into Christian Songs,
and how lawful and necessary 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 breath 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'm perswaded, that the poor Performance
of it in the best Societies, {234} with the mistaken Rules to which it
is confined is one great Reason of their intire 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_; 1 Cor. 14. 24, 25.

In order to trace out the Matter or Subject of religious Singing, let
us collect into one View the chief Texts of the New Testament where
this Worship is mention'd, and afterwards see what Arguments may be
deduced from thence, to prove, that 'tis proper to use Spiritual Songs
of humane Composure, as well as the Psalms of _David_ or the Words of
other Songs recorded in Scripture.

The most considerable Texts are these; _Mat._ 26. 30. & _Mark_ 14. 26.
relate, that our blessed Lord and his Disciples _sung an Hymn_. Acts
16. 25. _Paul and Silas prayed and sung Praises unto God._ 1 Cor. 14.
15. _I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the
Understanding also._ Ver. 26. _Every one of you hath a Psalm._ Eph._ 5.
19, 20. _Speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual
Songs; singing and making Melody in your Hearts to the Lord, giving
Thanks always for all things to God and the Father, in the Name of
{235} our Lord Jesus Christ_. Col 3. 16, 17. _Let the Word of Christ
dwell in you richly, in all Wisdom teaching and admonishing one another
in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs; singing with Grace in your
Hearts to the Lord: And whatsoever ye do in Word or in Deed, do all in
the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving Thanks to G