God, as our Mediator; his is the revelation in our Bible. It is the word of Christ. Let all who deny this take their future stand, at least with the semi-infidels of our day, and, on that ground, they shall be met. The songs of scripture, whether found in the Old, or in the New Testament, are the word of Christ.*

I reply to the second demand; that it is fair in us, if psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, be really found in the Bible, to conclude, that the Apostle intended them, rather than the imperfect effusions of well designing men. Now, let the objectors tell us the specific qualities by which these compositions are distinguished, and we shall present them with specimens of each, in the Book of Psalms. Or, if they please, a reference to the original denominations of these songs, might probably afford satisfactory information It is not pleas

That the above should be denied by any who have sub. scribed the following declaration, which every minister of the Presbyterian Church has done, is only another, yet lamentable instance of the inconsistency of man: "Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the church, in all ages, by his Spirit and word, in divers ways of administration, the whole will of God"t-This supports what I have advanced, while it contra dicts that on which I animadvert.

† Larg. Cat. Q. 43.

Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Rarely has it been found, that writers have presumed more on the ignorance and credulity of their readers, than in the confidence with which it

ant to call arguments, of the description now under consideration, by an appropriate name.

The reply, to the third requisition in the objection-requiring us to show, "that our instructions, in these songs, should be drawn, exclusively, from the old testament Psalms" is, in part, anticipated. I only remark further; that the whole word of God is profitable; the more extensive and correct our acquaintance with it is, the better will we be furnished for every good work. Let the word of Christ, whether found in the one testament, or in the other, dwell richly in us, and our teaching and admonitions will be better directed, and of

is assumed, that, when the scripture makes mention of hymns and spiritual songs, human composures, and not those of divine These teachers should have inspiration, must be intended. shewn, that, among the songs of the Bible, none correspond. ing to the denomination of hymns, and spiritual songs, could be found. A more summary mode has been adopted; simple assertion, which, if not so satisfactory, is undoubtedly more easy.

Although, in the exposition of these terms, among reputa. ble writers, there are some faint shades of difference; yet all unite in opposition to the idea, that a hymn, and spiritual song, must mean uninspired compositions. It may be gratifying to my reader to have the sentiments of a few characters, of literary reputation, on the subject.

Hear, in the first place, the sentiments of Calvin. “Afsalm, says he, is that species of composition, in the singing of which, a musical instrument besides the tongue was employed.Hymns are songs of praise, sung either with a voice elevated or low. Spiritual songs, are such psalms as contain, not only praibut also exhortations, and other arguments.”**

ses,

* Comment. on the Epistles, p. 708.

course more efficient; and the better will we be qualified, too, to sing with the understand. ing. Were the men, who employ this style of objection, better acquainted with the lessons of the inspired volume, we should not hear from them language so very unguarded.

To the fourth demand I answer, that the whole worship of the Church of God, since the revelation of the first promise of mercy to man,

Mr. Brown, of Haddington, says, "When psalms, bymns, and spiritual songs, are mentioned together, psalms may denote such as were sung on instruments; bymns such as contain only matter of praise; and spiritual songs, such as contain doctrines, history, and prophecy, for men's instruction."*

Dr. Lowth observes, that the Greek translators might very properly have given the title of HYMNS to the Book of Psalms, as that word agrees much more exactly with the Hebrew title TEHILLIM, than that which they have adopted. As specimens of the Idyllium or hymn of the Hebrew poetry, he selects, Psalms, 78th, 104th, 185th; 106th, 107th, 136th, and 139th.On the Hebrew word, s HIR, and the Greek word ODE, the Dr. also remarks; "both these words have exactly the same pow er and signification." ODE. which we render by the word song, is that employed by the Apostle, Col. 3. 16. As specimens of the Hebrew ode or song, he refers to psalms 2, 3, 77, 91, 133, and others. In the TEHILIM and SHIRIM of the Hebrews, Dr. Lowth could readily find the hymn and song, though men of more noisy pretensions, could discover neither the one nor

the other.

Dr: Blair when treating of the different denominations of odes, observes, "First, sacred odes; bymns addressed to God, or composed on religious subjects. Of this nature are the Psalms of David, which exhibit to us this species of lyric poet1y, in its highest degree of perfection." Again, says he, “Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, were the chief directors of the music; and from the titles of some psalms, it would appear

• Dict of the Bible. † Lectures on Sacred Poetry, P. 402. Lect.on Rhet, vol. 2, p. 272.

M

has been conducted through the mediation of Jesus Christ. The Church of God, in every age, is one; the covenant of grace is one; the Mediator is one; and to the church of old he was as really revealed, as he is to the church at this day; and was, by her believing members, as really confided in for salvation, as by the saints of New Testament times. The object of worship has always been the same, and the great medium of access, the Son of God, as Redeemer, has likewise been the same.— There is not salvation in any other. How, then, can it be denied that the "Old Testa

that they were also eminent composers of hymns or sacred poems." He further says-" The sacred poetry is distinguished by the highest beauties of strong, concise, bold, and figurative expression"-To disrelish its imagery is indeed "the effect of false delicacy."—"The style of the poetical books of the Old Testament is, beyond the style of all other poetical works, fervid bold, and animated.-It is the burst of inspiration.-The whole Book of Psalms is to be considered as a collection of sacred odes."]}

May not the Hebrew distinction, of the sacred songs, cor: :spond with psalms, bymns, and spiritual songs? TEHILIM, praises-The title of the Book of Psalins, which, as Dr. Low th observes, might be properly translated HYMNS. MISMORIM, poems: "A poem is called in Hebrew, Mizmor,-It is thus called in reference to the verse and number,”* SHIRIM songs. Here are Hebrew denominations of the sacred poetry, exactly corresponding to the hymns, foems, or psalms and songs, or the New Testament. Why they are designated spiritual, is easy to know from their contents, the subject matter is spiritual; the glory and works of God, the graces and exercises of the soul. But on this subject, among men of sense, whose minds are superior to the littleness of a trick, there is no dispute. P. 209. || Do. p. 302-311. * Lowth.

ment worship was conducted in the name of the Lord Jesus"—or, in truth be said" the very reverse appears to be the truth"-and then assert-"the Old Testament Church had no access to God, but through priests and sacrifices."* With the same degree of truth, may it be said, that the New Testament Church has no access to God, but through ministers, and sacraments, &c. The ordinances of wor. ship, under the old and new dispensations, are, indeed, not precisely the same; but whatever the rites of worship were, or now are, the medium of acceptance has been, and will ever be, the same. This was not unknown to the Israelitish saint. He was taught, that sacrifice and offering God did not desire; these were at all times shown, to be inadequate to the display of Jehovah's grace and glory--The pious Jew understood his Savior's voice, when he proclaimed, Lo! I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God || †

Latta, Pref. p. 7.

Psal. 40. 6. 7. 8. Heb. 10 5-9. Hear, on this subject, the language and doctrine of all the Presbyterian churches, "Religious worship is to be given to God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;-and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other, but of Christ alone. Those who subscribe this "form of sound ¶ Conf. of faith, Chap. 21. 2.