Review of Ralston's Inquiry into the propriety of using an evangelical Psalmody in the worship of God

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DEC 16 1914

RALSTON'S INQUIEY

THE PROPRIETY OF USING

An Evangelical Psalmody in the Worship of God.

SECOND EDITION

Enlarged by two Additional Chapters, embracing a Criti-
cal Analysis of Col. 3: 16, 17, and the Modern
History of Psalmody.

JOHN T. PRESSLY, D. D.

ALLEGHENY:

JOHN B. KENNEDY, BOOK PUBLISHER, FEDERAL ST.

1848.

PREFACE

Among the numerous and highly interesting predic-
tions with regard to the future glory of Zion, it is
foretold, that her "watchmen shall lift up the voice ;
with the voice together shall they sing ; for they shall
see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again the
captivity of Zion." For the arrival of this period of
joy and unanimity among the watchmen of Zion, the
church has for ages been employed in making prayer
and supplication before God. It still remains true,
however, to some extent, that diversity of opinion
prevails among the watchmen of Zion; and in some
parts of religious worship, they cannot "lift up the
voice together." And in no part of religious worship
does this diversity more unhappily appear, than in
the delightful exercise of celebrating God's praise.
Some believe, that in this part of divine worship, we
have no authority to use any other "psalms, and
hymns, and spiritual songs," than those which God
has furnished in his word ; while others maintain that
we are at liberty to use those which have been com-
posed by uninspired men, the matter of which they

IV PREFACE,

have collected out of the Scriptures. It is easy to
see, that such a difference in principle must exert a
powerful influence in perpetuating division, and in
preventing union in the church of God. To endea-
vor, in the use of all proper means, to remove this
cause of division among brethren, is a solemn duty
incumbent on all the followers of Jesus. As all divi-
sion among brethren supposes that there is a fault
somewhere, it should be the concern of every one to
ascertain Whether his principles and practice on this
subject are conformable to the word of God. For on
those who forsake, and not on those who hold fast the
law and the testimony," must the fault of division lie.
My attention has recently been called to this sub-
ject, by a publication of the Rev. Dr. Ralston, enti-
tled, "An Inquiry into the Propriety of using an Evan-
gelical Psalmody in the worship of God," The age
and deserved reputation of this venerable Father, both
for learning and piety, demand for his book a careful
and candid examination. After having read the work,
as I hope with something of the proper spirit, I find
myself utterly unable to adopt the conclusions of my
worthy Father. And as the "Inquiry" seems to have
been designed more especially for the benefit of the
Associate Reformed Church, I propose to present to
the christian public, in the form of a Review, my
reasons for withholding my assent from the conclu'
sions of the venerable author. For him, personally,
I entertain profound respect. His argument, gener-

PREFACE. V

aJly, seems to me to be utterly inconclusive ; while
some principles that he has advanced, I cannot but
regard as of pernicious tendency. This I shall en-
•deavor, with all plainness, to make appear; but at the
same time, I trust that in the remarks which may be
made, nothing- shall be manifested which is incon-
sistent with that respect which is due to a hoary head,
which is a crown of glory, being found in the way of
righteousness. That the reader may enjoy much of
that spiritual illumination which is necessary to a pro-
per ujaders landing of the truth, is the prayer of

The AuTHORi

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The first edition of this treatise having been for
some time past exhausted, and frequent applications
being made for it, the Author has been induced to
present to the public a second edition; Shortly after
the publication of the work, a reply from the Author
of the "Inquiry" made its appearance. In this reply,
1 have not been able to discover any thing in the way
of argument, which renders it necessary for me ia
change a single position which I have taken. It has
not, therefore, been thought necessary to notice this
reply further than simply to advert to the argument of

VI PREFACE.

the Author, in a critical analysis of Col. 3: 16, 17^
which is added to the present edition. There is also
added, a brief historical survey of psalmody from the
apostolic age down to the V. century. From this sur-
vey, it is hoped, that it will appear to the satisfaction
of the reader, that while it is true, that there was at
an early period, a departure from what we regard as
scripture rule on this subject, as well as many others;
yet, it is true, that the Psalms which were given by
inspiration of God, have always been used by his
church, in the celebration of his praise ; that in the
times of the greatest purity of the church, these Psalms
have been most highly prized ; and that the principle
which maintains, that they are not suitable to be em-
ployed in the worship of the chuech under the gospel
dispensation, is a discovery of modern times.
Allegheny City, \st April, 1848.

REVIEW, &c.

CHAPTER I.

Importance of Regarding Divine Appointment in the Worship
of God — Statement of the Question in Dispute.

" Give unto the Lord, the glory due unto his name ;
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." What
glory is due unto God, and what worship will be ac-
ceptable to him, we must learn, not from the discov-
eries of reason, but exclusively from the revelation
which God has given of himself in the Oracles of
Truth. That God should receive the religious hom-
age of the intelligent creature, is a conclusion which
recommends itself to our reason ; but in what particu-
lar way this religious homage should be expressed,
reason cannot inform us. In all our inquiries, there-
fore, with respect to the worship which is proper to be
offered to God, we must go directly to his word. "In
vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men."

Among the ordinances of religious worship which
God has appointed, the singing of praise is one of
peculiar interest to the pious soul. When the chris-
tian is enabled to lift up the soul with the voice, and
praise God with the understanding and the heart, he
1

8 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

enjoys on earth a foretaste of heavenly blessedness ;
and even now enters upon that delightful employ-
ment, which shall constitute the happiness of the
redeemed before the throne of God. That, in the
performance of this duty, the christian should be
governed by the revealed will of God, must there-
fore, be a matter of great importance. "I am the
Lord ; that is my name ; and my glory will I not give
unto another, neither my praise to graven images."
God claims as his prerogative, the honor of appoint-
ing that religious worship his intelligent creatures
shall render to him. When men, therefore, take this
matter into their own hands, and undertake to deter-
mine how God shall be praised, or with what he
shall be praised, do they not plainly arrogate to them-
selves that glory which Jehovah declares he will not
give to another?

On this subject, the case of Nadab and Abihu is at
once instructive and admonitory. These sons of Aa-
ron took their censers, and put fire in them, and put
incense thereon, and "offered strange fire before the
Lord, which he commanded them not."* It was the
business of the priest, in the discharge of his official
duty, to burn incense before the Lord. In so far as
the burning of the incense was concerned, common
lire would answer the end as well as that which was
kept alive on the altar. According to divine appoint-
ment, however, fire taken from the sacred altar, and
none otlier, was to be employed for this purpose.
But on this occasion, these presumptuous men, disre-
garding the divine appointment, employed common
fire. And as a testimony of the divine displeasure
against their presumption in thus contemning his

■'■ Levit. 10 : 1.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 9

authority, "there went out fire from the Lord and de-
voured them, and they died before the Lord." In
reference to this awful occurrence, "Moses said unto
Aaron, This is it tliat the Lord spake, saying, I will
be sanctihed in them that come nigh me, and before
all the people I will be glorified."

Ftom a superficial view, the conduct of these min-
isters of God, might seem to involve no remarkable
crimijiality. Common fire possessing the same pro-
perties with the sacred fire which had originally des-
cended from heaven, and was kept alive on the sacred
altar, might seem to answer equally well the end pro-
posed, which was to consume the incense and produce
an agreeable perfume. But in this matter, human
wisdom had nothing to do in determining what was fit
and proper. In relation to every thing connected with
the worship of God, it is our duty to inquire, what is
the divine appointment? And because Nadab and
Abihu disregarded the divine appointment, and offered
unto God that which he commanded them not, there-
fore the consuming wrath of heaven descended upon
them, and cut them ofi" by a terrible death. And have
we not reason to apprehend, that the disregard of di-
vine authority in the worship of God, will now sub-
ject the guilty to the displeasure of heaven, as cer-
tainly as it did the presumptuous sons of Aaron?
"The Lord thy God, is a consuming fire, even a jeal-
ous God."*

The application of this historical fact to the subject
under discussion, is very apparent. In the case of
these sons of Aaron, we have an example of the dis-
regard of divine appointment in the worship of God,
and of the awful displeasure of heaven to which their

* Deut. 4: 24.

10 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

presumption exposed them. And the things which
were written aforetime, were written for our learning.
By the fearful destruction which overtook these men,
we are warned in relation to the danger of imitating
their sin. It will not be supposed that God has less
regard for the purity of his worship now, than he had
in the days of Aaron. And though he is not confined
to any particular mode of manifesting his displeasure
against the corruption of his worship, yet that the
sin is now as abhorrent in his sight as it ever was, and
that it will be punished in the w^ay which seems pro-
per to Infinite Wisdom, there can be no reason to
doubt.

That the singing of God's praise is an ordinance
of religious worship, is admitted generally by all the
professed followers of Christ. But on one point con-
nected with the general subject, the christian world
is unhappily divided ; and that is, What system of
songs shall be used by the church in the celebration
of God's praise ? In consequence of diversity of
views on this subject, it sometimes happens, that pro-
fessing christians, when they meet together, can most
cordially unite in other exercises of religious wor-
ship ; but in the delightful employment of singing
God's praise, some can take no part; because they
believe that the songs which are used, have not the
sanction of the divine appointment. And therefore,
however well their hearts may be tuned for the exer-
cise, and however ardently they may desire to unite
in praising God, they are compelled to remain silent,
lest they should be chargeable with offering "strange
fire before the Lord."

The conflicting views, on this subject, which have
divided the christian world, may all be reduced to
two. The first maintains, that the sonjjs contained

1>U. PRESSLY ON PSALMom'. 11

in the book of Psalms, being given by inspiration of
God, are to be used in singing his praise, and that we
have no authority for the introduction of songs of
human composure. The other contends, that evan-
gelical hymns composed by uninspired men, not only
may be sung in the worship of God, but that they are
preiferable to those contained in the book of Psahns,
being better adapted to the Gospel dispensation. To
a proper understanding of the merits of this contro-
versy, it is a matter of much importance, that we
sliould keep distinctly in view, the question at issue.
The reader is therefore desired to observe, that the
question is not. What metrical version of the Psalms
may be used in the praise of God ? But, it is sim-
ply this : " What system of songs may be used i
Shall we use that collection contained in" the book of
Psalms ; or may we use another, prepared by men?"
It is the more necessary to be particular in stating
the point in dispute, because some writers, who at
least ought to know better, give such a representa-
tion of it as is calculated to mislead. In the eighth
volume of the Biblical Repertory, there is a notice
of a tract on the subject of Catholic Communion,
published by the author of these remarks. The
learned conductors of that journal, do not condescend
to answer the argument against Catholic Communion,
but endeavor to turn it into ridicule. And no living
men understand better than the " Princeton Review-
ers," that it is a much easier task, to laugh at an ar-
gument, than to refute it. With regard to this tract
these gentlemen are pleased to say, — it "will be found
a rare example of exclusiveness, after the straitest
sect." After making this dignified remark, they pro-
ceed to observe, — "One would think, at this period of
tlio world's atre and experience, tliat two bodies of
1*

12 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

Presbyterians, having precisely the same Confession
of Faith — and a form of worship exactly agreeing in
all respects, save only a difference in the version of
Fsalms, ivhich they employ, might freely commune
together, without any unhallowed mixture, or any
criminal abandonment of principle on either side."
And is it really so? A difference simply with regard
to the version of Psalms, which shall be used ! One
really would have thought that, "at this period of
the world's age and experience," men who, like the
Princeton Reviewers, are in the very centre of litera-
ry light and of religious intelligence, would under-
stand the difference between these two bodies, on the
subject of Psalmody. With all due deference to these
learned gentlemen, I must be permitted to say, the
difference between the bodies of Presbyterians here
referred to, is not, what "version of Psalms" shall be
employed? No ! It is a difference of unspeakably
greater im.portance. The Associate Reformed Church,
one of the Presbyterian bodies referred to, employs
exclusively a version of the book of Psalms ; while
the General Assembly, the other Presbyterian body,
employs that which is not, in any proper sense of the
word, a version of the book of Psalms ; and in addi-
tion to this, allows the use of the poetical compositions
of uninspired men ; which the Associate Reformed
Church regards as a corruption of the worship of
God. It is, then, a difference which involves, not
simply the preference of one version before another,
but a principle of great importance.

Let me then once more desire the reader to observe,
that the controversy has not respect to the relative
merits of different versions. But the question is sim-
ply this : Shall we, in the praise of God, employ the
songs contained in the book of Psalms, which are the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 13

productions of the Spirit of God? Or, shall we make
use of the compositions of uninspired men? And one
would be ready to suppose, that if men who rever-
ence the Bible as the word of God, would look fairly
at the point in dispute, no labored argument would be
necessary to conduct them to the proper conclusion.

These general remarks being premised, I proceed
to examine the "Inquiry into the Propriety of using
an Evangelical Psalmody in the worship of God."
And I must be permitted, in the outset, to observe,
that the very title which the venerable author has pre-
fixed to his book, has a tendency to produce an erro-
neous impression upon the mind of the reader, with
regard to the real point in dispute. "An Inquiry in-
to the Propriety of using an Evangelical Psalmody!"
Why, my dear Father, such an inquiry is wholly un-
necessary. No portion of the christian world, which
uses any psalmody at all, would dispute the propriety
of using an " Evangelical Psalmody." For the As-
sociate Reformed Church, at least, I will answer, that
she not only has no doubt as to the propriety of using
an "Evangelical Psalmody," but that she actually does
not, and will not use any other.

But what does the author mean by an "Evangeli-
cal Psalmody?" The phrase will probably be under-
stood by most readers to signify a Psalmody, the mat-
ter of which is collected from the New Testament.
And that the author intended that it should be under-
stood in this sense, his own language would seem to
make evident. After noticing the position, that we
have no authority "to versify other portions of the
Scriptures than the book of Psalms, to be sung in the
churches," he observes, — " We think, however, that
we have both precept and precedent for doing so, and
that our songs of praise are to be drawn from the New

14 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

Testament in an especial manner." And then, after
referring to Colos. 3 : 16, 17, he adds, — "No precept
can be clearer or fuller to the point than this ; or that
we are to draw our songs of praise to God, from 'the
word of Christ,' or the New Testament Scriptures."
And to make the matter still more definite, after ad-
verting to a different interpretation of the phrase, "the
word of Christ," he adds, — "We hesitate not to say,
that there is not a man whose mind can rise above the
prejudice of education and think and judge for him-
self, or who has not in view the support of a sinking
cause, would give those words that interpretation, but
understand by them, the New Testament exclusive-
ly J'"' This is pretty strong language ; and I shall have
occasion hereafter to examine it carefully. My pre-
sent object is, to ascertain precisely what our author
means by an "Evangelical Psalmody," or, as he else-
where expresses it, a "Gospel Psalmody." And I
think we cannot be mistaken, when it is said that, by
an "Evangelical Psalmody," the author means a sys-
tem of songs, the matter of which is taken from the
New Testament. And as there is no collection of
songs in the New Testament, of course a system of
Psalmody drawn from the New Testament, must ne-
cessarily be a system of songs of "liuman compo-
sure," no matter liow faithfully these songs may ex-
hibit the doctrines of the Gospel.

The principle, then, for which the venerable author
pleads, is, that evangelical songs composed by unin-
spired men, may with propriety be sung in the social
worship of God. To this principle I cannot sub-
scribe. On the other hand, the principle for which I
contend, is, that "it is the will of God that the sacred
songs contained in the book of Psalms, be sung in his
M'orship, both public and private, to the end of the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 15

world ;" and that we have no authority to use the pro-
ductions of uninspired men.

It is hoped that the reader will now see precisely
the point in dispute. And if he will lend me his pa-
tient attention, I will in some future chapters, at least,
"show my opinion."

(16 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

CHAPTER II.

Human Inventions and Human Composure.

In pleading the cause of the Songs of Zion, the
great argument on which we rely, is, the divine ap-
pointment of them, to be used in singing God's praise;
and our grand objection to the use of the evangelical
compositions of uninspired men, is, that whatever
other recommendations they may possess, they lack
divine appointment. With regard to worshipping
God, in the way which he himself has appointed, I
am happy to find that we have the explicit testimony
of the author of the "Inquiry." " The Church," he
correctly observes, " cannot be pure, nor expect that
the dews of divine grace will descend upon her, while
she worships God in any other way, than that ap-
pointed in his word."

As this is a principle of very great importance at
all times, and especially so at a time like the present,
when there is so strong a disposition to make improve-
ments in religion, as well as in the department of hu-
man science, the reader Avill allow me to add a few
remarks to what has already been said.

To ancient Israel, the following direction with re-
gard to the worship of God, was given by Jehovah
himself: "An altar of earth, thou shalt make unto me,
and shalt sacrifice thereon, thy burnt-offerings and
thy peace-offerings, thy sheep and thine oxen. And

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALWODY.^ 17

if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thon shajit not
build it of hewn stone ; for if thou lift up thy tool
upon it, thou hast polluted it."* If human wisdom
had been consulted with regard to this institution,
many reasons could have been advanced to show the
propriety of erectinsf an altar of a difi'erent kind from-
the one here described. It might have been said with
much plausibility, that to set up an altar, of rough
unpolished stone, would look very much like careless-
ness, in relation to religious worship ; that it would
seem to indicate an unwillingness to submit to any
labor or expense in the service of God ; and in ap-
pearance at least, would be disrespectful to the object
of religious worship. And the wisdom of man would
not hesitate to decide, that an altar of polished stone^
neatly adjusted together by the skill of the artificer,
would appear much more respectful to the Deity, and
consequently would be more likely to prove accept-
able to God. But, no ! It does not belong to human
wisdom to determine what is proper in the worship
of God. This is exclusively the prerogative of him'
who is the object of religious worship; and his decla-
ration is, thou shalt 7wt build it of hewn stone; for
if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Take another illustration. Under the legal dispen-
sation, some animals might be offered in sacrifice ta
God, while others were forbidden. Among those
animals which might be presented upon the altar, the
sheep and the goat are included, while swine are for-
bidden, as unclean. Suppose human reason had been
required to pronounce its decision with regard to the
propriety of this distinction. Arguments of a plausi-
ble character could readily have been produced, to

* Exodus 20 : 24, 25.

18 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

prove that the animals which are pronounced to be
unclean, are no less suitable for sacrifice, than those
which are allowed ; and it might have been argued
with much show of reason, that the flesh of the pig
is in no respect inferior to that of the kid, and there-
fore, that it might with equal propriety occupy a place
on the altar of God. The important difl:erence, how-
ever, between these animals, is, that the use of the
one was divinely appointed, while the use of the other
was not. And hence, the offering of the one was ac-
ceptable, while the presentation of the other was an
abomination in the sight of the Lord. The conclu-
sion of the whole matter then, is, that in all our reli-
gious offerings, we must be prepared to answer the
question. Who hath required this at your hands?

The controversy with regard to the propriety of
using in the worship of God, the evangelical compo-
sitions of uninspired men, turns upon this point : Is
there divine appointment for the use of them ? These
compositions may be adorned with all the beauties of
style, decorated with all the graces of poetry ; and
what is still more valuable, the sentiments which they
express, may be strictly in accordance with the sacred
Scriptures. But none of these properties, nor all of
them together, can render it proper that these compo-
sitions should be employed in the worship of God,
unless divine appointment can be produced in their
favor.

The venerable author of the "Inquiry," admits the
principle, that divine appointment is necessary, to
render our worship acceptable to God. And he
maintains the position, that " we have both precept
and precedent," for the use of evangelical hymns, com-
posed by uninspired men. But before he enters di-
rectly on tlie defence of this position, he devotes a

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 19

chapter to the consideration of "human inventions"
and "human composures."

By "human inventions," I suppose, any person
acquainted with the English language, will understand
such things as have been found out by the wisdom of
man. But when these words are employed with re-
ference to the worship of God, they convey an idea
the opposite of divine appointment. Wherever men
introduce into the worship of God, anything which is
not divinely appointed, — or incorporate with divine
ordinances, that which God has not instituted, — there
we behold the introduction of "human inventions ;"
that is, we see something which man has found out,
but which God has not appointed.

For the purpose of illustration, take the following
example. It is universally admitted to be the divine
appointment, that we should worship God in spirit
and in truth. But some men contend that images or
pictures of sacred things may be very helpful to raise
the soul to the contemplation of those things which
are above. Protestant Christians, however, reject all
such helps to devotion, as "human inventions," not
appointed in the word of God.

Again : It is the ordinance of God that Christian
baptism should be administered by the application of
water to the body. But human wisdom has improved
upon the divine appointment, by adding to the water,
spittle, salt, and other things equally valuable ! Those,
however, who regard divine appointment as their rule
in the worship of God, use water only in baptism,
and reject all other additions of human folly, as com-
ing under the head of "human inventions."

And now, to apply these remarks to the subject
under discussion, I would say, that if God has ap-
pointed the use of evangelical hymns composed by
2

20 DR* PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

uninspired men, then it is manifestly improper to re-
present the use of them as a "human invention."
But on the other hand, if the use of them is not di-
vinely appointed, then it is just as clear, that the pro-
priety of using them, is something which has been
found out by man, — or in other words, is a "human
invention."

The words, "human inventions," are not restricted
to the subject of Psalmody, but extend to every thing
connected with the worship of God, w^hich is not di-
vinely appointed. The other phrase to which the
author refers, and wdth which we are now more par-
ticularly concerned, is, "human composures."

The definition which the author gives of these
words is the following : " Human composure, pro-
perly speaking, is something, whether in prose or
verse, composed by men, the subject-matter of which
is human views, wishes, concerns or interests." With
regard to this definition I would remark, that if the
latter half of it were dropped, the remaining part
would express the truth plainly and simply. "Hu-
man composure, is any thing composed by men."
That is the plain truth. No matter what may be the
"subject-matter" of a composition, nor the source
whence the materials of which it is formed are drawn,
if it has been composed by man, it is to all intents and
purposes, a "human composure."

The author of the "Inquiry" observes — "It is not
proper to call a poem, the ground and substance of
which is some doctrine, precept, promise, &c. in the
word of God, a 'human composure.' " And why, I
would ask, is it not proper ? If the poem, as such, is
the production of man — if the matter of it has been
collected and arranged by man in the exercise of his
own understanding, judgment and imagination, no

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 21

matter from what source the materials of which it is
composed may have been gathered — it is certain that,
if plain language is to be understood according to its
natural acceptation, it is a "human composure." And
why it should be improper to call such a poem by its
proper name, I am utterly unable to conceive. The
sentiments contained in the poem, if you please, may
all be gathered from the Bible; but the poem itself is
not in the Bible. The materials have been collected
by man in the exercise of his own powers, and are so
arranged by him as to form a poem, which expresses
his views of what is contained in the word of God ;
and yet will it be gravely said, that it is not a " human
composure!" In truth, a poem composed by man,
and a "human composure," are phrases, which if not
tautological, certainly approximate so nearly to that
character, that it woulcl require very "acute logical
powers" to detect the difference in their import.

But the venerable author proceeds to remark, that
"it is the subject-matter of any composition, in prose
or verse, that gives it its distinctive character." True.
But does "the subject-matter" of a composition deter-
mine who is the author by whom it was composed?
A composition may be, as to its " distinctive charac-
ter," philosophical, political or religious, according to
the nature of its "subject-matter." Should a man in
the exercise of his own powers, prepare a composition,
no matter whether the design of it may be to illustrate
and defend the principles of philosophy, of politics, or
of the gospel, still it is a "human composure." The
materials of the composition in the one case, may be
collected from an investigation of the phenomena of
nature ; or in the other case, they may be drawn from
an examination of the Bible ; but still it is in the one
case, as really as in the other, a "human composure."

22 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

And yet the venerable author repeats it, as though it
were a thing which deserved special notice, that " it
is not the circumstance of its being arranged and writ-
ten by man, that makes it a human or divine compo-
sition, but what it contains." I would ask the honest
reader, if this is not equivalent to the declaration, that
it is not the circumstance of a poem being composed
by man, which makes it man's composition.

The reader will perceive that the author of the "In-
quiry " does not choose to appear before the public as
the advocate of the use of songs of "human compo-
sure," in the worship of God. And to extricate him-
self from this difficulty, he has invented a convenient
definition of the phrase, "human composure." He
maintains that a composition, which has been written
and arranged by man, provided the matter of it be
taken from the Bible, is not a "human composure,"
but is "divine." And according to this definition,
every evangelical sermon in the world, is a "divine"
composition! and Dr. Ralston's "Brief Explication of
the Principal Prophecies of Daniel and John," is a
" divine " book ! Against such an abuse of language,
for the purpose of elevating the compositions of men
to a level with the word of God, I enter my solemn
protest.

If it were necessary to add any thing further, for
the purpose of showing that this definition of our ven-
erable author, is a modern discovery, the aid of which
was found to be requisite to sustain a particular hypo-
thesis, I might adduce the testimony of Dr. Watts
himself. In giving the character of his hymns, this
celebrated writer remarks, — " In the first part, I have
borrowed the sense and much of the form of the song
from some particular portions of Scripture. The se-
cond part consists of hymns, whose form is mere

1>R. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 25

human composure^ * Thouj^h, as appears from his
own statement, Watts himself placed a pretty high
estimate on his hymns, he was not quite so extrava-
gant as to consider them "f/iui/ze" composures.

After having given his definition of the phrase,
"human composure," our Avorthy author makes the
following remark: "If it is unlawful to use in the
public worship of God, a hymn or song written by
man, provided it is founded upon and agreeable to his
word, then Mr. Reid's lectures, sermons, and prayers,
are all unlawful ; for though they may be agreeable to
the word of God, yet the language and arrangement
are his own." t To this I reply, that with all defer-
ence to my venerable Father, I must be permitted to
say, this reasoning is not valid. The things which
are here compared, are dissimilar, and therefore the
conclusion may be logical and correct in the one case,
while in the other it does not hold. Preaching the
gospel is one thing, and singing the praises of God, is
another thing. And consequently, for aught that ap-
pears, it may be proper, in the one case, to do that
which in the other, would not be proper. In the
volume of Inspiration, God has provided a book of
psalms, hymns and spiritual songs ; and, therefore, in
singing God's praise, we have no need to compose
psalms and hymns, since there is furnished ready to
our hands, a book containing every desirable variety
of sacred songs, and one prepared by Infinite Wisdom.
But there is no book of sermons in the Bible ; and
therefore, if ^it is the appointment of God, that the

* Preface to Watts' Hymns.

t It may be proper to inform the reader, that throughout the
^'Inquiry," the author has a particular reference to a publication
of the Rev. Robert Reid, of Erie, Pa.

24 DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY,

minister of the gospel should preach sermons for the
edification of the church, he must prepare them.

The reader will, therefore, readily perceive that it
by no means follows, that because every minister of
the gospel may compose his own sermon for the edi-
fication of his hearers, therefore he may compose a
song, which he and they may sing to the praise of
God. In both instances we must be governed by di-
vine appointment. That it is the ordinance of God,
that the minister of the gospel should preach the
word; and that in the performance of this duty, he
should speak the things Avhich become sound doctrine,
will be admitted by all. But that it is the will of God
that the compositions of uninspired men should be
employed in singing God's praise, the author of the
"Inquiry" has not yet proved. And consequently,
all reasoning founded on the assumption that the use
of them is in conformity with divine appointment, is
inconclusive.

The same general remarks will apply to the sub-
ject of prayer. But as this point will be particularly
examined hereafter, it is not necessary that any thing
further should be said at present.

But with a view to strengthen his position, that a
composition which is founded upon the word of God,
is divine, though it may have been written, or in other
words, composed by man, the worthy Father adds a
remark, which does appear to me somewhat startling.
He says — " If it is unlawful to use in the public wor-
ship of God, a hymn or sono- written by man, provided
it is founded upon and agreeable to the word of God,
then every translation of the Scripture is human com-
posure, and consequently, it is unlawful to use or read
them in the public worship of God." Does not the
venerable author here, confound things which are es-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 25

sentially distinct? A translation of a book, and the
composition of a book, are surely things essentially
different. In a translation, there is a rendering in
one language, that which was written in another. In
our translation of the sacred Scriptures, God as really
speaks to his church now, in the English language, as
he did anciendy in the Hebrew and Greek. The
translation is human, stricdy and properly so ; for it
is the work of man. But it is not a " human compo-
sure." In a human composure, the object of the
writer is to give his own views of the import of God's
word. He collects and arranges his matter, so as to
exhibit what he believes to be the truth taught in the
Scriptures. But in a translation, that which an author
has said in one language, is exhibited in another.

A human composition, then, though it may be
strictly conformable to the word of God, is one thing
— a translation of the Scriptures is an essentially dif-
ferent thing. The one may correspond with the
word of God; but the other is, the Word of God.
And in the name of the Protestant church of Christ, I
protest against the' principle which maintains that the
one can with any propriety be elevated to a level with
the other.

The author of the "Inquiry," in the next place,
adverts to a custom of the Associate Reformed Church,
according to w^hich, explanatory remarks are some-
times made upon the psalm before it is sung, for the
purpose of stirring up devotional feelings, and of pre-
paring the worshippers to engage in praising God
with suitable affections. And when the officiating
minister makes some explanatory remarks on the
psalm before it is sung by the congregation, our author
gravely asks — "Do not he and they, virtually use 'hu-
man composure,' in the worship of God? " I answer

26 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

emphatically and unequivocally, No! And I must
express my astonishment to hear a man of the author's
age and knowledge ask the question. I have heard
young men ^vho do not understand the subject, but
who would w^ish to throw some difficulty in the way
of an opponent, ask questions of this character. But
really I was not prepared to hear our venerable Father
ask such a question, as though it involved any diffi-
culty. Why, it is a perfectly plain and simple case,
that the congregation of worshippers do not sing the
explanation of the psalm which they may have heard.
If appropriate remarks are made in explaining the
psalm, the worshippers may be assisted thereby in
praising God with the understanding and with the
heart. But still, that which they sing in praising
God, is no human explanation, but a song of Zion.

When Dr. Ralston selects a text of scripture, and
for the edification of his hearers, preaches to them an
evangelical sermon, he does not expect them to receive
his sermon^ the object of which is to explain the text,
as the M^ord of God and the foundation of their faith.
No ! He teaches them to regard the text itself as the
foundation of their faith and hope, and to use his ex-
position as a help to enable them to understand the
meaning of the text, which is the word of God. In
like manner, after a psalm has been explained for the
edification of the worshippers, they use the explanation
as a help to assist them in singing with the understand-
ing. But they do not sing the explanation, which is
given by man. They sing, literally and truly, a psalm
or song which God has provided for the use of his
church. And in doing this, they neither "virtually,"
nor in any other sense, sing "human composures."
And if the "apprehensions and perceptions" of any
man are "so dull," that he cannot see that there is u

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 27

very important distinction between singing a divine
psalm and a human explanation of it, in the worship
of God, I would suppose that they are not likely to
be sharpened by human power.

But to bring our remarks on the first chapter of the
"Inquiry" to a close. The reader, it is hoped, will
now clearly perceive the ground on which our author
stands. He maintains the propriety of using in the
worship of God, evangelical psalms and hymns and
songs, which have been written or composed by men.
He does indeed deny that such songs can with propri-
ety be represented as "human composure." And in
the support of this position, he gives a definition of
"human composure," Avhich amounts to this, — that a
poem composed by man, if it be founded upon the
word of God, is not a human composure. Though I
must be permitted to say, that according to my under-
standing of language, this definition involves something
nearly allied to a contradiction, yet whether it be cor-
rect or not, is a matter of little importance, in so far
as the great principle involved in this controversy is
concerned. The question is this : Have we authority
to sing in the praise of God, songs composed by unin-
spired men, provided these songs are agreeable to the
word of God ? If the reader is disposed to give these
songs their appropriate title, he may call them " human
composures." But if he chooses, with our author, to
call them "divine compositions," though they have
been composed by uninspired men, — why, he may in-
dulge his own taste. Still, the question remains to be
settled, — Have we authority in the word of God, to
employ such songs in the Avorship of God? Our
author maintains that we have, and proceeds in the
next chapter of the "Inquiry," to give the reader his
reasons in support of his opinion. In our next chap-

38 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

er we propose to weigh these reasons in the balances
of the sanctuary.

In the meantime, let me desire the reader to reflect
that He who is the object of religious worship, is a.
Being who is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and
cannot look upon iniquity. It is, moreover, required
of all who approach him in the exercise of religious
worship, that they serve him in spirit and in truth.
He will not accept the homage of those who honor
him with their lips, while their heart is far from him.
It is important then, not only that the matter of our
offering, be such as God hath appointed, but that it
be presented with a proper spirit. In our approach
unto God, we may therefore well appropriate the
prayer, " O, Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth
shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest not
sacrifice, else would I give it; thou delightest not in
burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, 0, God, thou
wilt not despise."

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 29

CHAPTER III.

Examination of the Author's Precept authorizing the Use of Songs
composed by Uninspired Men.

The reader is desired to keep in remembrance the
great point in dispute, in the controversy on Psalmody.
It is simply this : Have we divine apointment for the
use of psalms and hymns and songs, composed by
uninspired men, in singing the praise of God? There
is no dispute with regard to the duty of singing psalms
and hymns and songs — but is it proper ; or in other
words, is it God's appointment, that we should sing
those psalms and hymns and spiritual songs which
have been composed by uninspired men? If divine
appointment can be produced in their favor, then the
question is settled, and controversy is at an end. But
if divine appointment cannot be produced for the use
of them, then it is clear that the use of them is unau-
thorized, and consequently improper. And in rela-
tion to this general principle, it gives me pleasure tO'
repeat, that I have the concurrence of the venerable
author of the "Inquiry." "The church," he observes,,
"cannot be pure while she worships God in any other
way than that appointed in his word."

In the second chapter of the "Inquiry," the author
with great propriety proceeds to inquire, whether "the
church is warranted to draw her songs of praise to

30 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

God, from the New Testament, as well as from the
Old."

Let us endeavor to understand precisely the import
of this inquiry : Has the church a warrant to draw her
•songs of praise from the New Testament? We all
know, that in the New Testament there is no book of
psalms and hymns and songs. If, then, the church
has authority to draw her songs of praise to God from
the New Testament, she must have authority to make
or compose her songs of praise. The inquiry, then,
resolves itself into this: Has the church now, authority
to prepare or compose her OAvn songs of praise? Or,
which amounts precisely to the same thing, has the
church authority to use psalms and hymns of human
composure? The ^vhole Bible is the word of God; and
whether the materials of which her songs are compo-
sed, are to be drawn from the Old or from the New
Testament, is not the matter in dispute. But the ques-
tion is, — Has the church, with all the help which she
can derive from the New Testament, authority to
make or compose her own songs of praise? To this
question the author of the "Inquiry" replies in the
affirmative : — " We think that we have both precept
and precedent for doing so, and that our songs of praise
are to be draAvn from the New Testament in an espe-
cial manner." That is, in the opinion of the venera-
ble author, there is "both precept and precedent" to
warrant the church to prepare her own songs of
praise, and that the matter of her songs should be
"drawn from the New Testament in an especial
manner."

Where, then, is there to be found a precept in the
word of God, authorizing the church to make or com-
pose her songs of praise? The venerable author re-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 31

plies, — "In Colossians 3: 16, 17, we have the follow-
ing precept or command: 'Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and ad-
monishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to
the Lord. And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God and the Father by him.' " In relation to the
apostolic injunction, the venerable author observes,
" No precept can be clearer or fuller to the point than
this ; or that we are to draw our songs of praise to
God from the word of Christ, or the New Testament
Scriptures." No precept can be clearer or fuller to
the point than this. What point? That we are to
draw our songs from the New Testament, — that is,
that we are to compose our songs of praise, drawing
the matter of them from the New Testament? Why,
my venerable Father, will you allow me to say, that
this precept which you represent as so full and clear,
does not utter one syllable in relation to the point in
controversy. There is no dispute as to our obligation
to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly ; none,
as to the duty of teaching and admonishing one an-
other, as -we may be able ; none, as to the propriety
of singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
All this is fully and clearly revealed, and all this we
firmly believe. But what is now wanted, is a precept
to authorize the church to compose her songs of praise
to be used in the worship of God. And on this point,
the precept to which we are referred, instead of being
full and clear, is perfectly silent. All that we want, to
settle the point in dispute forever, is, authority in the
word of God for any uninspired man to compose
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, to be used in
the worship of God. That it is our duty to sing psalms
3

32 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

and hymns and spiritual songs, we know. But where
has God authorized any uninspired man, to make
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, to be employed
in the worship of God? This is the point in dispute.
And Avith regard to this matter, the precept which we
are told is full and clear, says in reality nothing at all.

It would appear that it is on the phrase, "the word
of Christ," in this direction which the apostle gives
the Colossians, that our author chiefly relies for his
proof that we have authority to draw our songs of
praise from the New Testament. " The word of
Christ," he understands as referring to the writings of
the New Testament. He, however, notices a difl'er-
ent interpretation, with regard to which, he makes the
following remark: "But it is said that the word of
Christ means the same thing as the word of God, or
the whole of the Scriptures. Be it so ; and it proves
all that we desire to prove." The reader will per-
ceive, that the words of the apostle furnish a very ac-
commodating proof ; for, according to our author, un-
derstand them as you will, and they still establish the
point which he wishes to prove. But I repeat it, that
the apostle is here directing the Colossians to sing,
not to make psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
So that the great inconvenience under which this proof
labors, is, that it says nothing at all in relation to the
thing to be proved.

However, though our author seems in the first place
kindly to admit that the phrase, the ivord of Christ,,
may mean the same thing with the ivord of God, or
the whole of the Scriptures, yet he soon changes his
tone. Hear him !

" We hesitate not to say, that there is not a man,
whose mind can rise above the prejudice of education,
and think and judge for himself, or who has not in

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 33

view the support of a sinking cause, would give these
words that interpretation, but understand by them the
New Testament exdusively." I am sorry to hear my
venerable Father using language of this character.
There is prevailing in this nineteenth century a dis-
position, at least, sufficiently strong to "rise above the
prejudice of education;" and I do not like to hear the
wisdom and experience of hoary hairs, employing
language so soothing to this proud spirit. Has not
the venerable author himself, often mourned over the
evils which this very spirit has introduced into the
great body of the Presbyterian church ! Have we
not seen men who, after being taught by their good
mothers the wholesome doctrines of the Shorter Cate-
chism, have, even before their beards were grown,
conceived the idea of rising above "the prejudice of
education;" and in the indulgence of this spirit, have
rejected some of the great doctrines of Christianity as
the relics of a barbarous age? There are other pre-
judices, from wiiich the church has quite as much
cause to apprehend danger, as from the prejudice of
education.

At the hazard of being charged by my Father with
the sin of having a mind which cannot rise above the
prejudice of education, I feel constrained to question,
the soundness of his interpretation of the phrase, "the
word of Christ." Let us then endeavor to understand
the meaning of the apostle, keeping out of sight every
"cause," whether it may be a "sinking" or a rising
one, save the "cause" of truth.

1st. I remark in the first place, that by "the word
of Christ," the apostle certainly does not mean the
word which was spoken by our Lord personally. If
we were thus to restrict the meaning of the phrase, it
would comprehend but a small portion even of the

34 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

New Testament. And in regard to some things of
importance, our Lord did not think proper to instruct
his disciples during the period of his personal minis-
try. "I have yet," said he, "many things to say un-
to you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when
the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all
truth ; for he shall not speak of himself ; but whatso-
ever he shall hear, that shall he speak." * That
which has been revealed to the church by the Spirit
of Christ, is just as truly the word of Christ, as that
which was spoken by our Lord in person, and is of
equal authority in the church.

2d. I remark, then, in the second place, that "the
word of Christ" is that revelation which Jesus Christ,
by his Spirit, has given to the church through the instru-
mentality of his servants. "No man hath seen God at
any time : the only begotten Son, who is in the bo-
som of the Father, he hath declared him." Jesus
Christ is the Prophet of the church, and from him all
the revelations of the will of God, which have been
given to the church, have been derived. Under the
gospel, "the word of Christ" was communicated to
the church by the ministry of the apostles ; and un-
der the legal dispensation it was revealed by the min-
istry of the prophets. The word of Christ, it is true,
has been more fully and clearly revealed under the
gospel than it was under the law ; and the truth rela-
tive to the way of life and salvation, has been more
fully unfolded by the aposdes, since the Comforter has
been sent, than it was during the period of our Lord's
personal ministry. But still, whatever may be the
relative fulness and clearness of the revelation under
different dispensations, it was "the word of Christ"

* John 16 : 12, 13.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSAL3I0DY. 35

which was revealed to the church of old by the min-
istry of the prophets, as truly as is the revelation given
by the apostles in the New Testament. And hence
we see the propriety of the apostle's declaration, — "Of
which salvation the prophets have inquired and search-
ed diligently, who prophesied of ihe grace that should
come unto you ; searching what, or what manner of
time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did sig-
nify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of
Christ, and the glory that should follow."* And
again : " The prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man; but holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost. "t It is then plain-
ly the doctrine of the Bible, that the ancient prophets
w^ere under the influence of tke Spirit of Christ as
truly as were the apostles. The prophets spake as
they were moved by the Holy Ghost, concerning the
sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow,
as w^ell as the apostles. And consequendy, that which
was spoken by the prophets under the influence of the
Spirit of Christ, has precisely the same claim to be
regarded as "the word of Christ," as that which was
uttered by the^ apostles.

3d. I object to the author's interpretation of the
phrase, "the word of Christ," because it tends to ex-
alt the authority of one part of the word of God, to
the disparagement of another. If by "the word of
Christ," we are to understand "the New Testament
exclusively," then it would seem to follow, that the
Old Testament is not "the word of Christ," and there-
fore not of equal authority in the church. But while
some do not hesitate to avow this pernicious senti-
ment, as my venerable Father well knows and firmly

* 1 Peter 1 : 10, 11. t2 Peter 1:21.

3*

36 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

believes, the whole Bible is a revelation of the Spirit
of Christ, by whom the prophets and apostles were
inspired, and is the rule of our faith and life. While
it is an indubitable truth, that the will of God respect-
ing the way of salvation through Jesus Christ is more
fully revealed in the New than in the Old Testament,
it is no less true, that neither Testament is complete
without the other. Neither of them can be explain-
ed, without the aid of the light which is reflected upon
it by the other. The one is the introduction and par-
tial development of a grand system, of which the other
is the consummation. But they are alike the produc-
tions of the same glorious Author.

The interpretation, then, which would restrict the
*'word of Christ" to the "New Testament exclusive-
ly," I must be permitted to say, is indefensible. But
grant that this is the correct interpretation, still the
words of the aposde afford no proof in support of the
point in dispute. The direction of the apostle is, "Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom."
Let it be granted for the moment, that the meaning of
the apostle is, "Let the New Testament dwell in you
richly." What has this to do with the decision of the
question whether every one has a right to compose
psalms and hymns and songs, to be employed in the
worship of God? It is undoubtedly the will of God,
that the precious ti'uths of the Gospel should dwell
richly in the hearts of all true believers, and that they
should sing "psalms and hymns and songs," in the
worship of God. But we are inquiring after author-
ity, not to sing, but to inake psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs. And on this point, this passage of
the word of God is utterly silent. And yet strange
to tell, this is the only text of Scripture which the
venerable author produces to establish the position

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 87

that we have a "precept" to authorize us to draw our
sonofs of praise from the New Testament. I must be
permitted to express my surprise, as well as my dis-
appointment, to find that the author devotes to the con-
sideration of this all-important point in the controversy,
only a few lines. We are inquiring for a divine pre-
cept, as our authority for composing psalms and hymns
and songs, to be employed in the worship of God.
The worthy author says we have a precept; and he
refers us to a passage of Scripture in which we are
directed to sing psalms and hymns, and then adds,
*'No precept can be clearer or fuller to the point than
this." And yet it so happens, that the precept says
nothing at all in relation to the particular "point" about
which we are inquiring.

As it is believed that this passage of Scripture has
perplexed the minds of some who may have paid more
attention to the mere sound of words, than to the
meaning of the apostle, the reader is desired to take
up his Bible and read the chapter in which these words
occur. It will at once be seen that the apostle is here
exhorting christians generally, to the performance of
various christian duties. "Set your afiection on things
above; mortify your members, which are upon the
earth ; put off the old man with his deeds ; put on
charity, which is the bond of perfectness ; and let the
peace of God rule in your hearts." These, it will be
admitted, are duties incumbent on all christians, in
whatever sphere of life they may move. And in im-
mediate connection with the mention of these duties,
the aposde gives the direction contained in the pas-
sage under consideration, in which he likewise ex-
horts to the performance of a duty common to all the
followers of Christ : now what is the duty? Can any
one seriously believe, that it is to write or compose

38 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

psalms and hymns? Why this is a task which not
one in a thousand among christians has the capacity
to perform. The talent and the acquirements neces-
sary to enable one to compose a sacred song, are pos-
sessed by few. Even in the present age, when the
advantages of education are much more g-enerally dif-
fused than they were in apostolic times, the christian
world can scarcely produce a man qualified to furnish
the church with a tolerable version of the psalms con-
tained in the Bible. Independent of the fact, then,
that there is nothing here said about composing psalms
and hymns, it is preposterous to suppose that the apos-
tle exhorts the disciples of Christ generally, to per-
form as a duty, a work which is entirely beyond the
capacity of the great body of the household of faith.
But the impropriety of the venerable author's in-
terpretation of this passage will more clearly appear,
when we shall have inquired a little more particular-
ly into the import of some of the terms which the
apostle employs. There is particular mention made
of three kinds of sacred songs : "Psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs." It is natural to inquire, why are
these different kinds of songs mentioned? From the
nature of the apostle's exhortation, it is to be supposed
that the Colossians would readily understand its im-
port. They are exhorted to teach and admonish one
another, "in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs."
Or, as the duty is expressed in a parallell passage, the
exhortation is, " Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Now what would the apostle be understood by his
brethren as referring to, when he speaks of " psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs?" He refers to these
;sacred sons^s, as things with which his brethren were

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 39

familiar. Was there, then, any such thing in use
among christians, with which it must be supposed that
the members of the christian church were familiar?
We know that there was. There was then a book
of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, received by
the church of Christ as a portion of the word of God.
With this divine book, christians were familiar. And
when the apostle exhorts christians to sing psalms,
there is just the same reason to suppose that he would
be understood as referring to those contained in the
book of Psalms, as that when he speaks of the Scrip-
tures, his brethren would understand him as referring
to the sacred writings contained in the Bible.

But further : It is well known to the scholar, that
there are various titles prefixed to the sacred poems
contained in the book of Psalms. There are parti-
cularly three distinct titles used to designate these dif-
ferent compositions. For the sake of the common
reader, I will give these titles in English characters.
The whole book is called the book of Tehillim, or
hymns. And the word is used in the singular num-
ber as the title of the 145th Psalm: '^^ hyinn of Da-
vidy Many of these sacred songs bear the title, Miz-
mor, a psalm. And others have affixed to them the
title. Shir, a song. Here then are three different
kinds of songs in the book of Psalms, contained in
the Bible : Mizmorim, Tehillim, Shirim, signifying
psalms, hymns, songs. But the apostle wrote in the
Greek language ; and the translation of the Old Tes-
tament then used generally throughout the christian
church, was that which is known by the title of the
Septuagint, which is in the Greek language. Now it
so happens that in this Greek translation of the book
of psalms, we have in the tides prefixed to different
psalms, the identical terms which are here employed

40 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

by the apostle : " Psalms, hymns and songs." We
know that there was then received by the church, a
book of psalms, hymns and songs, contained in the
Bible. We know of none other. And the conclu-
sion forces itself upon us, that the apostle, in directing-
his christian brethren to sing psalms and tiymns and
spiritual son^s, refers to those Avith which they were
acquainted, and which the whole christian church re-
garded as a portion of the word of God.

Let me then say in conclusion, with all due defer-
ence, that the venerable author has failed to produce
a precept authorizing any uninspired man to compose
psalms and hymns and songs, to be employed in the
worship of God. And as the author admits that God
should not be worshipped in any other way than that
which he has appointed, the want of such a precept,
is the great reason why Me do not feel at liberty to
use the compositions of men in singing the praise of
God.

But the author contends that we have "precedent,"
as well as " precept," to warrant us " to draw our songs
of praise from the New Testament;" that is, to com-
pose our songs of praise, drawing the matter of them
from the New Testament. In our next chapter we
propose to examine his "precedents."

Note. — As this passage of Scripture, Col, 3: 16, 17, is regard-
ed as containing authority for the use of songs of human compo-
sure, in the worship of God, if there is any such authority in the
Bible, I shall at the close of this volume, devote a chapter to a
thorough examination of it.

DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY. 41

CHAPTER IV.

An Examination of the Author's ^'Precedents," authorizing the
Use of an Uninspired Psalmody.

As one special object with me, in engaging in this
controversy, is to endeavor, if possible, to have the
point in dispute fairly and definitely brought before
the view of the christian public, the reader's indul-
gence is craved, if there should be occasionally a little
repetition.

Permit me then to repeat, that, regardless of subor-
dinate differences of opinion, there are on the subject
of Psalmody, two conflicting views. According to
one view, we have authority to use in the worship of
God, those songs only which he has given us in his
word. According to the other, we are at liberty to
employ evangelical songs, composed by uninspired
men. It is the latter view of this subject which the
venerable author of the "Inquiry" maintains. It is
indeed true that the direct object of some of his remarks,
is, to show the propriety of using other songs of Scrip-
ture besides those which are contained in the book of
Psalms. But this is not the leading design of the
" Inquiry ;" nor does the author in practice confine
himself to the use of those songs which are contained
in the Bible. If this were all for which he contends,
though I might have differed from him in opinion in
some degree, I should never have thought it necessary

4» DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

to write this Review. The grand design of the " In-
quiry" is, to prove the propriety of using what the
author calls a "Gospel Psalmody," in contradistinc-
tion from what he styles a "Jewish Psalmody." And
in his own practice, he uses such son^s as have been
composed by uninspired men. The great question at
issue, then, is plainly this : Have we authority to use
in the worship of God, evangelical songs composed by
uninspired men, — or have we not ? The author of
the "Inquiry" takes the affirmative, and pleads that
we have both "precept and precedent," as our author-
ity. To the examination of his "examples" or "pre-
cedents," we now proceed.

The first "precedents" to which the venerable au-
thor refers us, are, the songs of Mary and Zacharias.
"In the first chapter of Luke," he observes, "we have
two songs of praise to God, one by Mary, the mother
of Jesus, and the other by Zacharias, the father of
John the Baptist, but which are not in the book of
Psalms." The reader will please to keep in mind
what it is, for which we want a "precedent." It is
a "precedent" to prove that we may with propriety
compose our songs of praise, drawing the matter of
them from the New Testament. But what is the fact
with regard to the examples to which we are referred?
Have we here an example of an uninspired man com-
posing a song of praise to be employed in the worship
uf God? Nothing like it! We here behold two in-
dividuals who, under a divine impulse, give expression
to the gratitude of their hearts in a song of praise, "as
the Spirit gave them utterance." And I would re-
spectfully ask, — Did Mary and Zacharias draw their
songs of praise from the New Testament? Why, so
far from being drawn from it — that is, so far from be-
ing composed of materials gathered out of the New

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

43

Testament, these songs are a part of that sacred book.

These "precedents," I admit, clearly prove, that
any individual who is "filled with the Holy Ghost,"
may give utterance to the sentiments of a grateful
heart, in such terms as he may be directed by the
Spirit of inspiration to employ. But what have such
examples to do with the question at issue ? We want
a "precedent" which will warrant the conclusion, that
an uninspired man may prepare songs of praise to be
employed in the worship of God. But the " prece-
dents " to which we are referred, are examples in
which individuals, divinely inspired, spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost. I would then appeal
to every intelligent reader, while Ijsay that such "pre-
cedents" give no autliority whatever to any man not
endowed with the Spirit of inspiration, to take upon
himself the office of composing songs of praise to he
employed in the Avorship of God, no matter whether
he draw his materials from the New or from the Old
Testament.

Though, for the purpose of giving all the force to
the author's argument, which under the most favora-
ble view can be claimed for it, and at the same time
to show the inconclusiveness of his reasoning, I have,
in conformity with his example, spoken of these de-
vout efiusions of Mary and Zacharias, as songs, yet,
in reality they are not 5 properly so denominated.
These pious individuals were not engaged in singing
praise to God. They are not represented as giving
utterance to the emotions of a grateful heart in a song
of praise. But deeply penetrated with a sense of the
divine goodness and condescension, and prompted by
the Holy Spirit they give expression to the joyful
emotions of their hearts in appropriate language.
Mary said, "My soul doth maornify the Lord, and my
4

44 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior." And, "Za-
charias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophe-
sied saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he
hath visited and redeemed his people." These are
not songs of praise, and consequently have no bearing
upon the question, whether an uninspired individual
has authority to prepare a song of praise to be em-
ployed in the worship of God.

But there are other "precedents." The venerable
author adds — " There are in the book of Revelation,
three songs of praise to God, the first of which has
been sung by the church — the second most probably
— and the third will be sung." To this remark it
might be sufficient to reply, as in the former case, that
these "precedents" are of no avail in settling the
point in dispute. We want authority to justify unin-
spired men in composing songs of praise to be em-
ployed in the worship of God. But do the "prece-
dents" to which we are referred, furnish an example
of any such thing? Nothing like it! The songs to
which the venerable author calls our attention, were
not composed by uninspired men, but are the produc-
tions of the Spirit of God. We call for authority to
justify uninspired men in preparing songs of praise to
be used in the worship of God, the matter of which is
drawn from the New Testament; and the "precedents"
to which we are referred, are songs of inspiration, not
taken from the New Testament, but which constitute
a portion of that divine volume. It will be admitted
by all who regard the Bible as the word of God, that
the songs which are recorded in the book of the Rev-
elation are the productions of the Holy Spirit ; or in
other words, that John, who is the author of them,
spake as he Avas moved by the divine Spirit. And
no one, I suppose, will deny that he who is divinely

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 45

inspired, may give utterance to the emotions of a joy-
ful heart in such a song of praise as may he commu-
nicated to him hy the Holy Spirit. And thus much,
it is admitted, these "precedents" fairly prove. But
we want a "precedent" which may be pleaded by a
man who can lay no claim to the Spirit of inspiration,
to authorize him to prepare songs of praise to be em-
ployed in the worship of God. We call for an ex-
ample which will warrant a man, without a divine
commission, to perform such a service — to furnish
the church with songs of praise to be employed in the
worship of God. And with regard to such authority
or warrant, these "precedents" say nothing.

As I certainly can have no motive to misrepresent
my worthy Father, and as I hope that my object in
this Review is not simply to endeavor to achieve a
victory, but to defend what I regard as important
truth, I would repeat, that one part of his design in
referring to these "precedents," is, to show that there
are songs in Scripture which are not contained in the
book of Psalms. And the conclusion which he would
draw from this undisputed fact, is, that the other
Scripture songs may be employed in the worship of
God with the same propriety as those which are
found in the book of Psalms. The validity of this
conclusion, we propose in due time to examine. But
the great design of the author is to prove that we have
authority to use in the worship of God, songs com-
posed by uninspired men, the matter of which has
been drawn from the Bible, and in an especial man-
ner, from the New Testament. And, as I understand
him, the leading object of his "precept and prece-
dents," is to establish this position. If this is not
his main design, I have misunderstood him, and will
be corrected.

46 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

But how can there be any mistake with regard to
this matter ? No one will pretend that the three hun-
dred and sixty-five hymns of Dr. Watts, or the great-
er number recently adopted by the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian church, are contained in either the
Old or New Testament. All that their most sanguine
admirers will plead for, is, that the matter of these
hymns has been taken from the Scriptures. I sup-
pose my venerable Father would hardly venture even
thus far. For example — is the following verse of the
first hymn of the second book drawn from the New
Testament?

*'God builda and guards the British throne.
And makes it gracious like his ownj
Makes our successive princes kind,
And gives our dangers to the wind."

Will our venerable Father cite the chapter and
verse from which this hymn is drawn ?

But the most that any will maintain, is, that the
matter of these hymns has been taken from the Scrip-
tures ; the hymns themselves have been composed by
uninspired men, who thus far have failed to show that
the Head of the church ever gave them a commission
to perform this sendee. And let it be particularly re-
marked, these hymns are not the word of God, but
are a human exhibition of what is supposed to be
taught in the Avord of God.

To satisfy the reader that I have not mistaken the
author's design, I would call his attention to what is
said in relation to the songs recorded in the book of
the Revelation. " A question natm-ally presents itself
here, the correct answer to which goes far, we think,
in deciding the disputed point, whence we are to draw
our songs of praise to God. The question is, where

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 47

did the church militant on earth, and the church tri-
umphant in heaven, get the subject-matter of the pre-
ceding song-s ? " The reader is desired to notice par-
ticularly, that the question as propounded by my ven-
erable Father, is not, where did the church get these
songs? but, where did she get the ^'•subject-matter''^
of these songs ? The great point, then, for v/hich the
author contends, is not for the use of the songs of
Scripture merely, but for the use of songs, the " sub-
ject-matter" of which is drav/n from the Scriptures,
and especially from the New Testament.

In reply to his own question, where did the church
get the "subject-m.atter" of the songs referred to? the
author gives the following ansvv^er : " Assuredly not
from the book of Psalms ; for Christ is no v/here rep-
resented in that book, as a Lamb slain, and redeem-
ing his people by his blood ; but from such expres-
sions in the New Testament as these : ' We have re-
demption through his blood,'" &c. With the ven-
erable author I cordially concur in opinion, that the
^'■correct answer ^^ to this question, will "go far in
deciding the disputed point." I am even prepared to
go further, and say, that the "correct answer" to this
question, would completely terminate the controvert
sy. But with all due deference, I must be permitted
to doubt whether my Father has given the " correct
answer." The question is, "where did the church
get the subject-matter of the songs" contained in the
book of the Revelation? I answer, — the subject-mat-
ter of these songs was taken neither from the Old Tes-
tament nor from the New ; but the songs themselves
were given to the church by the Holy Spirit, and are
a part of the sacred volume. And I suppose that
M'hen the Holy Spirit is pleased to communicate to
his church, bv the ministrv of one of his servants, a
4* "

48 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

song of praise to be employed in the worship of God,
no one will deny that she may with propriety use it.
But it is a very different thing for a man of his own
accord, in the exercise of his own powers, to collect
the "subject-matter" of a song- from the Scriptures,
and give it to the church to be employed in the wor-
ship of God. That the Holy Spirit may give to the
church a song of praise, Avhenever in his inhnite wis-
dom he shall think proper, we certainly have no dis-
position to deny. But when a fallible and erring
man, not "moved by the Holy Ghost," undertakes to
perform such a service, and thus, by implication at
least, maintains that the psalms and hymns and songs
of Infinite Wisdom are insufficient, we ask respect-
fully, "AVho hath required this at your hands?""
We call for divine authority.

Such then are the "precept and the precedents,"
which the venerable author furnishes, as authority to
justify uninspired men in composing hymns and songs
to be employed in the worship of God. And after
examining them with care, and we hope with a desire
to come to a correct conclusion, we are constrained to
pronounce them entirely unsatisfactory. The great,
and to us insuperable difficulty in the way of employ-
ing in the worship of God, " psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs," composed by uninspired men, is the
want of divine authority. One plain precept on this
subject, would remove all our difficulty. The author
gives us what he calls a plain precept ; but when we
have examined it, we are disappointed in finding that
instead of a precept to uninspired men, to compose
psalms and hymns and songs to be employed in the
worship of God, it is a direction to christians gener-
ally, in relation to singing with grace in their hearts
to the Lord. The author in the next place produces

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 49

his "precedents." But here again we are disappoint-
ed. The "precedents" referred to, are examples of
persons filled with the Spirit, who gave expression to
the joy of their hearts in a song of praise, as the
Spirit gave them utterance. We want a " precedent,"
which presents to our view an example of an unin-
spired person who, with divine approbation, prepared
songs of praise to be employed by the church in the
worship of God. It is not at all to the point, to refer
us to such cases as those introduced by the author of
the "Inquiry." They are examples of persons un-
der the Spirit of inspiration expressing their gratitude
to God in songs of praise. To those then who, though
they lay no claim to inspiration, yet take upon them-
selves the office of preparing songs to be employed
by the church in the worship of God, we are con-
strained to say, "Who hath required this at your
hands?"

50 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

CHAPTER V.

An Examination of some of the Author's Statements, in which
he uses Language scarcely Recoucileable with the Inspiration
of the Book of Psalms.

The present subject of inquiry is, Has the church
a right to employ the evangelical compositions of un-
inspired men, in the celebration of God's praise?
Our venerable Father pleads, that in doing so, she
has both "precept and precedent." Could the chris-
tian community be satisfied on this point, all difficulty
would be removed, and controversy on the subject of
Psalmody would be at an end. We have endeavored
to examine with candor and impartiality, the " precept
and precedents," which the author has brought for-
ward, and we are constrained to say, that they are
entirely unsatisfactory ; that they do not in any degree
remove the difhculty which lies in the way of the in-
troduction of an uninspired Psalmody into the wor-
ship of God ; and in so far as we are capable of un-
derstanding them, they leave the great point in dispute
untouched, We call for a divine "precept," to au-
thorize uninspired men to compose psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, to be employed in the worship of
God ; and the venerable author produces an apostolic
direction addressed to christians generally, to promote
their mutual edification by singing psalm.s and hymns
and spiritual songs. We respectfully ask for an ex-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 51

ample, approved of God, in which the church has
employed the compositions of uninspired men in the
celebration of divine praise ; and we are directed to
"precedents," in which individuals filled with the
Holy Ghost, gave utterance to the gratitude of their
hearts in a song of praise ; and to examples in which
the church celebrates the praise of her exalted King,
in a song of inspiration. May we not then say, that
if neither "precept nor precedents" more in point
can be produced, the cause of an uninspired psalmody
in the worship of God, is unsustained ?

In so far as the great point in controversy is con-
cerned, we might here close our RevieAv. There is,
however, one thing which has forcibly struck our
mind, in perusing the publications which have ap-
peared in defence of the cause which the author has
espoused. From the days of Dr. Watts, down to the
present time, those who have written in defence of an
uninspired psalmody, have generally, as it appears to
me, advanced principles which strike at the inspiration
of the Scriptures. And though I know that my wor-
thy Father venerates and loves the Bible, and though
I am sure that he would abhor the idea of intention-
ally offering disrespect to the word of God, yet he
must exercise a little patience, while with all respect
and yet with all plainness, I inquire v/hether he has
not said some things on this subject, Avhich are hardly
reconcileable with the doctrine of the plenary inspira-
tion of the Scriptures.

On page 213, the author employs the following lan-
guage: "When we say that all that is typical and
local in the Psalms, is not suited to Gospel worship
and praise, we yet cheerfully and unhesitatingly say,
that whatever is devotional and preceptive, is highly
suited to the praises of God." The reader will ob-

53 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

serve, that according . to the venerable author, there
are portions of the Psahns " highly suited to the
praises of God;" but there are other portions, "not
suited to Gospel worship and praise." But are not
these Psalms, the productions of the Holy Spirit?
And are parts of them not suited to the end for which
they were given? They are denominated by their
divine autlior, Psalms, or songs of praise. In them
the praises of God are set forth in such a manner as
seemed proper to infinite wisdom. And shall man
undertake to sit in judgment upon these divine hymns
of praise, and say that some parts of them are highly
suited to the praises of God, but other portions of them
are not suited to the purpose of praising God now,
under the Gospel dispensation? And how is the
humble christian to know Avhat parts of this divine
book are suited to the purpose of praise ? And
where is the man who will take upon himself the re-
sponsible office, of saying to the worshippers of God,
'•''Here, is a portion of this divine book, which you
may properly sing ; but there, is a part which is ' local
and typical,' which is ' not suited to Gospel worship
and praise.' " Is it Avith the word of God, that man
will presume to take such liberty ? Are not " the
words of the Lord pure words, as silver tried in a
furnace of earth, puriiied seven times ? " Do not all
who are taught of the Lord, say with one heart and
with one voice, " How sweet are thy words unto my
taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth." "Thy
word is very pure ; therefore thy servant loveth it,"
And yet shall it be said that parts of this book are
well suited to the end for which they were given, but
other parts are not ?

That we may see in a proper light the results to
which such a principle natiu'ally leads, let us for a

DR. PRESSLV OS PSALMOlTl 53

moment apply it to some particular Psalms. I sup-
pose it Mdll be admitted that, there are verses of the
51st Psalm, "highly suited to the praises of God."
"Have mercy upon me, 0 God, according- to thy
loving-kindness : according unto the multitude of thy
tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Hide thy
face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken
and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
I suppose that the most determined opposers of what
the venerable author styles a "Jewish Psalmody,"
would admit that such language would be very suita-
ble for a christian worshipper. But in the very midst
of these verses we iind the following: "Purge me
with hyssop, and I shall be clean : wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow. Then shalt thou be
pleased with the sacrifices of righteousnesss, with burnt
offering and whole burnt-offering: then shall they
offer bullocks upon thyie altar." Here we have typi-
cal language, in which there is a direct reference to
the ceremonies and sacrifices of the law. Now will
any one presume to say that these verses are not
suited to gospel "worship and praise?" Will any
mortal man venture to say in relation to this divine
Psalm, that there are verses of it "highly suited to the
praises of God;" but there are others, which are "not
suited to gospel worship and praise ?" Will any one
collect the suitable portions of this song of inspiration,
and leave out the rest, and give the song which he has
thus prepared in an improved form, to the church, to
be sung in the praise of God, instead of that which is
the production of infinite wisdom ? Will any one do
this, did I say? It has already been done. Audit
grieves me to think that my venerable Father should
use language which would seem to countenance, what

45 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

I think must be reg-arded as a presumptuous undertak-
ing. Dr. Watts, in his " Psahns of David imitated in
the language of the New Testament," has omitted the
parts which he considered unsuitable for "gospel wor-
ship and praise;" and in the 7th verse, instead of
employing the language of inspiration, he not only
departs from it, but introduces a testimony with regard
to the insufficiency of the rites and ceremonies of the
law. The verse in question, as rendered in our me-
trical version, reads thus :

"Do thou with hyssop sprinkle me,

I sliall be cleansed so :
Yea, wash thou me, and then I shall

Be whiter than the snow."

But Watts gives us the following- improvement:

*'No bleeding bird, nor bleeding beast,
Nor hyssop branch, nor sprinkling priest,
Nor running brook, nor flood, nor sea,
Can wash the dismal stain away."

And to his improvement he subjoins the following
note : "Since the Psalmist seems to refer to the branch
of hyssop, sprinkling the blood of the bird, and the
running water, — Lev. 14: 51, — I have here enlarged
upon the insufficiency of all those rites, for the clean-
sing of sin, which is the leprosy of the soul." I will
now appeal, not to the prejudices, but to the sober re-
flection of all God's people, who regard the words of
the Lord as pure words, while I ask, Does not that
man cast an unbecoming imputation upon the Spirit
of infinite wisdom, who presumes to set aside the lan-
guage and sentiment of inspiration, and introduce in
their stead, something which he regards as more suit-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 65

able ? The language of the inspired Psalm presents
to us a prayer addressed to God. " Purge me with
hyssop, and I shall be clean : wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow." But instead of a petition ad-
dressed to God for spiritual cleansing, Watts proposes
to improve the original by turning it into a testimony
in relation to the insufficiency of the rites of the law.
It is not for the sprinkling of the priest, nor for the
literal application of hyssop, that we are here taught
by the Holy Spirit to pray. The language is mani-
festly figurative, and is just as suitable for the christ-
ian worshipper now, as it M'as for the believer in the
days of David. And in employing the language of
this petition now, those who are taught by the Spirit
of God, use it in the very same sense in which it was
employed from the beginning. We are here taught
to praise God, by acknowledging our own sinfulness
and our dependence on God for pardon of sin and pu-
rification from moral defilement; and by looking in
the exercise of faith for spiritual cleansing through the
blood of Jesus, applied by the Holy Spirit.

The unwarrantableness of the liberty thus taken
with the w^ord of God, will more clearly appear when
it is considered that in another part of this very Psalm,
the Holy Spirit has done in the way which he thought
proper: the thing w^hich Dr. Watts has done in this
verse. "Thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I
give it: thou delightest not in burnt-oirerings." Here
is a divine testimony with regard to the insufficiency
of the rites of the laAv. But this it seems w^as not
sufficient. And Dr. Watts, in his improvement, has
thought proper to introduce another testimony as to
the insufficiency of the legal rites, where the Holy
Spirit teaches us to look to God for spiritual cleansing.
5

66 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY*

And I ask again, is not this, to cast an unworthy re-
flection on the Spirit of inspiration?

The reader will please to observe, that the question
is not, whether the sentiment contained in Watts' im-
provement is scriptural. It is doubtless the doctrine
of the Bible, that the typical rites of the law could
not make atonement for sin. They were not ordained
for this purpose ; and this was always understood by
the church of God. But our objection is, that it was
not the desig-n of the Holy Spirit in this particular
verse, to teach the sentiment contained in Watts' im-
provement. And by leaving out the petition addressed
to God for spiritual cleansing, and putting in its stead
a declaration with regard to the insufficiency of the
rites of the law, does he not practically declare, that
the work of God needs to be mended? Here is a
divine song — a song which is confessedly the produc-
tion of the Spirit — in which the praises of God are
set forth in such language and sentiments, as the Spirit
of infinite wisdom thought proper to employ. And
yet man, who is "of yesterday and knows nothing,"
presumes to make out of it an improved song for the
use of the church, in which some portions of the in-
spired psalm are left out, as not suited to gospel wor-
ship and praise ; and other portions are changed, as
to him seemed proper.

I have thus referred to Watt's Psalms, for the pur-
pose of illustrating the practical bearing of our author's
remark, as I suppose w^e have here an exemplification
of his principle. The principle is, that "all that is
typical and local in the Psalms, is not suited to gos-
pel worship and praise;" but there are other parts
"highly suited to the praises of God." And as the
venerable author approves of and uses W^atts' Psalms,
I think he will consider it perfectly fair, to examine

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 57

the character and tendency of his principle, as it is
exemplified by Watts. And I would ag^ain seriously
ask the reader, is it not making free with the word of
God ? Is it not laying unhallowed hands upon that
which is sacred, to take up a Psalm given by inspira-
tion of God, and leave out parts of it as unsuited to
gospel worship and praise, and change the meaning
and design of other parts, and then give it to the church
to be sung in the praise of God, instead of the songs
of the Spirit? I protest against all ungenerous insin-
uations, with regard to the "proselyting effect" of
what we write. I speak to those whose language is,
" Thy word is very pure ; therefore thy servant loveth
it." I speak as to wise men: judge ye what I say.
Another example of the use of language on the part
of the venerable author, which, I humbly conceive,
tends to cast an unworthy reflection upon the Spirit
of inspiration, is furnished by the application which
he makes of the phrase, "a Judaizing Christianity."
On page 209, the author introduces the objection, —
" The book of Psalms contains inspired songs ; but
hymns are the productions of uninspired men." With
regard to this objection, he remarks — " This objection,
as stated, is plausible, and by its plausibility has done
more to unhinge the minds of well-meaning but weak
persons, and to enlist them under the standard of a
Judaizing Christianity, than any thing else that has
been said or written." And with my Father's per-
mission, I will add, that this objection will exert a
powerful influence on the minds of the strong, as well
as the ^'"weak^'' so long as there remains in the church
of God, enlightened reverence for the divine word.
But our present concern is with the phrase, " a Juda-
izing Christianity." What then is the import of the
phrase ?

5® DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

Ill apostolic days the church was greatly troubled
with Judaizing teachers, whose object was to incor-
porate Judaism and Christianity into one system ; and
thus they preached another Gospel. " They taught
the brethren, Except ye be circumcised after the man-
ner of Moses, ye cannot be saved." The error of
the Judaizing teachers was fundamental, and subverted
the Gospel. It taught men to place the institutions
of the law in the room of the atonement of Christ,
and to rely on them for acceptance with God, instead
of founding all their hopes upon the sacrifice of Christ.

A Judaizing Christianity, then, I understand to
be such a system as the Judaizing teachers of old en-
deavored to introduce, which is at variance with the
Gospel. This, I suppose, is the sense in which all
will understand it. And if the venerable author does
not use it in this sense, I think we have ground to
complain, that he has employed without explanation,
an opprobrious phrase, which, according to its ordi-
nary meaning, casts a severe reflection on his brethren.

Who are they, then, who are endeavoring "to en-
list weak but well-meaning persons, under the standard
of a Judaizing Christianity : " Not those who would
incorporate the rites of Judaism Avith the institutions
of the Gospel ! Not those who would teach men to
rely upon the sacrifices of the law, instead of the pro-
pitiation of Jesus Christ! But those who plead for
the use of the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
which God has provided for his church, to the exclu-
sion of the compositions of uninspired men. And is
this not an unworthy imputation upon the word of
God? Is it not virtually saying, that to use in the
praise of God, the songs which he has himself provi-
ded, has a tendency to introduce a "Judaizing Christ-
ianity," a system at variance with the Gospel? I

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 59

appeal to the sol)er reflection, not of " the well-mean-
ing but weak," but of the intelligent christian, who
loves God's word and bows to its authority, — is not
an indignity ofl'ered to the Spirit of inspiration, when
the use of those sacred songs of whieh he is the
author, is represented as having a tendency to promote
a "Judaizing Christianity?"

The reader will please to observe, that I do not im-
pute to my venerable Father, intentional disrespect to
the word of God or to its author. Far from it ! I
believe that he reverences that word. But I am sorry
that, in defence of the principle for which he contends,
he finds it necessary to employ language which, ac-
cording to its plain import, I must consider as inconsis-
tent with a due regard for the Author of inspiration.
If the use of the songs of inspiration in the worship
of God, tends to promote the cause of a Judaizing
Christianity, is not this virtually charging the word of
God with a pernicious tendency ? And when men
have brought themselves to the conclusion, that the
use of songs contained in the book of Psalms, tends to
introduce a system subversive of the gospel, can they
regard these songs as given by inspiration of God ?

The reader is requested to attend to another remark
of the venerable author, in relation to the book of
Psalms, Avhich does not seem to me to be consistent
with that respect which is due to the productions of
the Spirit of God. He observes,— page 203,—" We
will add only on this point, that had the churches of
the Reformation used the book of Psalms only, until
this day, we would not have had any evidence that
they are delivered from the dominant power of the
Man of sin, as there is no Psalm in that collection
which can be called, 'the song of Moses and ot
tlie Lamb.' " If this remark is well founded, it would
5*

60 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

appear that the book of Psalms, as a collection of di-
vine songs, is very defective ; and that those churches
which confine themselves to the use of these Psalms,
can have no evidence of their deliverance from the
domination of the Man of sin. And yet it is certain
that God himself is the author of this precious collec-
tion of songs. In them the church is taught by the
Spirit of love, of grace and of truth, how to celebrate
the praises of her God. This, moreover, is the only
book of Psalms Avhich God has given to his church.
And yet, according to our venerable author, if the
church had confined herself to the use of these songs
which God has provided for her, she would have had
no evidence of her deliverance from the dominant
power of the Man of sin ! And why ? Because
" there is no Psalm in that collection that can be called
the song of Moses and of the Lamb." It would ap-
pear then, according to our author, that it cannot be
known that the church is delivered from the power of
the Man of sin, until she sings a song bearing the title,
"the Song of Moses and of the Lamb." The book
of Psalms is full of such matter of praise, as is con-
tained in this song ; but it is admitted that there is not
in this collection, a Psalm which is called " the song
of Moses and of the Lamb." AVhether there are not
many of the Psalms which, with propriety, may be
called "the song of Moses and of the Lamb," accord-
ing to the true import of that phrase, is another ques-
tion. AVhat then is to be done ? If there is not in
all the book of Psalms, one song which can with pro-
priety be called " the song of Moses and of the Lamb,"
what is to be done to supply this deticiency ? Dr.
Watts has performed the important service, and has
given to the church " the song of Moses and of the
Lamb," in his collection of Hvmns, Book 1st, Hvmn

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 61

56 The reader will please to turn aside for a moment
and examine it. The first verse is in the following
words :

"We sing the glories of thy love ;

We sound the dreadful name ;
The christian church unites the songs

Of Moses and the Lamb,"

Will the venerable author permit me, with all due re-
spect, to ask the question, do you really believe that
God ever appointed such a verse to be sung-, as a part
of " the song of Moses and of the Lamb ? " Is it right
for any man to presume to prefix the title, "the song
of Moses and of the Lamb," to such a verse ?

But let us proceed in the examination of this hymn.
The last two verses are the following :

*'Great Babylon, that rules the earth,

Drunk with the martyrs' blood ;
Her crimes shall speedily awake

The fury of our God.
The cup of wrath is ready mixed,

And she must drink the dregs:
Strong is the Lord, her sovereign Judge,

And shall fulfil the plagues."

If the reader will compare dicse verses with the in-
spired "song of Moses and of the Lamb," the contents
of which are recorded in the 15th chapter of the Rev-
elation, he \\i\\ see that they must be set down under
the head of human improvements. Watts' " song of
Moses and of the Lamb," contains five verses. Three
out of the five are not found in the song recorded in
the Revelation. The other two leave out a very im-
portant clause of the song : " All nations shall come
and worship before thee." Whether these words
were passed over, as not suited, in the judgment of

62 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

the author, to Gospel worship and praise, it is not my
province to determine.

I would then ask again, seriously and respectfully,
Is not an unworthy reflection cast upon^the Author of
inspiration, by receiving such a hymn, as " the song
of Moses and of the Lamb ? "

The reader is now requested to examine this song
of Moses and of the Lamb, as recorded by the pen of
inspiration, and compare it with many of the divine
songs contained in the book of Psalms, that he may
see how exact is the coincidence between them, both
in language and in sentiment. " Great and marvel-
lous are thy works. Lord God Almighty; just and
true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall
not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name ? for thou
only art holy ; for all nations shall come and worship
before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."
Such is the song of Moses and of the Lamb, as con-
tained in the book of the Revelation. And it cannot
be necessary for me to inform those who are in any
degree familiar with the Bible, that the book of Psalms
abounds^with such language and such ascriptions of
praise to God. Compare with the language of this
song, the following examples, selected from a multi-
tude which may be found in the book of Psalms :
*' Remember his marvellous works that he hath done;
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth." "He
is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the
earth." * " Zion heard and was glad; and the daugh-
ters of Judah rejoiced, because of thy judgments, O
Lord ! Among the gods there is none like unto thee,
O Lord ; neither are there any works like unto thy
works. All nations whom thou hast made, shall come

* Psalm 105 : 5, 7.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 63

and worship before thee, () Lord, and shall glorify thy
name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things:
thou art God alone."*

The reader will please to observe, that in these and
similar examples which abound in the book of Psalms
we have not only the sentiments, but to a remarkable
extent, the identical expressions contained in the song"
of Moses and of the Lamb. And I would respect-
fully ask the author of the "Liquiry," why are not
the divine songs contained in the book of Psalms ex-
actly adapted to the circumstances of the church, when
called to celebrate the deliverance which God had
wrought for her, since they employ the very lan-
guage, as well as the sentiments, embraced in that
song which she is represented as singing ?

But it seems not a little remarkable, that an author
so well informed, should attempt to build an argument
of such importance upon figurative language, the pre-
cise import of which it may be difficult, if not impos-
sible to determine. As he well knows, symbolical
language is employed generally throughout the book
of the Revelation. Whatever may be the precise rea-
son for the peculiar designation of this song, "the song
of Moses and of the Lamb," it will I suppose be ad-
mitted on all hands, that the language is figurative.
The venerable author might then with the same pro-
priety argue, that we can have no evidence of the de-
liverance of the church from the dominant power of
the Man of sin, until she is seen standing on a sea of
glass, having the harps of God, while celebrating his
praise, as to say that we could have no evidence of
such a deliverance, until the church actually sings a
song bearing the literal title, "the song of Moses and

♦Psalm 86: 8—10.

64 DR. PRESSLY 0\ PSALMODY.

of the Lamb." In truth, if any argument bearing^
upon the subject of Psahnody, can be drawn legiti-
mately from this scriptural fact, it is entirely in our
favor. The church here under the glories of the Gos-
pel dispensation is represented as celebrating the-
praise of her exalted King in the very language em-
ployed by the church under the former dispensation..
And as the church of God is one, under every dis-
pensation,— as she has always had one and the same
Lord and King, — those soilgs in which the Holy Spi-
rit formerly taught the church to celebrate the praises.
of her God and Savior, will always be appropriate.
He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and so
is his praise.

Another example of the use of what I must regard
as improper language with regard to the book of
Psalms, and Avhich has a tendency to produce the im-
pression that some of these sacred songs are not suit-
ed to the purpose for which they were given, is fur-
nished by the author, when he speaks of certain "parts
of the book of Psalms, which are typical." "It is,"
he observes, "something like an insult to the human
understandinof, in this age of the world, to say that
those parts of the book of Psalms which are typical,
are as well suited for praising God, as various por-
tions of the New Testament. It is saying, that the'
type is as clear as the thing typified." But, he adds,.
"It is well known that every thing under the Jewish
dispensation, is called the shadow of good things to
come." According to our author, then, it would seem
to follow, that as "parts of the book of Psalms are "ty-
pical," these have vanished away since the substance
has appeared ; and consequently, such Psalms are no
more proper to be used by the church of God now,
than the types and ceremonies of the law !

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 65

To such reasoning I would reply, that granting the*
premises to be correct, the conclusion would follow,
if any of the Psalms, or parts of them, are among the
types of the legal dispensation, then, beyond contro-
versy, they have vanished away with the rest of those
rites which were the shadow of good things to come.
But is it true that any of the Psalms, or parts of them,
are types? Is it consistent with the word of C4od to
represent the Psalms, or parts of them, as being in-
cluded among those typical things under the Jewish
dispensation, which are called "the shadow of things^
to come?" Typical expressions are doubtless fre-
quently employed in these divine songs ; but the
Psalms are not types. Language abounds in the
book of Psalms, Mdiich conveys an allusion to the
rites and ceremonies of the law, but will any one pre-
tend to say, that any of the Psalms themselves are
among "the shadows of good things to come?"

With all due respect for the venerable author, I
must be permitted to say that, in this instance, there
is a strange confounding of things essentially disftinct.-
Types and typical expressions are regarded as the
same thing, whereas there is between them an obvious
and important distinction. After the types have van-
ished away, and those typical institutions which were
the shadow of good things to come, have no longer a
place among the ordinances of the church, typical lan-
guage, which conveys an aihision to them, may pro-
perly be used. And accordingly, even in the New
Testament, typical language is often employed in com-
municating instruction with regard to the worship of
God. A pertinent example is furnished by a passage
of Scripture, which the author himself has introduced,
and which he seems to think it strange that we have
not already noticed : " Having boldness to enter into

66 DR. PRE SSL Y ON PSALMODY.

the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living
way, which he hath consecrated for us through the
vail, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest
over the House of God, let us draw near with a true
heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts
sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies
tvashed with pure water." In this single portion of
the New Testament we have a variety of typical ex-
pressions. Christians are represented as enjoying
the privilege of entering into the holiest; as entering
through the vail, which separated the holy place from
the holy of holies ; as having a high priest over the
house of God; and they are exhorted to draw near,
with bodies washed ivith pure ivater. Here then we
have typical language ; but no one who understands
what he says, will maintain that the apostle employs
types which are "a shadow of good things to come."
If then it is valid reasoning to say that, because in
some of the Psalms we find typical expressions, there-
fore they are not suited to Gospel worship and praise,
for the very same reason some parts of the New Tes-
tament are not suited to Gospel worship and praise,
because they employ typical language ! And hence
we would be brought to the conclusion, that this pas-
sage of the episde to the Hebrews, which our author
considers explanatory of the 66th Psalm, and which,
if correcdy versilied, he thinks might be sung more to
edification than that Psalm, would itself need an ex-
planation before it would be adapted to Gospel wor-
ship and praise.

The truth is, that while no one ever thought of de-
nying that the plan of redemption is more clearly and
fully developed in the New than it is in the Old Tes-
tament, it is just as true, that much that is contained
in the former would be unintelligible, without the aid

BR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

67

of the light M^hich is reflected upon it hy the latter.
And as the way of access to God for sinful man has
always been the same, the language which was pro-
per for the church in celebrating the praise of God for-
merly, will be as well adapted to that purpose to the
end of time, as it was in the beginning. When the
true worshipper, under the legal dispensation, ap-
proached God wdth such language as occurs in the
66th Psalm, " I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of
fatlings, with the incense of rams ; I will ofier bullocks
with goats; " what meaning did he attach to such lan-
guage ? Did he expect to find acceptance with Gody
through such animal sacrifices? Most assuredly he
did not. By faith he looked beyond these types, to
the great Sacrifice which they represented. That
same divine Spirit which put such expressions in his
mouth while praising God, taught him likewise the
insufficiency of these rites, and instructed him to say,
" Sacrifice and offering, thou didst not desire ; burnt
offering and sin oflering hast thou not required." The
spiritual Avorshipper under the law, looked for accept-
ance with God, not through the rites and ceremonies
of the legal dispensation, but through that divine pro-
pitiation for sin which they all prefigured. Since
then the great object of the believer's faith, under every
dispensation, is the same ; and since the typical ex-
pressions contained in the ancient songs of the church,
were from the beginning understood in a figurative
sense, as referring to Him who is the way, the truth,
and the life ; are they not as well adapted to the edifi-
cation of the church now, as they w^ere in the begin-
ning? In their spiritual meaning, they signify the
same thing now as they did formerly ; and with the
help of the light derived from the New Testament,
thev are now even more intelligible than thev were
6

68 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

formerly. And consequently, if the Psalms which
contain the typical expressions, were adapted to the
edification of the church under the legal dispensation,
much more may they promote the edification of the
church now, since with the aid of the light of the Gos-
pel, they may be better understood.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

CHAPTER VL

Divine Appointment of the Book of Psalms to be used in the
Worship of God.

Having examined the author's "precept and prece-
dents," in support of his principle that we have au-
thority to use the compositions of uninspired men, in
the worship of God ; and having shown, as we hope
to the satisfaction of the reader, that his position is
unsustained, it is now proposed to consider the claims
of the songs of inspiration. It may be proper here
to remark, that among those who are the advocates of
the exclusive use of an inspired Psalmody, there is
some little diversity of opinion. By some it is main-
tained, that the songs contained in the book of Psalms,
were designed to be permanently used in the worship
of God, to the exclusion of all others. By others it
is supposed, that any song contained in the Bible may
with propriety be employed in the celebration of God's
praise. While I decidedly concur with those who
plead for the exclusive use of the book of Psalms, I
do not think that this diversity of opinion should give
rise to any difficulty in the church of God. Where
there is agreement in relation to the great principle,
that an inspired Psalmody only is to be used, to the
exclusion of the compositions of men, which give hu-
man views of divine truth, there need not I think be
any difficulty on this subject among brethren. And

70 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

it is believed that if men were Avilling to confine them-
selves to the use of the songs of Scripture, there would
be little disposition to go beyond the book of Psalms.

It is now taken for granted — because it is admitted
by all who are concerned in the present discussion —
that the singing of God's praise, is an ordinance of reli-
gious worship. To sing Psalms to the praise of God
is recognized as a duty in every part of the sacred
Scriptures. If then it is the duty of the church to
sing psalms, we must suppose either that he has pro-
vided psalms or songs for the use of the church, or
that he has given directions to the church to prepare
a system of songs for this purpose. Having exam-
ined what our author has to say in support of the prin-
ciple, that the church has authority to prepare her
songs of praise, and believing that he has failed to es-
tablish this principle from Scripture, I now proceed
to show that God has made such provision for his
church, as to his infinite wisdom seemed proper ; and
therefore, that the church has authority to use those
songs only, which God has provided in his word.

In pleading for the use of the sacred songs contain-
ed in the book of Psalms, my principal argument is
drawn from — 1. The divine appointment of these
songs to be employed in the praise of God. If it
can be made to appear to the satisfaction of the reader,
that the songs contained in the book of Psalms were
given to the church to be used in celebrating the praise
of God, it will then be admitted that the point in dis-
pute is settled ; for with all who receive the Bible as
the rule of faith, it is a received principle, that in the
worship of God, divine appointment is our guide.
What evidence, then, have we, that the psalms and
hymns and songs contained in the book of Psalms,

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 71

were appointed by God, to be used in the celebration
of his praise?

The divine inspiration of the book of Psalms, will
be admitted by all who are interested in the present
discussion. Thougli it must be confessed that lan-
o-uage is sometimes employed by those who plead for
what our author styles a "Gospel Psalmody," in re-
lation to those divine songs contained in the book of
Psalms, which is utterly inconsistent with the rever-
ence wliich is due to the word of God, and which
would seem to indicate, that in reality they are regard-
ed as the productions of mere human genius. Th^y
who denominate some of these sacred hymns "curs-
ing psalms," and represent the Psalmist as giving vent
to feelings of malevolence towards his personal ene-
mies, surely do not regard him as one by whose mouth
the Holy Ghost spoke. But however incautiously
and irreverently some men may have spoken of these
divine songs, yet all who believe in the inspiration of
the Scriptures, will admit that the book of Psalms is
the word of God, and is, in common with other parts
of the Bible, the rule of faith and practice. But while
the book of Psalms is a revelation from God, and is,
in common with the rest of the lively Oracles, profit-
able for instruction in righteousness, it is profitable es-
pecially as containing matter adapted to a particular
purpose. In this book, the high praises of our God
are celebrated by the divine Spirit, who "searcheth all
things ; yea, the deep things of God;" and therefore,
these songs are profitable to the church especially, for
the purpose of praising God, which is an end to which
some other parts of divine revelation are not adapted.
Every thing contained in the sacred volume is useful
to the church of God ; but some portions of the word
of revelation are more appropriate to one purpose,
(5^

72 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

■vvhile others are more especially adapted to another.
And the book of Psalms is adapted to the edification
of the church of God, especially as furnishing matter
suitable to be employed in singing God's praise. That
these songs were given to the church to be sung in the
worship of God, is evident from the peculiar charac-
ter of their matter ; the titles by which the Holy Ghost
designates them, and from the use which was origi-
nally made of them by the church of God.

The matter of these divine songs is peculiar, and
indicates the particular end for which they were in-
tended. Here, the glory of Jehovah is celebrated in
the sublimest strains of Eastern poetry, as displayed
in the works of creation and of redemption ; and the
church is furnished with suitable matter for praising
God, for his goodness, wisdom, power, love and mercy
manifested in the salvation of man, the preservation
of the church, and the government of the world. As,
then, the peculiar character of the contents of any com-
position, manifests the end for which it was intended;
as from its matter, we know that one composition is
a political essay ; another, is a philosophical specula-
tion ; and a third, is a biographical sketch of some dis-
tinguished individual ; so from the matter of the book
of Psalms, we learn that its peculiar design is the cel-
ebration of God's praise, and that it was given to the
church to be employed peculiarly for that purpose.
"Praise ye the Lord ; for it is good to sing praises to
our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely."
These divine songs abound with ascriptions of praise
to God, and with urgent calls addressed not only to
the church in her collective capccity, but to all classes
of men, to engage in this delightful exercise : — "Praise
the Lord, O Jerusalem ! praise thy God, O Zion!"
"Let every thing that hath breath, praise the Lord.'*

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 73

The titles which the Holy Spirit has employed to
designate these divine hymns, indicate the particular
use for which they were intended. The reader will
please to remember what has been said in a preceding
chapter, on the words of the xipostle, when he exhorts
the church to engage in the duty of singing " psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs." It is believed that
no interpretation of the Apostle's language can be sus-
tained, which does not proceed upon the principle, that
there is a reference to the different songs contained in
the book of Psalms. And this being admitted, it will
follow, that we have an explicit divine direction to em-
ploy these songs in the worship of God. Bat inde-
pendent of this consideration, it is undeniable, that the
Holy Spirit appropriates to this collection of sacred
songs, the title, ''the book of Psalms," or songs of
praise. By this title they are referred to repeatedly
in the New Testament. For example, our Lord, when
speaking with reference to this portion of divine rev-
elation, says, "David himself saith in the book Oi
Psalms."* And in accordance with this, is the lan-
guage of the Apostle Peter : "It is written in the book
of Psalms. "t The word "psalm," is of Greek deriva-
tion, and comes from a word which signifies to sing.
Psalms, then, are songs which are to be sung. And
by giving to this collection of sacred songs, the title
of the book of Psalms, the Holy Spirit recognized
them as songs of praise to be sung in the worship of
God.

That these songs were originally used by the church
in singing the praise of God, is a matter of historical
record. On this point, we may hereafter be more par-
ticular.

♦Luke 20: 42. t Acts 1 : 20.

74 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

Since, then, the book of Psalms is a collection of
songs given to the church by the Holy Spirit, the mat-
ter of which indicates, that their peculiar design, is to
set forth the praise of God ; since the Holy Spirit has
designated this collection, "the book of Psalms," or
a book of songs of praise ; since they are denomina-
ted, "the songs of Zion," and "the songs of the Lord;"
and since we learn from the sacred Scriptures, that
these songs Avere used by the church of God, with
divine approbation ; therefore, we conclude, that these
songs were given to the church by her glorious King,
to be employed in singing God's praise.

That the force of the argument in favor of the di-
vine appointment of the book of Psalms, to be em-
ployed in the worship of God, may more clearly ap-
pear, it may be of advantage, in this connection, to
review briefly, the history of this part of religious
worship, as it may be deduced from the sacred Scrip-
tures.

In the primitive ages of the Avorld, the worship of
the Deity, it would appear, consisted chiefly in pray-
er, in connection with the ofterincr of sacrifice. There
is no evidence furnished by any thing contained in
the sacred history, that the singing of God's praise
formed any part of the regular worship of God. The
first example recorded in the Bible, in which the peo-
ple of God are represented as engaged in a social ca-
pacity, in this exercise of religious worship, is on the
occasion of that signal display of the divine power
and goodness, manifested in the deliverance of Israel
at the Red Sea, while their Egyptian adversaries ex-
perienced a terrible overthrov/. "Then sang Moses
and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and
spake, saying, I v/ill sing unto the Lord ; for he hath
triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath

DR. PRESSLY ON PSAL3I0DV. 75

he thrown into the sea." On a subsequent occasion,
Deborah, a prophetess, furnished a song commemo-
rative of the divine goodness in deUvering Israel from
the yoke of Jabin, the king of Canaan : "Then sang
Deborah and Barak, the son of Abinoam, on that day,
saying, Praise the Lord for the avenging of Israel."
At that time, there had not yet been provided a book
of Psalms, containing a collection of songs, adapted
to the diversified circumstances of God's people. Nor
have we any evidence that the singing of God's praise
constituted any part of the stated worship of Jeho-
vah ; but when the circumstances of divine providence
called for a public expression of gratitude to God,
some individual was raised up, who, under the direc-
tion of the Spirit of God, furnished a song suited to
the occasion.

At least as early as the days of Samuel, there were
established in the Plebrew Commonwealth, Schools
of the Prophets. These Seminaries of sacred learn-
ing were under the superintendence of some distin-
guished Prophet, and in them, the youth destined to
the prophetic office, were employed in the study of
divine things. Though the sacred history has given
us but litde information, relative to the exercises in
which the youth in these schools were employed, we
learn that one particular part of their business was the
celebration of God's praise, in sacred songs, accompa-
nied by instruments of music, Saul, as Samuel had
foretold, when he came to the hill of God, which was
the seat of one of these colleges, was met by a com-
pany of prophets, who ^^ prophesied upon the psaltery
and tabret and pipe and harp.'''' And seized by a
divine impulse, Saul joined the company and prophe-
sied also. And, on a subsequent occasion, when Saul
sent messengers to Naioth, to apprehend David, we

t6 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

are told that w^hen the messengers saw the company
of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as ap-
pointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the
messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. By
prophesying, in these examples, is evidently meant
the celebration of God's praise, in sacred songs, under
a divine influence. Accordingly, the sons of Asaph
and Jeduthun, musicians in the temple, are represent-
ed as prophesying with a harp, to give thanks, and to
praise the Lord.

In these sacred colleges established in Israel, then,
it appears that, among other employments, poetry and
music were cultivated by the sons of the prophets;
sacred hymns were composed under a divine influence,,
and were sung in the worship of God, accompanied
by musical instruments. Whether any of the hymns
composed in these schools of the prophets, have been
transmitted to us, in that collection of sacred songs de-
nominated the book of Psalms, we have not the means
of determining with certainty.

At length, however, in the person of David, a pro-
phet was raised up, whom the Spirit of the Lord em-
inently qualified for this purpose ; who not only com-
posed a great variety of sacred hymns, but also reduced
the public worship of God into a regular system, of
which the singing of praise formed a part. That
David was divinely qualified for this service, and
called to it, is sufhciently evident from the express
language of the Bible, " Now these be the last words
of David : David, the son of Jesse, said, and the man
who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God
of Jacob, and the sweet Psalmist of Israel said, the
Spirit of the Lord spake by me and liis word was in
my tongue." * In the worship of the ancient taber-

* 2 Sam. 23: 1,2.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 77

nacle, according; to the appointment of Moses, the Is-
raeUtes were directed to express their joy in God, by-
blowing with trumpets at the time of otfering the sac-
rifices. "In the day of your gladness, and in your
solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months,
ye shall blow with the trumpets, over your burnt-
offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace-of-
fferings."* But in connection with the offering of
sacrifice, David introduced the singing of praise. By
his direction the Levites were numbered and dis-
tributed into classes, that among other services con-
nected with the worship of the temple, they might
'' stand every morning to thank and to praise the Lord,
and likewise at evening." t And in the performance
of this part of their service, the custom was, that when
the offering was presented on the altar, the Levites
began to sing the praise of God. " When the burnt-
offering began, the song of the Lord began also, with
the trumpets and with the instruments ordained by
David, king of Israel." % And that these regulations
in the worship of God and in the services of the tem-
ple, were made, not by his own private authority, but
by divine direction, we have sufficient evidence. In
the instructions which David gave to Solomon with
regard to the temple and its worship, according to "the
pattern of all that he had by the Spirit," there are in-
cluded directions, for the priests and the Levites, and
for all the work of the service of the house of the
Lord. And in relation to these instructions, generally,
it is added, " All this, the Lord made me understand
in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works
of this pattern." § And as a further confirmation of

* Numb. 10 : 10. t 2 Chron. 29 : 27.

t 1 Chron. 23 : 30. M Chron. 28 : 13, 19.

78 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

the conclusion that in all these regulations connected
with the worship of God, David was directed by di-
vine wisdom, it is stated in the history of the refor-
mation effected under the reign of Hezekiah, that this
pious king " set the Levites in the house of the Lord^
with cymbals, with psalteries and with harps, accord-
ing to the commandment of David, and of Gad, the
kings's seer, and Nathan, the prophet; /or so was the
commandment of the Lord by his prophets.''^ *

From this historical survey, then, it appears, that
we have no evidence, that previous to the age of Da-
vid, the singing of God's praise formed a part of the
stated worship of God. But, on particular occasions,
when the dispensations of divine Providence towards
the church, called for a public expression of their grat-
itude, the people of God poured forth their thankful
acknowledgments in songs of praise; and at such times
some one Avho was divinely qualilied by being filled
with the Holy Ghost, furnished a hymn suited to the
exigencies of the church. But in all the history of
the church, as recorded in the Bible, there is no evi-
dence whatever, that any person presumed to under-
take such a service, who was not divinely called to it,
by being endowed with the Spirit of inspiration.

At length, after the Lord God of Israel had given
rest unto his people, and they were in quiet posses-
sion of the land promised to their fathers, God raised
up, in the person of David, a prophet, by whom the
public worship of God was reduced into a regular sys-
tem, of Vvhich the singing of praise formed a part.
And as the celebration of God's praise now became a
regular part of divine v/orship, it became indispensa-
bly necessary that divine song's should be provided

* 2 Chron. 29 : 25.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 79

for the use of the church. Accordingly, God, who
selects his own instruments for the accomplishment
of his work, called David to the performance of this
most important service. By the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, he was endowed with those peculiar gifts
which were necessary to qualify him for the office of
a SWEET Psalmist or Israel; and by his instrumen-
tality, the church was furnished with a choice variety
of "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," adapted
to the diversified circumstances of the private believer
and of the church of God. "In these songs," as the
celebrated Edwards very justly observes, "David
speaks of the incarnation, life, death, resurrection,
ascension into heaven, satisfaction and intercession of
Christ; his prophetical, kingly and priestly office;
his glorious benefits in this life and that which is to
come ; his union with the church; the blessedness of
the church in him ; the calling of the Gentiles ; the
future glory of the church, near the end of the world;
and the coming of Christ to the final judgment." *
The singing of praise to God, from this time forth,
formed a part of the regular worship of God ; and by
the sweet Psalmist of Israel, the anointed of the God
of Jacob, by whom the Spirit of the Lord spake, the
church of God was furnished with songs to be em-
ployed in divine worship.

The divine appointment of these songs to be used
in the worship of God, is just as conclusively estab-
lished, as that David was raised up on high, the
anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet Psalmist
of Israel, by whom the Spirit of the Lord spake. And
accordingly, as a matter of historical record, we know
that these songs were used by the church with divine

* History of Rnrlemption.
7

80 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

approbation. At the dedication of the temple, it ap-
pears that among others, the 136th Psalm was snng.
The Levites praised the Lord, saying, " For he is
good, for his mercy endureth forever." And in testi-
mony of the divine approbation " The house was filled
with a cloud, even the house of the Lord, so that the
priests could not minister by reason of the cloud ; for
the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God." *
And in the history of the reformation which took place
during the reign of Hezekiah, who did that which
was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that
David his father had done, we are informed that
" Hezekiah the king, and the princes, commanded the
Levites to sing praise unto the Lord, with the words
of David and of Asaph the seer." t David, who by
way of eminence was styled the sweet Psalmist of Is-
rael, was the principal individual employed in furnish-
ing songs of praise for the use of the church ; but
Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and others, performed their
part in the same interesting service. These holy men
of God, who v/ere endowed with the requisite gifts by
the Spirit of inspiration, furnished for the use of the
church, that rich and varied collection of divine hymns
contained in the book of Psalms.

By whom these songs, which were evidently com-
posed by ditTerent persons and on a great variety of
occasions, were collected into a book and arranged in
their present order, we are not able to determine with
absolute certainty. There is, however, strong proba-
bility in support of the conclusion, that this service
was performed by Ezra. This distinguished priest
and scribe, who acted a conspicuous part in that im-
portant reformation which w^as effected in connection

* 2 Chron. 15 : 13, 14. t 2 Chron. 29 : 30.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 81

with the reluni of the Jews from Babylon, according
to Jewish tradition, by divine direction, collected and
arranged the different portions of the sacred waitings
then extant, and digested them in that systematic order
in wiiich they have been handed down to us. But
let this matter be decided as it may, it is sufficient for
us to knovr, that whoever may have collected these
songs together, it was done with divine approbation ;
for the writers of the New Testament refer to them by
the title, "the book of Psalms." And to use the lan-
guage of the celebrated writer already referred to, "it
is manifest that the book of Psalms "was given of God
for this end;" that is, that it might be used by the
church in singing God's praise. "It was used in the
church of Israel by God's appointment. This is man-
ifest by the title of many of the Psalms, in which they
are inscribed to the chief musician ; that is, to the man
that was appointed to be the leader of divine songs in
the temple, in the public worship of Israel."

In this conclusion, then, we rest. In the revelation
which God has given to his church, we find a collec-
tion of divine songs, the matter of which, the tides by
which they are designated, and the use which was
originally made of them with divine approbation, man-
ifest, that the specific end for which they were given,
was, that they should be employed in singing God's
praise; and being communicated to the church by her
God and iving, for this purpose, they should be used in
this part of divine worship. Whether any other sys-
tem of songs has been provided by the King of Zion,
supersediiig the necessity and propriety of using these,
shall be the subject of inquiry before this discussion
is brought to a close. The point in the general argu-
ment at wdiich we have arrived, is, that the songs con-
tained in the book of Psalms, were given to the ciiurch

82 DR. FRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

to be employed in the worship of God. These are
the songs of Zion; the Lord's songs; and therefore,
we are certain that in singing them in the worship of
God, we use that which he has appointed.

The reader is desired to keep in view, the progress
of the argument. It has been my object in the first
place to examine the claims of an uninspired psalmo-
dy. By an uninspired psalmody, is meant as the
reader will understand a system of songs composed
by men who lay no claim to inspiration, the matter
of which has been professedly collected from the sa-
cred Scriptures. Having discovered no authority for
the use of such a system of songs, my object in the
next place has been to advocate the claims of the songs
of the Lord contained in the book of Psalms. That
we have divine authority for the use of these, it is
humbly hoped, has been satisfactorily proved. But
as yet I have not even attempted to show that the
church is confined to the use of these songs exclusively.
Whether the songs contained in the book of Psalms
exclusively, are to be employed in the worship of
God ; or whether in connection with these, other songs
of praise which are found in the Bible, may be used,
is yet to be the subject of inquiry.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 83

CHAPTER VII.

Continuation of the Subject — No Book of Psalms in the New Tes-
tament, nor any Appointment Given to any Man to Prepare
one.

We have already seen, that while it is the duty of
the church to sing psalms, God has provided for her
a book of Psalms, in the use of which she may cele-
brate his praise, "in the words which the Holy Ghost
teacheth." The name which its divine Author has
given to this collection of sacred hymns, the matter of
them, and the use which the church, by divine direc-
tion, originally made of them, all concur in establish-
ing the conclusion, that it is the will of God that the
songs contained in the book of psalms should be sung
in his worship, both public and private. This con-
clusion is further confirmed by the consideration —

2d. That there is no book of Psalms in the New
Testament. The duty of singing God's praise is
very distinctly recognised in the New Testament.
"By him," says the Apostle to the Hebrews, "let us
offer the sacrillce of praise to God continually, that
is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name." *
And again : " Is any merry ? Let him sing psalms. "t
At the close of the last passover, our Lord and his
disciples sung an hymn. And in the gloomy precincts

*Heb. 13: 15. t James 5 r 13,

7*

04 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

of a dungeon, Paul and Silas, at the hour of midnight,
"prayed and sang praises unto God." But, while we
are exhorted to offer unto God, the sacrifice of praise,
and have the example of our Lord and of his Apostles
to excite us to engage in this delightful exercise, we
find no collection of psalms, and hymns, and songs,
in the New Testament. In what sense is it reasona-
ble to suppose, that the primitive christians would un-
derstand the apostolic direction, "Is any merry ? Let
him sing psalms?" To assist the plain christian in
determining what is the proper answer to this inquiry,
let me propose another question. Yv'hen our Lord
said to his hearers, " Search the Scriptures ; " in what
sense is it to be supposed, that this direction would
be understood ? No one will pretend that our Lord
designed that his hearers should understand him as
instructing them to prepare writings, the matter of
which was to be taken from the Bible, which they
might consult for their improvement, instead of search-
ing the Holy Scriptures for their edification. Equally
unreasonable would it be to suppose, that the apostolic
direction, wdth regard to singing psalms, could be un-
derstood by the primitive christians, as authorizing
them to prepare psalms to be used in the worship of
God, instead of those which he himself had provided
in his word. As the command of Christ, "Search
the Scriptures," supposes that there were in existence
sacred writings, with which those to whom the com-
mand was addressed, were acquainted, so the apostolic
direction, " sing psalms," supposes that there were
psalms in existence, which those, to whom the direc-
tion was given, were to use. Those christians to
whom the words of the Apostle James were originally
addressed, knew full well, that among the sacred wri-
tings which God had given to his church, there was a

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 85

" book of Psalms." And the exhortation to sing psalms
would naturally be understood by them as a direction
to make use of the psalms which the Spirit of infinite
wisdom had already provided. And in what sense
would the Hebrew christians understand the words of
the Apostle, when he exhorted them to offer continu-
ally the sacrifice of praise to God? These Hebrews
knew full well, how important it was that in all their
offerings, those things only should be presented on the
altar which God himself had appointed. They knew,
moreover, that God himseif had prepared and given
to his church, a divine collection of psalms and hymns
and songs, to be employed in singing his praise. And
knowing these things, can it be supposed, that they
would feel at liberty to lay aside those songs which
God had prepared, and undertake to provide others
more suitable for themselves ? Can we for a moment
entertain the thought, that they could understand the
Apostle as authorizing them to disregard the lamb
which God had provided as an offering for himself,
and to come before the Lord with the blind, the halt
and the lame ? Had they presumed to do so, would
they not have had cause to apprehend the execution
of the sentence, "Cursed be the deceiver, which hath
in his flock a male, and vcweth and sacrificeth to the
Lord a corrupt thing ? " *

And in addition to this consideration, it deserves to
be particularly noticed, that while there is no book of
Psalms in the New Testament, there is no intimation
whatever that one was needed ; nor is there either a
direction given to any man to furnish such a book,
nor a single promise of the influences of the Holy
Spirit to assist any man in preparing one. Under the

* Malachi 1:14.

36 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

former dispensation, God raised up a " sweet Psalmist
of Israel," whom he endowed with the gifts of the
Holy Spirit, and eminently qualified for the important
service. And by the instrumentality of a man, whom
God called to the work and fitted for it, a collection
of sacred songs, has been communicated to the church,
which christians all over the world, in every age, have
found from comfortable experience, to be admirably
adapted to the end for which it was given. And when
our glorious Lord, with whom is the residue of the
Spirit, arose from the dead and ascended up far above
all heavens that he might fill all things ; and gave some
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers ; for the
perfecting of the saints, for the edifying of the body of
Christ ; if it had been necessary for the edification of
his church, is it not reasonable to suppose that among
other gifts, he would have conferred the Spirit of
Psalmody ? But among the various services to which
different individuals were called by the Head of the
Church, and for which he quahfied them, by impart-
ing to them the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the prepara-
tion of a system of psalmody, for the edifying of the
body of Christ, is never mentioned. Though with
him is the residue of the Spirit, it was not his pleasure
to raise up and anoint a "sweet Psalmist of Israel,"
under the New Testament dispensation. And why
was no one called to this important office ? The only
rational answer which can be given, is, that He in
whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and know-
ledge, did not consider it necessary. However liber-
al he may be in the distribution of his gifts, he bestows
none that are unnecessary. And, having already
made provision for the edification of his church, by
furnishing her with a book of Psalms, he did not call
any of those, whom after his ascension, he endowed

DR. PKESSLY ON PSALMODY. 87

with the gifts of the Spirit, to provide another. Since,
then, we are in the New Testament commanded to
sing psalms, but never directed to make psalms, we
come to the conclusion, that Ave have the sanction of
the King of Zion, authorizing the use of the psalms
and hymns and songs, which had already been furn-
ished, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

It may, however, be said, that these considerntions,
at most, prove nothing more than that we should em-
ploy the songs of scripture in the worship of God ;
but will not establish the position, that the church
should be confined to the use of those songs which
are contained in the book of Psalms. I proceed then
to remark, —

3d. In the last place, that from the fact that God
has given his church a book of Psalms, it would ap-
pear to be the divine will that this should be used to
the exclusion of all others. We have already had oc-
casion to remark, that in ancient days, on various oc-
casions, individuals, under the influence of the Spirit
of inspiration, gave expression to the gratitude of their
hearts, in a song of praise. Such songs of praise are
found in various parts of the Bible. But, in process
of time, a great variety of songs, composed by difler-
ent men on various occasions, were collected together
into one book, which not only has a place in the vol-
ume of inspiration, but to which God himself has giv-
en a peculiar title, "The book of Psalms," or songs
of praise. The peculiar tide of the book designates
the end for which it was specially intended. x\nd it
is a fact which deserves particular notice, that some of
the songs contained in the Book of Psalms, are found
likewise in other parts of the Bible. The eighteenth
psalm is found in the second book of Samuel, and the
ninety-sixth, and parts of some other psalms, are found

Bm DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

in the second book of Chronicles. Other songs, such
as the song of Moses at the Red Sea, the song of De-
borah and Barak and others, found in different parts
of the Bible, are not transferred to the book of Psalms.
And the question naturally arises, Why is this distinc-
tion made ? AVhy are some of those songs, which are
found in other parts of the Bible, introduced likewise,
into the book of Psalms, whde others have no place
in that collection ? I can conceive of no answer so
satisfactory as this ; that the book of Psalms being
designed for permanent use in the worship of God,
those songs have a place in this book, which, in the
estimation of infinite wisdom, were best adapted to
the edification of the church in all ages.

But, though the fact that God has provided for his
church a collection of sacred songs, which he himself
has denominated, "The book of Psalms," is with me
a conclusive reason, why these songs should be used
in the worship of God, to the exclusion of all others,
yet, as I have already said, between tliose on the one
hand, who plead for the exclusive use of the book of
Psalms, and those on the other, who admit the pro-
priety of using in the worship of God, any song of
praise contained in the Bible, the difference of opin-
ion is not of such a nature as should disturb, the peace
of the church of God. Such a difference should, I
believe, be made a matter of forbearance among breth-
ren. Let the principle be explicitly recognized, that
no songs of praise shall be used in the worship of
God, but those which are given by inspiration of God,
and then the peace and harmony of the christian world
are not likely to be interrupted by controversy on this
subject. Let the principle prevail, that an inspired
psalmody exclusively shall be used, and I doubt not
that experience would soon demonstrate that the church

DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY. 89

would have no disposition to search beyond the limits
of the book of Psalms, for matter suitable for praise.
If all the sonsrs of praise, found throughout the diller-
cnt parts of the Bible, were examined with care, I be-
lieve it would be seen, that there is not an idea ex-
pressed in any oiie of them, which is not exhibited in
nearly the same identical words, in some part of the
book of Psalms. What, then, would be gained, in
so far as the wants of the church are concerned, were
ail the songs throughout the Bible added to those con-
tained in this divine collection ? God has not only
provided for his church, songs of praise, but he has
given her a book of Psalms. This book is the work-
manship of God, the production of infinite wisdom.
It is perfect, not only in its parts, but as a system of
praise, and it needs no addition.

It appears then, that in the Old Testament, the duty
of praising God, by singing psalms or songs, is dis-
tincdy recognised: on various occasions men who
were moved by the Holy Ghost, furnished songs of
praise appropriate to the circumstances of the church
of God. Among those whom God was pleased to
employ in this service, David, the royal prophet,
stands pre-eminently distinguished as the sweet Psalm-
ist of Israel. In process of time, a choice and varied
collection of sacred songs, composed by different in-
spired men, on a variety of occasions, was given to
the church by the God of Israel ; to which collection
of divine songs, he himself has appended the tide,
THE BOOK OF PSALMS. Thcsc sougs are not the effu-
sions of pious, well-meaning, but fallible men ; they
are the productions of the Holy Spirit, who spake by
the mouth of his servants, the prophets. In these sa-
cred hymns, we have not an exhibition of human
views of divine truth, which may be correct or may

90- DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

be erroneous ; but we have the word of God itself,
which is pure as silver tried in a furnace of earth, pu-
rified seven times. The praises of God are exhibited
in these divine songs, not in words which man's wis-
dom teacheth, but w^hich the Holy Ghost teacheth.
That God will accept the ascriptions^'of praise which
are given to him in these psalms, we are absolutely
certain ; because in them his Spirit has taught us to
ascribe to him, the glory which is due unto his name.
We pass on to the New Testament, and we find
our Lord and his Apostles not only recognising the
duty, but setting an example of praising God. What
particular psalms and hymns they used, we are not
expressly told; but every part of the New Testament
furnishes evidence of their familiarity with the book
of Psalms. And that he in whom dwelt all the fulness
of the Godhead bodily, and his Apostles who were
endued with power from on high, did not use the ef-
fusions of uninspired men in the worship of God, is
certain. In an interview with the Apostles, after his
resurrection, our Lord addressed them in the follow-
ing words : " These are the words that I spake unto
you, while I was yet with you, that all things must
be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses,
and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning
me." From this and other declarations of like char-
acter in the New Testament, M^e have infallible evi-
dence, that Jesus Christ himself is the great subject
of the book of Psalms. This the Apostles understood,
when their divine Master opened their understand-
ings, that they might understand the scriptures ; and
the same thing will be understood by all who are
taught of the Lord. And when we consider how fre-
quently the Apostles introduce the psalms, in their
discourses and epistles, we cannot doubt that they

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 91

regarded the matter of these sacred songs as very suit-
able to be employed in the worship of God. One
thing, however, is certain, that neither our Lord nor
his Apostles have furnished any psalms or songs, in
the New Testament, for the use of the church, much
less have they provided a book of Psalms. And fur-
ther, there is no appointment given to any man to
furnish psalms to be employed in the worship of God,
nor is there a promise of the Spirit of Psalmody, to
assist any one in performing this important service.
And yet the Apostles of our Lord and Savior call upon
us to " offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,"
and they exhort us to " sing psalms." And the con-
clusion from the whole, is, that it is the duty of the
church in offering unto God the sacrifice of praise, to
present that which he has appointed, and to celebrate
his praise in the use of those psalms, which he hira
self has provided.

92 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

CHAPTER VIII.

An Examination of some Objections which are Urged against the
Use of the Book of Psalms in the Worship of God.

The venerable author of the " Inquhy," in common
with all others Avho have written in support of the
claims of an uninspired psalmody, has thought proper
in defending his principles, to urge to some extent,
objections to the use of some of the songs contained
in the book of Psalms. AVe have already had occa-
sion to notice the sentiment which he avows, " that all
that is typical and local in the Psalms, is not suited to
gospel worship and praise ;" and it is hoped that the
remarks which have been made, have satisfied the
reader that such a sentiment is not consistent with
that reverence Avhich is due to the psalms which God
has given to his church. Without pursuing this sub-
ject any further, I proceed to notice some other ob-
jections, which are urged against the use of the songs
of inspiration.

1. "The songs contained in the book of Psalms,
speak of a Savior to come, and consequendy, they are
not adapted to the edification of the church now, since
the Redeemer has appeared to put away sin by the
sacrifice of himself." On this subject the author of
the " Inquiry " employs the following language : "The
truth is, the true church, under the Old Testament
dispensation, praised God for a promised Redeemer,

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 93

and were saved by faith in the promise ; but we have
seen that the true church on earth, and the redeemed
church in heaven, praise him for a Redeemer who
has come, and shed his blood for the remission of
sins; and shall we not follow her example?" The
connection in which this remark is found, makes it
sufficiently evident, that the venerable author takes the
ground of the objection just stated, and that his design
is to show that those psalms, which speak of the work
of redemption as yet to be accomplished, are "not
suited to gospel worship and praise." "The true
church," he says, "under the Old Testament dispen-
sation, praised God for a promised Redeemer;" and
the conclusion which he would have us to draw, is,
that those songs are not suited to gospel worship, be-
cause the church is now called to praise God " for a
Redeemer who has come." If this objection has any
force at all, it will prove entirely too much. The
whole of the Old Testament, as well as the book of
Psalms, was composed at a period anterior to the in-
carnation and death of Jesus Christ. And conse-
quently, if this fact renders the Psalms unfit to be
sung in the worship of God, it will follow that they
and all the Old Testament, are unfit to be read in the
worship of God. For, if they may be read in the
worship of God, as the rule of our faith and life, why
may they not be sung in the worship of God, since
it was for this end they were especially given ?

It is taken for granted, in the objection, that if in
the Psalms, the church praises God for a Redeemer
to come, therefore they are not suitable for the church
now, since he has come. But it so happens, that
every where in the Psalms, the Redeemer of the
church is presented to the view of our faith, not as
one who should appear in some distant age, but as

94 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY,

already engaged in the accomplishment of his Media-
torial work. In the 22d Psalm, the Redeemer is
exhibited before our eyes, as suffering in the garden
and on the cross ; and we hear him uttering the very
words which dropped from his lips while suspended
upon the cross, — "My God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me?" Again he is presented to our view,
as having triumphed over death and the grave, and
having ascended on high ; angels, principalities and
powers, being made subject to him. And the church
praises him, not as a promised Savior, but as an as-
■cended and triumphant Redeemer. " Thou hast as-
cended on hig-h, thou hast led captivity captive, thou
hast received gifts for men ; yea, for the rebellious al-
so, that the Lord God might dwell among theni." *
Permit me now to call the attention of the objector to
a difficulty in Avhich his principle involves him. If
it were true that the Psalms speak of a Savior to come,
and therefore are not suited to gospel worship, then
those numerous psalms M-hich speak of a suffering,
risen and ascended Savior, were not suited to the wor-
ship of the Old Testament church, because the Re-
deemer had not then appeared in human nature.
That is, though these psalms were given to the church
by the God of infinite wisdom, to be employed in his
worship, they were not adapted to the end for which
they were given ! O vain man, who art thou that re-
pliest against God?

But is it true, that the Psalms present the Savior to
the view of our faith, as one who was yet to come ?
Is it really so, my venerable Father, permit me re-
spectfully to ask, — is it the truth that in the Psalms
given to the church under the Old Testament, she

* Psalm 68 : 18.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 95

praised God for a promised Redeemer, who had not
yet come ? It is true that tliese Psahiis were compo-
sed long before the actual appearance of Jesus Christ
in human nature. But it is no less true that these
divine songs are the productions of that omniscient
Spirit, before whose view all futurity is spread out,
and things which were then future, are described by
him as now taking place, or already past. For ex-
ample, in the 22d Psalm, we hear our suffering Re-
deemer exclaiming, " I am poured out like water, and
all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax;
it is melted in the midst of my bowels. ,The assem-
bly of the wicked have enclosed me ; they pierced my
hands and my feet." Again: This same glorious
personage is presented to our view, as exalted upon
the holy hill of Zion, in the character of God's anoint-
ed King, and proclaiming defiance to the opposers of
his kingdom : " Why do the heathen rage and the
people imagine a vain thing ? " Again, he is described
as coming to judgment, and all nature is summoned to
pay obeisance to him: ''Let the heavens rejoice, and
let the earth be glad before the Lord, for he cometh
to judge the eartl^; he shall judge the world with
righteousness, and the people with his truth." If the
principle assumed in the objection were well founded,
that psalms which exhibit a promised Savior, who
is yet to come, are not suited to gospel worship, it
would then follow that a large portion of the psalms
are better adapted to the worship of the church now,
than they were formerly ; for in them, the Redeemer
is described as already come, a man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief ; as having risen from the dead;
as having ascended on high, and as having received
gifts for men. But the truth is, there is no force in
the objection at all. Ever since the first promise of
8*

96 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

a Savior was given to our lost world, Jesus Christ
has been the only hope of sinful man. By faith in
him, as exhibited to them upon the infalUble testimony
of God, believers were saved under the Old Testa-
ment ; and it is by faith in him, as revealed tu us upon
the testimony of God in the gospel, that believers now
are saved. The merit of the Savior's death was as
effectual in securing the salvation of the believer, be-
fore he actually laid down his life a ransom for many
as it is now. And those divine songs, in which his
Spirit taught the church to praise him, before the pe-
riod of his incarnation, are, in all respects, as well
adapted to the edification of the church now, as they
were in the beginning. Not only so — I do not hes-
itate to say, that they are now better adapted to this
end, as, in consequence of the light M-hich the gospel
has reflected upon them, the fulness of their meaning
may be more thoroughl} understood.

2. Another objection urged against the use of the
songs contained in the book of Psalms, is, that they
breathe a spirit, in some instances, inconsistent with
the gospel. After adverting to the " dull indifference,
the negligent and the thoughtless air, that sits upon
the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is on
their lips," Dr. AVatts observes, "I have been long
convinced, that one great occasion of this evil arises
from the matter and loords to which we confine all
our songs. Some of them are almost opposite to the
spirit of the gospel ; many of them foreign to the state
of the New Testament, and widely different from the
present circumstances of christians. Hence it comes
to pass, that when spiritual affections are excited with-
in us, and our souls are raised a little above this earth,
in the beginning of a psalm, we are checked on a
sudden in our ascent toward heaven, by some expres-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 97

sions that are most suitable to the days of carnal or-
dinances, and fit only to be sung in the worldly sanc-
tuary. While we are kindling- into divine love, by
the meditations of the loving kindness of God, and
the multitude of his tender mercies ; within a few ver-
ses, some dreadful curse against men is proposed to
our lips, M'hich is so contrary to the new command-
ment of loving our enemies." * This, it must be
confessed, is strong language for an imperfect, erring
mortal to apply to the word of God. It is true, that
my venerable Father does not employ precisely such
language as this : I suppose, however, he would wish
to be considered as coinciding in sentiment with this
celebrated writer. Accordingly, Y\^hen speaking of
Watts' Hymns, and of the errors, v/hich, in the judg-
ment of some, they contain, he remarks, page 204 of
the "Inquiry," — "Yet we do not remember to have
seen one single error, of any consequence, that has
been established." His kind sympathy for this wri-
ter, he further manifests, by speaking of him as the
"much abused and slandered Dr. Watts." That I
may not be liable to the charge of slandering Dr.
Watts, he shall speak for himself, and his sentiments
shall be stated in his own words. In addition to the
extract already given, I would subjoin a note which
Dr. Watts has appended to the hfty-fifth psalm. "I
have left out some whole psalms and several parts of
others, that tend to fill the mind with overwhelming
sorrows, or sharp resentment, neither of which are so
well suited to the gospel."

According to Dr. Watts then, and all who coincide
in sentiment with him, there are some of the psalms,
which "tend to fill the mind with sharp resentment;"

* Preface to Hymns,

Vb dr. pressly on psalmody.

" some of them are almost opposite to the spirit of the
gospel;" and in some of them, a "dreadful curse
against men is proposed to our lips, which is so con-
trary to the new commandment of loving our enemies."
I would respectfully ask the author of the "Inquiry,"
if it is really an error of no consequence, to represent
the Holy Ghost, as inculcating a spirit in one part of
divine revelation, which is at war Avith the spirit of
another? Is it an error of no consequence, to charge
the Holy Spirit with being the author of a sentiment
which "tends to fill the mind with sharp resentment?"
And are they slanderers of Dr. Watts, who represent
him as, in these and similar instances, uttering senti-
ments which are directly derogatory to the Spirit of
inspiration ? when men speak thus unguardedly in re-
lation to the songs contained in the book of Psalms,
do they not overlook entirely the divine inspiration of
that book? do they not speak as though they consid-
ered these divine songs, as the productions of erring
men like themselves, and forget that they are finding
fault with the Word of God ?

It is an error of very pernicious tendency, if my
venerable Father will allow me to say it, to represent
one part of the Word of God as contradictory to an-
other. It is doubtless true, that the mind of God is
more fully and clearly revealed in one part of his
word, than it is in another. But this is a very differ-
ent thing from saying, that one part of the Word of
God tends to fill the mind with passions, which are
contrary to the nevv" commandment of loving our ene-
mies. The duty of loving our enemies, is enforced
by a new example and nev\^ motives, and our obliga-
tion to perform this duty, is set in a new light under
the gospel ; but the duty itself is not new, nor is it by
any means peculiar to the gospel. The Scribes and

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 99

Pharisees, who made void the law of God by their
traditions, did indeed teach the abhorrent doctrine,.
^'Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy."
But there is no such doctrine countenanced in any
part of the Word of God. The law of God is like
himself, unchangeable ; and it always required that we
should love our enemies. " Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself," is a summary of what the law
of God requires, in so far as our duty to our fellow-
man is concerned. All this was required under the
legal dispensation, and nothing more than this is re-
quired under the gospel. And to say that there is a
sentiment contained in tlie book of Psalms, which has
a tendency to fill the mind with "sharp resentment,"
or excite unholy passions, at war with the command-
ment which requires us to love our enemies, I must
be permitted to say, is a slander upon the Holy Spirit,
who is its author.

As it is important that this subject should be under-
stood, for the purpose of assisting the humble inquirer
after truth, it may be proper to pursue it a little fur-
ther. It is entirely too common, with a certain class
of writers, to represent the Psalmist as expressing-
feelings of resentment and hatred against his personal
enemies. Accordingly, Dr. Watts, in giving an ac-
count of the principles on which his Iniitation of the
Psalms of David is prepared, observes, " Where the
Psalmist uses sharp invectives against his personal
enemies, I have endeavored to turn the edge of them
against our spiritual adversaries, sin, satan and temp-
tation." To say nothing now of the daring presump-
tion of a sinful mortal, in taking such liberty with the
Word of God, the serious christian is desired to look
at the sentiment here avowed. The Psalmist is rep-
resented as using " sharp invectives against his per-

100 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

sonal enemies." Was the Psalmist then, under the
influence of the Spirit of inspiration? Is it true, as
the Apostle declares, that the Holy Ghost spake by
the mouth of David? In using such language as Dr.
Watts here employs, do not men virtually charge the
Spirit of love and grace, with inspiring the Psalmist
with feelings of resentment, and with putting into his
mouth sharp invectives against his personal enemies ?
And I would appeal not to the prejudices of the igno-
rant, but to the sober reflection, and to the enlightened
consciences of all those who reverence the authority
of God in his AVord, while I ask, does not such lan-
guage ofier a fearful indignity to the Spirit of inspira-
tion ?

The authority of Dr. Watts' name, has done much
to produce the impression, that there is something in
the divine songs, contained in the book of Psalms, so
entirely contrary to the spirit of the gospel, that many
will not sing them. These songs are confessedly the
W^ord of God ; they are, as all admit, the songs of the
Spirit ; and yet there are some professing christians,
who wish to be considered as so much under the in-
fluence of the spirit of Christianity, that they will not
sing these songs of the Spirit! This surely is and
must be a sinful prejudice. Under the influence of
the mistaken idea, to which I have referred, some of
these divine songs have been denominated "cursing
psalms ; " and it is said by some, that a christian can-
not with propriety use them. Let us, for a moment,
examine this principle, in reference to a particular
psalm of that class, of which men have spoken so un-
guardedly. The 109th psalm is one of that class, in
which, acording to Dr. Watts, "some dreadful curse
against men is proposed to our lips, which is so con-
trary to the new commandment of loving our enemies."

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 101

Instead of siiig-ing in the praise of God such dreadful
curses ao^ainst men, Dr. Watts has given us, as his
109th psahii, a song bearing the title, "Love to ene-
mies, from the example of Christ." That it is our
duty to love our enemies, all will admit. And that
there is nothing inculcated in the book of Psalms, in-
consistent with that duty, must be admitted by all who
acknowledo-e the divine inspiration of this book. And
yet Dr. Watts proceeds upon the supposition, that
there is something in this psalm contrary to the new
commandment of loving our enemies. And therefore,
he changes its spirit and design, and gives us in its^
stead, a song which inculcates, "Love to enemies,,
from the example of Christ." Now it so happens,
that in relation to this very psalm, we have the testi--
mony of scripture to assure us, that in it the Holy
Spirit exhibits the fearful doom, which awaits the
finally impenitent. " Peter stood up in the midst of
the disciples, and said, — Men and brethren, this scrip-
ture must needs have been fuliilled, which the Holy
Ghost, by the mouth of David, spake before concern-'
ing Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."*
It is then, a manifest impropriety, to represent the
Psalmist, as uttering "sharp invectives against his
personal enemies," or as proposing to our lips "some
dreadful curse against men." A manifest impropriety,
did I say ? The lan^uaore is entirely too mild ! It is

Do

daring profanity to say, as Dr. Watts has said, that
the 59th and 109th psalms, "are so full of cursings,
that they hardly become the tongue of a follower of
the blessed Jesus." These words, christian reader,
were spoken by the Spirit of Christ, and yet accord-
ing to Dr. Watts, and those who maintain that there

* Acts 1 : 16.

102 DR. FRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

is no error of any consequence in his writings, they
" hardly become the tongue of a follower of the blessed
Jesus '.'"

It is apprehended, that there is prevalent in the
christian world, a practical mistake on this subject,
which is of pernicious tendency. It is the duty of
the christian to love his own enemies ; but is it his
duty to love the enemies of Christ, and sympathise
with them ? Our blessed Redeemer has set us an
example of praying for the forgiveness of our enemies,
and his example we should follow, and his spirit we
should cultivate ; and every part of the Word of God,
where it is received in faith, will have a tendency to
produce this result. But M^ien the Lord Jesus de-
nounces his displeasure against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, shall not the christian, wha
is a partaker of the Spirit of Christ, approve the sen-
tence ? When he, as the righteous Judge, shall say
in relation to the finally impenitent, " Those, mine
enemies, which would not that I should reign over
them, bring hither and slay them before me," will
not all the subjects of his grace respond, Amen? It
is a sickly and spurious charity, entirely different from
the charity of the gospel, which would sympathise
with the enemies of the Lord Jesus, and in the excess
of its liberality would take to its embrace, rebels and
traitors to the Prince of peace. And such a charity,
it is admitted, has no countenance from any thing con-
tained in the book of Psalms, nor in any other part of
the word of God.

3. Another objection which has been urged against
the use of the scripture Psalms, is, that they are so
Jewish and unintelligible that they are not adapted to
christian worship. In his preface to his hymns. Dr.
Watts, speaking of the psalms, observes, " When we

DR. PRESSLY OX PSALIVIODY. 103

are just entering into an evangelical frame, by some
of the glories of the gospel, presented in the brightest
figures of Judaism, yet the very next line perhaps,
which the clerk parcels out unto us, hath something
in it so extremely Jewish and cloudy, that it darkens
our sight of God the Savior." And in his "Essay
for the Improvement of Psalmody," he remarks, that
in singing the Psalms, " persons of seriousness and
judgment, that consider what they sing, are often for-
ced to break off in the midst, to omit whole lines and
verses ; and thus the tune, and the sense, and the de-
votion, is interrupted at once, because they dare not
sing without understanding, and almost against their
^consciences." The christian reader, startled by such
sentiments, exclaims, -'Is this the man who has given
lo the christian churches a system of Psalmody, which
has usurped the place of the songs of inspiration?"
What! "Persons of seriousness and judgment, forced
to omit whole lines and verses" of those songs which
are the productions of God's Holy Spirit, "because
they dare not sing without understanding, and almost
against their consciences ! " But this is not all.
Where persons of seriousness and judgment are forced
to break off, he adds, — " The more unthinking multi-
tude go on singing in cheerful ignorance, wheresoever
the clerk guides them, across the river Jordan, through
the land of Gebal, Ammon and Amalek; they join
their song in concert with the high sounding cymbals;
their thoughts are bedarkened with the smoke of in-
cense and covered with Jewish veils." The conclu-
sion to which the author would bring us, is, that many
of the Psalms are so Jewish, so cloudy and unintelli-
gible, that the use of them would tend rather to hin-
der, than to aid devotion.

But does not the reader at once perceive, that if
9

104 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

there is any force in this objection, it is an impeach-
ment of the wisdom and goodness of God, who gave
to his church, songs so ill adapted to the end for
which they were given? Dr. Watts, by a strange
inconsistency, adds, that "Such language" as that
contained in the Psalms, " was suited by infinite wis-
dom, to raise the affections of the saints of that day;
but I fear it does but sink our devotion and hurt our
worship." Now, I would ask, how could the lan-
guage of these divine songs raise the pious affections
and aid the devotion of the saints of former days, if
its tendency now, is to "sink our devotion and hurt
our worship ?" We enjoy superior advantages, and
with the clearer light of the gospel, are prepared to
understand much more fully the meaning of these sa-
cred songs. And consequently, instead of being less suit-
able to be employed now for the use of God's people,
than they were formerly, they are really better adapted
to the edification of the church under the gospel, than
they were under the legal dispensation. But it will
be said. Would not songs drawn up in the language
of the New Testament, be better adapted to the wor-
ship of God now, than those in which there are fre-
quent allusions to the rites and ceremonies of the law?
I answer, if the God of infinite wisdom had thought
that such songs would have been better for his church,
it is reasonable to suppose that he would have provi-
ded them. But as there is no book of Psalms provi-
ded in the New Testament, I conclude, that he who
knows what is best for his church, did not consider
that any was necessary.

The objection which we are considering, seems to
be founded upon mistaken views of the worship of
the church under the former dispensation. It seems
to take it for granted, that the worshipper under the

DR. PRESSLV OX PSALMODY. 105

law, depended on the ceremonial rites and sacrifices
for acceptance ^vitli God. My venerable Father will
excuse the liberty which I take in saying, that he
employs language which might seem to countenance
this idea, tliough, of course, I do not suppose that he
holds such a principle. For example, on page 209
of the "Inquiry," when speaking of the greater suit-
ableness of songs prepared in the language of the New
Testament, he remarks, — " In order to lind acceptance
with God, shall we say with the Psalmist, in the 66th
Psalm, I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fat-
lings, with the incense of rams ; I will offer bullocks
with goats ; or, as the Apostle exhorts, having boldness
to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus," &c.
Heb. 10: 19—22. What, I would ask, was the
meaning of the true worshipper under the law, when
he came before God with such language as that em-
ployed in this psalm ? Did he depend upon the sac-
rifices of fadings, of bullocks and of goats, for accept-
ance with God ? Most certainly he did not. Through
the medium of these bloody sacrifices, he, in the ex-
ercise of faith, looked to the Lamb of God, who taketh
away the sin of the world. He depended, ibr accept-
ance with God, upon the same great Sacrifice for sin,
which is now the foundation of the christian's hope.
If then, the ancient believer could approach unto God
acceptably in the use of such a song ; if, while he had
before the eye of his body, a bleeding lamb, he had
presented to the eye of his faith the Lamb of God ; if
the language of such a song, raised in his breast pious
affections, and aided devotion, why should such ex-
pressions and such language "sink our devotion and
hurt our worship," since we have the light of the
gospel to render their import more inteUigible? If
these and similar expressions, did not "bedarken the

106 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

thoughts" of the ancient believer, and hide the Savior
from his sight, why should they have on us so injuri-
ous an effect? If such language served to lead the
ancient Israelite to Him who is the desire of all na-
tions, why may it not now raise the thoughts of the
humble christian, surrounded as he is with clearer
light, to Him who is the end of the law for righteous-
ness to every one that believeth?

I will close this chapter v/ith a notice of one other
remark of the author of the "Inquiry," which seems
to me exceptionable. He is animadverting upon the
declaration which many of the best and ablest men
who ever lived, have made, that the "Psalms con-
tain the very substance and marrow of the gospel ; "
and he boldly affirms, " We deny the correctness and
truth of the assertion." He at the same time, "protests
against being called an eneyiy of the book of Psalms."
it seems, however, that if he prized the Psalms as*a
*' precious part of divine revelation," he does not like
to hear a great deal said in commendation of them.
Accordingly he adds, "But that they contain as clear
and as full a view of the important and fundamental
doctrines of the gospel, as the New Testament, we
are astonished any man should assert in the present
day." But, venerable Father, it is the creature of an
excited imagination, which has excited your astonish-
ment. Mr. Reid, Avhom you oppose, has said no
such thing. He does not say that the important and
fundamental doctrines of the gospel, are as fully and
clearly revealed in the Psalms, as they are in the New
Testament. What he says, is, that the Psalms con-
tain "the very substance and marrow of the gospel."
This is surely a different sentiment from that wh^ch
fills you with astonishment. From the position which
the "marrow " occupies in the animal system, I would

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 107

suppose thai it does not convey the idea of a thing
very fully and clearly exposed to view. The state-
ment of Mr. Reid, the truth of which you so positive-
ly deny, says nothing at all in relation to the compar-
ative fulness and clearness with wliich the doctrines
of the gospel are revealed in the gospel, but is simply
this, that the Psalms contain "the very substance and
marrow of the gospel." And I would appeal to your
sober judgment, while I respectfully ask. Is not this
the literal truth ? Is not Jesus Christ himself, every
where brought to our view, in the book of Psalms ?
In the Psalms, we have presented to our view the in-
carnation, birth, life, passion, death, resurrection, as-
cension, kingdom and priesthood of our Lord and Sa-
vior; and do they not then, contain "the very substance
and marrow of the gospel ? " With your permission,
venerable Fatlier, I will say that the Psalms do con-
tain "the very substance and marrow of the gospel;"
and such has been the judgment of the church of God
in all ages.

9"

108 DR. PRESSLY ON PSAL>IODY.

CHAPTER IX.

Watts' Psalms are not, nor were they by their Author Intended
to be, a Version of the Book of Psalms.

As it is by Watts' "Psalms of David imitated in
the language of the New Testament," that the sacred
songs contained in the book of Psalms, have been put
out of the place they were designed to occupy in the
worship of the church, it is proposed to examine with
some care, the principles on which the system of this
distinguished author is founded. It is common with
many, to speak of Watts' Psalms as though they were
a version of the songs contained in the book of Psalms;
and there are no doubt many, who, having never ex-
amined the subject with attention, are laboring under
the mistaken impression that they are a version of the
songs of inspiration. But all who are acquainted with
the subject, know, that this is not the fact. With
many, the controversy on Psalmody, is regarded as
nothing more than a dispute with reference to the re-
lative merits of different versions. One prefers the
version of Watts ; another esteems more highly that
of Rouse. But this is an exceedingly unfair repre-
sentation of the point at issue. For, Watts' Psalms
cannot, with any propriety, be regarded as a version
of the book of Psalms. And that the reader may be
fully satisfied that I do the author no injustice in ma-
king this statement, I shall refer particularly to his

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 109

own language. For example, he says, "I have cho-
sen rather to imitate, than to translate.'''' And further,
he observes, — " I have not been so curious and exact
in striving every where to express the ancient sense
and meaning of David, but have rather expressed my-
self, as I may suppose David would have done, had
he lived in the days of Christianity." In explaining
the principle on which his system is founded, he ob-
serves,— "My own design, in short, is this, namely,
to accommodate the book of Psalms to christian wor-
ship. And in order to this, it is necessary to divest
David and Asaph of every other character but that of
a psalmist and a saint, and to make them always speak
the common sense of a christian." * Such is the lan-
guage in which this celebrated writer describes his
own design. And it is to practise an imposition on
the community, and to do great injustice to Dr. Watts
himself, to represent his Psalms as a version of the
book of Psalms. It was no part of his design, to give
a correct translation of the songs of the sweet Psalm-
ist of Israel, but to make him speak "the common
sense of a christian." " In all places," he observes,
"I have kept my grand design' in view ; and that, is,
to teach my author to speak like a christian." It is
then perfectly plain, that it was far from the intention
of Dr. Watts, to give a translation of the language of
the Psalmist. His avowed design was, to "teach my
author to speak like a christian." It would appear
then, that in the estimation of this man, who has fur-
nished a large portion of the christian church with a
system of Psalmody, that the teaching of the Holy
Spirit, which the Psalmist enjoyed, was very insuffi-
cient, and that it was necessary that one in modern

* Preface to Psalms of David imitated.

110 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

times should undertake the office of teaching him "to
speak like a christian."

After having stated his plan, Dr. Watts gives us the
following acconnt of its execution : " Attempting the
work with this view, I have entirely omitted some
whole psalms, and large pieces of many others ; and
have chosen out of all of them, such parts onty, as
might easily and naturally be accommodated to the
various occasions of the christian life, or at least might
afford us some beautiful allusion to christian affairs.
These I have copied and explained in the general
style of the gospel ; nor have I confined my expres-
sions to any particular party or opinion, that, in words
prepared for public worship and for the lips of multi-
tudes, there might not be a syllable offensive to chris-
tians, whose judgments may differ in the lesser mat-
ters of religion. Where the Psalmist uses sharp in-
vectives against his personal enemies, I have endeav-
ored to turn the edge of them against our spiritual ad-
versaries, sin, satan, and temptation. Where the
flights of his faith and love are sublime, I have often
sunk the expressions within the reach of an ordinary
christian. Where the words imply some peculiar
wants or distresses, joys or blessings, I have used
words of greater latitude and comprehension, — suited
to the general circumstances of men."

Such then, is the author's own account of his plan,
and of the manner of its execution. And the serious
consideration of every one M^ho reverences the Bible
as the word of God, is requested to the following re-
marks.

1. Dr. Watts, in his system, has "entirely omitted
some whole psalms, and large pieces of many others;"
and "out of all of them," he has chosen such parts
only; as to him seemed proper. And will it be pre-

DR. PKESSLY ON PSALMODY. Ill

tended, after this plain and honest avowal, that Watts'
Psalms are a version oi" the book of Psalms? The
idea is preposterous. Pronounce them good poetry,
if you will; call them evangelical songs, if you choose.
But remember, they are Watts' Psalms. They neither
are, nor were they by their author designed to be, a
version of the book of Psalms.

2. Such parts of the Psalms, as he thought proper
to select, he observes, "I have copied and explained
in the general style of the gospel." The reader will
then observe, that W^atts' Psalms, are not the songs
of inspiration, but they are his explanation of them.
And I would ask the serious christian. Are you wil-
ling to adopt a man's explanation of the word of God,
in preference to the word of God itself?

3. Consider, moreover, the liberty which this wri-
ter has taken with the word of God. " Where the
Psalmist uses sharp invectives against his personal
enemies, I have endeavored to turn the edge of them
against our spiritual adversaries." Was, then, the
Psalmist under the direction of the Holy Ghost, and
yet used " sharp invectives against his personal ene-
mies?" Does not such language reflect contempt
upon the Holy Spirit, who spake by the mouth of the
Psalmist ? But if there is something reprehensible in
the spirit of the Psalmist, at one time, it seems that
his spirit was, at another, too heavenly. Accordingly
he adds, " Where the ilio;hts of his faith and love are
sublime, I have often sunk the expressions within the
reach of an ordinary christian." It seems, then, that
Dr. W^atts found it necessary, sometimes, to teach his
author "to speak like a christian;" while at other
times, the flights of the Psalmist's love and faith are
so sublime, that it becomes necessary for Watts to
sink the expressions, and make him speak more like

112 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

a man on earth ! And I would propose a question
for the serious consideration of all conscientious chris-
tians,— Does not that church, which employs in the
worship of God, songs prepared on such a principle,
by her practice, sanction the contempt which such
language reflects upon the Spirit of inspiration? I
am aware that there are many who use Watts' Psalms,
who have never examined the subject, and are unac-
quainted with the principles upon which his system
is founded. They have been accustomed to regard
the psalms of Watts, as a version of the book of
Psalms ; and, in using them as such, they have had
no thought of treating the word of God with disrespect.
But let me entreat the serious christian to look at this
subject. God has given us, in his word, a book of
Psalms, which is confessedly the work of inspiration.
Now what has been done with this divine book ? Dr.
Watts, in preparing a system of psalms for the use of
the church, has " entirely omitted some whole psahns,
and large pieces of many others." And why? Be-
cause he considered them unsuitable for the church
under the present dispensation. And do you think,
let me ask the humble beUever, that the word of God
has been given us in such a defective form, that some
parts of it may be laid aside as useless, while portions
may be selected, which may be profitably retained ?

That this subject may be better understood, let us
examine a litde more particularly the mxanner in which
Dr. Watts has executed his plan. In the 109th psalm
we have a specimen of the manner in which this wri-
ter teaches his "author to speak like a christian."
The title of that psalm in Watts, is, " Love to enemies
from the example of Christ." I need not inform the
reader, that this is something entirely different from
the inspired psalm. It is the duty of the christian to

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 113

love his enemies ; and that duty is plainly taught in
other parts of the word of God. But it is not what
the Holy Spirit teaches in this psalm, the Holy Spir-
it denounces the divine displeasure against the impen-
itent, and particularly against Judas, in relation to
whom our Lord declares, it had been good for that
man if he had not been born. And I would ask, has
any man a right to give us a psalm in which love to
enemies is taught, instead of an inspired psalm, in
which the Holy Spirit gives us a revelation of the
wrath of God against the ungodliness and unrighteous-
ness of man? Is it not a practical condemnation of
what God has done, and a presumptuous setting up
of our wisdom in opposition to the wisdom of God?

The 119th psalm, is in some respects the most re-
markable one in this collection of sacred songs. It is
much the longest in the whole collection, and there is
more art or contrivance in the arrangement, than ap-
pears in any other psalm. It is divided into twenty-
two parts, corresponding with the letters of the alpha-
bet; and every verse in each particular part, begins
with the same Hebrew letter. A very competent
judge has said, that " the psalm may be considered in
a special manner, as the touchstone of genuine expe-
rience ; and as far as any man's views, desires, pur-
poses and affections, coincide with those of the Psalm-
ist, he may be sure that they come from the influence
of the sanctifying Spirit, but no further." * To this
psalm Dr. Watts has prefixed this remarkable note :
" I have collected and disposed the most useful verses
of this psalm, under eighteen different heads, and
formed a divine song on each of them ; but the verses
are much transposed to attain some degree of connec-

* Dr. Scott.

114 DK. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

tion." Can it be, that the man who employed such
language, regarded this psahn as the production of the
Spirit of infinite wisdom? Does this psalm contain
the precious truths of God, and yet shall a sinful mor-
tal select such verses as he considers "most useful,"
and pass over the remainder as unworthy of notice ?
Is this remarkable psalm the work of God's Holy
Spirit; and yet, is the mind of the Spirit exhibited so
awkwardly as to render it necessary that the verses
should be " much transposed to attain some degree of
connection?" I appeal to the sober judgment of all
reflecting men, while I say that it would be an indig-
nity to any respectable man, to treat his writings in
the way in whicli Dr. Watts, according to his own
statement, has treated this admirable portion of the
word of God.

The reader will now perceive clearly, that accord-
ing to his own account of them, Watts' Psalms are
not a version of the songs contained in the book of
Psalms. "Some whole psalms," he observes, "I
have entirely omitted, and large pieces of many oth-
ers;" and out of the remainder he has chosen "such
parts only," as he considered suitable. They are
consequently not inspired songs, but are Watts' Psalms.
They conlain his views of divine truth; and in them
he teaches the Psalmist to speak what he considers
"the common sense of a christian."

It may be proper here to notice a question, which
is sometimes proposed to us by our brethren, who
employ in the worship of God, songs which have been
composed by uninspired men. Say they, " You are
accustomed to explain the psalm before it is sung by
the congregation, why then do you not use the psalms
of Watts, in which the songs of inspiration are already
explained?" To this I reply, —

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 115

1, We can by no means admit, that. Dr. Watts has
given a correct explanation of the psahns. For exam-
ple, in the 109tli psalm, we have an exliiljition of the
awful doom which awaits the fmaliy impenitent ene-
mies of the Lord Jesus. '• Let mine adversaries be
clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves
with their own confusion as widi a mantle." But
Dr. Watts gives us, instead of this, "Love to enemies,
from the example of Christ." This is not only not
an explanation of the psalm, but something very dif-
ferent from it.

2. But even if this difficulty were removed, and it
M'ere admitted that Dr. Watts has explained correctly
tliose portions of the book of Psalms, which he has
retained, still we dare not put a human explanation in
die place of the word of God itself. Human expla-
nations, where they are judicious and correct, may
aid us in acquiring a proper knowledge of the word
of God ; but sdU the word of God itself is the founda-
tion of our faith. It will be admitted that Henry and
Scott, and odier expositors, have explained very satis-
factorily many parts of the Bible. But where is the
christian Avho would consent to have a chapter cut
out of his Bible, and the exposition of the best com-
mentator who ever wrote, introduced in its place ?
Why, then, does au}'^ one ask us to take a human ex-
planation of an inspired psalm and use it instead of
the psalm itself, in the worship of God ? To such a
request we could not accede, without oliering criminal
disrespect to tlie word of God.

But if it be an impropriety, as I trust every candid
reader will admit, to represent Watts' Psalms as a
version of the book of Psalms, it is no less improper
to denominate the a ersion which is now used by those
M'ho plead for an inspired psalmodv, "Rouse's psalms."
10

116 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

And as this is a matter which it is important that the
reader should understand correctly, his attention is
requested, while I endeavor to place it in its true light.
That the sacred Scriptures should be translated into
the language of every people to whom the gospel
comes, is a received principle of the Protestant church.
And as the Psalms, were written in poetry in the
original lano;uage, there is at least a propriety, in ma-
king a poetic translation. As there have been various
translations of the Scriptures into the English language,
some of them more and others of them less correct,
so have there been likewise, various poetical versions
of the book of Psalms. In the reign of Edward VI,
the version of the Psalms, by Stenihold and Hopkins,
was introduced. About a century after, during the
sitting of the Westminster Assembly, the Parliament
called the attention of this venerable body, to the sub-
ject of preparing and recommending an improved ver-
sion for the use of the church. Accordingly, a ver-
sion of the Psalms which had recently been prepared
by Francis Rouse, was "carefully perused, altered
and amended," by this learned and pious Assembly,
and recommended as suitable to be employed in the
worship of the church. * After receiving the recom-
mendation of the AVestminster Assembly of divines,
this version was brought before the church of Scot-
land. And after being examined with particular care
by her different Judicatories, it Avas finally, in the
year 1649, adopted by the General Assembly of the
church of Scotland, as being "more agreeable to the
original text," than any version heretofore prepared.
This version, then, the reader will perceive, is a trans-
lation of the songs of inspiration. It is not a human

* Neal'B History of the Puritans, voJ. 3, p. 31.7 .

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 117

explanation of the word of God, but, it is a rendering
of the word of God, which was given in Hebrew po-
etry, into English poetry. And it was originally
adopted by the church upon the principle, that after
being carefully examined by men mighty in the scrip-
tures, and skilled in Hebrew learning, it was found to
be a more faithful version, than any heretofore in use.
And it is still retained in the church, because, as a
true and literal translation of the original, it is decided-
ly superior to any other in the English language. It
is now nearly two centuries, since this version was
adopted by the church of Scotland ; and it would be
strange indeed, if it did not contain some antiquated
words and phrases. Nor would it be reasonable to
expect, in such an ancient production, that smoothness
and polish, characteristic of modern verse. But if it
cannot lay claim to those embellishments which might
recommend it to a fastidious taste, its plainness and
simplicity, and its scripture language and sentiment,
should render it acceptable to every one who loves
tlie word of (Tod. But no one pretends that this ver-
sion, any more than the received translation of the
Bible, is perfect. All expositors of the Bible, occa-
sionally suggest amendments to the vulgar translation;
and yet, the different branches of the church receive
the scriptures in this translation, as the word of God.
And if the book of Psalms, in the prose translation,
deserves to be regarded as the word of God, the mere
English reader may satisfy himself, that the metrical
version possesses substantially the same character.
Not only is there, generally, an exact coincidence in
sentiment between the metrical version and the prose
translation, but to an extent which is truly remarkable,
the metrical version retains the very words of the
prose, somewhat differently arranged for the sake of

118 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

rhyme. In conclusion, then, I must be permitted ta
say, that there is no foundation whatever for the in-
sinuation, that we are the advocates of " Rouse's
Psalms." The insinuation is uncandid and unjust.
We plead for the use of the songs of inspiration.
And as the metrical translation originally prepared by
Sir Francis Rouse, amended and adopted by the West-
minster Assembly, and further amended by the Gen-
eral Assembly of the church of Scotland, is be-
lieved to be the most correct and faithful which has
yet been provided, we make use of it in preference to-
all others. And we cannot use Watts' Psalms, be-
cause they are his views of divine truth, and are not
in any proper sense of the -word a translation of the
book of Psalms. They are not the songs of inspira-
tion, in which God teaches his church how to praise,
but they are the productions of a man who presumes
to teach the Psalmist, who was under the guidance of
the Spirit, "to speak like a christian."

•RF.SSl.Y ON PSAr.MODV. 119

CILVPTER A.

An Examination of an Argument in Support of tlic Cause of an
Uninspired Psalmody, drawn from Analogy.

The reader may remember, that in our second chap-
ter, we adv^erted to an argument which tlie advocates
of evangehcal hymns composed by uninspired men,
sometimes employ, which is drawn IVom prayer.
They observe, that all with one consent admit, that in
prayer it is proper to use our own language, in framing
our petitions before the throne of grace. No one will
pretend that we are bound to employ the precise lan-
guage of scripture, when we come before God, to pour
out our hearts in prayer and supplication. All that is
necessary, is that we employ language which is in ac-
cordance with the word of (xod. And from this prin-
ciple, which we admit to be correct, our brethren ar-
gue, that we have the same liberty in preparing our
songs of praise. The matter of our songs should be ta-
ken from the sacred 8criptures,but we may express them
in our own language. This is the principle for which
the venerable author of the "Inquiry" contends. His
position is, — "As we use our own language in prayer,
so may we in praise."

This reasoning is plausible, and is well adapted to
influence minds, wliose viev\rs of propriety are re-
gulated rather by considerations of liuman prudence,
10*

120 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

than by the authority of God. And if the question
with regard to the vaUdity of this conchision, were
submitted to the tribunal of human wisdom, a favora-
ble decision might be anticipated. But we have al-
ready had occasion to remind the reader, that in mat-
ters connected with the worship of God, the decisions
of human wisdom are often found to be at variance
with the divine appointment. The wisdom of this
world, is foolishness with God. The Lord knovveth
the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

However plausible this argument may appear at
first view, a little examination may satisfy the honest
inquirer after truth, that it is entirely fallacious. The
things which are compared, are dissimilar, and con-
sequently the reasoning is inconclusive. Prayer and
praise agree in one particular, and that is, they are
both ordinances of religious worship. But in almost
every thing else, they difler. And therefore, it is a
pure assumption to say, that because we may employ
our own language in prayer, therefore it is proper to
compose in our own language our songs of praise to God,
Not only are these religious exercises diflerent in their
nature, but, that God himself regards them in a differ-
ent light, is evident from the fact that he has made
provision for his church in the one case, which he
has not in the other. But that the reader may see
more satisfactorily the difference between these divine
ordinances, and the absolute necessity for provision in
the one case, which is not necessary in the other ; and
consequently the fallacy of the conclusion which is
drawn by those who reason from the one ordinance
to the other ; let us notice a little more in detail, some
particulars in which they differ.

1. In prayer, we come to God to ask for those
things which we need ; but in praise, we ascribe to

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 121

him the glory which is due unto his name. As our
situation and circumstances are ever varying, our wants
are very different at one time, from what they are at
another. Our petitions must consequently be framed
in accordance with our wants. But God is unchange-
able, and his praise is always the same. That glory
which is proper to be ascribed to his name at one time,
will always be proper. No matter what may be our
situation ; whether we may be in prosperity or in ad-
versity; whether we may be the subjects of joy or of
sorrow, still God is to be praised for what he is in
himself, and for the exhibitions of his glory which he
has made in the works of creation, of providence, and
of redemption. And what ascriptions of glory are
due to him, the Spirit of God has declared in Ihose
psalms and hymns and songs, which are the produc-
tions of his infinite wisdom.

2. In social prayer, one leads in the exercise, while
others follow and unite with him in presenting their
supplications before the throne of grace; but, in praise,
all simultaneously lift up their voices together in ex-
toUing the name of God. And hence it results, that
in the exercise of praise, a written form is absolutely
necessary, while in prayer, such form is unnecessary.
And hence, as our songs of praise assume a character
of permanency, which does not belong to our prayers,
we can see an important and obvious reason, why
provision should be made for our assistance in the per-
formance of the one duty, which was not considered
necessary in the other. And in connection with this
consideration, I remark, —

3. That since, in singing God's praise, a written
form is necessary, there is provided for the church,
in the word of God, a book of Psalms, while there is
no book of Prayers. This is a fact which deserves

122 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

special attention. The infinitely wise God, does no-
thing in vain, and never works without design. From
every part of the word of God we learn that it is our
duty, botli to pray to him and to sing praise to his
naane. And while the duty in both cases is perfectly
plain, it is no less evident, that God has made provi-
sion with regard to the performance of the one duty,
which he has not thought proper to make with refer-
ence to t]ie other. Not only are we commanded to
sing psalms, but a book of Psahns which contains
the songs of the Spirit of purity, of love and of grace,
is provided for cur use. Men may say, that "as we
use our own language in prayer, so may we in praise;"'
but the fact that God has himself provided for us a
book of Psalms, while he has given us no book of
Prayers, rebukes the unwarranted assertion. And
from the provision already made ibr us by IIim who
knows the glory which is due to himself, there is no
need for us to prepare songs of praise, unless we are
disposed to adopt the presumptuous principle, that we
are more competent to decide what is proper to be
employed in praising God, than he himself who is
the object of praise. But in relation to prayer, the
case is entirely diftercnt. While it is plainly our duty
to pray. He widi whom is the residue of the Spirit,
has not thought proper to provide ibr us a collection
of prayers. And consequently, in complying "svith
the divine command, — "In every thing by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known unto God," — we must, from the neces-
sity of the case, express our requests in our own lan-
guage. The reader can, therefore, have no difficulty
in perceiving that the cases are dissimilar, and conse-
quently, that it is by no means a legitimate conclusion,
that, as we may use our own language in prayer, so
may we in praise. But still further, —

DR. PKESSLV ON P9AL3IODY. 123

4. Our Lord taught hig disciples to pray, and gave
tlicin an admirable ibrm of prayer, with relerence to
which he has said, "After this manner pray ye."
But he gave his disciples na divine song, as a model
of praise, according to which they were to compose
their songs, with a direction, as in the case of prayer,
to sing after this manner. And why, with reverence
I would ask, did not the great Prophet of the church,
furnish in the New Testament a book of sacred hymns,
or direct some one of his Apostles to perform this ser-
vice? The only rational answer which can be given
to this inquiry, is, that he did not consider it necessary.
He had already raised up a sweet Psalmist of Israel,
whom he had qualified for the work, and by whom
he had provided for his church, such a collection of
psalms and hymns and songs, as to his infinite wisdom*
and goodness seemed proper.

And with regard to the difference between these-
two religious duties, I observe once more, —

5. That as provision has been made in the case of
praise, which has not been made with regard to prayer,,
so there is a promise of divine help in the perform-
ance of the duty of prayer, which is not given in rela-^
tion to praise. It is graciously promised by Him who
is the hearer of prayer, — " I will pour upon the house
of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the
Spirit of grace and of supplications."* And as the
christian needs assistance in performing the duty of
prayer, for which provision has not yet been made,
we find it written, — " The Spirit also helpeth our in-
firmities ; tor we know not what we should pray for
as Ave ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
lor us with groanings which cannot be uttered." t

* Zech. 12: 10. t Rom.S: 26.

124 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

Here then, we see that the God of grace, who knows
what the christian needs, has graciously promised
divine assistance to direct us in the expression of our
requests in prayer : " We know not what to pray for
as we ought; but the Spirit helpeth our infirmities."
We have no book of Prayers, in the use of which we
may make our requests known unto God ; but we
have the promise of tlie aid of the Spirit of orrace and
of supplications, to help our infirmities, and to instruct
us how to pray. But there is no promise in all the
New Testament, of the aid of the Holy Spirit, as the
Spirit of psalmody, to aid us in preparing our songs
of praise. He, in whom are liid all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge, did not think proper to raise
up, under the gospel dispensation, a sweet Psalmist
of Israel, to provide for the church a system of songs,
as he had formerly done ; nor did he commission any
of his Apostles to perform this service ; nor did he
promise to send his Spirit in any subsequent age, to
qualify any man for the execution of a work of such
importance. And why not? The only satisfactory
answer which can be given, is that such a service was
unnecessary, since it had already been performed.

It is then quite manifest, not only, that prayer and
praise are religious duties, which are different in their
nature, but tliat God himself regards them as so differ-
ent, that in his infinite wisdom he has thought proper
to make that provision for the use of his church in
the one case, which he has not in the other." It is
no valid objection to our reasoning to say, that some
of the psalms are termed prayers ; that the language
of prayer is employed throughout the psalms; and
that in prayer we ascribe praise to God. All this
may be true. In these particulars and in others which
miglit be mentioned, there may be a coincidence be-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 125

tween these two exercises of religious worship. But
still, it remains true, that prayer and praise arc not
only two difTerent ordinances, but that God regards
them as different; and has made provision to aid us
in the performance of the duty of praise, which he
has not furnished for our assistance in prayer. And
consequently, to say, that since it is proper in prayer
to use our own language, therefore it is right to do the
same in singing God's praise, is to reason after the
manner of men, but not in accordance with the wis-
dom of God.

In this connection, it may be proper to examine the
character of a sentiment which is sometimes advanced
by the advocates of an uninspired psalmody, and
which it is supposed tends to show the impropriety
of using at least some of the songs contained in the
book of Psalms, and the propriety of providing others
better adapted to the present circumstances of the
church. Dr. Watts, in his " Essay for the Improve-
ment of Psalmody," makes the following remarks,
with regard to " the true method of translating ancient
songs into christian worship:" "Psalms that are purely
doctrinal, or merely historical, are subjects for our med-
itation, and may be translated for our present use with
no variation, if it were possible; and in general, all
those songs of Scripture, which the saints of following
ages may assume for their own: such are the 1st, the
8th, the 19th, and many others. Some psalms may
be applied to our use by the alteration of a pronoun,
putting they in the place of ivc, and changing some
expressions which are not suited to our case, into a
narration or rehearsal of God's dealings with others.
There are other divine songs which cannot properly
be accommodated to our use, and much less assumed
as our own, without very great alterations; namely,

126 DR, PRESSLY 0^' PSALMODY.

sucli as are filled with some very particular troubles or
enemies of a person; some places of journeying or resi-
dence; some uncommon circumstances of a society, to
which there is scarcely any thing parallel in our day or
case." Here it is maintained, that many of the songs of
inspiration cannot be properly accommodated to our
use, without very great alterations; because they do not
apply to "our day or case," and consequently cannot
he asumed as our ov/n. The principle is then taken
for granted, that our songs of praise to God should
contain such language and sentiments as we may as-
sume as our own. Though the venerable author of
the "Inquiry," expresses himself somewhat more
•cautiously, yet I suppose, from what he has said, that
his views are substantially the same. Accordingly
]ie maintains that " all that is typical and local in the
Psalms, is not suited to gospel worship and praise."
And why not suited to gospel worship and praise?"
I suppose his answer, with Dr. Watts, would be, —
Because such psalms are not applicable to our partic-
ular circumstances, and cannot be assumed as our
own. Is it then a correct principle, that our songs of
praise to God must describe our particular circumstan-
ces, and contain such language as we can assume as
our own? I have no hesitation in replying, that this
is not a principle of the Bible, but one which man has
found out ; and therefore, if my venerable Father
pleases, he may class it with "human inventions."

It will, I suppose, be admitted by all sober men,
that the songs contained in the book of Psalms, were
adapted to the use of the church at the time when they
were originally composed. I cannot see how this can
be questioned, unless ^ve deny that they were given
S^y inspiration of God. Let us then inquire, whether
there are not many psalms, the language of which the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 127

believer of old could not assiiinc as his own. For
example : Could any believing worshipper, under the
legal dipensation, assume as his own the following
language: "All they that see me, laugh me to scorn;
they shoot out the lip ; they shake the head saying,
He trusted on the Lord, that he would deliver him:
let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. I
am poured out like water, and all my bones are out
of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted in the
midst of my bowels. They part my garments among
them, and cast lots upon my vesture." These words,
it is easy to see, could not be assumed by any ancient
worshipper, as applicable to himself; for they apply
to the Lord Jesus Christ only. And in these words,
the Spirit of Christ taught the church of old to sing
of the sufl'erings of the Savior, who was wounded for
our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. And
the church now under the gospel, can with great pro-
priety, use the same words in singing of the sufferings
of Him, wdio by the one offering of himself has made
an end of sin ; though no individual believer can as-
sume these words as his own. Were it necessary, it
would be easy to multiply examples of this kind.
But the example w^hich we have produced, is sufficient
to show, that if the language employed in praising
God, must be assumed by the worshipper as his own,
a large proportion of the psalms which God himself
provided for his church of old, could not with propri-
ety be used, even by those to whom they were origi-
nally given. Li fact, not a single psalm in the whole
book, which describes the experience of the true be-
liever, can be selected, the language of which each
individual, in any worshipping assembly, could assume
as his own, and as descriptive of his present experi-
ence. That language which appropriately describes
11

128 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

the situation and experience of one believer in the as-
sembly of the saints, may not be at all applicable to
the present situation and experience of another. And,
upon the principle we are examining, no congregation
of God's people could unite in the use of any system
of songs, neither that which is contained in the book
of Psalms, nor any of those which have been prepared
by uninspired men. But the principle which main-
tains, that in singing the praise of God, we may use
those songs only which describe our own experience,
and the language of which we may assume as our
own, has its origin in the wisdom of man, and not in
the \vord of God. So far is it from being a scriptural
principle, that I do not hesitate to pronounce it an er-
roneous principle, and one which is founded in mista-
ken views of the nature of praise. It would be abso-
lutely wrong to assume as our owm, the language of
the songs of inspiration, because it is not our own.
It is the language of the Spirit of God ; and to assume
it as our own, would be to incur the guilt of taking as
our own, that which we have no right to call our own.
These songs are the word of God. In some of them,
the Spirit of God describes the exercises of the be-
lievmg soul ; and we may apply the language which
they employ, for the purpose of self-examination.
At one time we see the believer in the depths of dis-
tress, and hear him exclaiming under spiritual deser-
tion, " How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord ? For
ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me ?"
But may not one, whose privilege it is to rejoice in
the light of God's countenance, praise God acceptably
in the use of this language, though not applicable to
his present experience ? At another time, we see the
believer rejoicing in hope, and hear him give utterance
to the gratitude of his heart, saying, " Great is thy

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 129

mercy toward me, and thou hast delivered my soul
from the lowest hell." And may not a believer who
is in darkness and distress, be edified himself, and
perform an acceptable service to God, in singing this
language, though it is descriptive of a situation very
different from his own? In some of the psalms, we
have the most precious promises of support in the
time of trouble ; of grace to help us in the time of
need ; of pardon of sin ; of peace with God, and such
like. And it is both our privilege and our duty to
appropriate to ourselves these invaluable blessings,
which are presented to us in the divine promises.
And the blessings which are conveyed to us, in these
promises, the believer appropriates to himself upon
the authority of God's word. The songs of inspira-
tion then, let it be kept in mind, are the w^ord of God.
The language which they employ, is not to be regarded
as ours, but, as it is in truth, the word of God. The
songs are a part of that Scripture in relation to which
it is said " Ail Scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
instruction in righteousness." iVnd if they are sung
in the exercise of faith as the word of God, and not
as containing language which we may assume as our
ov\'n, God will be glorified and we will be edified.
The language of the songs of the Spirit is not, then,
to be assumed as our own, but is to be applied and
improved as the language of other portions of the di-
vine word, for reproof, for correction, and for instruc-
tion in righteousness.

But we have said, that the principle which is under
consideration, is founded in mistaken views of the
nature of praise. What is the specific design of this
religious exercise ? The language of prayer is often
employed in the songs of inspiration ; and the difficul-

130 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

ties, perplexities and deliverances of the believer, are
often described in them by Him who knows what is
in man. But the specific object of praise, is to ascribe
to God the glory which is due unto his name. He
surely knows what ascriptions of glory are due to him
from his church. In these songs which are the pro-
ductions of his infinite wisdom, his glory is celebrated
as manifested in the works of creation, of providence
and of redemption ; in his M'orks of mercy toward his
church, and of judgment toward her enemies. And
the God of Zion calls upon his church in these songs,
to sing unto the Lord, to bless his name, to shew his
salvation from day to day, to declare his glory among
the heathen, and his wonders among all people.

But it is more particularly to those Psalms in which
there are allusions to the typical institutions of the law,
that the author of the "Inquiry," in his remarks, has
reference. And if I understand his language, he not
only intimates that such Psslms are not suited to gos-
pel worship and praise, but that the use of them has
a tendency to introduce a " Judaizing Christianity."
His . language to which I more particularly refer, is
the folio wino- : " It is somethino- like an insult to the
human understanding, in this age of the world, to say,
that those parts of the Psalms which are typical, are
as well suited for praising God, as various portions of
the New Testament. It is saying that the type is as
clear as the thing typified." But he adds, that it is
well known that "every thing typical under the Jew-
ish dispensation, is called the shadow of good things
to come." If the language which our author here
employs, is to be understood in its ordinary accepta-
tion, he maintains that some parts of the book of
Psalms, are among "the shadows of good things
to come," which have long since vanished away.

DR. TRKSSLY ON rSAL.-.IODY. 131

And consequently, that it would be just as improper
to use them in the worship of God, under the Gospel, as
it would be to oiler a lamb in sacrifice to God, or to
observe any other typical institution. For the sake
of illustration, we may refer to one of the Psalms to
which he himself has directed our attention. "I will
offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the in-
cense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats." It
is quite manifest, that upon the principle which main-
tains that the worshipper must assume as his own the
language of his songs of praise, this Psalm could not
now be used in the worship of God. For Ave do not
now offer unto God burnt sacrifices of fatlings ; nor
would it be proper to present such offerings unto the
Lord. But here lies the mistake. The language of
this Psalm is not our language ; nor are we to assume
it as our own. It is the language of the Spirit of God;
and in employing it in praising God, it is our duty to
look to its author for his gracious influences, to enable
us to understand it and use it in a proper manner.
And taught by the Spirit of grace and truth, the hum-
ble christian, while he praises God, not in the words
which man's Avisdom teacheth, but which the Holy
Ghost teacheth, shall be enabled to make melody in
his heart to the Lord.

11

133 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY

CHAPTER XL

Exposition of Col. 3 : 16, 17. Import of the phrase, The Word
of Christ — meaning of the Exhortation, Teaching and admon-
ishing one another.

"Let the word of Christ dwell m you richly in all
wisdom ; teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever
ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Col. 3:16, 17.

" The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the
soul ; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise
the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, re-
joicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is
pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is
clean, enduring for ever ; the judgments of the Lord
are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desir-
ed are they than gold, yea than much fine gold ; sweet-
er also than honey and the honeycomb." Such is
the language in which the enlightened believer de-
scribes the varied excellencies of the word of God,
his high esteem of it, and the holy pleasure which he
derived from meditation upon its precious truths. This
blessed word gives light to the understanding, and it
imparts joy to the heart. It directs the humble in-
quirer into wisdom's ways, and it fortifies him against

DR. PRES3LY ON PSALMODY. 133

the power of those temptations which would lead him
into forbidden paths. It purities the affections and
elevates them above those enjoyments of time and
sense which cannot satisfy the desires of an immortal
spirit. And, therefore, the soul which has once tasted
the sweetness of those streams which issue from this
fountain of living waters, will be prepared to say,
*' Thy word, O Lord, is very pure, therefore thy ser-
vant loveth it." In the estimation of such an one,
the injunction of the Apostle will be regarded as im-
posing an agreeable obligation ; " Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom."

To the proper understanding of these words, it will
be requisite to determine,

I. What is the meaning of the phrase, " the word
of Christ?"

II. What is the nature of the duty here enjoined,
"Teaching and admonishing one another?"

I. With regard to the phrase, "the word of Christ,"
it may be remarked, that it is employed no where else
in the sacred Scriptures. There is, however, another
phrase, "the word of God," which is of frequent oc-
currence ; and these two forms of expression convey-
substantially the same idea. In the discharge of the
duties of his ministry, our Lord preached the ivord of
God. And, accordingly, it is said that, as he was
preaching in the synagogues of Galilee, the people
pressed upon him to hear "the word of God." Luke
5:1. A similar representation is given of the preach-
ing of the Apostles, — " They spake the word of God
with all boldness." Acts 4: 31. The sacred histor-
ian informs us that " Philip went down to the city of
Samaria, aud preached Christ unto them." "And
when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard
that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent

134 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

unto them Peter and John." That which was preach-
ed by our Lord and by his Apostles, must of course
be regarded as the word of Christ. But it is repre-
sented as the word of God. And hence these two
forms of expression, the word of Christ, and the word
of God, are to be considered, as of the same general
import.

In a general sense, these two phrases may be un-
derstood to comprehend the whole of divine revela-
tion. Jesus Christ is the great Prophet of the church,
who has revealed to man the will of God. And the
whole of the divine revelation is "the word of Christ."

In a sense somewhat restricted, the word of God,
or the word of Christ, may be regarded as of the same
import with the gospel, signifying more especially
those doctrines relating to the way of man's salvation
through Jesus Christ. But to limit this phrase, as
here employed by the Apostle, so as to make it de-
signate the writings of the New Testament, in contra-
distinction from those of the Old, is evidently unwar-
ranted for two obvious reasons.

1. The prophets of the Old Testament were as
truly inspired by the Spirit of Christ, as were the
Apostles. And hence the Apostle Peter, speaking of
the ancient prophets, says that they searched diligent-
ly, "w^hat, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ
which was in them, did signify, when it testified be-
forehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which
should follow." And the Church, which is composed
of Jews and Gentiles, is said to be "built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
being the chief corner-stone." Eph. 2 : 20. If, then,
the ancient prophets spake as they were moved by
the Spirit of Christ; and if, in the exercise of their
ministry, they laid the same foundation as did the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 135

Apostles, then, to restrict the phrase, "the word of
Christ," to the writings of the New Testament, is
wholly arbitrary and unauthorized. But,

2. The impropriety of restricting the phrase, "the
word of Christ," to the writings of the New Testa-
ment, appears conclusively from the fact, that only a
small portion of these writings as yet existed. Ac-
cording to the most competent chronologers, not more
than four or live of the epistles to particular churches
were in existence at the time this epistle was sent to
the Colossians. These few epistles had not yet been
collected into a volume, nor had copies of them, at
that time, been multiplied, the art of printing being
yet unknown. And it is not probable that the Colos-
sians had seen a page of the New Testament previous
to their reception of this epistle. The translation of
the Old Testament into the Greek language, which is
called the Septuagint, was in the possession of the
Jews in their dispersion, and was in common use..
But the New Testament, which did not yet exist, they
of course had never seen, and probably had no part
of it in their possession, before they received from the
Aposde this epistle. It would then be absurd to sup-
pose, that in addressing this exhortation to the Colos-
sians, the Apostle could have meant by the phrase,
the word of Christ, the Scriptures of the New Testa-
ment exclusively, since the writings which compose
this book were not as yet in existence.

In so far, therefore, as this exhortation relates im-
mediately to the Colossians, it must be understood as
enjoining upon them the exercise of diligence in the
improvement of all the means within their reach, to
make themselves well acquainted with the will of God
as revealed to them. But these words of the Apostle
contain instruction for the church in all subsequent

136 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

ages, as well as for the Colossians. And the word
of Christ, with which it is our duty to make ourselves
well acquainted, m hich should dwell richly in us ;
which we should study to understand, and in the ap-
plication of which w^e should endeavor to edify one
another, is the whole word of God, contained in the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. "All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profi-
table for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in-
struction in righteousness, that the man of God mav
be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
11. Our next inquiry is, What is the nature of the
duty here enjoined: "Teaching and admonishing one
another?" In reply to this inquiry, I remark gener-
ally, that these words are addressed, not to the minis-
try as such, whose business it is oihcially to instruct
the church of God, but to the different members of
the household of faith. The duty here specified is
not, therefore, one which is peculiar to the public
teachers of religion, but which is common to the dis-
ciples of Christ. It is supposed, that Ave have all an
interest in each other, as members of one common
family, and that we are bound to study the promo-
tion of each other's spiritual welfare. Exhortations
of the same general character are of frequent occur-
rence in the sacred Scriptures. Accordingly, it is
written, " Let us follow the things which make for
peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
" Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying,
that it may minister grace to the hearers." "Exhort
one another daily." "Let us consider one another,
to provoke unto love and good works." And Paul
says to his brethren of Rome, " I am persuaded of
you, my brethren, that ye also are full of all goodness,

DR. PRESSLV ON PSALMODY. 137

filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one
another." From these and similar portions of Scrip-
ture, it is plain that it is the common duty of Christ-
ians to admonish and to edify one another. And that
they may be properly qualified for the performance
of this duty, a familiar and enlarged acquaintance with
the word of God is requisite. Therefore, says the
Apostle, " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
in all wisdom." Let every one be diligent in search-
ing the Scriptures, and in laying up in his mind the
precious truths of God's words, so that he may not
only experience in his own soul the salutary influence
of divine truth, but that he may also be qualified in
his appropriate sphere, to contribute to the edification
of others.

The import of this exhortation may appear more
clearly by comparing it with the language employed
in a parallel passage. "Be not drunk with wine,"
says the Apostle to the Ephesians, "wherein is excess,
but be filled with the Spirit ; speaking to yourselves
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." The E-
phesian brethren, Avhile in a state of pagan darkness,
had been accustomed when celebrating the rites of
Bacchus and other heathen deities, to indulge in drink-
ing to excess, and singing lascivious and obscene songs.
By these unhallowed exercises, they had formerly en-
couraged each other in sin. But now, being by the
grace of God delivered from the power of darkness,
and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, it
became them to walk as children of lio-ht. Instead of
stnnulating each other to the pursuit of sinful pleas-
ures, it became their duty, as the followers of Christ,
to provoke one another to love and good works. In-
stead of striving to inflame each other's passions by
filthy communication, or by singing impure songs,

138 DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY.

they should study in their social intercourse to engage
in such exercises as would tend to promote their mu-
tual growth in grace, and the knowledge of Jesus
Christ.

The exhortation of the Aposde, with regard to
;singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, does
not appear to refer, primarily at least, to the exercise
of praise as a part of the instituted worship of God.
It has particular respect to the conduct of the disci-
ples of Christ in their social intercourse. Whenever
they meet together, instead of indulging in idle con-
versation, or engaging in such recreations as might
exert a corrupting influence over the mind, they should
constantly keep in view mutual edification. Not mere-
ly when they assemble for the formal worship of God,
but also when they meet to enjoy social intercourse
and to cultivate the social affections, all communica-
tions of a demoralizing tendency should be carefully
avoided; and their "speech should be always with
grace, seasoned with salt." And as music exerts a
powerful influence over our nature in subduing the
passions, in tranquiUizing the mind, and in elevating
and purifying the afiections, when it is employed in
connection with proper sentiments ; let it be cultivated
as a means of rendering our social intercourse as
Christians more pleasant and profitable. " In psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in
your hearts to the Lord." It is indeed true, that in
singing the praise of God in his instituted worship,
our great concern should be to sing " with grace in
our hearts to the Lord." But we must not forget,
that the Christian should have reference to the pro-
motion of God's glory in every thing in which he en-
gages; not merely when we are engaged in the formal
acts of religious worship, but when pursuing our law-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 139

fill avocations; when cultivating social intercourse, and
enjoying Christian recreation, the glory of God and
mutual edification should be kept steadily in view as
the great objects at which we aim. " Whether, there-
fore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to
the glory of God." Such is the Scriptural rule for
the government of Christian conduct. And hence,
when Christian friends engage in religious conversa-
tion, or when they read the Scriptures or some in-
structive author for mutual improvement, or when
they unite in singing sacred songs for Christian re-
creation, they should study to have their affections
rightly attuned, and to do all to the glory of God.

From the remarks which have been made, it is
Jioped that it will appear to the reader's satisfaction
that "the word of Christ," cannot, by any correct
principle of interpretation, be restricted to the writings
of the New Testament, in contradistinction from those
of- the Old; and that, while the phrase is strictly ap-
plicable to the whole system of divine revelation, it
may be regarded as having a more particular reference
to the doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ, as
taught in the Oracles of truth.

It has also appeared that the exhortation of the
Apostle, with regard to "teaching and admonishing
one another," is addressed not to the ministry as such,
but to the different members of the household of faith
generally; and that this exhortation consequently in-
dicates a duty, which is not peculiar to any one class,
but is common to all the followers of Christ, who in
all their social intercourse are under obligations to
study the promotion of their mutual edification.

And it has further been supposed, that the direction
here given by the Apostle with regard to "singing,"
does not relate primarily to the exercise of praise as
12

140 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

a part of the instituted worship of God, but to the
singing of sacred songs for mutual edification and for
Christian recreation. And the conchision to which
this view of the subject would lead, is, that if Christ-
ians, when associated for mutual edification and Chris-
tian recreation, should sing such sacred songs as are
adapted to excite in the mind just and reverential
thoughts of God, and to produce and cherish holy af-
fections, much more should they employ such when
engaged in the formal exercise of singing praise to
God.

But the question here arises, — To M^hat does the
Apostle refer when he employs the terms, "psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs ? " Various attempts have
been made by expositors to designate the distinction
between the compositions indicated by these different
terms. There seems, however, to be no means of
arriving at any certain conclusion. And the proba-
bility is, that, while there is doubtless a shade of dis-
tinction between them, these different terms indicate
sacred sons^s, which are substantially the same. Be-
tween them there is probabl}^ about the same differ-
ence as exists between the terms, laws and statutes
and judgments, in application to the word of God.

But still the Apostle must have had some particu-
lar design in employing these different terms ; and it
is to be supposed that the Colossians would under-
stand to what he referred. To what, then, may we
suppose, did the Apostle refer, when he directed the
Colossians to teach and admonish one another in
"psalms and hymns and spiritual songs?" In reply
to this inquiry, I would say, that it is well known
that there were in existence such sacred songs. There .
was at that time in the possession of the church, a
book of divine songs, which constituted a part of the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 141

word of God, or the word of Christ. And in the
Greek transkition, called the Septuagint, M'hich was
then in common use, we find the very terms which
are here employed. In some of the titles prefixed to
the psalms, we find one of these terms ; in others, two
of them ; and in the title of the 76th psalm, all three
occur. And from the fact, that these different terms
are applied to the same psalm, the opinion seems to
he confirmed, that whatever shade of distinction may
exist between them, they are substantially of the same
import. But what the reader is particularly desired
to notice is, that when this direction was given to the
Colossians, they had in their possession j^uch divine
songs as are here mentioned. They are exhorted to
teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs ; and we know that they had such
in their possession, which were the productions of the
Spirit of inspiration. And if any songs are worthy
of the epithet, ^'' spiritual'' surely it is appropriate to
those which are the songs of the Spirit. Such sacred
songs, we know, were in existence ; such were then
in the possession of the Colossians; and to such we
believe the Apostle referred. If any choose to deny
this, let them produce those to which the Apostle did
refer. Until this is done, we must believe that the'
Aposde did refer to what v/e know was actually in
existence.

It is M'ell known that this passage of Scripture is
regarded as having an important bearing on the con-
troversy respecting psalmody, and has been produced
as authority for the use of what men choose to caS
an "evangelical psalmody." Having given what I be-
lieve to be a correct exposition of the v/ords, I shall
now state, and endeavor candidly to examine the ar-
gument in favor of an "evangelical psalmody," in op-

142 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

position to what I term an inspired psalmody. And
to prevent any misconception, let me explain what I
mean by an inspired psalmody. We have in the sa-
cred volume, a collection of psalms, hymns and songs,
in the book of Psalms. These divine songs, not mere-
ly as to their matter, but as divine sono;s, were gfiven
by inspiration of God, and in a correct translation are
the word of God, These songs constitute an inspired
system of psalmody. But in modern times, since the
Spirit of inspiration has ceased in the church, various
poets, among whom Dr. Watts occupies a prominent
place, have composed hymns and songs on religious
subjects. The matter of these compositions, their
authors, in the exercise of their own powers, have
collected from the sacred Scriptures, and arranged in
such a manner as to express their own views of divine
truth. These are uninspired hymns. Whether the
sentiments which they express may be strictly con-
formable to Scripture or not, as hymns, they are not
found in the word of God ; as hymns they are not in-
spired, but are the compositions of uninspired men.

In a volume introduced to the Christian public by
the recommendation of the Presbyterian Synod of
Pittsburgh, and which may be supposed to speak the
sentiments of that very respectable body, a four fold
argument in favor of an uninspired system of psalm-
ody, is founded upon these words of the Apostle. In
the volume referred to, we find these words, "We have
now produced an apostolic precept or command for a
gospel psalmody in four distinct arguments, deduced
from Col. 3: 16, 17. 1. From the sixteenth verse,
viewed in connection with 2 Tim. 3: 16. 2. From
the phrase, "the word of Christ." 3. From the ne-
cessary meaning of the word teaching, in the sixteenth
verse. 4. From the apostolic injunction, that what-

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 113

soever we do, to do all in the name of the JiOru Je-
sus." Let us now endeavor to weigh these arg-umcnts
carefully, in the balances of the sanctuary.

1. The lirst arg-ument is founded upon Col. 3: 16.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly : " taken
in connection with 2 Tim. 3: 16. "All Scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doc-
trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness." The reader will keep distinctly in
view the point to be proved. It is not, that it is our
duty to sing "psalms and hymns and spiritual songfw"
In relation to this matter there is no dispute. The
point to be established is simply this, is there a divine
precept authorizing and requiring uninspired men to
compose psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, to
be employed in the worship of God. It is arguefl
that there is such a precept, and here we are told is
the proof: " Let the Avord of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one
another." But does not the reader see at once, that
these words are perfectly silent in relation to the point
in dispute ? There is not a syllable uttered by the
Apostle in relation to making psalms and hymns and
songs ; which is the point to be proved. It is the use
of psalms and hymns and songs for mutual edification,
of which the Apostle here speaks. And his exhorta-
tion supposes that they were already prepared, and
consequently all that remained for the Colossians to
do, was to use in a proper manner those sacred songs
which were ready for their use. And that they might
be qualified to employ for the purposes of mutual ed-
ification and comfort, the songs of inspiration which
were tlien in existence, it w^as very important that
their minds should be familiar with the sacred Oracles.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
12*

114 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

But though tliis text (Col. 3: 16) is utterly silent
in relation to the precept after Avhich we are inquiring,
perhaps the other referred to, may supply the defici-
ency. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God."
Is not the reader astonished to find this text of Scrip-
ture quoted for the purpose of proving that uninspired
men have a precept for making songs to be employed
in the worship of God? It is most certainly true,
that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God."
But who denies it? It is undubitably true, that all
Scripture is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction and for instruction in righteousness." But
this is not the point to be proved. We want a text
of Scripture, as a precept for uninspired men to make
songs to be employed in the worship of God, and the
Presbyterian Synod of Pittsburgh refer us to texts
which utter not one word on the subject of making
songs. Having weighed in the balances the first ar-
gument, it is submitted to the reader, whether it is
not found wanting ?

2. A second argument is drawn from the phrase,
"the word of Christ." This argument, in favor of
what is termed a "gospel psalmody," proceeds upon
the supposition, that the phrase, "the word of Christ,
must be understood as referring to the New Testa-
ment Scriptures." That this is entirely an arbitrary
and unauthorized interpretation, has I trust been satis-
factorily proven. A very small portion of the New
Testament was in existence at the time this direction
was given to the Colossians ; and it is not probable
that they had any part of it in their possession at the
time when they received this epistle. But the book
to which I have referred, in which the interpretation
is given, may be quoted as authority to prove that
the phrase, the word of Christ, is not to be restricted

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 145

to the New Testament. Comparing the passage in
Col. 3: 16 with that in 2 Tim. 3: IG, it is said,
"These two passages are evidently parallels in their
general scope and design ; the words, all Scripture,
answering to the word of Christ." According to this
wonderful book, then, which comes before the public
with the recommendation of a reverend Synod, the
phrase, the word of Christ, must be understood as re-
ferring to the "New Testament Scriptures," and yet
it is of the same general import with the words, " all
Scripture ! " The truth is, it matters not v/hether
the phrase be taken in a restricted or more extended
sense, in so far as the argument founded on it is con-
cerned. It furnishes, in neither case, any support in
favor of the point to be established. For, as has al-
ready been remarked, the direction of the Apostle has
reference, not to the source whence we are to gather
materials for making hymns and songs, but to the pro-
per use of them.

3. The third argument is draw^n "from the neces-
sary meaning of the word teaching, in the sixteenth
verse." The reader is desired to keep distinctly be-
fore his mind, the point to be proved : it is, that unin-
spired men are authorized to compose psalms and
hymns and songs, to be employed in the worship of
God. And it is argued, that "the necessary meaning
of the word teaching,'''' establishes this conclusion.
The Apostle directs the Colossians to teach and ad-
monish one another in psalms and hymns and spirit-
ual songs. And the conclusion drawn from this di-
rection is, that "the necessary meaning of the word
teaching," indicates that it was the duty of the Colos-
sians to compose hymns and songs for their mutual
edification. To establish the fallacy of the reasoning,
I refer to the volume itself, in which this argument

146 DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY.

is produced. In speaking of these different terms,
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, the author says,
"the Apostle Paul, in our opinion, by />s«/7W5, alludes
to the book of Psalms." If, then, by psalms, we
are to understand the sacred songs contained in the
book of Psalms, the word "teaching," certainly can-
not convey the idea of composing psalms ; for they
are already composed and given to us to be used.
All then that can be meant by " teaching one another
in psalms" is, that we should use and apply the psalms
for mutual edification. If, then, this is " the necessary
meaning of the word teaching," in reference to psalms,
it means the same thing- in relation to hymns and
spiritual songs. As in the former case, it cannot sig-
nify composing psalms, it is altogether an arbitrary
and unauthorized assumption to say that, in the latter
case, it conveys the idea of composing hymns and
spiritual songs. The reader Mill therefore perceive
that these words of the Apostle are entirely silent in
relation to the point to be proved. We want an ar-
gument to prove that uninspired men are commanded
to compose psalms, hymns and songs. But we are
referred to a passage in which the Apostle is giving
directions with regard to the use of psalms for edifica-
tion, but says nothing at all with regard to the duty of
making psalms.

But, independent of this consideration, which shows
conclusively the fallacy of the argument, I appeal to
the reason and common sense of every reflecting man,
while I say that the principle of interpretation on
which it rests is perfectly unreasonable. If it is the
duty of making or composing psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, of which the Apostle here speaks, what
then is the necessary conclusion ? It is plainly this,
that it is a duty obligatory upon all the followers of

DR. PRESSLY ON PSAL310DY. 147

Christ to make psalms and hymns and spiritual son^s,
to be employed in the worship of God. If the reader
will open his Bible and turn to the passag-e, he will
see that the Apostle is here speaking, not of what may
be done, but of what must be done as a matter of duty.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching
and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns.'*
And this exhortation is not addressed to particular in-
dividuals, but in common to all the followers of
Christ. Those very persons who are addressed in
the preceding verses as "the elect of God, holy and
beloved,'' and who are exhorted to put on "bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
long-suffering and charity," are addressed in the words
under consideration. The duty here enjoined is there-
fore one Avhich is obligatory upon all the followers of
Christ. But can any man in the possession of sober
reason believe that the Apostle commanded the Colos-
sians as a matter of duty, to make psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs ? How few of them could possibly
have complied with such a requisition ? Suppose a
command of this kind, addressed to one of the best
informed congregations in the present day with all our
superior advantages of education; does not every one
see, that only an individual here and there could be
found who has the requisite talents to comply with
such an injunction? Very few, even of the ministry,
have the requisite talents to compose a sacred hymn
or song, much less are the people, generally, qualified
to perform such a task.

In conclusion, then, I would say, that the argument,
when weighed in the balances, is found wanting. The
Apostle is speaking of the duty of using psalms and
hymns and songs for edification, not of making them;
and when we consider that the duty here enjoined is

148 DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY.

one which is obligatory upon all the followers of
Christ, it is perfectly unreasonable to suppose that it
is a duty of such a nature that few could possibly per-
form it.

4. "A fourth argument for a gospel psalmody,"
and one to which great importance seems to be at-
tached, is drawn from the words, " whatsoever ye do
in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Je-
sus." From the interpretation given of these M^ords
in the volume in which this argument is found, is
drawn " the obvious inference, that the duty of prais-
ing God in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
cannot be discharged in the full meaning of the Apos •
tie, by confining ourselves to the book of Psalms, but
in songs recognizing Jesus as the Mediator of the
new covenant, and who hath purchased the church
with his own blood." It will thus appear that, ac-
cording to this argument, it is not merely a thing
which is allowable, to use other hymns and songs
than those contained in the book of Psalms, but that
it is a matter of imperative obhgation. They who
confine themselves to the book of Psalms, are defect-
ive in their duty. For we are told that " the duty of
praising God in the full meaning of the Apostle can-
not be discharged by confining ourselves to the book
of Psalms." The songs which we use must recog-
nize "Jesus as the Mediator of the new covenant."

Now, let us try this argument in its application to
the book of psalms and hymns, which is at present used
by the Synod of Pittsburgh. In this volume there are
six hundred and eighty hymns. The subject of the first
hymn is the "divine attributes." But in this hymn
the name of Jesus is not found ; nor is there any re-
ference to Him as the Mediator of the new covenant.
The subject of the last hymn is "hell." And here,

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 149

again, the name of Jesus has no place, nor is there
any reference to him as having purchased the church
with his own blood.

Of how many more hymns in this collection the
same remark may be made, I am not now prepared
to say, nor is it necessary to determine. Here, then,
are at least two hymns which, according- to the argu-
ment under consideration, ought not to be used ; for
they do not contain the name of Jesus, nor recognize
him as the Mediator of the new covenant. If the
argument proves any thing in support of the princi-
ple in favor of which it is adduced, it proves not only
that some of our songs must recognize Jesus as the
Mediator of the new covenant, but that this must be
true in relation to every one of them. The language
of the Apostle is, '^Whatsoever ye do, in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." If then
this argument is worth any thing, consistency requires
that the Synod of Pittsburgh should have an expur-
gata edition of their own book of psalms and hymns.

But let us subject the argument to anothar test.
The Apostle is not speakmg of the duty of praise
alone. The language is general : '■'•Whatsoever ye do
in word or deed.^^ This will of course comprehend
the duty of prayer. And to aid us in performing this
important duty our Lord has given us a form of pray-
er. But in this form of prayer, which Christ taught
his disciples, the name of Jesus does not occur, nor
is there a recognition of him as the Mediator of the
new covenant. Then, according to the argument we
are now considering, the Lord's prayer is not suita-
ble for the use of a Christian !

The truth is, the argument is entirely fallacious,
and rests upon an erroneous interpretation of the
phrase — "in the name of the Lord Jesus." By a re-

150 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

ference to the passage, the reader can at once see that
the direction of the Apostle has no particular respect
to the duty of praise, but that it is general and com-
prehends all the duties of the Christian life, incum-
bent upon us as the followers of Christ. It has re-
spect both to our words and to our actions. " What-
soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus." To perform any particular duty in
the name of the Lord Jesus, does not imply that in
the performance of that duty we must make mention
of his name. If we repeat the Lord's prayer with a
proper spirit, it surely will not be denied that we pray
in the name of the Lord Jesus. And yet his name is
not found in that prayer, nor is there in it a recogni-
tion of Jesus Christ as having purchased the church
with his own blood. What then is meant by perform-
ing any particular duty in the name of the Lord Jesus?
In the answer to the 180th question in the Larger Ca-
techism, we find these words, "To pray in the name
of Christ, is in obedience to his command and in con-
fidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake ;
not by bare mentioning of his name, but by drawing
our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strengtJi
and hope of acceptance in prayer from Christ and his
mediation." In so far as the direction of the Apostle
may be regarded as having reference to the duty of
praise, it relates not to the words or the sentiments of
our songs of praise so much as to the spirit or frame
of mind with which we should perform the duty. A
song of praise may be sung in the name of the Lord
Jesus, though the name of Jesus is not found in it.
And, on the other hand, an individual may sing a song
of praise in which the name of Jesus is often repeat-
ed, and yet he may not perform the duty of praise in
the name of the Lord Jesus. To perform any duty

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 151

of the Christian life in the name of Christ, supposes
that there is a reference to his authority as the rule of
duty and the exercise of dependence upon his grace
for the acceptance of both our persons and services.
The argument, then, which infers from the direction
of the Apostle — "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus," that we must
sing other songs than those contained in the book of
Psalms, and songs which recognize Jesus as having
purchased the church with his own blood, is entirely
fallacious, being founded upon a misinterpretation of
the Apostle's language.

Thus, I have examined the fourfold argument in
favor of what men are pleased to call a " gospel psalm-
ody," founded upon these words of the Apostle. And
I confidently appeal to the impartial judgment of every
reflecting reader, while I say that they utterly fail to
establish the point to be proved. The duty of sing-
ing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, is not
questioned ; the obligation to edify one another in the
use of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, is ad-
mitted. But the point to be proved is, that uninspired
men have divine authority to make psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs to be employed in the worship of
God. The arguments brought forward to establish
this point have been weighed in the balances, and
Tekel is their indelible brand.

In conclusion, let me say to all who love the truth
as in Jesus, and particularly to those who love the
songs of Zion above the songs of uninspired men, no
matter what may be the piety of their authors, or the
evangelical character of their sentiments, — "My be-
loved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye
know that vour labor is not in vain in the liord."
13

152 DK. PRESSLY ON PiiALMODY.

CHAPTER XII.

History of Psalmody — Pliny's Letter to Trajan Justin Martyr
— Clemens Alexandrinus — Paul of Samosata — Tertullian —
Athanasius — Chrysostom— Jerome.

The reader will remember, that in a preceding
chapter, there was given a brief exhibition of the his-
tory of psabiiody under the former dispensation.
From this historical survey it appeared, that the Scrip-
tures furnish no evidence, that previous to the days
of David, the singing of God's praise constituted a
part of the regular worship of God. We have evi-
dence that the people of God, individually and in a
social capacity, on particular occasions engaged in
this delightful exercise. And on such occasions, some
one divinely inspired furnished a sacred hymn adapt-
ed to the purpose of celebrating the loving kindness
of the Lord. But at length in the person of David,
*'tlie man who was raised up on high, the anointed of
the God of Jacob," there was provided for the church,
a Prophet to perform the office of a "sweet psalmist
of Israel." We have just the same evidence that
David was appointed to this office, as that Moses was
raised up to be a lawgiver in Israel. The Spirit of
the Lord spake by David, and through him commu-
nicated to the church a great variety of songs of praise.
And not onlv was this distinguished servant of God

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 153

endowed witli the spirit of heavenly wisdom to qual-
ity him for the ollice of preparing sacred hymns for
God's Israel, but was also employed in establishing
various regulations in the house of God, connected
with the worsliip of God. And from this time forth,
the singing of God's praise became not only a regular,
but a prominent part of the worship of God.

Previous to the days of David, of course the sacred
hymns of the sweet psalmist of Israel, could not have
been used, not being yet in existence. But that same
Spirit who spake by the mouth of David employed
others, to perform the important office of furnishing a
song of praise, as the occasion required. The Scrip-
tures, however furnish no evidence whatever, that the
>church ever employed in the worship of God, the ef-
fusions of uninspired men.

Subsequently to the days of David, after the sing-
ing of praise became a part of the stated worship of
God, a large and varied collection of sacred hymns
was given to the church in the volume of inspiration,
under the title of "The Book of Psalms." By
whom these songs of praise were collected into a book,
as it is impossible to determine with absolute certain-
ty, so, it is a matter of no importance. It is enough
•for us to know, that God has given to his church such
a book ; and that it is recognized in the New Testa-
ment as "The Book of Psalms." *

We have also seen, that in the New Testament
there is not furnished any collection of hymns ; there
was not raised up, by the great Prophet of the church,
any sweet psalmist to perform the office of preparing
songs of praise to be employed in his worship; nor,
is there any direction relative to the performance of

* Luke 20: 42.

154 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

such a service. The smging of God's praise is re-
cognized as a duty; and we are exhorted to engage in
this duty.* But it is in no instance intimated, that it
is our duty to prepare hymns of praise to be employ-
ed in this part of divine worship. We are directed
to search the scriptures. And we all understand this
direction as pointing to the duty of examining those
sacred writings which God has given to the church
as the rule of our faith and life. And for a similar
reason, w^hen we are exhorted to sing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, we understand that it is
made our duty to praise God in the use of those sa-
cred songs, of w^hich the Spirit of the Lord is the au-
thor and which are contained in his word.

In the New Testament, we have various examples
recorded, in which the sei-vants of God were employed
in singing God's praise; but what songs were used
we are not particularly informed. It is worthy of re-
mark, however, that every where throughout the New
Testament, the sacred writers refer to the book of
Psalms, as having respect to the person and kingdom
of Christ, t And our Lord after reproving the disci-
ples for the dullness of their apprehension, and their
slowness to believe all that the prophets had spoken,
graciously opened their understanding that they might
understand the scriptures ; and explained to them par-
ticularly what was contained in the psalms concern-
ing himself. J There can be no doubt therefore, that
the -writers of the New Testament considered these
sacred hymns as very suitable for the purpose of cel-
ebrating the praises of the Messiah.

* Heb. 13: 15. James 5: 13.
t Acts 4: 25. Heb. 1: 8, 10: 5.
t Luke 24: 44.

DR. PRKSSLY ON PSALMODY. 155

Immediately after the institution and first celebra-
tion of the Lord's supper, we are informed that our
Lord and his disciples "sung an hymn."* What
hymn was sung on this occasion we are not told, and
consequently cannot determine with absolute certain-
ty. It is however a well established historical fact,
that it was the custom of the Jewish church on the
occasion of the passoever to sing the great Hallel, or
hymn of praise, consisting of psalms 115 and 118 in-
clusive, t I am aware that some of our modern "wise
men" have told us, that "the bible knows nothing of
any particular psalm being sung at the passover, nor
of any singing upon the occasion at all." And it has
been said that, " Where the institution of the passover
is recorded in Exodus, there is no allusion to singing
of any kind." This is readily admitted. But what
then? In the primitive account of the institution of
the passover, there is no mention made of the use of
wine. And yet, it is a well known historical fact, that
in subsequent times, wine was used in the celebration
of the passover. And it is further evident that wine
was used at the passover which Avas observed by our
Lord and his disciples immediately previous to the
institution of the Lord's supper. J And from the fact
that our Lord sanctioned this usage of the Jewish
church by his example, there is no room for doubt in
relation to the divine appointiment of the use of wine
in the passover; though, the bible contains no record
of die fact. Whether the Hallel v/as sung in connec-
tion with the celebration of the passover previous to
the period of our Lord's incarnation, is a question of

* Mat. 26: 30.
t Home's Introduction, vol. .^, p. 306. Ainswortlrs Annota-
tions. X Luke 22: 17.

13*

156 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

fact, which must be decided by testimony. And th(?
concurrent testimony of those most competent to de-
cide, and whose testimony was influenced by no pe-
culiar views on the subject of psahiiody, is in the af-
firmative. And as our Lord conformed to the usage
of the Jewish church in using wine in connection with
the passover, the probable conclusion is, that he like-
wise conformed to similar usage in singing a hymn
of praise which has reference to that great work which
the ordinance of the Supper is designed to commem-
orate.

I have somewhere seen a learned criticism, in
which the writer "waxes bold," and says, "We are
not left to supposition in this case. There is no room
for it. The language is perfectly plain on the sub-
ject. When they had sung an hymn ; literally, when
they had hymned. It is a word that never can be
shown to be used in the New Testament, when the
book of psalms is evidently meant." Wonderful !
The psalms are hymns of praise. The authors of
the Septuagint expressly denominate them "the Hymns
of David." * Josephus, the Jewish historian, styles
them Hymns of praise, t And yet, it seems, that it
would not be proper to represent those who use them
in the praise of God as singing a hymn ! The C4reek
word here employed and which may be literally trans-
lated, '■''hymned,^^ is used in three different instances
in the New Testament. It is employed by Matthew
and Mark, with reference to the hymn sung by our
Lord and his Apostles on the occasion of the passover:
by the historian in describing the exercises of Paul
and Silas in prison ; " They praj-ed and sang praises

* Psalm 72: 20.

t Josephus' Antiquities, B. ?ii. chap. 12.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY, 157

nnto God." Acts 16: 25; and by the Apostle in the
epistle to the Hebrews; "In the midst of the church
I will sing praise unto thee." Heb. 2: 12. In this
latter instance we have a quotation from the 22nd
psalm; so that the word here "evidently" does refer
to one of the hymns contained in the book of Psalms;
and that it does in the other instances referred to,
there is no ground to doubt. One thing however is
certain, that it never can be shown, either from the
meaning of the word, or from scriptural usage, that it
does not refer to the hymns contained in the book of
Psalms.

In the history which we have in the New Testa-
ment of the labors of those whom our Lord called to
preach the gospel, we have no particular information
with regard to the manner in which the worship of
the church was conducted. The church being yet in
its infancy ; not yet well provided with places of wor-
ship and constantly exposed to persecution, it is not
to be supposed that public w^orship could be conducted
in that systematic order v/hich was afterwards intro-
duced. No doubt the primitive ministers, as the mis-
sionaries among the heathen now do, often preached
the gospel, without engaging either in prayer or praise.
But in process of time as churches were organized,
and officers were appointed, and the solemn assembly
was convened for worship on the first day of the week,
as well as occasionally at other times, the religious
exercises of God's people would be conducted in a
more systematic manner. Let us inquire, in so far
as we have the light of history for our guide, what
was the practice of the church, in the ages immediately
succeeding the time of the Apostles.

The first particular reference to the usages connected
with the worship of the primitive christians, to which

158 DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY.

I shall call the attention of the reader, occurs in the
famous letter addressed by the younger Pliny to the
Emperor Trajan. This letter was written during tlie
persecution under Trajan, probably in the year 107.
Those who have not access to the Epistles of Pliny,
may see the original, with the translation, in Lardner's
Credibility, vol 7. The passage in this Epistle with
which we are concerned is the following. In giving
an account to his royal master of the usages of the
christians, Pliny observes that after making inquiry,
he learned that, "they were wont to meet together on
a stated day, before it was light, and sing among them-
selves alternately a hymn to Christ as a God, and
bind themselves by an oath, not to the commission of
any wickedness, but not to be guilty of theft, or rob-
bery or adultery; never to falsify their word, nor to
deny a pledge committed to them when called upon
to return it. When these things were performed, it
was their custom to separate, and then to come to-
gether again to a meal which they ate in common
without any disorder."

On this extract I would oiTer the following remarks:

1. The account Avhich Pliny here gives of the wor-
ship of the christians, is founded upon information
which he had derived from such as had renounced
Christianity. It is not intimated, that the express
language employed by the christians, is here given.
But Pliny states in his own language the information
which he had obtained. Their fault consisted not iu
any immorality xAth which they were chargeable, but
simply in conforming to the rites and obligations of a
religion which was opposed to all idolatry.

2. It was the custom of these christians to assem-
ble statedly on a particular day for religious worship.
The first day of the week, or the christian sabbath,

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 159

is evidently referred to. And owing- to the difficulties
of the times, they were accustomed to meet before
daylight, that they might escape the fury of their per-
secutors.

3. When these christians assembled for worship, it
was their custom, to sing a hymn to Christ as a God.
The original Latin is, " carmen, Christo, quasi Deo,
dicere." It has been a matter of doubt with some
critics, whether it is praise or prayer to which this
expression relates. This doubt has its origin in the
fact, that the Latin word carmen, may signify a prayer
as well as a song ; and this doubt is strengthened by
the consideration, that Justin Martyr, whose testimo-
ny shall presently be produced, in his account of the
worship of the primitive christians makes particular
mention of prayer, but is silent in relation to songs of
of praise. However, I am inclined to believe, that
the word should be taken in its more common accep-
tation, and conclude that it is to be understood as hav
ing reference to the singing of praise. I am the more
disposed to come to this conclusion since I find that
both Tertullian in his Apology, and Eusebius in his
history, lib. 3. cap. 33, who quote this Epistle of
Pliny, understand the words in question as having re-
ference to praise. According to this view, then, the
christians'^in ancient Bythinia, about the beginning of
the second century, were accustomed in their religious
assemblies to sing a hymn to Christ as a God.

The inference drawn from this historical fact by
those who plead for the use of hymns composed by
uninspired men is, that, the sacred songs which were
sung by these primitive christians were such as had
been composed by the brethren in support of the doc-
trine of our Lord's divinity. But is such an inference
legitimate I It will not be denied by any who are

160 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

acquainted with the book of Psahiis, that these sacred
hymns speak of Christ. Nor will it be denied that
they bear testimony to his divine dignity and glory.
I will not refer to any particular psalm, but to the
book of Psalms generally. Christ the Lord of glory,
is the great subject of this book. Then with the
strictest propriety, it might be said that in singing
these psalms, the primitive christians celebrated the
glory of the Lord Jesus Christ as a divine person.

But, that circumstance connected with the worship
of the primitive christians, which not only excited the
surprise, but even aroused the contempt of the pagan
world, was that they revered as a divine person, a
man who suffered an ignominious death. The doc-
trine of Christ crucitied, was to the Jews a stumbling-
block, and to the Greeks foolishness. Festus, the
Roman Governor, speaking of the accusation prefer-
red against Paul by the Jews, observes, that, "they
brought none accusation of such things as I supposed;
but, had certain questions against him of their own
superstition, and of one Jesus which wa^ dead, whom
Paul affirmed to be alive." The prominent charac-
teristic of Christianity, then, in the estimation of the
heathen, was, the worship of one whom they regarded
as a dead man, but whom the christians athrmed to
be alive. And therefore, it was perfectly natural for
Pliny to represent what he styles a "detestable super-
stition," as worship offered to Christ as a God.
Though it is not to be supposed that Pliny understood
the reference which the psalms have to the divine
character of the Messiah ; nor that he took the trouble
to examine the character of the sacred songs which
the christians were accustomed to sing ; yet he knew
that a peculiarity of the christians was, that they
worshipped Christ as a God. And consequently, he

DR. PRESSLY UN PSALMODY. IGl

would naturally speak of that part of their worship
which consisted in sint^ing hymns, as heing offered
unto Christ as a God. The conclusion then to which
we are conducted is, that there is nothing in this ac-
count of the worship of the primitive christians, which
in any degree militates against the opinion, that they
employed in the Avorship of God the songs of inspira-
tion ; much less, is there any thing to prove that they
were accustomed to employ hymns composed b-y un-
inspired men.

The next ancient writer, to v/hom I shall refer, is
the distinguished Justin Martyr. About the middle
of the second century, Justin addressed to the reign-
ing Emperor, an Apology in behalf of the christians.
In this Apology, he refers to the worship of the primi-
tive christians,. and among other things observes, —
"In all our oblations, we praise the Creator of all
things through his Son Jesus Christ, by the Holy
Ghost. And on the day of the Sun, as it is called,
all the inhabitants both of the city and of the country
meet together, when the commentaries of the Apostles
or the writings of the Prophets are read as the time will
permit. Then when the reading is ended, the Presi-
dent delivers an exhortation with a view to excite to
the practice of those important duties inculcated in the
word which has been read. Then bread is brought
forward, and also wine and water. The President
gives thanks, and the bread and wine in the Lord's
Supper, are distributed." In this account of the
primitive worship of the church, there is a distinct
recognition of the reading of the Scriptures, of prayer,
of preaching the word, and of the dispensation of the
Lord's Supper, as parts of the public worship of God.
For the purpose of attending to these exercises of re-
ligious worship, christians in the days of Justin, were

162 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

in the habit of assembling on what he calls the day of
the Sun, which is evidently the first day of the week.
Whether he refers to singing as a part of the worship
of God, may admit of some doubt. It would seem
probable, however, that in the declaration, "In all our
oblations ive praise the Creator of all things,^^ he re-
fers to the exercise of praising God by sacred hymns.
If so, there is nothing said by Justin which would
enable us to determine what sacred songs were em-
ployed for this purpose. But from all the writings of
Justin, and particularly from his Dialogue with Try-
pho the Jew, it is manifest that he understood the
psalms generally as testifying to the divine dignity
and glory of the Lord Jesus, and therefore very well
adapted to the purpose of celebrating his praise.

The next writer to whom I shall refer is Clement
of Alexandria, who flourished in the latter part of the
second and in the former part of the third century.

In a work of Clement, entitled the Paedegogue or
the Instructor, there is a chapter on the subject of
*' The manner in which we may recreate ourselves at
festivals." He expresses his disapprobation of the
use of such instrumental music as was common among
the heathen, and which was better, adapted to inflame
the passions than to excite pure affections. Instead
of instrumental music he recommends that the voice
be employed in singing sacred songs. In support of
this recommendation, he quotes the 150th psalm, and
in a manner, somewhat fanciful indeed, he explains
the terms trumpet, psaltery, harp, organ, &c. as re-
ferring to the diff"erent members of the body which
are employed in vocal praise. In this connection he
introduces the famous passage Col. 3: 16, 17. He
then observes, " If any of you know how to sing at
the sound of the lyre and the harp, let him imitate the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

163

example of that righteous Hebrew king, who gave
thanks to God, saying, "Rejoice in the Lord, O ye
righteous, for praise is comely for the upright. Praise
the Lord with harp, sing unto him with the psaltery;"
in which quotation it will be seen that the reference
is to the 33d psalm. After quoting this psalm, he
says, "The Apostle calls the psalm a spiritual song.'' ^
From this it is evident that Clement to whom the
Greek language was vernacular, understood the phrase
spiritual songs employed by the Apostle, as applica-
ble to the psalms of David. And further, after refer-
ring to the impure songs which the Greeks sung at
their festivals, Clement says, "But let such amorous
songs be far from us, and let our songs be the praises
of God," introducing as an example the 149th Psalm.
On this extract..! would offer two remarks, —

1. This christian Father seems to have regarded
the Psalms of David, as well adapted to the expres-
sion of that praise, which the christian should ascribe
to God ; and he does not seem to have felt the neces-
sity for any others more suitable for this purpose.

2. He considered that in singing these psalms the
christian complies with the apostolic direction in Col.
3: 16, 17.

Tertullian a Latin writer who flourished about the
same time, speaking of the manner in vdiich public
worship was conducted in his day, observes, in his
Treatise De Anima, "Scripturse leguntur, Psalmi ca-
nuntur, ad locutiones proferuntur." The Scriptures
are read, Psalms are sung and then sermons are pro-
nounced. Though there is no epithet here applied to
the term psalms, which would enable us to determine
with absolute certainty, what sacred songs are meant;
yet as the word is used without any qualification, and
in connection with the scriptures, there seems to be
14

164. DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

no room to doubt, that it is employed in the usual ac-
ceptation, as referring to the songs of inspiration.
And this conclusion is rendered more probable, when
taken in connection with the fact, that on another oc-
casion, TertuUian refers to the 133d psalm as being
sung on the occasion of their festivals. "Vide quam
bonum et quam jucundum, habitare Fratres in unum:
Hoc, tu psallere non facile, nosti nisi quo tempore
cum compluribus coenas." De Jejunio. See King's
"Inquiry into the Constitution of the primitive church."
I may here remark, that Augustine, likewise refers to
the fact, that this psalm was so commonly sung among
the christians, that even those who were unacquainted
with the Psalter, were familiar with it. See his Ex-
position of the 133d Psalm.

There is a passage of history in connection with
the life of Paul of Samosata, which has sometimes
been referred to, for the purpose of establishing the
conclusion that hymns of human composition, w^ere
in general use in the primitive age, in the orthodox
church, and that it was through the influence of here-
tical teachers, that the Psalms of David were intro-
duced. It will at once occur to the rejecting christ-
ian, that it w^ould be something very strange, if it
were really so, that the enemies of the truth, should
manifest a partiality for a portion of the word of God,
wliich has always been peculiarly dear to the humble,
practical christian. But what are the facts in the case,
just referred to ? Paul of Samosata, who rejected the
doctrine of our Lord's divinity, has been represented
as banishing from the church in Antioch "the old
church hymns, that spake of Christ as the incarnate
Avord," and as introducing in their stead the Psalms
of David, as being better adapted to the promotion of
his heresv.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 165

That this portion of history in so far as it stands
connected with the subject of psahnody may be set in
its true lio^ht, I shall present to the reader, an extract
from the Epistle of the council of Antioch which con-
demned the heresy of Paul, together with the Latin
translation of the learned Valesius. Our information
with regard to this matter is derived from the proceed-
ings of the Council. The original may be seen in
Harduin's Acta Conciliorum Tom 1, or in the History
of Eusebius Lib. 8, cap. 30.

ORIGINAL OF THE EPISTLE.

■^aXiiovg 6s touj jxsv sig rov Kupiov 7]fjiwv I'/jtfouv Xpitfrov
ifaxjdag^ wj 6r\ vswrspoucr, xai vswrspwv avOpwv rfuy^pafXjxaTa*
Sig savrov Ss, sv fjiso'v) tv] sxxX^^cfia rr) \i.syoCKy\ tt] 'jract'^a
7]|X£pa, vl^aXjawOsiv yvvauag irapa(jxsva^(,jv. wv xai axo\j(fag
Tig (ppj^sjsv.

TRANSLATION OF VALESIUS.

Quinetiam psalmos in honorem Domini Jesu Christi
cani solitos, quasi novellos, et a recentioribus homini-
bus compositos, abolevit. Mulieres, auteni magno
paschae die in media ecclesia, psalmos quosdam canere
ad sui ipsius laudem instituit; quod quidem audienti-
bus horrorem merito incusserit.

The scholar who examines the original, will see
that the following is a literal translation. Paul " put
a stop to the psalms in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ,
as though (they had been) modern, and the composi-
tions of modern men, and prepared women on the
great day of Easter, in the midst of the church, to
sing psalms in honor of himself." It will be seen
that this translation differs from that which has com-
monly been given, simply in the rendering of the par-

Id6 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

tide wcr. According to the more common interpreta-
tion of the passage, this particle has been understood
in the sense of because. And hence, Paul is charged
with setting aside the psahns which were sung in the
church of Antioch, because they were modern.

But, to say the least, it is not necessary that we
should understand the particle in this sense. Accord-
ing to very common usage, it is employed to convey the
idea of comparison or similitude, rather than to signify
the reason for v/hich a thing is done. Examples al-
most innumerable of the following kind, occur in the
New Testament. "Be ye wise as serpents and harm-
less as doves." Matt. 10: 16. "His raiment was
white as the light." "If )'e have faith as a grain of
mustard seed." Matt. 17: 2, 20. "He was led as a
sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before
his shearer." Acts 8: 32. And in Acts 27: 30 it is
translated correctly, "«s though,^^ as I believe it should
be in the passage under consideration. In all such
instances it will be seen, that this particle is used to
convey the idea of comparison between objects which
in some respects resemble each other.

Understanding the particle in this sense, as em-
ployed by the Council, the charge preferred against-
Paul is, that he took as much liberty with the psalms,
which the church in Antioch had been accustomed
to sing, as though they had been the compositions of
modern men. And the implied idea is, that the psalms
which had been sung in that church, were not modern,
nor the compositions of modern men, but were the
songs of inspiration. And the daring impiety of Paul
appeared in this, that he treated the divine songs
which celebrate the praises of the Lord Jesus, as though
they had been the compositions of uninspired men.

The Council then, according to this view, do not

DR. PRESSLY 0\ PSALMODY. 167

say that Paul set aside the psahiis, wliich liad been snno'
at Antiocli because^ they M^ere the compositions of mod-
ern men, but, as though, they had been of this eharacter.
This view, it will be seen, accords with the trans-
lation of Valesius. He employs the term "^quasi,''^
as though, to express the sense of the original.

In support of this interpretation of the Epistle of
the Council which condemned the heresy of Paul,
the following considerations are submitted to the judg-
ment of the unprejudiced reader.

1. The sacred songs, which the church in Antioch
had been accustomed to sing, and the use of which
Paul of Samosata is said to have abolished, are termed
"^5fir//?2S." Neander, it is true, denominates them
" the church hymns which had been in use since the
second century ;" and others describe them as "the
old church hymns that spake of Christ as the incar-
nate word." But the Council speaks of them as the
'^ psalms. ^^ Now, while I freely admit that this term
does not conclusively establish the fact, that these sa-
cred songs were the Psalms of David, yet it furnishes
a strong presumptive argument in favor of this suppo-
sition. It will, I suppose, be admitted by all who are
concerned in this controversy, that this term is more
commonly used to designate the Psalms of inspiration,
and that it is not the term usually employed in refer-
ence to tlie compositions of uninspired men.

But, perhaps it will be said that the qualifying
phrase, psalms "z/i honor of our Lord Jesus Christ,''''
determines that they were songs composed by men
for the purpose of testifying to the truth of our Lord's
divinity. To this, I reply, that such a conclusion is
by no means legitimate. All that appears from the
language of the Council is, that the psalms which
were sung in Antioch had reference to Christ, and
14*

1(58 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

were in lionor of him. Now, if the Psahns of David
do bear testimony to the divine dignity and glory
of the Lord Jesus Christ ; and if they do speak of
him as being a divine person, and yet as appearing in
our workl in human nature ; and if the church, in the
days of Paul of Samosata, thus understood the psalms,
then, it was strictly proper and natural for these advo-
cates of the truth of our Lord's divinity, to speak of
the inspired Psalms as being sung in honor of our
Lord Jesus Christ.

That the Psalms do celebrate the glory of our Lord
Jesus Christ; that they do exhibit him to the vievv' of
our faith, as a divine person, and at the same time, as
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, it cannot
be necessary that I should undertake to prove. It
may be sufhcient to refer to the numerous instances
in which the Psalms are applied to the Lord Jesus,
by the writers of the New Testament ; and particu-
larly to the declaration of our Lord himself, in which
he says to his disciples, Luke 24: 44, "These are the
words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with
you, that all things must be fultilled which were writ-
ten in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in
the psalms, concei'mng me."

And while it is perfectly evident that Jesus Christ,
in his person. and work ; in his divine dignity, humili-
ation, sufferings and death ; resurrection and ascension
into heaven; is the great subject of the Psalms, it is
not less evident from the writings of the primitive
Christians, that the Psalms were thus understood by
them. And this being the fact, it was perfectly natu-
ral for them, when speaking of these divine hymns, to
represent them as being sung in honor of the Lord
Jesus Cdirist. Li conhrmation of what has just been
said with rcoard to the sense in which the Psalms

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 169^

were understood by the primitive Christians, it may
be suilicieiit for my purpose to adduce the testimony
of Justin Martyr, who wrote about the middle uf the
second Century. In his Dialogue with Trypho the
Jew, in which, the particular design of this learned
Father, is to prove that Jesus Christ is the Messiah
promised to the fathers, the Psalms, generally, are re-
ferred to, as furnishing the proof of his position. For
example, Justin quotes the 110th Psalm as applicable
to the Messiah. And then addressing Trypho, he-
says, " I am not ignorant that you Jews explain this-
Psalm, as though it referred to Hezekiah." But he
adds, "The words themselves declare that it relates
to our Jesus." After having pointed out clearly the
application of this Psalm to the Lord Jesus Christ,
Justin addressed Trypho in the following language :
"That I may convince you, that ye Jew's do not un-
derstand your own Scriptures, I will mention another
Psalm dictated to David by the Holy Spirit, which
you contend was spoken w4th reference to Solomon,
your kijig, but ^vhich, in reality, was uttered concern-
ing our Christ." It is the 72d Psalm to w^iich Jus-
tin here refers ; and after repeating the entire Psalm,
he remarks, "In the conlusion of this Psalm it is writ-
ten, the hymns of David are ended.^^ And then he pro-
ceeds to show that the things spoken in this Psalm
cannot apply to Solomon, as the Jews were Avont to-
contend, but do relate to our Lord Jesus Christ.

If, then, the primitive Christians understood the
Psalms as referring to the Lord Jesus, as is abundant-
ly evident from the writings of Justin Martyr and
others, it was stricdy appropriate and natural,
when speaking of them, to rv-^present them as being"
sung in honor of Him. And the language applied to
the psalms which were sung in Antioch in the day&

170 DR. PRESSLY OX PSALMODY.

of Paul of Samosata, very eorreclly describes the
Psalms of David, as they were understood in the
primitive a^es of Christianity.

If it were necessary to adduce further proof in con-
firmation of what has been said in relation to the sense
in which the Psalms were understood by the primi-
tive Christians, it would be easy to multiply testimo-
nies from the writings of Ireneus, of Clement of Alex-
andria, of Athanasius, of Augustine, and others of
similar character, who were distinguished advocates of
the truth. Indeed, these Fathers instead of experien-
cing any difficulty in seeing their divine Redeemer in
the Psalms, appear from their writings, to have had
Him presented to the view of their laith every where
tliroughout these sacred hymns.

2. But that the Psalms, the use of which Paul
abolished, were not " the compositions of modern
men," and could not have been set aside by him un-
der the pretext that they were "modern," will appear
from this consideration : That which he is said to have
introduced, Avould be equally, if not in a greater de-
gree, obnoxious to the same objection. The Psalms
which he removed were such as were "in honor of
the Lord Jesus Christ ;" those which he appointed to
l)e sung in their stead, were "in honor of himself."
Now, it is certain that none of the Psalms of David
would be adapted to the purpose of celebrting the
praises of Paul of Samosata. And it is no less certain
that any songs which were in honor of this enemy of
the truth, must have been modern, and the composi-
tions of an uninspired man. And though Paul was a
heretic, it cannot be supposed that he was so perfectly
devoid of common sense, as to urge as a reason for
setting aside the existing psalmody of the church, a
consideration which would n,pply with greater force

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 171

to the exclusion of what he proposed to introduce.

I am aware, that it has been customary to suppose^
that Paul introduced the Psalms of David in the room
of those which he displaced. Neander says, "he
probabli/ sutTered nothinjr but Psalms to be used."
Others not quite so modest, assert without any quali-
fication, that it w^as the " pompous Unitarian, Paul of
Samosata, who first set the example of installing the
Psalms in the place of exclusive dignity?" But
where, I ask, is the authority for such conjectures, or
for such unqualified affirmations? The Epistle of
the Council, by whose authorty the heresy of Paul
was condemned, says no such thing.

So far from it, the express declaration of the
Council is irreconcilable with such a supposition.
The psalmody which, according to the Council, Paul
introduced, was designed to celebrate his own praise ;
was in honor of himself. And this could not have
been an inspired psalmody, but must have been a sys-
tem of which man was the author.

The conclusion, then, to which I am conducted,
taking the language of the Council as my guide, and
not suffering myself to be misled by the mere conjec-
tures and suppositions of men, may be exhibited in
the following propositions :

1. The psalmody employed in the M^orship of God
in the church of Antioch, in the days of Paul of Sam-
osata, was a divine system. The psalms which were
sung at that time, were in honor of our Lord Jesus
Christ. And this character belongs appropriately to
the Psalms of David, for they speak of Christ and
celebrate his glory.

2. The daring impiety of the heretic Paul was
manifested in this, that he took as much liberty with
these Psalms, whose author is the Holy Spirit, as

172 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

though they had been the compositions of uninspired
men.

3. The psahiiody which he introduced was designed
to celebrate his own praise. He appointed women in
the church, on the great day of Easter, to sing songs
in honor of himself, the hearing of which was adapted
to j&ll the pious mind with horror.

In the latter part of the fourth century, during the
reign of Julian the Apostate, who was a most deter-
mined enemy of Christianity, and w^ho labored most
assiduously to restore idolatry, we have abundant evi-
.dence, not only that the psalms of David were in com-
mon use, but that all classes of christians were famil-
iar with them; and that they were regarded as well
adapted to the existing circumstances of the church.
Sozomen in his ecclesiastical History, Lib. V. cap.
19, states that, Julian, when meditating a war against
the Persians, consulted the oracle of Apollo, whose
Temple was at Daphne. But the oracle gave no re-
sponse. Inquiring into the cause, he was informed
that it was in consequence of the body of a Martyr
which was buried in the neighborhood of the temple.
Accordingly the Emperor ordered the christians to
remove the body. While engaged in this service, the
historian informs us, that the christians lightened their
labor by singing psalms as they marched in solemn
procession. Men and women, young men and vir-
gins, old men and boys sang together in harmonious
concert, the 97th psalm, in which these words occur,
" Confounded be all they that serve graven images,
that boast themselves of idols." Thus did they not
only celebrate the praise of God, but at the same time
testify their abhorrence of idolatry, which Julian was
laboring to restore.

By this proceeding of the christians, Julian was

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 173

gl-eatly incensed, and ordered a young man whose
name was Theodorus, to be bound to the stake and
subjected to torture. But the young man, so far from
being intimidated, and regardless of his bodily suffer-
ings sung at the stake, the same psalm, which the
multitude had sung on the preceding day.

About the same time, as we are informed by The-
odoret in his History, Lib. III. cap. 19. there was a
widow of the name of Publia, distinguished for her
piety, who presided over an assembly of virgins. As
Julian passed by, Publia and her virgins testified their
opposition to the worship of idols, by singing in coi"t-
cert those psalms in which the vanity of idolatry is^
exposed; such as the 115th and the 68th. In his-
rage Julian ordered the venerable matron to be buffet-
ted on the cheek. But, so far from being silenced,.
Publia esteemed it an honor to suffer reproach for her
religion. And she continued, adds the Historian, "ta
assail Julian, as she had done before, M-ith spiritual
songs, imitating him ^vho was the author of them, and
who repressed the evil spirit that annoyed Saul."
The reader will please to observe, that while we have
in this instance evidence of the prevailing use of Da-
vids psalms, Theodoret denominates them spiritual
songs.

The next Author to whom I shall refer, is Antha-
sius, bishop of Alexandria, the able and zealous oppo-
nent of Arianism in the fourth century. Among the
works of this Father, we have an Epistle addressed to
Marcellinus, " Concerning the Interpretation of the
Psalms." After expressing his great regard for the
Scriptures generally, he says, "Yet the book of Psalms
is especially worthy of attention and observation."
While this portion of scripture is profitable more es-
pecially for one purpose, and that for another, the

174^ DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

Psalms, he observes, contain whatever is to be found
elsewhere in the Bible. " The volume of the Psalms,
is like Paradise which contained plants of every kind
that were good for food." He then goes briefly over
the book of Psalms, to show by a reference to partic-
ular examples, that no matter what may be the partic-
ular condition of the christian, he may here find some-
thing adapted to his case.

After having taken a cursory survey of the book of
Psalms, he observes, that, "If you desire to sing those
things apart from others which relate to Christ you
may find such, in every psalm, but especially in such
as the following." He then refers to the 45th and
110th, in which, says he, Christ is exhibited as God's
own Son; and the 22nd and 69th, -svhich proclaim the
cross of Christ and what he suffered for us. He then
vindicates the propriety of singing the psalms, in op-
position to some whom he terms "the more simple,"
who had taken up a prejudice against singing, as
adapted in their view, to gratify the ear, rather than
to profit the soul. And in conclusion, he insists upon
the propriety of adhering to the plain and simple lan-
guage of the Spirit in opposition to all meretricious
ornaments of style, with a view to make the psalms
more acceptable to the carnal and fastidious taste.

The next writer, to whom I shall refer is Chrysos-
torn, bishop of Constantinople, who flourished during
the latter part of the fourth and the beginning of the
fifth century. Among his writings, we have an Ex-
position of most of the Psalms. In common with the
early Fathers of the Church, he understands the psalms
generally as relating to Christ. In his Exposition of
the 110th psalm, he not only shows its application to
Christ, but its opposition to the prevailing heresies of
that age. Among others he particularly specifies the

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 175

heresy of Paul of Samosata. It would appear, there-
fore, that in the estimation of Chrysostom, the intro-
duction of the psahns of David into the Church, would
not be adapted to promote the heresy of this enemy
of the truth.

In his Homily on Col. 3: 16, 17, Chrysostom speaks
x)f ignorance of the Scriptures, as the cause of all kinds
of evil ; from which it appears, that he understood the
phrase, "the word of Christ," as referring to the sa-
cred oracles. He inveighs against the indolence of
parents and husbands, in leaving the instruction o**
their households entirely to their pastors, while they
neglected to co-operate in the work. He condemns
the use of "satanic songs" and sports, in which the
youth were wont to indulge, Avhile the sacred songs
were neglected. And as an antidote against this evil,
he directs those who had the oversight of children to
"teach them to sing those psalms which are full of
heavenly wisdom." He then prescribes the course
to be pursued. "Begin with the first psalm." And
then he adds, " When with such as these, you have
led the youth from the commencement of life, you
may conduct him to loftier themes." He then dis-
tinguishes between psalms and hymns. According
to him, hymns are songs of a more divine character,
being employed more especially in ascribing praise to
God, while psalms relate to matters of christian ex-
perience and rules for the government of human con-
duct. With the particular distinction which Chrysos-
tom makes between psalms and hymns, we have no
concern. My object is to show that this eminent
Greek writer, who it is to be supposed, understood
his own language quite as well as our modern writers
on psalmody, regarded the phrase, "the word of
Christ," as applicable to tl^jo Scriptures; that he un-
15

176 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

derstood the terms psalms and hymns and songs, as
applicable to the songs of inspiration; and that, he
regarded those as complying with the injunction of
the Apostle, who taught such as were under their care
to sinof these sacred sono;s.

Our attention shall in the next place be directed to
tlie testimony of Jerome, one of the most learned of
the Fathers, who ^vas born A. D. 330 and died A. D.
421. In his voluminous Avritings, we have abundant
evidence, that the Psalms M^ere regularly sung in the
fourth and fifth century. Besides a commentary on
the book of Psalms, we have Homilies on particular
psalms. As a specimen of his views in relation to
tlie principle on which the psalms are to be interpre-
ted, I M'ould refer to his introductory remarks on the
118th psalm.

"In every psalm, the prophet speaks and sings of
our Lord Jesus Christ; but especialh' in the 118th
psalm, now^ read for the purpose of being sung, is the
mystery of the resurrection proclaimed. In his Hom-
ily on Ephes. v: 19, he observes, "What is the differ-
ence between psalms, hymns and sono^s, may be fully
learned from the Psalter." He then proceeds to give
his own views M-ith regard to the distinction between
these different terms. It appears therefore that Je-
rome in common w^ith the other Fathers, understood
the terms employed by the Apostle, "psalms, hymns
and spiritual songs," as applicable to the songs of in-
spiration contained in the book of Psalms.

It appears, however, that in the days of Jerome, as
at the present time, there were those who thought that
they could compose songs better adapted to excite de-
votional feelings, than those composed by the sweet
Psalmist of Israel. In his tract "Concerning the
celebration of the festival of Easter, Jerome incident-

DR. PRESSLY OX PSAL?.IODY. 177

ally refers to (he subject of psalmody. There prevailed
in the early ages of Christianity some diversity in
practice M'ith regard to the time of holdino: this festi-
val. Jerome observes, that with regard to some other
things there was a degree of diversity among diflerent
churches. " As to the utility of singing psalms and
hymns, we have the authority and example of our
Lord and his Apostles. Yet for the purpose of ele-
vating the mind and exciting the aflections there is
some diversity in our modes." And he adds, we in
Africa sing the divine canticles of the prophets, whik
the Donatists inflame the passions by singing psalm,
.composed by uninspired men. The reader vv ill please
to observe, that we have here the testimony of Jerome,
that the church sung the songs of inspiration, while
the Donatists, who were schismatics, were accustomed
to sing the compostions of uninspired men.

The writings of Augustine abound with evidence
that the Psalms were reg-ularly used in the worship
;of the church in the age in which he lived. The au-
thorities already referred to, however, have occupiec
-more space than was anticipated. Therefore, with-
out prosecuting the subject further, it is hoped, tha
the brief sketch which has been given, Avill satisfy th(
reader that from the beginning, the songs of inspiratioi.
Kwei-e employed by the church in the worship of God.

178 DR. PR]:SSLY ON PSALMODY.

CONCLUSION

The reader has now before him, a condensed view
of all that we think it necessary at present, to say on
this subject. And it is hoped that he will have no
difficulty in understanding the principle for which we
plead. It is not for the exclusive use of any particu-
lar version of psalms or hymns that we plead, but for
the use of those psalms and hymns and songs, which
the great Prophet of the church has given us in his
own Book. Different versions may be characterized
by different degrees of excellence ; and the use of that
which is now the best, may be superseded in time by
another of superior excellence. The Associate Re-
formed Church makes use of the version adopted by
the church of Scotland, in the year 1649, on the prin-
ciple, that when "diligently compared with the origi-
nal text," by men who were very competent to decide,
it was found to be "more plain, smooth and agresable
to the text, than any heretofore;" and which is com-'
monly called, "Rouse's version." But to call the
divine songs in this version, "Rouse's Psalms," as
some are pleased to do, is to evidence gross ignorance
or something worse. There would be equal propriety
in calling the Bible, in our common translation, the
Bible of the translators, instead of the word of God.

DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY. 179

I repeat it then, the principle for wiiicli we plead, is,
*'Tlie sonf^s ol" inspiration contained in the l)ook of
Psalms in die most correc^t poetic translation we have."
And the great reason we do not feel at liberty to use
what are called Watts' Psalms, is because they are
not a version of the book of Psalms. As we have
already remarked, their author himself has candidly
informed the reader, that he has "entirely omitted
some whole psalms, and large pieces of many others;"
and that he has "chosen out of all of them, such parts
only as miglit easily and naturally be accommodated
to the various occasions of the christian life." I de-
sire tlie reader to ol^serve particularly, that according
to the candid avowal of the author liimself, " Watts'*
Psalms of David imitated in tlie language of the New
Testament," are not a version of the book of Psalms.
It was the plainly avowed object of the autlior to mo-
dify them in such a manner, that he might teach Da-
vid "to speak like a christian." We reject the use
of these psalms, not because tlie book containing them,
is a version somewhat imperfect, but because it is not
a version at all. These are properly denominated
"Watts' Psalms;" because they were composed by
him, and contain, his views of divine truth. "I have
not," he says, "been so curious and exact in striving
every where to express the ancient sense and meaning
of David, Init have rather expressed myself as I may
suppose David would have done, had he lived in the
days of Christianity." The one system of songs, then,
the reader will observe, we receive, because it was
prepared and adopted on the principle of a translation
of the songs of inspiration, and is the most correct
poetical translation which has yet been prepared.
Tiie other system of songs we reject, not because it
is in some degree an imperfect translation of the songs
15*

180 DR. PRESSLY ON PSALMODY.

of inspiration, but because it is not a translation at
all, but is an exhibition of what the author supposes
David would have said, had he lived in the days of
Christianity.

And as it respects the use of uninspired hymns, our
principle is, that in the worship of God, we must be
governed, not by human wisdom, not by man's views
of propriety, bui by divine appointment. And as we
find no appointment in the New Testament, authori-
zing any uninspired man to prepare psalms or hymns,
to be employed in the worship of God, we do not con-
sider ourselves at liberty to use those which have been
prepared by men, to whom God never gave a com-
mission to perform such a service.

Here then, christian reader, you are called to decide,
as one who is accountable to God. He who has
made it your duty to sing psalms to his praise, has
given you in his word a book of Psalms. This book
is the production of the ever-blessed Spirit, and bears
upon it, in characters of light, the impress of his own
infinite wisdom. It is the word of God. The most
that can be said of any other system of psalms or
hymns, is, that in the judgment of man, it is agreeable
to and founded upon the word of God. Of no other
collection of psalms or hymns, can it be said, without
daring presumption, this is the word of God. Which
of these systems then, christian reader, will you
choose ; the one which God has provided, or the one
which man would give you in its stead ?

" Now unto Him that is able to keep you from fal-
ling, and to present you faultless before the presence
of his glory with exceeding joy ; to the only wise God,
our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and pow-
er, both now and ever. — A^ien."

DATE

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