A SHORT ESSAY TOWARD THE IMPROVEME tT OF PSALMODY: OR, do Enquiry how the Psalms of David ought to be Translated into Christian Songs, and how lawful and necessazy it is to compose other Hymns according to the clearer Revelations of the Gospel, for the Use of the Christian Church. TO speak the glories of God in a religious song, or to breathe out the joys of our own spirits to God with the melody of our voice, is an exalted part of divine worship. But so many are the imperfections in the practice of this duty, that the greatest part of Christians find but little edification or comfort in it. There are some churches that utterly disallow singing ; and I am persuaded that the poor performance of it in the best socie- ties, with the mistaken rules to which it is confined, is one great reason of their entire neglect ; for we are left at a loss, say they, what is the matter and manner of this duty ; and therefore they utterly refuse : Whereas if this glorious piece of worship were but seen in its original beauty, and one that believes not this ordinance, or is unlearned in this part of christianity should come into such an assembly, " He would be convinced of all, he would be judged of all, he would fall down on his face, and report that God was in the midst of it of a truth ;" i Cor. xiv. 24, 25. In order to trace out the matter or subject of religious sing- ing, let us collect into one view the chief texts of the New Tes- tament where this worship is mentioned, and afterwards see what arguments may be deduced from thence, to prove, that it is proper to use spiritual songs of human composure, as well as the psalms of David, or the words of other songs recorded in scripture. The most considerable texts are these ; Matt. xxvi. 30. and Mark xiv. 26. relate, That our blessed Lord and his disciples sung an hymn. Acts xvi. 25. " Paul and Silas prayed and sung praises unto God." 1 Cor. xiv. 15. "I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." rer. 26. " Every one of you bath a psalm." Eph. v. 19, 20. " Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, and spi- A 2
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