ue the Words of the Gospels and Epistles. The most part of the New
Testament as it stands in our Bible was never given us for Psalms,
Hymns and spiritual Songs; but for divine Instruction and Materials for
this and other Duties, that so we might borrow the Doctrines and {273}
Discoveries of the New Testament, and compose Sermons and Songs out of
them: But if we take Chapters and Verses promiscuously out of the New
Testament, and make them jingle and rhime, and so sing them, we are
guilty of singing what God never commanded to be sung, as much as if we
compos'd spiritual Songs by humane Art agreeable to the Sense of
Scripture and the Christian Faith.

If the Addition of humane Testimony concerning the Practice of Churches
in former or later Ages might have any influence to establish the
Consciences of those who are doubtful in this Matter, I might acquaint
them that the Churches of _Germany_ and the _Eastland_ Churches, use
many Divine Hymns which are compos'd on several Subjects of the
Christian Religion, without any Pretence to extraordinary Gifts. The
Church of _England_ approves this Practice, as appears in those
Spiritual Songs at the End of the old Translation of the Psalm-Book,
and some Churches among the Dissenters. The _Christians of the first
Ages were wont to meet together on a Day appointed before it was Light,
and to speak a Song to Christ as to God_. Thus _Pliny_ the _Roman_
testifies in a Letter to _Trajan_ the Emperour in the Beginning of the
second Century. _Tertullian_, who flourish'd about the Beginning of the
Third Century, relating the Manner of Administration of the Lord's
Supper, asserts _That after they had eat and drank what was sufficient
for those that must worship God by Night, &c. Every one was urged to
sing unto God publickly either out of the holy Scriptures, or according
to their own Genius and Ability_, Apol. C. 39. _Origen_, who flourish'd
in the Middle of the Third Century, speaks of _singing Hymns or Praise
to the Father in or by Christ in good Rhime, Tune, Metre and Harmony.
Origen de Orat. Sect. 6. _Eusebius_, B. 7. C. 19. quotes _Dionisius_
writing against Nepos thus, _Altho I heartily love _Nepos_ for his
Faith, his Study of Knowledge and the holy Scriptures, as well as {274}
for various Psalms and Hymns composed by him, which are used to this
Day by some Brethren, yet, &c. In the Acts of the Council of _Antioch_
mention'd by _Eusebius_, B.7. C.30. It was one of the Accusations of