Praise is Comely

This booklet is intended for all who are concerned

for the glory and honour of God. The praise of God

is a vitally important means of glorifying His Name

and all are therefore encouraged to enter into it as

fully as possible – whatever may be their ability.

The booklet outlines the biblical basis for taking

seriously congregational psalm-singing since due

consideration, reverent care and skill in this area

are a spiritual priority rather than a matter of mere

musical taste. Further aspects could well be developed

but the basic principles of public praise are to

be found here in order to bring the subject within

the reach of everyone.

That I may show forth all thy praise in the gates

of the daughter of Zion …

Psalm 9:14

Published by Kirk Session of the Inverness Congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

£2 (not including p&p) from FP Bookroom.

CONTENTS

Preface

1

We are all commanded to praise God

2

We are all commanded to praise

God in singing

3

We are all commanded to praise God

in singing together

4

We are all commanded to praise God in 

singing together to edification

5

We are all commanded to praise God in 

singing together to edification and comeliness

The manner in which psalms are to be sung

Something re: singing of praise before too long but for now...

From the Body of Practical Divinity by theologian John Gill (1697-1771):

The manner in which psalms are to be sung may be next considered. . . .

With grace in the heart,” (Col. 3:16) with the several graces; not one note, but a mixture of notes, makes melody; many voices, yet one sound, make a chorus: so singing must be with various graces; with faith in God, without which it is impossible to please him; and with strong love and affection for him; and also “with reverence and godly fear;” for God is “fearful in praises” reverend in them, to be praised with great fear and reverence of his Majesty. . . .

We should have in view the glory of God; for we are to “sing unto the Lord;” not to ourselves, merely to raise our natural affections, to gain applause from others, by the fineness of our voice, and by observing an exact conformity to the tune; but to the glory of Father, Son, and Spirit, the one God, who condescends to inhabit the praises of Israel.