for it leffens, and they are temp-Ser. V. ted to live in the neglect of it. There has certainly been fome failure in the manner of Performance in fome of the foremention'd Refpects, which they ought to be fenfible of, and humbled for, and charge upon themfelves: To this they fhould attribute their Unprofitableness, and not to any want of Aptitude and Fitnefs in the Ordinance to do them good. Let but Perfons conftantly and confcientiously obferve the Rules I have laid down, and I am confident they will quickly find this as quickning, and edifying, and comforting a Duty, as most of the Dutys of the Gospel.

And as for those of you that have a Value for this Ordinance, I would have you take care to follow these Directions, as ever you would reap fpiritual Advantage your felves, keep up the Credit of it in the World, and promote the Practice of it among others.

But

· Ser. V.

But the further enlarging upon, and enforcing of these things, with futable Arguments and Motives, will be the Work of my Worthy Brother, who finishes what we defign from this Subject.

An

C

An EXHORTATION to the Duty of SINGING.

SERMON VI.

PSAL. LVII. 8.

Awake up my Glory; Awake Pfaltery and Harp; I my felf will awake early..

OU have had the feveral

You
Parts of this Subject of fing-

ing Pfalms in fo many Dif

courfes diftinctly eflay'd, with defign that the whole of it, as a Duty, might be more compleatly explain'd and afferted by US ; while, as a Gift, the becoming manner of performing it is im

Ser. V. prov'd and cultivated by You: and, I hope, our joint Endeavors may do fomething toward the fettling its Theory and Divine Regulation, its more decent and orderly Practice, the reviving its more general Ufe, retrieving its Glory, refcuing it from the Objections of the Scrupulous, and from the Corruptions of Levity or Superftition.

To this end the Nature of the Duty has been ftated, that you may fing with Understanding. Its Obligations prov'd,

with that you may

L

fing without the fear of Will-wor Ship, or offering Strange Fire. The Excellence of it has been difplay'd, as truly Angelical and Seraphic; as pleafing to God, and comely for the Upright; as that whereby we are carry'd into the Company of Angels, to join in their Work, and partake of their Joys. Objections have been anfwer'd, that your Hearts may be fix'd while you fing and give Praife. The true manner of finging the Divine Praifes has been directed, fo as to make Melody to God, and that it may be ac

ceptable

ceptable to him, and profitable Ser. VI.

to us.

nas

What remains then, but that we make the most of fuch a Duty as this? And fince here's nothing elfe to hinder, Indifference, Drowfinefs or Carelefnefs. fhould not; but that we awaken all our Powers to a Work that is fo much its own immediate Reward. And fince the foregoing Sermons have prefented yon with the Scale of Heavenly Mufick, as found in Scripture set by the Holy Ghoft, who in all this Matter is the chief Musician; prac tife upon it as high as you can: and tho at prefent the lower Notes only are within your Compafs, hereafter the higher Strains fhall not be beyond your reach for. when we are made like Angels, we fhall fing like them too in that World where Love and Harmony; are in Perfection: In the mean time, we may bear an humble Part. And why fhould we think our Heaven can begin too foon? If the Grace of Heaven do but tune the Heart, Wonder, Love, and Joy will never let your Tongue

lie