The ministry of psalmody, in its definite organization, was instituted by David. The occasion of this was when the ark was placed, as in a resting-place, in the tabernacle of the congregation. The arrangements then made were the germ of the more elaborate temple service under Solomon. From the time of David, "the sweet singer of Israel," "the service of song in the house of the Lord" occupied an important position in the religious observances of Israel. To justify this, consider that -

I. SINGING IS THE NATURAL EXPRESSION OF EMOTION. The outburst of joy, the fervour and rapture of love, the pathos of sorrow, find their form and utterance in song.

II. MAN'S NATURE MAKES SONG THE SUITABLE EXPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS FEELING. The highest form of human feeling impels to the expression vocally appropriate. Psalmody, especially choral and congregational psalmody, forms the most inspiriting vehicle of religious gratitude, adoration, and praise.

III. SCRIPTURE HISTORY RECORDS SEVERAL DEVELOPMENTS OF PSALMODY. The lyric outbursts of joy which took place when the Lord confounded Pharaoh and delivered his chosen people, were the first recorded instances. But David himself was the true leader of psalmody, both Hebrew and Christian. Christ and his disciples "sang an hymn," and Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight in the gaol of Philippi. The early Christians were accustomed to sing God's praises in their social assemblies.

IV. SCRIPTURE REPRESENTS THE SERVICE OF SONG AS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. Presuming that the service, the homage, the love, are sincere, the inspired writers summon all God's people to join in thus celebrating his praises. "Sing ye praises; praise God, all ye people," is the admonition of the psalmist; and the apostle thus directs us: "Is any merry? let him sing psalms."

V. SCRIPTURE SANCTIONS THE CONSECRATION TO PSALMODY OF LABOUR, ART, AND DEVOTION. We find that, under the old dispensation, there was a regular ministry consecrated to "the service of song." It would be strange if it were lawful to spend time, money, strength, skill, upon exercises intended to give pleasure to men, and at the same time unlawful to offer aught to God save that which cost us nothing. God will have our best; and when we have offered this, of his own have we given him.

VI. SCRIPTURE REMINDS US THAT THE EFFICACY AND ACCEPTABLENESS OF THE SERVICE OF SONG DEPEND UPON THE WORSHIPPER'S SPIRITUALITY AND SINCERITY. The form without the substance, the art without the spirit, the song without the love and faith it should express, - these are vain and worthless. Let us offer acceptable sacrifices, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks unto his Name. - T.

I.SONG AN ELEMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP.

II.SONG AN EXPRESSION OF HUMAN FEELING.

III.SONG A POWER FOR WHICH ITS POSSESSORS ARE RESPONSIBLE.

(J. Wolfendale.)