Vl'V 5^ , ^ ^'' FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PSALMODY SERMOxV ON LORD'S DAY, SECOND MARCH, 182?; THE PACIFICK CONGREGATIONAL IVIEETINGHOUSE, BY REV. THOMAS WILLIAMS. PROVIDENCE : JOHN MILLLR, PRINTER. Providence, March 3, 1823. Having been requested to give my opinion respecting a Ser- mon on Psalmody, preached on Lord's Day, March 2d, 1823, by the Rev. Thomas Williams, 1 do not hesitate to recommend it to the pe- rusal of all persons, who feel at all interested in that most inoportant and pleasing part of Divine Worship ; and 1 hope it may be a means of exciting a more general attention to a subject, which has been too much neglected, throughout our country. M. NOYES. Providence, March 3, 1823. Having heard the Sermon, which is mentioned in the prece- ding recommendation by Mr. Noyes, I entirely concur with him in his opinion respecting it. And I am particularly desirous that all persons, who are favoured with the privilege of singing sacred songs in the publick and social worship of God, may give the Sermon a thorough and faithful perusal. I am also desirous that it may receive from religious congregations in this vicinity, the attention which the importance of the subject of which the Sermon treats, demands. OLIVER SHAW. siBm®i!r« I. CHRONICLES, XXV. 7. So the number of them^ with their brethren^ that were instructed in the 9ongs of the Lord, even all that were cunnings was two hundred four score and eight. The knowledge and practice of musick have existed in all ages and nations. Vocal musick, it is pro.bable, preceded the musick, that is performed by instru- ments. Yet instrumental musick was a very early in- vention. For of Jubal, the son of Lamech, it is writ- ten, " He was the father of all such, as handle the harp and organ." The importance of musick and po- etry, w^hich have an intimate connection, is evident from the general opinions and practices of mankind. These arts have a happy and powerful influence upon all their social affections, interests and enjoyments. By one of the most acute and exact observers of hu- man characters and manners, " The man that has no musick in his soul," is declared to be unworthy of con- fidence and unfit for society. And in the scriptures the man, who was eminently distinguished for the sin- cerity, ardency, and sublimity of his devout and social affections, is called " the sweet psalmist of Israel." Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he composed, in sacred songs, a large portion of the scriptures, for the instruction and edification of the people of God during successive generations. From his experimental ac- quaintance w^ith the happy influence of sacred musick, he was induced to make the most zealous exertions to awaken and engage his fellow-creatures, to sing praises unto God. In his preparations for the erection and services of the temple, he was attentive and careful to have a large number of persons instructed in the songs of the Lord. From our text, it appears, that the num- ber, who were thoroughly instructed in sacred mu- sick, and were pecuHarly skilled in the songs of the Lord, was no less than two hundred and eighty-eight. In the instruction and employment of such a number of persons for the purpose of praising God in the pub- lick services of the temple, the devout psalmist was influenced by the wisest and best motives. This large number of singers were so well instructed in sacred musick, that they became w ise and able performers of the songs of the Lord. " The number of them with their brethren, that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all, that w^ere cunning, was two hun- dred, fourscore and eight." So large a number were so thoroughly instructed in sacred musick, that they were discreet and judicious in the performance of the songs of the Lord, in the congregation of his peo- ple. Besides these two hundred and eighty-eight per- sons, who were distinguished for their attainments in sacred musick, there were four thousand other per- sons who were appointed and employed, by the devout king of Israel, in the same noble and divine service. For it is written — '^ four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments, which I made, said David, to praise therewith. And David divided them into courses, among the sons of Levi." And it is probable, that frequently in the religious solemnities of the tem- ple, this large number were at once united and en- gaged with all the powers of musical instruments, and of well toned voices, in the praises of the ever blessed God. The words of our text naturally suggest the following sentiment — It is highly important, that, in religious congregations, a large number should be in- structed in sacred songs. To illustrate this sentiment it is proposed, I. To show in what respects, they, who sing sacred songs in religious congregations, need instruction; and II. To show why it is highly important, that, in re- ligious congregations, a large number should be in- structed in sacred songs. It is proposed, I. To show in what respects, they, who sing sacred songs in religious congregations, need instruction. The science of sounds forms a very important and curious branch of natural philosophy. This science is the foundation of instrumental and vocal musick. In order to understand the theory of musick, persons must be acquainted with such philosophical and math- ematical principles, as lay the foundation for the art of musick. But to the practice of musick, a knowledge of its scientifick principles is not necessary. Yet in- struction, in several respects, is necessary to the prac- tice of musick. And they, who engage in the impor- tant duty of singing sacred songs in religious congre- gations, need to be so instructed, as to be able to per- form this divine service with propriety, decency and devotion. That they may so perform this service, it is necessary that they should be instructed in the fol- lowing respects. 1 . They need to be instructed in the rudiments of sacred musick. These rudiments respect the whole practice of sacred songs. Unless they be thoroughly and famiharly understood, singers cannot perform their services with correctness and confidence. They, who are deficient in the knowledge of the rudiments of musick, must lean on other persons in their perform- ances. When singers, generally, adopt this impro- per method, they cannot sing with unity, firmness and strength. The principles of musick ought not to be neglected, when learners are able to enter upon the practice of psalmody. For it is in this practice that they can perceive the application of principles. In the whole practice of psalmody, the first principles of mu- sick ought to be kept before the scholars. Being con- stantly, thoroughly and familiarly instructed in the ru- diments of sacred musick, they would lay a proper foundation for becoming wise and skilful in the songs of the Lord. 2. They, who sing sacred songs, need instruction in respect to the modulation of their voices. Vocal powers constitute one of the highest and noblest gifts of God to human beings. The tongue, or the power of speech, is justly called the glory of the human frame. The voice is a powerful and useful instrument. When it is cultivated and employed in sacred songs, it pro- duces its highest and best effect. But little care is ta- ken in common speech to model and form the voice, so as to convey, in the best manner, the ideas, that are to be expressed; or to produce proper and pleasant sensations in the hearers. Yet the human voice is ca- pable of an admirable improvement in regard to its modulations. And its improvement in this respect de- mands the highest attention, for the proper perform- ance of sacred musick. Sacred songs express every possible variety of sentiments and affections. To be sung with propriety, the voices of the singers must be so modulated, as to become very extensive and flexi- ble in the compass and variety of their tones. In re- spect to the movement and quantity of voice, that are requisite in sacred songs, there are various degrees. Slowness, quickness, loudness, softness, pathos, gran- deur, beauty and spirit in singing sacred songs, require that the voice be as a well formed and a vvell tuned in- strument. Unless the voices of singers be well tuned and flexible and various in their modulations, it is impos- sible to adapt their tones to the immense variety of sentiments and affections, that are expressed in sa- cred songs. Yet, with proper instruction, the human voice is capable of unbounded improvement in regard to its modulations. And, in this respect, they who sing sacred songs, do need constant, able and faithful instruction. 3. They, who sing sacred songs in religious congre- gations, need instruction respecting the proper per- formance of psalmody. Persons may be acquainted with the rudiments of sacred musick and have power- ful and pleasant voices; and yet have httle knowledge and discretion respecting the proper method of sing- ing sacred songs. In the performance of psalmody it is, undoubtiedly, the governing consideration, that the musick be subservient to the proper expression of the sentiments. Such an expression of sentiment is a difli- cult attainment, and never can be perfectly performed by imperfect creatures. But so far as tliis object i§ not pursued and attained, the musick is defective. To arrest and fix the attention of singers upon the senti- ments of sacred songs, is the distinguishing excellence Oi skih'ul teachers in sacred musick. That teachers and learners may acquire the chief beauty in musical performance, they must possess a clear and thorough perception of divine subjects and sentiments, and a ten- der and delicate sensibility in regard to the import and spirit of sacred songs. In the principal excel- lence and beauty of musical performance, which con- sist in the proper expression of sentiment, singers with suitable instruction and attention, can make constant progress. But to make such progress, in the present state of sacred musick in this couiitry, singers do great- ly need able and correct instruction respecting the proper pertbrmance of psalmody. 4. They, who sing sacred songs in religious congrega- tions, need instruction respecting their own behaviour in this important service. Their views, feelings and actions ought to accord with the dignity and impor- tance of the part they perform in the pubhck services of religion. They, then, who sing sacred songs, ought to guard themselves against a stupid and thoughtless spirit. Attention, reverence and devotion should mark their whole conduct. A solemn impression of divine sentiments upon their words, and the Hvely ex- ercise of holy affections in their hearts, will render their songs of praise pleasant to their holy Creator; and will serve to awaken the attention and engage the feelings of the whole assembly, to their spiritual inter- ests. Decent and devout conduct in singers, will give a charm of beauty and glory to their musical perform- ances. Such conduct will render this divine employ- ment always pleasant and useful to themselves. It will secure the enjoyment of the peculiar presence and favour of the living and true God. If they, who sing sacred songs, will be careful to sing with grace in their hearts to the Lord, as he requires Kis praises to be sung, their whole appearance and conduct in this divine and exalted service, will be devout and lovely. Proper behaviour in singers is a religious duty. And they ought to desire and receive and obey instruction respecting what is devout and decent in their own behaviour ; while they are engaged in singing the high praises of the most high God. 5. They, who sing sacred songs in religious congre- gations, need to be instructed in respect to the objects, that are to be accomplished by the performance of this duty. These objects are nothing less than the objects that are to be accomplished by the other services, which God appoints and requires in the gospel of his grace. Sacred musick, when it is performed with propriety, is a very powerful and happy means of pro- moting the great and good ends, that God regards and pursues in his other requirements. One object of sacred musick is the promotion of the spiritual benefit of the singers themselves. This part of divine worship is suited to impress the minds and affect the hearts of the singers, in respect to the great doctrines and duties and enjoyments of the christian religion. They, who rightly sing sacred songs, will, by this service greatly promote their religious instruc- tion, their holiness and happiness. As a means of filHng their minds with divine truth, the apostle en- joins upon christians the duty of psalmody. He says, " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wis- dom ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." And to excite and maintain the exercise of holy affections he enjoins the same duty. He says — "• Be filled with the spirit ; sing- ing to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." In singing sacred songs, singers ought always to aim at the promotion of their own spiritual interests and enjoyments. Another object of sacred musick is the promotion of the spiritual interests of the religious assembly. Sa- cred musick is designed and suited toengagethe atten- tion and excite the affections of those, who hear,as well 9 as of those, who sing psalms and hymns and sacred songs. Psalmody should be so performed, as to turn and raise the hearts of the whole assembly from them- selves to their holy Creator ; and from the vain and transient objects of this world to the important and eternal realities of the future state. Singers ought to desire and labour to promote the instruction and de- votion, the holiness and salvation of all the congrega- tion with whom they assemble for religious worship. They ought to sing sacred songs in such a manner as is suited to impress the minds of all who hear their voices with divine sentiments and to awaken in their hearts the lively and vigourous exercise of holy and joyful affections. It is certainly one great object of psalmody to promote the spiritual and eternal interests of all the members of a religious congregation. It is another proper object of sacred musick to assist the other services of religious congregations. The subjects of sacred songs are the same subjects, on which God gives us instruction by Moses and the pro- phets, by the Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles. Sa- cred singing affords assistance in regard to the ob- jects that are to be answered by the publick reading of the scriptures. It also affords assistance in respect to the ministry of the gospel. It not only relieves the ministers of the gospel in respect to their laborious services, but it serves to animate, to encourage, and strengthen their hearts. And it conveys to the minds of the hearers the very instructions that are illustrated and enforced by religious teachers in their publick dis- courses. Nor is the importance of sacred musick to be disregarded in respect to the duty of social prayer. The proper design and effect of this great duty and precious privilege is greatly promoted by decent and devout psalmody. Indeed, a large portion of our psalms and hymns and sacred songs are nothing differ- ent in regard to sentiment and spirit from the best forms of prayer. They consist in a great degree of direct addresses and petitions to the Supreme Being for di- vine favours. Psalmody then is an important and bene- 2 10 iicial assistance to the other services of religious con- gregations. And it combines the benefits of all the other services of reHgious assemblies. Another object of psalmody is to promote the glory of God. This duty is of divine appointment, and it has a peculiar reference to the divine glory. For in this duty the perfections, designs and works of God are to be celebrated with our noblest powers. It is to the Lord that we are required to sing. It is written " sing unto the Lord, Oye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." And again " sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth ; O sing praises unto the Lord." And again, '*• sing aloud unto God our strength ; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob." And again, " O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." And ag-^n, " sing unto him, sing psalms unto him ; talk ye of all his wonderous works." It is to God that psalms and hymns and sacred songs are to be sung in the assem- blies of his people. And it is the great object of psalmody to praise and worship and exalt the only liv- ing and true God. And God has been pleased to say, " Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me." The holy and blessed inhabitants of heaven can perform no service, that is better suited to promote the glory of their God and Saviour, than the divine employment of raising their hearts and voices in singing songs of praise. In their ceaseless songs, they say unto God, " thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power ; for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created." And again they sing ^* blessing and honour and glory and pow:er be unto him thatsitteth on the throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." In the noblest services of heaven saints and angels are forever and ever employed in singing praises to the holy Creator and gracious Re- deemer. And to render praise and give glory to God and the Saviour is the highest object of singing sacred ^ 11 songs in religious assemblies on earth. They, who sing saered songs, ought to be instructed in respect to these great objects, that are to be proposed and accom- plished by this divine and exalted service. — It is now proposed, IL To show why it is highly important, that, in re- ligious congregations, a large number should be in- structed in sacred songs. In our text, it is written "so the number of them, with their brethren, that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all that were cunning, was two hun- dred, fourscore and eight." Besides these hundreds of accompHshed singers, there were in the days of David, four thousand other musicians, that were appointed and employed to praise the Lord in the services of his temple. And if it were then important, that so large a number should be instructed and employed in sacred songs, it is doubtless highly important, at the present time, that in every religious congregation, there should be a numerous company of instructed and skilful per- formers in sacred musick. And its importance may be evident from the following considerations. 1. None, but they, who are instructed in sacred songs, are prepared to obey God in one of the most important of his requirements. That all persons fere required to serve, to praise and honour God in sacred songs, is abundantly evident from the scriptures. It is writteix, " sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O, sing praises unto the Lord." Again, " sing unto the Lord a new song : sing unto the Lord all the earth." And again, " kings of the earth and all people ; prin- ces and all judges of the earth ; both youiig men and maidens ; old men and children; let them praise the name of the Lord ; for his name alone is excellent ; his glory is above the earth and heaven." And yet again, " praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing praises unto our God ; for it is pleasant and praise is comely." It is then certain that the duty of psalmody is particularly and urgently required of all persons in the word of God. And in this duty he is to be obeyed and honour- 12 ed in every religious congregation. And does not the obligation to obey God in this duty lie upon the whole congregation ? Is it not extremely offensive in the sight of God, when the greater number of his profess- ed worshippers do, publickly, before his face, disre- gard and disobey one of his most pleasant and impor- tant requirements ? It is the opinion and confession of the protestant churches as well as of the ablest and best divines, that the whole congregation ought to unite in the duty of psalmody. Their confession on this subject is as follows : " the whole congregation should be furnished with books and ought to join in this part of worship." But they, who are not instructed in sacred songs, are not prepared to obey God in this divine and exalted employment. It is then as impor- tant that religious congregations should be instructed in sacred musick, as it is, that they should obey and worship God in their publick services. 2. They, who are not instructed in sacred songs, do not actively unite in any part of the publick services of religion. Psalmody is the only part of social wor- ship, in which any number of persons can, at once, be actively united and engaged with decency and order. They, who do not perform this duty, come before God and yet present no offering, by their active services. They do not properly take any part in his worship. The members of a religious assembly cannot, generally, take an active part in the duty of prayer, nor in read- ing the scriptures, nor in giving instruction by doctrine, or reproof or exhortation. But all the members of a religious assembly, however numerous, if they were in- structed and prepared for the service, might at once unite their hearts and voices, in singing psalms and hymns and sacred songs to the praise and glory of God and to their own instruction and edification. It is ex- tremely unpleasant and burdensome to see any num- ber in a religious congregation, that take no active part in the worship of God. In the congregation of Israel, the whole multitude were accustomed to unite in the duty of psalmody. The hundreds, that were 13 thoroughly instructed in the songs of the Lord, were teachers and leaders in sacred musick. The thou- sands, that praised God with instruments, were appoint- ed and arranged in order for this divine employment. But the ten thousands of Israel, raised and joined their voices in sacred songs, when the select and appointed musicians began this delightful service. Since ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thou- sands may unite with all their powers of heart and tongue in sacred songs ; and since this is the only part of social worship, in which any number of persons can be actively engaged in religious congregations, it is highly important that a great number in every religious congregation, should be instructed in psalmody and should unite in this delightful and useful duty. 3. Without a large number of singers, sacred songs cannot be sung in religious congregations with the highest propriety. The very design of psalmody seems to require, that a great number should unite in this duty. And it appears to be in some degree inde- cent and improper, that any number of persons should be silent in the publick worship of God, when his prai- ses are sung. Besides, the highest effect of sacred musick cannot be attained without a large number of singers. When only a few are engaged in the service, the difference between their voices is very perceptible and very disagreeable. But when a multitude unite in sacred songs, no one voice can obtrude itself into notice. Then slighter differences, that exist in the best tuned voices, are concealed. It may also be ob- served, that the immense dignity of the objects, that form the themes of sacred songs, require the highest animation and energy, that are within the power of created beings. A small number of singers have not sufficient power to do any degree of justice to those subjects, which respect the eternal and infinite perfec- tions of the Supreme Being and his marvellous designs and works in the creation, preservation and govern- ment of the universe. In view of the immense and exalted subjects of sacred song, the inspired writers of 14 the hoij scriptures, summon all created beings, whe- ther rational or irrational, whether animate or in- animate, to praise and extol their holy and blessed Creator. Is it then possible, that a small number of singers in religious congregations, can attain and effect the noble purposes of psalmody ! The high praises of God demand and deserve the highest efforts of the mil- liotis of holy and happy beings, who bow before his throne in heaven. IN or can his praises be sung on earth with the highest propriety, unless a multitude raise their hearts and their voices in this divine em- ployment. 4. It is highly important, that, in religious congrega- tions, a large number should be instructed in sacred songs, because the proper performance of psalmody is an honourable service. This service in respect to its design and effects may be esteemed truly glorious. In no other religious duty on earth do human beings so nearly imitate the multitude of the heavenly host in their employments and enjoyments. The great object of our religious services on earth is to prepare for the society and communion of heaven. And it is the honour and joy of the heavenly myriads to praise theirCreator in sacred songs. Is it not then honourable to sing praises unto God and to exalt his name in his worship on earth ? Would not a creature in heaven be ashamed, if his tongue and heart were not employed ir/ singing the high praises of God ? — If the employment of saints and angels in heaven be honourable, they, who sing sacred songs to the living God in his worship on earth, are ad- mitted to the highest honour they can receive and en- joy. If the proper design and importance of psalm- ody were seen and felt, every person, who was silent in religious congregations, while sacred songs were sung, would be ashamed and grieved in view of his own conduct. They who sing sacred songs, perform a duty which is honourable to God and which is designed to delare his glory and exalt his name. Such a duty is in the highest degree honourable to every person who performs it with propriety. And it is honourable to a 15 religious congregation to have a large number of per« s . is, who are thoroughly instructed and skilful in the , i.iourable in respect to individuals and religious con- g;-egations be of importance, it is very important, that, iii every religious congregation, a large number should be instructed in sacred songs. Again, 5. The effects that are produced by a large number of singers in religious congregations, are highly bene- ticial. x\ muliilude of singers, who are instructed in sacred songs, will remove coldness and deadness from an assembly. They will give pathos, beauty, grandeur, and strength to the sacred duties of religion. They will till the house of God with the sublime affections, which the devotions of the Lord's day require. They Will give a charm to the services and privileges of diviue worship. If sacred songs be sung by a large number in religious congregations with decency and devotion, cliildren and youth will love to be in the house of God on his holy and blessed day. The so- cial and pious affections of the assembly will be excited and maintai.ied. And what is the most powerful of all the ordinances which God has appointed for the spirit- ual and eternal interests of mankind, will be enjoyed aiid esteeai^^fJ. If any part of divine worship will cre- at*^ in a reiigious assemby a desire to escape the end- less pains ai id torments of hell, and to obtain the end- less joy and glory of heaven'; the voices of a large number, wiio are properly instructed in sacred songs, will produce this great and happy effect. The bene- ficial influence of psalmody upon a religious congrega- tion, when a large number are instructed in the songs of the Lord, renders it highly nnportant, that such a nuuiber should be prepared to sing psalms and hymns and sacred songs in the publick worship of God. IMPROVEMENT. 1 . Since it is highly important, that, in religious con- gregations, a large number should be instructed in sa- J6 cred songs, such congregations ought to provide the means for affording instruction in sacred musick. The maintenance and promotioa of sacred musick is as much the duty of religious congregations as the sup- port of rehgious teachers. Psalmody is a divine ordi- nance as well as the ministry of the gospel. And all the members of a religious congregation are bound by the duty they owe to their Creator, their fellow crea- tures and themselves to maintain and promote the de- cent and devout performance of psalmody. This im- portant concern ought not to be left to the voluntary and occasional contributions of a small number of per- sons. Such contributions are commonly made by the liberality of a few persons, who are willing to do more than justice demands. It is doubtless greatly to their honour to bestow their property for the promotion of sacred musick. But it is the duty and ought to be ac- counted the privilege of religious congregations to provide liberally and regularly for instruction in the songs of the Lord. This expense ought by no means to be with the singers. In a discourse on the subject of psalmody a worthy author, who is now in the grave, has the following observations ; " Let us remember that it is as really a duty to support this, as any other part of publick worship ; and that the expense of preparing for it, ought always to be defrayed by the community. They who prepare themselves to perform, have to pay, only in their attendance upon the schools, a very large tax." The negligence of religious congregations in respect to the support of sacred musick is extreme- ly dishonourable and serves to chill the ardour of singers and destroy every laudable effort for the pro- motion of psalmody. If religious congregations would only perform an easy and important duty, which is en- forced by the most powerful considerations, they would provide suitable instruction in sacred musick. And with suitable instruction almost any congregation w^ould furnish hundreds of skilful singers. Nor would the spirit and performance of this service ever decline. The interest, the honour, the happiness and the duty 17 of religious congregations require, that they should fur- nish the means for the support of instruction in sacred musick. 2. If instruction in sacred songs, be necessary in so many respects and such instruction be so important in religious congregations, then able and skilful teachers in sacred musick deserve generous encouragement in their services. The whole congregation ought to be moved and engaged to favour their exertions and pro- mote their success by every encouragement and assist- ance. They ought to be commended to God in prayer. And prayer to God ought to be seconded by persua- ding as many as possible to attend upon their instruc- tions. They ought also to receive a liberal and cheer- ful compensation for their services. And in propor- tion to their ability, faithfulness and success, they should be esteemed and honoured by our approbation and gratitude. No person can be a skilful and faith- ful teacher of sacred musick without a good degree of information, observation, and experience. And to be successful in giving instruction in the songs of the Lord, requires diligent attention and vigourous exertions. Surely then, they who are worthy to be employed in teaching sacred musick, deserve every generous en- couragement in their important and difficult services. 3. If it be important to have a large number of singers in religious congregations, then no person ought to withdraw himself from this service without serious and decisive reasons. They, who once engage in this duty, ought to view themselves as consecrated and devoted to the high praises of God. They ought also to consider that they have publickly taken a part in his worship ; and that they are favoured with an opportunity to promote the highest interests of a reli- gious assembly. To withdraw^ from such a serv ice and such a station is a real blemish in a person's character. — Besides, it is hurtful in respect to other singers. — And is it not disobedient and ungrateful towards God ? 4. From what has been said in the present discourse it appears, that they who engage in the duty of psalm- 3 18 ody, ought to be animated and strengthened to per- severe. — Difficulties and discouragements they will doubtless experience. — They may lose their first zeal and fervour in this duty. — They may see their compa- nions leave their places, refuse to praise God in sacred songs, and be negligent and careless respecting their attendance upon puhlick worship. — But the employ- ment is too excellent and important to be neglected. They, then, who have once raised their voices in sa- cred songs, ought to be animated and strengthened to persevere in this service, until their vocal powers are silent in death. 5. Let what has been said, in the present discourse, be applied to the singers in this congregation. And surely they have abundant reason to be joyful and thankful for the place they possess and the part they take in the publick worship of God. And that you, respected and beloved singers, may be worthy of your place, and may perform your part with propriety, still seek instruction in regard to the divine ordin- ance of psalmody. — Let your judgment and your taste respecting sacred musick be established and governed by correct and solid principles. And let your practice in psalmody be under the influence of the word and spirit of the living God. — Be careful to maintain a hve- ly interest in the duty of sacred songs. — You have pe- culiar reasons to be encouraged and animated in your happy and exalted employment. — You are furnished with as choice a collection of musick as has ever been published in this country. — You have the best edition of psalms and hymns andsacred songs, that has been known to be published in the English language. The circumstances of the present period are well suit- ed to awaken your attention and encourage your ex- ertions in respect to sacred musick. At the present time there is a very uncommon attention to psalmody in this country, and very important improvements are made in this part of divine worship. You may frequently enjoy opportunities to meet with a respectable number of singers from other con- 19 gregations for the purpose of improvement in social musick. And remember that it depends greatly upon your own conduct, whether psalmody be performed and esteemed according to its importance and excel- lence in this religious congregation. — Your duty to your Creator, your fellow-creatures and to yourselves require you to be attentive and faithful in singing the high praises of the most high God. And may you be so blessed by his holy presence and influeuce in his wor- ship on earth, that w hen your voices shall be silent in death, your immortal spirits may ascend to glory. And there may you be united and blessed with the great multitude, which no man can number, in singing the song, which none can learn but they who are redeem- ed from the earth. And to the eternal Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, be all the praise and all the glory of your salvation and blessedness. And permit me to add, though it may seem wholly unwor- thy of your attention, that I give you my cordial thanks for the relief and comfort, assistance, and encourage- ment you have afforded me in the publick services of God in this house of worship. And whenever 1 shall see your faces and hear your voices no more in this house, may God bless you with the prayers and the ministry of a more wise, holy, faithful and successful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. And to his great and holy name be the praise and the glory for ever. Amen. .JK' ^^■yi >0 .>*'o '^^-^ ; *.V