387. COL 3:16. ON SINGING THE PRAISES OF GOD
Col_3:16. On Singing the Praises of God
PART II
"Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."’97Col_3:16.
Let us consider,
I. The Times and Places appropriate to this Exercise.
1. It is a proper personal private exercise.
Jam_5:13. "Is any merry? let him sing psalms." Now, we see this in reference to carnal songs. The ploughman, as he labors in the field; the mariner, as he sails across the seas; and the mechanic, at his bench, beguile the seasons of the day by singing. So may the Christian in his closet, or at his labor, he may lift up his heart and voice to God, and make the statutes of God his song in this the house of his pilgrimage. David must refer to this, when he says, "Seven times a-day I praise thee, because of thy righteous judgments." Psa_119:164.
2. It is a suitable family exercise.
Formerly, it was considered an indispensable part of family worship. So, indeed, I think it is. Why do we read the word of God at the family altar, but because we are ignorant, and require divine instruction? Why pray? because we are sinful and needy creatures. Ought we not then to give thanks, and sing praises to God for our blessings and mercies? See Psa_118:15. In this way too, our children would be trained up in the delightful art of singing; and thus congregational singing would be greatly improved.
3. It is particularly a public exercise.
See that delightfully expressed in the hundredth psalm. See also 134th psalm. No scene on earth more delightful and heavenly than that of a congregation singing heartily, and as with one voice, praise to the Lord. How often have we felt,
"Our willing souls would stay
In such a frame as this,
And gladly sing themselves away,
To everlasting bliss."
II. Let me urge upon you the Performance of this Exercise.
It claims our regard,
1. As an obvious duty.
I think this is too plain to need proof. If so, there is the text, and Eph_5:19. Yet, how few feel it to be a duty, how few prepare for its discharge as such! Allow me to notice the Scripture precedents, with some of the tokens of divine honor, which God has conferred upon it.
(1) It was connected with the manifestation of the divine glory, 2Ch_5:13.
(2) It was associated with the miraculous earthquake at Philippi, Act_16:25, Act_16:26.
(3) Jesus has sanctified and hallowed it After the eucharistic supper, it is said, they sung an hymn, and then went out into the Mount of Olives.
2. Consider it as a delightful privilege.
Contrast the assembly of the righteous singing hymns, &c., with the noisy, silly multitudes of the ungodly. How we ought to rejoice that we see, and know, and feel differently! Contrast it with the chamber of affliction. All gloom; behold the sufferer; nature utters her feelings in groans, &c. Contrast it with the condemned spirits in perdition, who express their wo and despair, by weeping and wailing, &c. Oh, how glad we ought to be, that we are privleged to sing the joyful praises of our God. We urge it upon you,
3. From the disinterestedness of its character.
All other exercises of the mind may be denominated selfish, although properly so, as prayer, faith, obedience. But praise is he effusion of the soul, overflowing with love, and trying to give God the best return it possesses, for mercies enjoyed. This is all we can render to God for all his benefits towards us. Yet, although it is disinterested, we urge it,
4. Because of the advantages which attend it.
It is a sacrifice well pleasing to God. Heb_13:13; 1Th_5:18. It has an enlivening effect upon the spirits; it dispels the gloom of the mind; it raises the soul upwards towards the skies; and is associated with the happiest and holiest emotions of the soul. It is the same to the soul, as the refreshing wine to the fainting traveller.
5. We urge it, because it is the language of universal nature.
It is the homage all pay to God, except rebellious, sinful creatures. The mountains and valleys, the fields and trees, the stream and the ocean, the moon and stars. The sun as a young man rejoiceth to run his race. Many birds are peculiarly gifted, and fill the air with melody. All creatures have some mode of expressing their pleasures and enjoyments. Angels are always represented as delighting in it. How proper, then, that saints should join this universal chorus, and sing with grace, &c.! We urge it,
6. Because it will be one of the chief employments of heaven.
It is a heavenly science; from thence it came, and there it will be perpetuated through one eternal day. See Rev_4:10, &c., Rev_5:9,Rev_7:11.
Application
1. Let me urge all to join in this holy exercise. You cannot do it by proxy You hear and pray for yourselves. So attend personally to the praises of God.
2. Let Christ and his grace be the chief subject of your songs. He is the gift of gifts. He is all, and in all.
3. Sing as in the presence of God, and not to please men.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS