Singing the Psalms the Duty of Christians, Title page – To the reader
SINGING OF PSALMES THE Duty of Christians Under the NEW TESTAMENT, OR A VINDICATION OF THAT Gospel-Ordinance IN V. SERMONS Upon EPHESIANS 5. 19. Wherein are Asserted and cleared 1. That 2. What 3. How 4. Why we must SING.
The second Edition, with many Additions.
By Tho. Ford, Minister of the Gospell in EXON.
Jam. 5. 13. Is any merry? Let him sing Psalmes.
London, Printed by W. B. for F. Eaglesfield, and are to be sold at the Marygold in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1659.
An Advertisement Concerning this Second Edition of these SERMONS.
SInce there are many, that scruple the singing of David's Psalmes, because they deem them not proper, or pertinent to their particular occasions, and conditions, here are severall instances added to those already mentioned in the foregoing Sermons, to shew them their mistake, and to perswade them, (if the Lord be pleased to set all home upon their hearts) that they may improve all and every of those Psalmes, as occasion serves, by swee… meditation, and stirring up godly affections accordingly, for singular advantage, and spirituall edification in grace, and glorious practice.
Most of those Additions are to be found by themselves, towards the end of the book, beginning with the word Suppose, in Page 137. which was judged the most convenient place for them.
TO THE READER
READER,
IT is confest, and cannot be denied, that as there are already but too many Books in the world, so there are enough written in the Vindication of this Gospel-Ordinance, if men would heed and read them as they ought to do: And this consideration (besides others) so swayed the Author, as no importunity could prevail with him to publish these Sermons till hee was inforc't to it, beyond and against his own opinion and inclination, by others, threatning to Print the Notes (which some had taken in short-hand) though very imperfect. Therefore it is desired, if any fault be, the blame may light on those who are most guilty, the Author at worst being but an accessary. When these Sermons were Preach't, it was his desire and prayer to God, that they might be imprinted on the hearts of these that heard them; and it pleased the Lord (let him have all the glory) to second his Desires and Endeavours with a blessing so farre, as some, who have neglected Singing, were convinced; others that were wavering were c…firmed; and many better informed in the Nature, F…d and Use of that Duty, which formerly they little u…derstood or he…ded. They were principally intended for the more ignorant (such as the most are who question, or deny the Singing of Davids …lme) and therefore contriv'd and fram'd with the greatest plainness, so as they might best serve to give understanding unto the simple.
'Tis desired and hoped, that the wiser and more u…derstanding Reader will take no offence at that plainness which was affected and studied for the benefit and edification of popular Auditory. Truth is never the l…sse comely, when she walks abroad in a plain and homely dress. But there needs no Apology, since plain dealing (we use to say) is a…waies best. There are three sorts unto whom these Sermons are more especially directed, or (if you will hav… it so) dedicated.
First, such as deny singing of Davids Psalms to be a Duty.
Secondly, Such as neglect that Duty very much, especially in private.
Thirdly, Such as do it both in publick a…d private, yet know not how to carry themselves in it as becometh Christians.
Now it is earnestly desired, that all, and every of these will be pleased to read them over, and when they have so done, if they find nothing either to convince them of the Duty, or quicken them to it, or direct them in it, I shall willingly yield they have lost their labour for once, hoping they will as freely acknowledge that it is not the first time they have done so. I say again, search and see, and when you have prov'd all, hold fast that which is good; and I do the rather press and perswade to it, because (as I conceive) Singing of Psalms is of greater concernment than most men are aware of. We use it as a part of that Religious worship which we ow and yield to the only living and true God, and therefore had need, as of a good Warrant for doing it, so of a good understanding and frame of spirit so to do it, as therein to please God, and benefit our own souls. If there be no Ordinance of God for it, we cannot in reason expect a blessing from God in it; nay we had need be humbled for our former using it. If it appear to bee a duty (which I hope these plain Sermons do in some sort demonstrate) let us be humbled for our former carelesness, and endeavour henceforward to reap more benefit by it. For this I dare say, That of all Religious exercises, there is none wherein God hath been less honoured, or men less edified then in this of singing Davids Psalms. If that which is here presented may be of any use, either to perswade such as are otherwise minded, or to confirm such as are already perswaded, and direct them how to wait upon God, as they ought, for a blessing in this duty, Let the God of all grace have the glory; Which is the Joint desire of him that preach't, and them that publisht these Sermons.
Farewell.