Occasional Notes.

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 82, 3 February 1876, Page 3

Occasional Notes.

By Qolokus. ' instrtjmentaii music in presbyteriaitt chtjhohes. Considering the diversity of opinion which exists relative to the introduction of instrumental music into Presbyterian Churches, the subject of this note is rather a delicate . one to deal with, especially as the Leader has a considerable amount of circulation among the members of the Presbyterian congregations. In venturing to nreke a few remarks on this subject, I. may as well, therefore, premise, that I write merely as a correspondent to this paper, and that the views expressed by myself are not- necessarily those of the promoters of this newspaper, whose opinions on this subject may possibly be opposed to my own. At the late meeting of 4 the Synod in Dunedin, the discussion of this vexed question appears to have excited a very large amount of public interest. The result ofthe resolutions appear to have been, that .notwithstanding the strong opposition of several formidable opponents, the question of whether or not instrumental music should be introduced into Presbyterian Churches, was decided in the affirmative, subject to certain restrictions, securing that there be " substantial lunanimity " in the congregations in which it is introduced. Though there were, several notable ministers on tho opposition side, it is somewhat significant that both Dr Stuart and Dr Copland were in favor of theinnpvation. ■To some people the aversion expressed by strict Presbyterians to the employment oi instrumental music in public worship is somewhat utterly incomprehensible, I suppose their antagonism has its origin in a regard for ancient formularies, and a respect for such simplicity of worship as shall be removed asffar as possible from the parapheriialistic worship of Roman Catholics. The persecution by the Church of Rome in former days, acting on the character of the Scptch people, was productive of a stern and fierce antipathy, which* induced the Scotch nation to strive to eliminate every taint, of Romanism from the national worship. In these later days the Presbyterians are shewing an inclination to retrace their steps to, some extent, and probably they will do so, till they; reach that stage which is approved of:. By; common sense and enlightened opinion, It is a singular circumst&ncei, as regards the- mental organisations of human beings, that while some people have-almost a passion for musical sounds and melody, others care, comparatively speaking, but little about music. • I question, however, whether their exists, or, ever existed a person . who, having what we call an ear for music, would- be prepared to assert that the human voice when employed for the production,. of music, is pleasanter to the ear when unaccompanied, than when accompanied by instrumental music. The supposition that in the performance of sacred music the accompaniment of the articulate human voice by instrumental music, detracts to any extent from the desired effect as far as regards the production of religious emotion, is simply absurd. Who that has listened to a, choir or chorus of human voices singing sacred songs to the accompaniment of the grand and solemn roll or sweet notes ofthe organ, can be insensible to the elevating and emotional character of the effect ? The ancient Hebrews were an exceedingly devotional people, and yet the Hebrew psalmist whenever he urges the praise ofthe Lord, almost invariably speaks of the accompaniment of the voice with musical instruments — the trumpet, the timbrel ' the harp, and the cymbal. It is* true the dance also is mentioned. " Let them praise his name in the dance ;" but though even the dance might have been suitable as an expression of joy and thanks for the volatile character of an Eastern nation, it is not suitable as an expression of religious joy to the more sedate and less demon-* strati ve nature of Western and Northern nations. Dancing is, however, certainly a -natural h mode of expressing . joy. Thus we- see a small child will occaI sionally dance for joy, if much pleased. I Perhaps the Israelites may have danced for joy and thankfulness, when they had escaped from the pursuit of Pharoah's hosts. Ido not propose, however, that we should introduce dancing into our churches, like those sects called Dumpers and Shakers, and there does not appear to be any necessity for an apprehension that because we introduce-in-strumental music into churches we shall end by dancing in church. Neither is it .desirable that the musical service in church should partake, of the character of theatrical or operatic display, but an efficient choir, accompanied by good instrumental music," would, I am inclined to think,, do much more good than harm. ' The' introductibh of good sacred music into the churches would probably increase .the attendance on places of worship, and so afford. ministers a more favorable opportunity of -inculcating Christian precepts,; and; healthy doctrine.., .Presbyterianism will have to proceed, forward with the advancing Spirit of the- age,' or surely there is some) danger of ; it ..bej.ng, left with some of itsministers in the lurch. --*..•;