strong spiritual Affections, when the Heart is ravished and overcome with the Love of God. It is a more distinct and fixed Reading, a Reading with Meditation. Singing and Meditation are put for the same thing, Psal. 104.33, 34. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing Praises to my God while I have my Being: my Meditation of him shall be sweet. Singing is but a more distinct Pronunciation, that we may have more liberty for Thought and Meditation, as we go over those Portions of Scripture that are sung in the Church.