James 5:13-16

Affliction Sickness Confession

13. Is any among you afflicted, let him pray The precepts point to the principle that worship is the truest and best expression of both sorrow and joy. In affliction men are not to groan or complain against others, or murmur against God, but to pray for help and strength and wisdom. When they are "merry" (better, of good cheer) they are not to indulge in riotous or boastful mirth, but to "sing psalms." The verb is used by St Paul (Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19). Primarily it was used of instrumental string music, but, as in the word "Psalm," had been transferred to the words of which that music was the natural accompaniment. It is, perhaps, specially characteristic of St James that he contemplates what we may call the individual use of such music as well as the congregational, as a help to the spiritual life. We are reminded of two memorable instances of this employment in the lives of George Herbert and Milton. Compare also Hooker's grand words on the power of Psalmody and Music (Eccl. Pol.v. 38).