INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE IRISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY. FOR several years prior to 1873, there was much controversy and strife in the Irish General Assembly, regarding the permission of instrumental music in the public worship of God. Instruments had been surreptitiously introduced into some halfdozen congregations in the South. Many were for enjoining their removal, and prohibiting their introduction into any other congregation, taking their stand both on Scripture and the consuetudinary law of the Church. Others, including several ministers of great influence, pled for liberty being given to congregations in the matter. In the above year there was an unusually numerous attendanceespecially of the eldership—at the Assembly, in anticipation of the matter being decided. It was generally understood that the majority would have been with the anti-instrumentalists. But at the last moment, the Moderator-Rev. Mr. Johnston-proposed a most singular compromise, which was unanimously adopted, in the most solemn manner. It consisted of three resolutions, the first two of which always seemed to us mutually contradictory. The first was to the effect that the Assembly abstained from passing any law regarding instrumental music; the second was, that they agreed to give up instruments where they were, and not to introduce them into any other congregation; and the third was to cultivate vocal music in order to improve congregational singing. Up till last Assembly some of the six congregations had still, on one plea or another, retained their instrument, though required and entreated and coaxed by every Assembly since 1873, through Committees of its leading men, to do so. It was fondly hoped that by next Assembly, the Committee which has the matter in hand at present, would be able to report that all the six congregations had complied with the Assembly's agreement, and that this bone of contention would, for a while at least, be removed. This prospective harmony, however, is not now likely to be realised. The Rev. Mr. Workman of Newtonbreda, in the Presbytery of Belfast, has introduced a harmonium into his Church, which is likely to raise afresh the discord which Mr. Johnston thought he had allayed. He was taken to task for this, at a meeting of his Presbytery lately, which by a small majority appointed a Committee to deal with him on the matter. The attitude and language of Mr. Workman, however, indicated that he is not likely to give up his harmonium voluntarily. Though a party to the agreement in 1873, he contends that when the Assembly required its observance, and took steps to enforce it. the first resolution was violated, and the second resolution became no longer binding. He insists that when the Assembly refused to pass any law on instrumental music, he is hardly used in being dealt with as a transgressor. He pleads that even if the Assembly had passed a law forbidding instrumental music, he would have the harmonium all the same, for in the Psalms he is enjoined to praise God with the timbrel and harp and cymbals and psaltery, and he must obey God rather than man. "Woe is me,” said Paul, "if I preach not the gospel." "Necessity is laid upon me, yea, woe is me if I have not a harmonium,” in effect cries Mr. Workman. He further urges that his Sabbath evening congregation bad dwindled down to a very small audience, as his own people went where they were getting instrumental music, and that the harmonium was absolutely necessary to allure his strayed sheep back to the evening fold, and to keep others from wandering away. He informs the Presbytery that the harmonium has charmed the wanderers back, so that the evening attendance is twice or three times greater than before. And he recommends his brethren to try the same remedy for what he says is true of the Belfast Presbyterian Sabbath evening congregations on an average, that they "are reduced to a handful scattered through a wilderness of empty pews," whilst

124 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE IRISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

the Independents, Wesleyans, and Episcopalians have large congregations. Whilst giving Mr. Workman every credit for being well-meaning and sincere, his reasoning must appear transparently shallow and fallacious to all who have at all studied the subject. This was conclusively shown by the Rev. Mr. M'Credey, who dealt with the whole question in a most satisfactory, scriptural, and unanswerable manner. He insisted that Mr. Workman, being a consenting party to the agreement of 1873, was bound thereby until the Assembly repealed it. As to the harmonium bringing out the people to the sanctuary, on the same ground he might advertise an opera or something else likely to attract and please. And as to Mr. Workman's reference to the Psalms, that argument, if of any value now, would be equally good to show that they should offer up animal sacrifice and incense.

...

But although the Presbytery has condemned Mr. Workman's action as at present inexpedient and violating the agreement so often referred to, it is evident that many, indeed most, of those who voted against him, sympathise with him at heart, and will be likely to support liberty in the matter, when the question is brought up in a constitutional manner. Dr. Knox, who brought Mr. Workman's case before the Presbytery, said, "It had always been his opinion that this should be an open question; . . . the time must come, sooner or later, when this question would be looked at candidly and manfully in the face, when they would ask the Church to decide it on its merits, and give them liberty to use their own taste and judgment in the matter of Church music. He did not believe that time had yet arrived, but he would wait on the Providence of God.". The Rev. George Shaw "fell in with the resolutions of 1873, but felt very uncomfortable under them. He wanted to do what was right, but he would not be bound by these resolutions much longer, for they were now brought up as being tantamount to a law, and he would not regret if the whole subject was brought up before the Church for discussion and settlement." And the Rev. Mr. Lynd, while advising Mr. Workman to sacrifice the harmonium for the sake of the Church at present, added that "the time was not far distant when they would be able legally, openly, and avowedly to use harmoniums in their public worship."

It is therefore very evident that the question will ere long come up for further decision in the Irish General Asembly. The Providence for which Dr. Knox and the instrumentalists are piously waiting, we suspect, is the time when they think they will have an assured majority on their side. Many of these, if they are keeping the agreement of 1873 in the letter, are surely violating it in the spirit and preparing the way for its repeal, as appears from an indignant remonstrance made by Mr. Workman against his accusers, "If the harmonium is no help, why is it that the majority of my brethren have brought it into the Sabbath School? Why is it that so many employ it in the prayer-meeting? What marvellous opinions some men entertain about the harmonium, and the way in which it changes its character and working according to place and time? If you will believe them, it is innocent in the Sabbath School, but an abomination in the Sanctuary. It is a help to the children in the morning, but it would be a hindrance an hour later when the same children and their parents join in praise. Such absurdities warn men that they have left the sober track of Scripture and reason." Such doings as these are accustoming the young to the use of instrumental music in worship. We have reason to fear that the feeling in its favour is steadily growing in the General Assembly. We rather suspect, that even now a majority, at least, amongst the ministers might be obtained for making it an open question. The instrumentalists, it seemed to us at the time, outwitted the purity of worship party in 1873, when likely to have been outvoted by them. Had the latter been as wise

in their generation as the instrumentalists, they would not have accepted the compromise, in which, after all, the concession was altogether on their side, unless the second resolution was to have the force of a law, which the instrumentalists have all along since contended that it has not. Every year that the subject is postponed, we apprehend, the non-instrumentalists will find it more difficult to put out or keep out the instruments in question. The sooner they get the matter brought to a point the better for what they regard as the scriptural mode of worship-if they are not already too late to prevent this grave innovation. And should they be defeated, it will be a serious question how they shall sufficiently exonerate themselves from complicity in the formal toleration of what they esteem as sinful.

We deeply regret the probable course of action in this matter in the Assembly. We regard it as wrong in itself, and we deplore it as raising another barrier between the General Assembly and the smaller sections of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, which she is professedly desirous should unite with her. She has been greatly blessed, and has made great progress without instrumental music; we fear that she will not remain so pure or be so prosperous with it. Instead of it preventing her people joining the Episcopal Church, it will more likely prepare them for doing so, as giving them a taste for what they will get in greater perfection in that Church than in their own. If harmoniums and such like instruments are necessary to attract Presbyterians to the sanctuary now, the ministers or people are surely different from their forefathers, whose faith and contendings have, through the divine blessing, made the Presbyterian Church what she is. The contention of Mr. Workman and others, about the drawing power of the harmonium says little for the preacher, or for the hearer, or little for both. How much more of the true Presbyterian ring is there in these words of C. H. Spurgeon, which, if he had Mr. Workman's silly plea in view, could not have been more appropriate: "I know the talk is, that we ought to vie with the false Churches in the beauty of our services, but this is a temptation of the devil. If the simple preaching of the cross will not attract people, let them stay away. Let the Lord's servants abjure the sword and shield of Saul, and go forth with the gospel sling and stone. Our weapons are the words of Jesus-these are spirit, and these are life. Architecture, apparel, music, liturgies, these are neither spirit nor life; let those rest on them who will; we can do without them by God's help. Our sires in the puritanic age fought and won the battles of Christ without these things. ... Set your backs against the tendency of the times to depart from the simplicity of Jesus Christ. If men will not come to hear us because we preach the gospel, draw them by no other attraction. . . . Renounce, my brethren, every ceremony which has not Scripture for its warrant, and every doctrine which is not established by the plain testimony of the Word of God."

REPORT OF LAURIESTON MISSION CHURCH.

PRESENTED TO GLASGOW PRESBYTERY, 24th DECEMBER, 1878.

THE former Report was presented to the Synod at its meeting in May last. In the present report we shall endeavour to give the Presbytery some idea of the position and prospects of the congregation, and if some of the things that it will be necessary for us to state be not as encouraging as could be desired, we hope that by another time we will be able to report more favourably.

Mission work in its various branches is being carried on, and not without some measure of success. In addition to regular pastoral work I spend in ordinary circumstances, about 13 hours per week in visitation and classes. In visiting we meet with interesting cases, and also with many heart-rending ones. If there is one thing more than another with which we Łave been saddened of late it is the fearful prevalence of intemperance. Great complaints are made about the depression of trade; but those who give themselves up to drink generally manage to procure it. We believe that those who are not accustomed to visit in the

streets and lanes of the city, can have little idea of the scenes of dissipation, and wretchedness and misery which are daily to be witnessed. Would that the Christian Church were more thoroughly aroused to a sense of its duty in regard to this dreadful vice. Scenes of great poverty are also often beheld, and we are greatly indebted to the Glasgow Benevolent Society for its kindness in again supplying us with bread tickets, by means of which many a poor one is relieved. Any word of exhortation that may be tendered is likely to have far more effect when it is accompanied with substantial aid of this kind.

The classes, junior and senior, are regularly held, and the attendance at them is very encouraging. The prayer-meeting is held every Thursday evening, and is attended by between 30 and 40. A meeting is also held in the Hall every Sabbath evening, and has had a fair attendance. The Sabbath School has been doubled since last report was submitted, and has now an attendance of 80 scholars, and 9 teachers.

A Total Abstinence Society has recently been organised, and has a membership of about 45. It is of the highest moment to get the young interested in the temperance movement, as they may thereby be drawn from intemperate habits which lead so many to destruction Slips specifying the number of meetings and classes, and when and where held, have been kindly furnished by the Home Mission Committee, and along with tracts are distributed both by myself and others. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispensed in the congregation on the 4th Sabbath of October last. Previously the Communion roll was purged, when it was found that no fewer than 20 names had to be dropped. This was certainly very discouraging, but as there were 7 accessions the membership is still about So, and for this we would desire to be thankful. We shall seek conscientiously, and in dependence on Divine grace and strength, to do our duty, and leave results with God. Some of those whose names have been dropped were removed by death, some went to other congregations, and some left the city. Such is a brief sketch of our labours, which we now beg respectfully to submit to the Presbytery.

A. J. YUILL. REPORT OF BRIDGETON TERRITORIAL MISSION CHURCH. PRESENTED TO GLASGOW PRESBYTERY, 28th JANUARY.

The

THIS Report accounts for the four months, closing with December last. average number of those attending morning worship has been 58; and attending afternoon worship, 94. Comparing these figures with those previously recorded, I find that there has been a decrease of 2 during the morning hour; and an increase of 4, during the afternoon diet. Thus there is still, as before, a slow gradual increase. Since the severity of the frost set in attendance during the morning services especially has been considerably diminished. I have often wondered at the great difference between the numbers that attend the morning and afternoon diets of worship respectively. But I have been frequently told that this is an evil that is very prevalent throughout the city.

Since last Report was given in, the communion roll has been purged, as usual, preparatory to the celebration of the Sacrament. At the April Communion of last year, the enrolled membership amounted to 90.. The names of five of these had to be dropped from the roll. After having been frequently visited, 2 remained very irregular in their attendance; 2 went to distant places; and I was a fugitive from discipline. The names of these persons having been consequently dropped, the number on the roll became reduced to 85. At the October Sacrament, there were 16 accessions, whereby the number of members in full communion was raised to 101. There are also 23 adherents over 14 years of age; and 71 adherents of a more tender age, connected with the congregation. So that in all we now number 195 persons.

I have recently opened four classes, for the instruction of the young in Bible knowledge. In the senior classes which meet on Sabbath and Tuesday evenings respectively, we study chiefly Fisher's Catechism. In the younger classes which meet on Monday night, instructions are communicated directly from the Word. They are well attended, and in a flourishing condition. I have also a monthly meeting with the juvenile members of the Temperance Association. There are now upwards of 50 enrolled as its membership.

As I pursue my missionary labours, I experience much sameness and yet continued variety. There is much to encourage, and a good deal to discourage one. Some people are easily brought to the church; they seem to be penitent and tender of conscience and to be under the gracious dealings of the Holy Spirit. They promise to be consistent adherents now, and after a time to become confirmed members in full communion. But before long their attendance on the means of grace ceases; and one is filled with regret at being so completely disappointed, where promises were so fair, and seemed so likely to be realised. Still there are others who remain faithful, and one has the satisfaction of seeing that labours are not altogether in vain.

In going from house to house I see many proofs of the hardening effects of sin. I called at one house, and was told that in the adjoining dwelling a young man lay dying with consumption. I expressed my willingness to go and see him. But I was informed that I would not be allowed. His mother is a Papist, and though the priest does not visit him, she will not allow any missionary or minister to speak to him. She is often intoxicated, and then she cries aloud in the hearing of her dying son, "I wish you were dead." How sad! the poor youth could not get peace to die.

How pleasing, on the other hand, to visit one who has been the subject of saving grace. Mrs. — said, "For years 1 have been in trouble, because I could see nothing that I could look on as a fruit of grace. But I have now come to rest by looking simply and only to Christ." This was the testimony of a longafflicted woman. To me, these words had the ring of proceeding from one who had been taught by the Holy Spirit.-Respectfully submitted by

JOHN M'KAY.

INDUCTION AT DUNDEE.-The Perth and Aberdeen Presbytery met in the Original Secession Church, Dundee, on Wednesday, 12th February, for the induction of the Rev. Peter M'Vicar, to the pastoral charge of the congregation there. The public services of the day, were commenced by the Rev. John Sturrock, Edinburgh, with the usual devotional exercises; the Rev. William Spiers, Kirriemuir, preached an appropriate sermon from Matt. xxviii. 18-20; the Rev. Alexander Stirling, Arbroath, narrated the steps of procedure, put the questions of the Formula, and offered up the induction prayer; the Rev. Ebenezer Ritchie, Aberdeen, delivered effective addresses to pastor and people; and the proceedings were brought to a close with praise and prayer, by the Rev. William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws. On retiring, the congregation and other friends gave the newly inducted minister a cordial welcome. The Presbytery and friends were afterwards kindly entertained to dinner, by the congregation.

On the Sabbath following, Mr. M'Vicar was introduced to his new charge, by the Rev. John Ritchie, Shottsburn, who preached forenoon and evening; and in the afternoon Mr. M'Vicar commenced his public work, by preaching from 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16, "For we are unto God, a sweet savour of Christ," etc. At all the diets of worship there was a large attendance. A most encouraging reception has been given to Mr. M'Vicar on entering his new and important sphere of labour, and it is our earnest desire and prayer, that he may have much comfort and success in his ministry in Dundee, and that under his ministrations the congregation may be greatly prospered.

Social Meetings.

CARNOUSTIE.-The second Annual Social Meeting of the Sabbath School and Bible Classes in connection with this Congregation was held in the Church on roth January. The Rev. A. Dunlop King, pastor, occupied the chair. Interesting and instructive addresses were delivered by the Chairman, the Rev. Alexander Stirling of Arbroath, Mr. John Smith and Mr. James J. Anderson, to a large and appreciative audience. There were over 40 prizes distributed amongst the chil-dren of the Sabbath School for general proficiency, regular attendance, and re..