"I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the LONDON: T. WARD AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW. May be had at the Vestry of the Chapel. PREFACE. THE singing the praises of Almighty God is of ancient usage in the church: hence we read of Moses and the children of Israel giving glory to God in their song; and Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, and the pious Israelitish women joining the devotion, in their anthem of praise, by the use of the timbrel, and by dancing. (Exod. xv. 1, 20, 21.) David, the king, is styled "the sweet singer of Israel;" his psalms are beautifully sublime, and sweetly devotional. It appears, also, that singing is a part of devotional exercise on the most solemn, as well as on joyous occasions; as we read of the disciples singing at the conclusion of the Lord's Supper, though administered by our Saviour himself. In accordance with the use of singing in the churches, we are exhorted to the continued practice of the same by the apostle Paul, (Col. iii. 16;) and, in conclusion of the remarks already made, we read in the Revelation of St. John, that the engagement of the saints in heaven consists in ascribing praise to God and the Lamb for the great blessings of redemption. (Rev. v. 9, 10.) PSALM S. PSALM I The blessedness of the righteous. L.M. 1 HAPPY the man, whose cautious feet Shun the broad way that sinners go, Who hates the place where atheists meet, And fears to talk as scoffers do. 2 He loves t' employ his morning light And heav'n will shine with kindest beams 4 But sinners find their counsels cross'd: So shall their hopes be blown and lost, When the last trumpet shakes the skies. 5 In vain the rebel seeks to stand In judgment with the pious race; B |