Oldalképek
PDF
ePub
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

march is not only according to the highest musical taste, but is in accordance with the scriptural simplicity and solemnity of our Presbyterian form of worship. We hope that this will be well considered in any congregations where there may arise a tendency to introduce the jig tunes and inferior music elsewhere admired and in vogue. As a general remark, we would observe, that tunes having slurs, passing notes, apoggiaturas, in triple time, with two or three notes to each syllable, or with repeats, are in au inferior style. Yet some of such are good, and universal favourites,

as

Cambridge New, Irish, Abridge, and Mount Ephraim. In general, adaptations from common airs, and from pieces, are not desirable. Some of those, however, from the great masters, are coming into common use, and make good congregational tunes, such as Saxony, from Handel, and Creation, from Haydn. Examples of adaptations from lesser pieces we have in Mornington from Lord Mornington's Chant, and Scarboro', from the hymn "Crown Him Lord of all."

There are many tunes peculiarly suited to certain words, such as the Martyr's, to the 57th Psalm, or Balermo to the 23d Psalm, and others have been composed expressly for the words, as St. George's, Edinburgh, by Dr. A. Thomson, for the 24th Psalm. Others, by invariable usage, are married to certain verses, as the Old 100th, and other proper Psalm tunes. Where a congregation is accustomed to associate particular music with the words, it is not good taste to break the expected flow of the praise by another tune. We need scarcely add that the leader of the singing requires to exercise much judgment in selecting tunes appropriate to the words; and if the precentor be not very quick in his perception of fitness, the more time he has beforehand the better. It is a miserable thing to hear some hymn of joyful praise droned out to a plaintive minor, or some psalm of confession sung Such to cheerful and gladsome strains. blunders rarely occur, but it requires much practice and observation to be always happy in the selection.

At the beginning of the public service, excepting on some special occasions of confession or humiliation, it is well to remark which concerns both minister and This is a begin with a psalm of praise. precentor. We love to enter into the gates of God's house with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise. Hence
the 100th psalm is always welcome at the
opening of public worship; or such
psalms as the 95th, or 98th, or 106th; or
the 145th:-
:-

"O Lord, thou art my God and King;
Thee will I magnify and praise:
I will Thee bless, and gladly sing

Unto Thy holy name always.

Or, for the commencement of worship, (in the absence of more direct hymns of invocation, as Veni Sancte Spiritus, Come, Holy Spirit, come,) such psalms as the 43d, ver. 3; or the 25th, ver. 1-5, are desirable, with suitable tunes.

At the close of the service also, when the subject does not specially lead to psalms appropriate, it is well in general to conclude with lively singing. "It is good," says Matthew Henry, "to conclude religious duties with some warmth and vigour, that we may go from them with a sweet savour upon our spirits." We hope soon to follow up this subject, and to offer suggestions upon some practical ways of improving our congregational singing. We also think it would be of great advantage to have for the use of our English Presbyterian Churches a small and well-selected book of tunes. If done with judgment and taste, nothing would so much tend to give unity and efficiency to this part of the service of our Church.

CHINA MISSION.

We have great pleasure in communicating another letter from our devoted missionary in China, to the Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee:—

[ocr errors]

Hong-Kong, Feb. 25, 1848. MY DEAR FRIEND, I mentioned in my last letter that in order to get acquainted with the Chinese, especially as a spoken language, I had found it necessary to get a young man to read and converse with me daily. I have found him as yet a very desirable and useful assistant in this respect, and I think upon the whole I have reason to be encouraged by the progress which I am gradually making. I mentioned also that I had it in my thoughts, as soon as the way should seem open, to get a place where my teacher might occupy part of his time in teaching a few Chinese boys, and where afterwards I might be able to meet for Divine worship with such as might attend. In following out this view I have, after full deliberation and continued prayer for the

Divine guidance, taken a house in a very central situation, and at a moderate expense, where I may live alone with my Chinese servants and teacher, and where I have good accommodation for teaching, and also, if need be, for keeping with me, a few Chinese boys. It has yet to be tried here whether a day-school conducted by my teacher will succeed, or whether, in order to form a little Chinese society around me, it may be necessary to board a few pupils. Should the former plan succeed, I would prefer it for various reasons, but if needful, the other can be carried out in a limited degree without much expense or inconvenience, and in either case I shall be able, I trust, to gain important facilities for attaining this very peculiar language, and for entering into useful intercourse with this singular On and spiritually benighted people. Tuesday, (the 22d,) I entered my present habitation, and found myself alone (as I wished to be), with none but two Chinese servants, my teacher not having yet come I was in doubt whether to reside here. the servants would be willing to worship with me, and whether, if they were willing, I would be able to conduct worship with them in a manner at all suitable. I, however, resolved, that in this, the first entire house that I ever hired, I would lose no time in seeking publicly to worship the one living and true God, in the name of Emmanuel, the one only mediator between God and men; and I was encouraged by finding that my servants came readily, and that I could read and pray intelligibly with them. They can read, both of them, well, and in this part of our united worship assist me not a little. This evening, after reading in order the eighth of Matthew, and before joining in prayer, I conversed with them a little about Jesus' character and work, and as far as I could make myself understood they seemed to hear with interest. In regard to these small beginnings I am encouraged by the words of the prophet, "Who hath despised the day of small things?" "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." Whether or not I may be able soon to form a small school, or to assemble a few Chinese for more public worship, is as yet uncertain, but at all events, in this my new position I have much greater motive and stimulus to learn a new language

than when living and worshipping in an English family, as I had been doing since my arrival here. In those things which I have suggested as possible, I trust also that many among you will find a stimulus to pray for us, that the gracious Lord may continue to open up the way before us, and direct to the use of such means as He will bless for promoting His kingdom among these unnumbered millions of our fellow-creatures and fellow-sinners.

In my work among the British part of the population I am still encouraged to hope for good results. The Sabbath attendance in our small place of worship appears steadily to increase, and I am able also to keep up two week-day services, though the numbers be but small. During last month a number of our countrymen in the army have found us out, and on the Sabbath forenoons we have regularly about forty soldiers with

us.

I hope, dear friend, that I may be much remembered at the throne of grace among you, and that in due time some of the Lord's own servants may come to our help here. With love to all the Lord's people about you, I am, ever, Yours affectionately, WM. C. BURNS. To the Rev. J. Hamilton.

Presbyteries' Proceedings.

PRESBYTERY OF LONDON.

THIS Reverend Court held its ordinary monthly meeting at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 9th of May, and was constituted with praise, reading of the Scriptures, and prayer by the Rev. Wm. Nicolson, Moderator p.t.

The Presbytery having taken into consideration that the period of Mr. Chalmers' moderatorship had expired, and the clerk having stated that Mr. Fisher's name stood next on the roll, it was unanimously agreed that Mr. Fisher be chosen Moderator during the currency of the ensuing twelve months; whereupon Mr. Fisher was elected, and took the chair accordingly.

The commissions of the elders appointed to represent the respective kirksessions during the currency of the last twelve months, having also expired, the Presbytery called for new commissions, and the following were given in, read, and sustained, and the names of the newly

elected elders ordered to be added to the roll, viz., Woolwich, Lieut.-Col. Anderson; Regent-square, Mr. John Thomson; John Knox, Mr. James Neill; Mary-lebone, Mr. John Sloan; Southwark, Mr. Alexander Ritchie; River-terrace, Lieut. John Wood; London Wall, Mr. Donald Gray.

Messrs. Alexander Gillespie and Donald Gray were appointed to audit the clerk's accounts and report.

The Synod clerk reported that the Synod had given permission to the Presbytery of London to take Mr. Alexander Kemp on probationary trials—and having communicated Mr. Kemp's desire to have his trials transferred to the Presbytery of Lancashire, proved accordingly. Which motion having been seconded by Mr. Nicolson, was unanimously agreed to.

On the motion of Professor Campbell, seconded by Mr. Nicolson, the following were appointed members of Commission of Synod, viz., the Moderator, Messrs. Nicolson, Weir, and the clerk, ministers, and Col. Anderson, Lieut. Wood, with Messrs. Gray and Thomson, elders; the Moderator of Synod and the Professors of Divinity being also members officio.

ex

It was agreed that until further notice, the ordinary meetings of Presbytery should be held at two o'clock, p.m., instead of three o'clock as formerly.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on the second Tuesday of June next, at two o'clock, p.m., and the sederunt was closed with prayer.

PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE.

THIS Presbytery held its ordinary meeting at Manchester on the 3d of May. The Rev. W. M'Caw, Moderator, in the chair. Present, five ministers and one elder.

Commissions were given in in favour of the following ruling elders to represent their respective kirk-sessions during the currency of the next six months, viz., Mr. Robert Barbour, for St. Peter's, Manchester; Mr. Peter Roxburgh, for St. George's, Liverpool; and Mr. Samuel Robertson, for Salford, Manchester, which commissions were all sustained, and the names of the above-mentioned parties were added to the roll.

It was mentioned, that Mr. Robert Barbour could not attend this meeting, owing to the death of a near relative. After some conversation on the continuous non-attendance of members, the Presby

tery instructed their clerk to draw up a tabular statement of the attendance and non-attendance of members during the last year ending May 3d, 1848.

Mr. Robinson gave notice that at next meeting he would propose that the Presbytery institute inquiries on the state of religion within their bounds.

Mr. Radcliffe applied to the Presbytery to authorize the dispensation of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at Wigan, which was granted, and the interim session already appointed for Wigan was instructed to make the necessary arrange

ments.

It having been mentioned that Mr. Wiseman was still continuing to preach to certain parties at the North End, Liverpool, who had on the 4th of August last memorialized this Presbytery to sanction their place of worship, and when refused, had appealed to the Synod, but had fallen from their appeal, it was moved, seconded and agreed to, That this Presbytery, deeming such procedure on the part of Mr. Wiseman a divisive and schismatic course, do summon Mr. Wiseman to appear at next meeting of Presbytery to show his authority for administering ordinances to the above-mentioned parties as a minister of this Church. The clerk was instructed accordingly.

On the motion of Mr. Smith, the Presbytery resolved to petition Parliament in favour of granting sites to the Free Church of Scotland. A Committee, consisting of the Moderator (Convener), Rev. Messrs. Gardner and Smith, was appointed to draw up a petition; and the Moderator was instructed to sign it in the name of the Presbytery, and transmit it to Mr. Bright to be presented by him to the House of Commons. It was at the same time recommended that congregations draw up and transmit similar petitions. Adjourned to meet at Liverpool on the 5th of July next at eleven, a.m.

Ecclesiastical Notices.

WORKINGTON.-On Tuesday, the 9th May, the Presbytery of Cumberland met for the purpose of ordaining the Rev. William Gordon, to the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church, Workington. The services of the day were commenced by the Rev. George Brown, LL.D., of Brampton, who delivered a discourse from 2 Tim. i. 13; in which he entered into an interesting and elaborate exami

nation of the nature and expediency of Confessions of Faith. The discourse was characterized by clearness, learning, and power of argument; and breathed a charitable spirit towards those whose views were combated. The Rev. J. Burns, of Whitehaven, followed in an address, explaining and defending the Presbyterian form of Church government; and proving the scriptural character of its ordination. The principal points he dwelt upon and endeavoured to support by texts of Scripture were, the equality of ministers of the Gospel in point of rank and authority,the right of the people to choose their own pastors, the expediency of courts of review and appeal in the government of the Church,—and the happy constitution of the Presbyterian Church as securing a proper representation of the laity in her ecclesiasiastical courts, and thus avoiding a priestly oligarchy on the one hand, and a complete democracy on the other. Mr. Burns also offered up the ordination prayer, and Mr. Gordon was solemnly set apart to the office of the ministry "by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery." The Rev. Mr. Harvey, of Maryport, next addressed the minister and people on their respective duties, as arising from the solemn relationship established between them. He dwelt on the importance of the ministerial office, the difficulties and trials of those engaged in it, their grounds of encouragement and dependence, and their responsibility for the faithful discharge of their duties. He also pointed out the duties of hearers, and showed how mutually dependent minister and people are for aid and encouragement, in the proper discharge of their respective obligations. A public Meeting was held in the evening, at which Dr. Johnston, of Harrington, presided. Mr. Harvey spoke on "Christian union; " and after pointing out the causes and evils of sectarianism, advocated the broadest principles of charity, goodwill, and affection among the various Christian denominations. Mr. Burns followed in a forcible appeal on the importance of personal religion, and the danger of delay in such matters. Mr. Gordon delivered an eloquent and impressive address, in which, after a touching reference to his own situation and obligations, and the previous proceedings of the day, he spoke of the efficacy of prayer, and closed with an earnest appeal for an interest in the prayers of those over whose spiritual welfare he is appointed to watch.

Dr. Brown closed with some excellent | importance of the cause they had met to practical remarks to the congregation. forward. The Free Church of Scotland, The whole proceedings of the day were of the most solemn and impressive character; and formed an appropiate introduction of Mr. Gordon to his sphere of labour, on which he enters with every prospect of usefulness, and the warmest wishes of many for his success.-Cumberland Pacquet.

REV. GEORGE SHAW.-At the meeting of the Belfast Presbytery, two calls were presented to the Rev. George Shaw-the one from Kilkenny, and the other from Alfred-street, Belfast. The latter was accepted by the Rev. Gentleman. We congratulate the congregation of Alfredstreet on such a reception of their call. They have made a choice worthy of a congregation that have so long enjoyed the services of their late honoured pastor, the Rev. Dr. Edgar. Mr. Shaw enters on his labours with the happiest prospects of extensive usefulness.-Banner of Ulster. [We have much pleasure in hearing of the appointment of Mr. Shaw to so important a charge. Greatly would we have rejoiced had the way appeared plain for his remaining in connexion with the English Synod, in whose service, at Chester, he laboured with great faithfulness and acceptance. But as it was his inclination to minister in the land of his birth and education, we are glad that an opening in providence has thus early appeared. Mr. Shaw enters upon his ministry in Belfast with the best wishes and prayers of his brethren of the English Synod.]

THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

MISSIONS.

On Wednesday evening, the 3d May, a public meeting of the friends of the missionary schemes of the Free Church of Scotland was held in the large room, Exeter Hall. The platform was fully occupied, and the large room, including the side galleries, was filled by a most respectable audience.

The Most Noble the Marquis of BREADALBANE was called to the chair.

The concluding verses of the 122d Psalm were sung, after which the Rev. Dr. Steane, of Camberwell, offered up an impressive and appropriate prayer.

The Marquis of BREADALBANE, in a brief and impressive address, urged the

he remarked, had taken its stand in defence of principles which its members held to be vital and essential to the welfare of the Christian Church, and had carried with it the great bulk of the missionary spirit of the Scottish Church. In proof of this he might mention, that the amount of the congregational collections in Scotland had increased from 17,000l. in the year previous to the disruption, to 43,000l. during the last year. The total amount of the funds raised by the liberality of private subscriptions for the purposes of the Free Church was not less than 1,600,000l. The Report on the missions of the Free Church was then read by the secretary, Mr. Jaffray, and stated facts connected with the religious movement in Scotland, and the missionary progress which has been made since the memorable event of the disruption of 1843. In 1846-7, the amount collected in Scotland for the missions of the Free Church was 45,000l., and with the aid of their friends in England, upwards of 60,000l. The amount collected during the past financial year fell properly to be reported to the General Assembly which meets in Edinburgh in the course of the present month. But it might with confidence be stated, that, in spite of the severe distress with which it had pleased Providence to visit the empire, and especially the northern part of it, during the last two years, their Mission Funds would be found to have sustained no diminution. Details were given of the exertions of the missionaries in the work of conversion in India; and whilst allusion was made to some proceedings in connexion with the right of the Free Church to mission houses, furniture, and apparatus, conceived to have been of a harsh and oppressive description, any spirit of exclusive sectarianism was deprecated, and the great principle of evangelical union inculcated.

The Revs. Dr. Hetherington, Begg, and Keith, from Scotland, the Rev. Edward Craig, of Pentonville, the Rev. Messrs. G. Smith, of Poplar, W. Chalmers, J. Weir, and W. Bunting, addressed the Meeting.

The collection, which was chiefly towards the building of the mission premises in India, amounted to nearly 150, including 50l. from the Noble Chairman.

« ElőzőTovább »