31.
Hence it is perfectly clear that neither words nor singing (if used
in prayer) are of the least consequence, or avail one iota with God, unless they
proceed from deep feeling in the heart. Nay, rather they provoke his anger
against us, if they come from the lips and throat only, since this is to abuse
his sacred name, and hold his majesty in derision. This we infer from the words
of Isaiah, which, though their meaning is of wider extent, go to rebuke this
vice also: "Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with
their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their
fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will
proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a
wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of
their prudent men shall be hid" (Isa. 29:13). Still we do not condemn words or
singing, but rather greatly commend them, provided the feeling of the mind goes
along with them. For in this way the thought of God is kept alive on our minds,
which, from their fickle and versatile nature, soon relax, and are distracted by
various objects, unless various means are used to support them. Besides, since
the glory of God ought in a manner to be displayed in each part of our body, the
special service to which the tongue should be devoted is that of singing and
speaking, inasmuch as it has been expressly created to declare and proclaim the
praise of God. This employment of the tongue is chiefly in the public services
which are performed in the meeting of the saints. In this way the God whom we
serve in one spirit and one faith, we glorify together as it were with one voice
and one mouth; and that openly, so that each may in turn receive the confession
of his brother's faith, and be invited and incited to imitate it.
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