Mirth, Holy – Charles Spurgeon

THE priests of old were not to sully themselves with sorrow when they performed their functions, and saints who are of a higher priesthood should show forth delight in their approaches to their God. Angels sing, and why not God’s other servants, who are a little lower, and yet far higher? David danced before the ark, which was but a symbol of Divinity; what ails us that our heart so seldom dances before the Lord himself? The old creation has its sunshine and flowers; its lowing herds and bleating flocks; its heaven-mounting larks and warbling nightingales; its rivers laughing, and its seas clapping hands; is the new creation of grace to render less happy worship to God our exceeding joy? Nay, rather let us come into his presence with thanksgiving, and show ourselves glad in him with psalms. Most of the English versions alter the Old Hundredth Psalm into “Him serve with fear;” but, for my part, by God’s grace I mean to sing it as it used to be, and still is sung in Scotland—

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice,

Him serve WITH MIRTH, his praise forth tell,

Come you before him and rejoice.”