Backwoods Presbyterian
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Preface
No part of Christian worship is more plainly warranted by the Oracles of God, than the ordinance of the singing of psalms. The ancient Hebrews practised it at the Red sea, before their system of ceremonial worship was prescribed them by God, Ex. 15. It was preferred to the most pompous sacrifices, even while the ceremonial observances remained in their vigour, Ps. 69:30-31. The divine obligation to it, remained in full force, when the ceremonial law, with all its rites, was abolished, Ps. 47:1, 5-7; 67:4 and 100:1, 4; Eph. 5:19 with 2:14-15; Col. 3:16, with 2:16-17; James 5:13. We have it enforced with the most engaging example of the angels who kept their first estate, Job 38:6-7; Luke 2:13-14; Rev. 5:11-12. Of apostles and saints, Acts 16:25, 1 Cor. 14:15; Ex. 15; Judges 5; Luke 1; 1 Sam. 2; Isa. 35:10; Jer. 31:12; Rev. 4:8-9; 5:9-10; 7:10, 12; 14:3; 15:3 and 19:1-7. Nay, of our Redeemer himself, Matt. 26:30. This exercise, performed in a manner suited to the dignity of the glorified state, will be the everlasting employ of established angels and ransomed men, Isa. 26:19; 51:11; Rev. 5:9-13.
Nor is this exercise of inconsiderable usefulness. The whole glories of Jehovah, as made known to creatures, and all the wonders of his creating power, his redeeming love, and providential care, belong to its extensive theme. It is therefore an excellent means of conveying holy instruction, Col. 3:16; of inspiring heavenly affections, Ps. 57:7-8; of recreating holy souls, James 5:13; and, in fine, of bearing up and comforting amidst grief and trouble, Acts 16:25; Ps. 119:54. And hence it is seasonable, not only in this valley of tears, but even in the most distressful condition, Ps. 101:1; Hab. 3:17-18.
It is a duty which ought to be practised by every person in secret by himself, James 5:13; Ps. 119:62, 164. By every Christian family and society, Ps. 118:15; Acts 16:25. And in every public worshipping assembly and congregation, Isa. 35:1-2, 6, 10; 53:7-9 and 54:1; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 Matt. 26:30; 1 Cor. 14:26; Rev. 5:9-10; 14:3 and 15:3.
This duty being of so much importance, we ought to perform it under the special influence of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 14:15; John 4:24. With understanding of the warrantableness, matter, manner, and end of our praise, Ps. 47:6-7; 1 Cor. 14:15. With a holy ardour of affection and vigour of mind, Ps. 57:10, and 103:1-2. With grace in our heart, making melody therein to the Lord, Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16. In the name of Christ, as Mediator between God and us, Col. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:5; and with an earnest aim to glorify God, Col. 3:16; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 10:31. The matter ought to be prudently suited to our occasions and conditions, Ps. 112:5; Eph. 5:15. Nor ought the melody, or, in social worship, the harmony of voices to be overlooked, Ps. 101.
No doubt, one may compose spiritual hymns for his own and others' religious recreation; but to admit forms of human composure into the stated and public worship of God, appears to me very improper. (1.) It is extremely dangerous. Heresies and errors by this means may be, and often have been, insensibly introduced into churches, congregations, or families. (2.) There is no need of it. The Holy Ghost hath, in the Psalms of David, and other scriptural songs, furnished us with a rich collection of Gospel doctrines and precious promises; an extensive fund of solid experiences; an exhaustless mine of Gospel grace and truth; an endless variety to suit every state or condition, in which either our own soul, or the church of Christ, can be upon earth. These were all framed by Him who searcheth the hearts, and knows the deep things of God; and hence must be better adapted to the case of souls or societies, than any private composition whatever. (3.) Though the Holy Ghost never saw meet to leave us a liturgy of prayers; yet, from the poetical composition thereof, it is plain he intended these psalms and songs for a standing form of praise in the church. It is certain, they were used in this manner under the Old Testament. The Holy Ghost hath, under the New, plainly directed us to the use thereof, Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19. The psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, there recommended, are plainly the same with the mismorim, tehillim, and shirim, mentioned in the Hebrew titles of David's Psalms 3, 4, 5, etc.; 145, 120, 134.
It hath been pretended, that the language and manner of these Psalms are not suited to the spiritual nature of our Gospel-worship. That, however, may as well be urged against the reading of them, as against the singing of them: nay, against the reading of a great part of the Old Testament in our Christian worship. It is certain, many passages in the Book of Psalms, or of other Scripture songs, are expressive of the exercises of faith, repentance, love, or the like graces, which still remain of the same form as under the Old Testament. The predictions are either accomplished, and so may be sung to the honour of God's mercy and faithfulness; or, if not accomplished, may be sung in the hopes that God will accomplish them in his time. The history of what God did for his Jewish servants and church, may be sung with admiration of his love, wisdom, power, and grace therein manifested. It is further to be considered, that much of what related to David, or the Jewish church, was typical of the character and concerns of Jesus Christ, and of the Gospel church; and so ought to be sung with a special application thereto.
