412 SERMONS UPON EPHESIANS V. [SeR. XXI Y.
contented with the old psalms, added new of their own suitable to the present occasion. Now we are acquainted Avith greater and more wonderful grace h}^ Christ, some new hymns seem necessary in the praise of our Kedeemer.
If you reply that the state of the church is different from what it was when God revealed his mind by divinely inspired prophets, I answer — They should not be sung as infallible scripture, but as helps to gospel devotion contained in the scripture ; as ordinary gifts succeeded in the place of extraordinary. And as we are not tied to the words of scrip- ture in preaching and praying, so not in singing. Yet upon the whole I shall prove two things — (1.) That scriptural psalms may be sung ; (2.) In many respects they are fittest to be sung.
1. That they may be sung. The word of God limiteth not, and we have no reason to make any restraint. Paul saith, ' Speaking to your- selves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,' not naming any ; therefore why not these ? Besides, the learned observe, these are the express titles of David's psalms, DTIQTQ D'^'Piin Dmti^, which the Septuagint translate, y^dX/xoi, v/xvoi, koI what, 'psalms, hymns, and songs,' seem to recommend to us the book of David's psalms. These afford matter of instruction, comfort, and glory to God ; and why should these be passed by, since these are the ends of singing ? Besides, Christ himself sung scripture psalms (whose example is our instruction), for it is said.Mat. xxvi. 30, ' And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives,' which probably was one or more of David's psalms ; possibly their great hallelujah, began at Ps. cxi,, with some following : and seeing in all other things Christ usually observed their passover rites, when it is only said he sung a hymn, what shall we understand by this, but such a hymn as was usual in that age ? The evangelists specify no new hymn made for this purpose, who are wont to mention matters of far less moment and concernment. So Acts xvi. 25, ' And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung praises unto God.' It must be such a hymn as they were both acquainted with, or else how could they sing it together ?
2. Scripture psalms in most respects are fittest to be used in the church, as being indited by an unerring Spirit, and of a more diffusive concernment than any private composure of a particular person ; for it is improbable that any should have such a large heart as the penmen of scripture, who were so powerfully assisted by the Holy Ghost. Nor can it be easily presumed that others can devise better addresses to God by way of praise and thanksgiving than these did. Suppose men of known holiness and integrity should do this, yet a common gift will not command such reverence and affection as an extraordinary and infallible gift. Therefore, since here we are safe, we need the less to seek further. Certainly we should not cavil at the present practice of many of the churches of Christ, who only content themselves with these forms, being instructed out of the gospel how to apply them to our redemption and deliverance by Christ. Austin saith, Scriptuy^ce tuco sunt castce delicice mece — The holy scriptures are my chaste delights, especially the psalms, which seem to be composed for the use of all l)ersons.
Thirdly, I observe, that it is a duty to be managed both with the
YeR. 19.] SERMONS UPON EPHESIANS V. 413
inward and outward man. Both parts are mentioned in the text, for here is 'speaking' and 'singing,' and also 'making melody in the heart' We are not to speak to God only, but to one another, which cannot be done without the voice. The heart is the principal thing indeed, but the voice is also included.
1. There is the outward part, ' singing,' which is a lawful pleasure, sanctified to a holy use, as helping the soul in spiritual worship. As our bodies are united to our souls, so they act together ; and while the sensible part is subordinated to the rational, it is not an impediment, but an help. The outward singing is fitted to elevate the mind and affections to God.
2. There is the inward part, without which the outward singing is but a clamorous noise. Voice without the spirit is but lip labour and lost labour : Isa. xxix. 13, ' Wherefore the Lord said. Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their hearts far from me.' At least it profiteth but a little, as all bodily exercise doth : 1 Tim. iv. 8, ' For bodily exercise profiteth little.' Therefore the soul must be looked to : Luke i. 46, 47, ' My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.' So Ps. Ivii. 7, 'My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed ; I will sing and give praise ; ' Ps. xcviii. 4, * Eejoice and sing praise.' Unless the heart and inward affections be stirring in this duty, the outward act serveth for no purpose. It is heart work, expressed by ' making melody in the heart ; ' by a holy delight we find in God, more than being taken with outward singing. So it is expressed, Col. iii. 16, by 'singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord.' A spiritual gracious frame of heart is required to sing in a right manner.