| Citation |
BG.741.008
10 Nov 1741:11,21,22 (1029)
Providence, October 8. 1741. Having seen an account in the
Post-Boy, Monday Octob. 5 1741. of Mr. Davenport's behaviour
at Mr. Noyes's house, wherein he is much blamed; but my
design is to write first concerning his being accused with
confus'd singing: to which I shall answer anon. Eccl.
0.6,7. Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in
low places. I have seen servants upon horses, and, and
Princes walking as servants upon the earth, &c: As to Mr.
Davenport's singing, I shall answer (according to my weak
capacity) with scripture. There is a multitude of scripture
which calls upon men to sing praises: It is a grief to me
that our times which are the last times should be so
perilous, (2 Tm. 3.2.) that a man shall be accused with
confus'd singing, because he sings in the high ways, as if
God was praised too much; what would such narrow spirited
men think, if they should meet a company of men praising God
with a psaltery and a tabert, and a pipe, and a harp before
them, 1 Sam.6.10. The Apostle said, Whatsoever was written
aforetime, was written for our learning, &c. Isai. 12.6.
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, for great is the
Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. How would such men
be offended if our time was like what John heard, Rev.19.6.
A great multitude (praising God) as the voice of many
waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings. I think
these men would be better employed to shew a Godly zeal to
suppress profain and abominable singing in the High-ways and
other places, which so much serves the devil, and corrupts
the youth; but I don't hear that they are offended at that,
&c. And as to Mr. Davenport's praying in Mr. Noyce's house,
where there was so much confusion, some smoaking, some
talking, and some with their hats on, so much noise in the
house, he was hardly heard at first; many kept on talking,
other cryed out Stop him; Mr. Noyes forbids him praying in
his house, &c. and is not according to my text, viz.
servants upon horses, and Princes walking as servants on the
earth: Mr. Noyes instead of forbidding that great confusion
in his house (which is a shame if there had been no prayer
in the room) forbids Mr. Davenport's praying; as if the
calling on the name of the Lord was a greater offence to him
than all the smoaking and other confusing in his house; when
the sacred holy name of almighty God was called on his
house. . . [1 1/2 paras. more]
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