Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 3.

Obj. BEcause Church Musick, and eloquent Sermons cannot be understood of the whole Congregation, or Church, ought they not therefore to be used?

Ans. That manner of teaching ought to be used in the Church* 1.1 of Christ, as that every of his members may receive edifica∣tion, and not only some part of them, in regard the Sovle of the most contemptablest member thereof (in respect of outward condition) may be as precious in the eyes of God as he that is the chiefest in esteeme (for wealth or honour) and this doubt∣lesse was the cause why the Apostle Paul (though he could have expressed himselfe in as eloquent termes as most men) did rather make choyce of plainesse of speech, as we may read, 1 Cor. 2 chap. where he giveth his reasons for so doing.

Again, it is a farre more surer way, then to preach in a lofty* 1.2 stile, for to preach so (as that they may be understood of the sim∣ple and illiterate) they may be confident that they are under∣stood of the Learned; but to preach in an eligant phrase of speech, they may be sure that they are not understood of the unlear∣ned, to whom they are chiefly sent to preach, for the Apostle saith, Not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called, but God hath made choyce of the poore of the* 1.3 world, &c. 1 Cor. 1. 17. 18. 27, 28, 29. &c. As also in the Para∣ble of the Marriage Supper. And the Apostle doth further ac∣quaint us, that such wisedome of words is foolishnesse with God, and therefore ought not to be used in his Service; yea, he admonish∣eth the Ministers of Christ, that they would not imitate the elo∣quent Oratours of the world, least (saith he) by so doing ye make the crosse of Christ of none effect, 1 Cor. 1. 27. so that Musick, and* 1.4 Rethoricall Sermons, are very dangerous in the Church of Christ; for the mindes of men being prone to delights, (especially such as are in their carnall condition) may by such meanes have their externall sences so rapt with the melodious harmony of the Con∣sort, and pleasing Language, as may very easily draw their thoughts from the object aymed at in the service, most men rather

desiring to exercise their voyces, with ravishing Devisions, then their hearts with humble contritions.

Obj. What thinke you of singing of Psalmes?

Ans. Singing is a thing commanded by the Apostle James, Chap. 5. 13. and hath been practised in all ages, as before the Law; instance in Moses, Exod. 15. Chap. under the Law, in∣stance in Deborah and Barack, Judg. 5. Chap. as also under the Gospel, instance in Paul and Silas, Act. 16. 25. and therefore cannot be unlawfull now (so it be done with understanding) whether it be in Psalmes, Himes, and spirituall Songs, viz. the Psalmes of David, or what other spirituall ditty which shall be invented by the Saints, so it be sutable to that occasion of re∣joycing.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Wh•••• manner of teaching ought to be observed in the Church.
• * 1.2

  Plaine Ser∣mons the most surest way of teaching.
• * 1.3

  Such preach∣ing practised by the Apo∣stles, and their reasons of it.
• * 1.4

  Musick and Rh••••oticall Sermons very dangerous.