Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1850-10-24


licati1n; and although it was not written
with the remotest idea of being placed
before the public, in this form, yet, Mr..
Brewer, in compliance with our urgent
solicitation, has kindly favored us with
his MSS, and we are quite confident that
our readers will thank US for giving it to
them, for we have no doubt it will accom-
plish much good, in etiecting the desired
object
THE RIGHT AND DUTY OF TIE
WHOLE CONGREGATION To-
SING GODS PRAISE.
A SERMON,
Preached IN Trinity Church, Newport,
II. l., on Sunday October 1871, 1850.
BY REV. d. r. BREWER.
Psalm LXVII, 3: Let the peopi. praise thee, o
God d; M all the people praise thee.
Praise is an essential part of public
worship. The services Of the sanctuary
would be incomplete without il. Ii
should be offered up to the Most High
God in every morning and evening sac
riiice. We assemble and meet together,
not onl y TO confess unto Him our sins,
TO the end that we may obtain forgive
ness of the same not only TO hear His
most holy word, and to ask those things
which are requisite and necessary, as
well for the body as the soul but more
over to render Trunks for the great bene-
fits that we have received al His hands,
and to set forth His most worthy praise
AS we are transgressors of His laws, it
Is our duty and privilege to come before
Him with words Of penitence and con-
triton; as we need to be taught His
truth and His commandments, we listen
to lessons from the writings of inspired
Prophets and Apostles; as we depend
on His mercy ''for all our comforts here.
for all our hopes above" il is meet and
right to make request for them in prayers
and suppllcations and as He answers
our petitions, and daily loadeth US with
benefits, and pours upon us manifold
1 gifts, of providence and grace, we are
bound TO bless and TO praise His holy
Name. II is agreeable TO our reason and
conscience, TO our natural sense Of what
is just and right to perform this work.
When we learn the loving kindness of
the Lord we cannot doubt that we
ought to thank Him and speak good Of
| Him. When we consider His glory and
greatness, His wisdom, His power, His
omnipresence, His eternity, it is plain
to our minds that He deserves to receive
our alteration it is evident, without ar
gumcnt, that we who were made by
Him, and who live and move and have
our being in Him, should day by day
magnify Him. both with our hearts and
with our voices should call upon our
souls and all that is within us to bless
\ Him, and also praise Him with joyful
lips and extol Him with our tongues.
He has declared in His Word that
"whoso ofiercth praise glorifeth Him !"
\ that we should enter into His gates
with thanksgiving, and into His courts
with praise" And in the New Tesla
\ ment. Christians are exhortcd TO offer
the sacrifice of praise TO God continually;
that is, the fruit ofour lips, giving thanks
to His name"
One way, and in some respects the
best way, Of offering praise, is by sing
inc. God has so made us that the con
cord of sweet sounds" eXcites stronger
emotion than simple reading. The up-
ion of human voices in hymn of praise
awakens aud expresses more devotion
than single sound, or than a multitude
of sounds without harmony and melody.
When good words arc well sung, it is
not the outward ear only that is moved
and pleased. The mind is quickencd
the heart is touched the affections are
expanded; faith is strengthened; hore
is cnlivcncd love is made fervent all
religious acts and feelings are rendered
easier and more delightful. Music is
I the gift and the creation Of God. Like
many other of His works, il has been
abused by men, and made an instrument
of sin. But it was intended for the higl e.
est and hoIicst ends. 1t was designed
to be an innocent enjoyment for the
creature, and 10 advance the glory of
the Creator. II can be so employed as
to please the ear and TO elevate the soul.
IL can be made a means Of drawing
away the thoughts and desires from
I. things that are debasing and sensual,
/, towards things that are heavenly and
spiritual. II is spoken of in the Scri:-
lures, in many places, as proper ex-
+ preston ofreigous JOY, and an aid to
the devout worship Of God. cit is a
good thing TO give thanks unto the Lord,
and to sing praises unto thy name, o
most Highest" "All the world shall
worship thee, sing Of thee, and praise
thy Name" 20 sing unto God with
the voice Of melody," Sing we merriiy
unto God our strength make a cheer.