I WISH to see you advancing, my dear friend, in the divine life. The profession you have made must be followed by such holy fruits, gracious tempers, and useful actions, as will prove to the church and the world that you are really united to Christ, and are one with him; having his spirit, and walking 66 even as he walked." It is no easy thing to live the self-denying life a true Christian is called to live.

،، Beloved self must be denied,
Passion and anger, lust and pride;
They who would endless life obtain,
A daily conflict must maintain.

Yet be not discouraged at the outset, although your work is imperfect, your enemies many, your difficulties great, and your own heart deceitful, yet remember your sufficiency is of the Lord, and your strength is from above; his grace shall be perfected in your weakness, for “ your life ” itself is hid with him, and he hath promised to give both grace and glory. “ Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will be with thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Hence it follows, my friend, that whatever may be your exercise, difficulty, or temptation, the grace of God is abundant, able to sustain, direct, and deliver you, if you are kept in a humble, dependant, watchful, prayerful spirit. Now it is to these four last named graces that I wish you to attend if true humility, meek dependence, constant watchfulness, and fervent persevering prayer are cherished in your soul, then the great enemy cannot prevail-your light will shine to the divine glory-and your real prosperity of soul must follow as a necessary consequence. But remember these graces must be united together; unless you are humble you will not feel your

dependence; unless you are dependant you will not be disposed to ask for suitable supplies; and if you are not "watching unto prayer, that exercise will not bring down answers suited to your need. Let me hope these short hints will be remembered, the word of God supports them, and the experience of your friend confirms them. An old author says—

We have a great work in our hands-the promises to believethe commands to obey-temptations to resist-passions to conquer -all this must be done, or we shall be undone.' Yes, sin, Satan, and the world unite for our undoing, and a real Christian is often in great straits, thereby saying with Mr. Newton-

"In conflict with this threefold troop,
How weary, Lord, am I ;

Did not thy promise bear me up,
Sure I should faint and die.

The great design of the provision of the gospel is to raise our hearts upwards, and to make us spiritually-minded; to fill us with peace in believing, to give support under the trials of the wilderness, to render us meet for glory, and to give us a good hope thereof; these blessings are promised, yes, and they are promised for your encouragement, offered for your support, and waiting for your seeking. Oh, be much in prayer for a large supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ; be very watchful over your actions, thoughts, and words, that you do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God; be very humble, very little in your own esteem, and very dependent on the promised grace and strength of the Lord Jesus; then will your light so shine in the world, and your life become a living epistle of the grace of the gospel.

Z. Z.

IT is acknowledged on all hands that the Music of the Church is in a very low state; and though here and there attempts have been made by individuals to renovate this branch of public worship, the good resulting from their laudable efforts has been but little apparent. The reason doubtless is, that those who ought to be the guides in congregational psalmody, have hitherto, with few exceptions, been more anxious to shew off themselves, than to lead others on to the proper use of their voices. Where organists have been employed, they have perverted even the otherwise good tune, in order to display what they deem original talent, in the interlude. Sometimes there is a particular singer in the whom the organist wishes to please, and then some tune is sought out or manufactured, especially adapted to his or her voice. On such occasions, the congregation always think it indecorous to add their voices, and thus the sweet songster is allowed to sing solo. But this is far from right. We are to sing to the praise and glory of GOD,'-not to encourage any particular individual to sing to his own praise and glory. The feelings too often excited by these exhibitions, are vanity in the performer, and disgust or adulation in the auditors-feelings very contrary to those which ought to exist in the public, worship of Almighty God.1

choir

Another cause of the neglect of congregational psalmody is, that

in

many churches there is no organ, and this defect is attempted to be remedied by providing a band of men and women who have paid some

OCTOBER 1833.

attention to music, and are therefore more competent than the generality of persons to lead the voices of the untaught. Where such a band is properly controlled, it is useful: but they are too often permitted to take their own way, and monopolize the praises due to the Majesty on High. The singers are sometimes paid, and it then becomes their interest to make others think that nothing can be done without them; they, therefore choose such tunes as the congregation cannot sing; and are soon left sole masters of the field."

A third case is when there is not any organ, and the clergyman is too well acquainted with the tricks and freaks of a choir to suffer one to exhibit in his church. He endeavours to excite a disposition in his flock to unite their voices in the praise and glory of God, and probably finds them willing enough; but there is no leader, and nothing is well done without one.

We have thus rapidly glanced at some of the most glaring errors in the present mode of conducting the musical part of our church services. We say some, because there are others equally bad, which we may probably notice on a future occasion.

To remedy these abuses, Mr. Latrobe has written the work to which we now direct the attention of our readers. It is especially intended for our country choirs. the higher classes in our SundaySchools, and the public at large;" and the author accordingly notices every particular that occurs to him as likely to be of use such persons, as it is his opinion that

capacity to enjoy and respond to musical impressions is not restricted to the wealthy and rich, but is liberally diffused among all classes of men.'

In these days we might almost imagine that the gift was the sole property of those who are usually termed the lower classes of society. Go into any place of worship, and remark who are the most zealous singers. Certainly not the rich. They reserve their notes for the drawing-room, and seem to think that the sabbath is to be a day of rest to their voices. Mr. Latrobe however justly remarks, that

The psalm is intended for the whole congregation, and therefore all persons, young or old, rich or poor, not only may, but ought to sing......... But you think, perhaps, that you can praise God in silence, and can enter into the spirit of thanksgiving, by listening to the singing of others. I will not deny but you might: but before we reason upon this subject, let us go to Jehovah himself, and ask how HE would have us serve him. Let us then look into his word. Many passages might be brought before you to shew that it is your duty, not merely to hear others sing, but to sing yourself.

Mr. L. then quotes several passages, not only from the Psalms, but also from the New Testament, shewing that the obligation remains in force under the New Dispensation. Indeed Christians have more reason to sing and be merry than the Jews of old had; inasmuch as to us the promises are verities, to them they were but dark visions.

Some persons, when asked why they do not join the singing, reply that they cannot. To such Mr. L. addresses himself thus

It may be so, but have you ever tried? If you have always remained silent, you cannot tell, whether you can sing or not. If you can speak, you can sing. I mean not to say, that you can sing well, but you can sing in some manner; for singing is only prolonging the tone of the voice in speaking, and varying it according to the tune. But you may complain,

that though you have a voice, yet you have no good ear, and cannot sing in tune. That is very possible; but if you can discover yourself out of tune; it is a sure proof, that you are not devoid of ear; and, in fact, if you can distinguish one note from another, you have ear enough to accompany a plain psalm-tune. It will be proper, however, that at first, you sing soft, lest you disturb others; and take some pains to improve your ear by practice, remembering the old proverb-Practice makes perfect. And it is very certain, that, the more you sing the more you will enjoy the psalm, the more likely you are to enter into the spirit of it, and the more blessing you will derive from it.

If indeed the gift of singing is worth having, it is worth asking for; and if so, let all who are desirous of praising their God while they have their being, look up to him for assistance: and he who said, "Whatsoever you ask in my name, He will give it," will prove the truth of his own word. Are we presumptuous in this? We think not. A child is not afraid of asking its parent for what it wants, because it is a little thing, why then should we be afraid of presumption in asking our heavenly Father for what we want. let it always be remembered, that the motive actuating us is the chief thing. We should sing to the praise and glory OF GOD.

But

Mr. Latrobe's work however is not merely intended to excite the uninitiated to join the grand chorus. We meet with various remarks tending higher, and bidding the reader to examine whether his heart is properly attuned to sing His Redeemer's praise. Thus at page 9, he observes.

I would, as we walk to the church, offer you a few rules as your guide in the performance of this sacred duty.

1. Be not satisfied with merely understanding the meaning of the words, but pray to be enabled to enter into their spiritual sense.

2. Stand up when you praise the Lord your God, according to the advice of Nehemiah. Avoid looking about to ex

cite notice; and yet hold up your head, otherwise the voice is buried in the breast.

3. Be careful not to sing too loud, but sing steadily, sustaining each note its proper time; and for that purpose be content to follow, without attempting to lead.

4. Pronounce your words distinctly; and suffer not weariness to induce you to sink your voice or drop it altogether, before the psalm is concluded, but carry it on to the end. Your voice will have time enough to rest during the sermon.

5. Try to fix the tune in your mind, and to assist you, learn the psalm which it accompanies, and practise it at home.

6. Shun any sort of flourish or sound which does not belong to the tune; and remember that if the tune is a good one, there will generally be only one continued sound to a syllable, or plain word like ' rest!'

7. Watch against vanity and self-applause. If you succeed in your attempts, and find yourself after a little time, able to sing pretty accurately, you will then perceive your deceitful heart whispering smooth things, and telling you, you have done well. But this thought comes from Satan, and not from God, and you must therefore seek to put it from your mind, by prayer for Divine strength, lest you be found to be seeking your own, and not God's glory; and thus, when tried by fire, the work which you have raised should be burnt, and you suffer loss. If you find, that you have a talent for this service, exercise it diligently, but with humility, for it is not your's, but God's. What hast thou, that thou hast not received? Be not high-minded, but fear. Every good gift, and every perfect gift cometh down from the Father of lights, and to him it must be returned. To whom much is given, of him shall be much required. Thus in this most delightful exercise, it is necessary to be continually on your guard, watching and praying lest you enter into temptation, remembering that even if the spirit be willing, the flesh is weak.-Pp. 9-11.

He concludes this chapter, by the following excellent advice.

One word more, and I pass on to the singers. If you find you have a good voice, take care that you abuse it not, at any time, by singing foolish songs. It was given you to be devoted to God, and

not to Baal; but without prayer and watching, like every other gift which has been perverted by Satan, your talent will entice you to sin.

The next chapter is addressed more immediately to the singers,' and opens with a few hints respecting the spirit in which they should engage in the service.

If a service is undertaken for an earthly master, though no formal bond has been entered into, still as far as that service is concerned, the master expects its rigid fulfilment. The servant is punished, if it be not performed, and rewarded, if it be. And shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his Maker?

It is a great sin in any member of the congregation to behave unseemly in the Divine presence; but when one of those whose duty it is to direct the public thanksgiving, does so, it is a far greater sin,—and that for many reasons,—

1. It mocks God. 2. It disturbs the devotions of others. 3. It entices to sin. The improper conduct then of singers, who are placed in conspicuous situations, is too apt to be imitated by many in every congregation who have no true principle of the fear of God; and hence the responsibility increases with the evil effects.

Having thus exposed some of the evils generally attending badly regulated choirs, Mr. L. lays down some rules for their avoidance.

1. The singers should seek to understand the nature of the service. 2. Reverential behaviour in church should be strictly observed both during the act of performance, and when not prominently engaged. When singing, avoid all vain display. 3. The performance should be effective and simple. 4. Practice must not be neglected.

And he sums up all these by

One other word of advice, and that is, to keep down pride, and receive with meekness a reproof or suggestion respecting the singing, especially if it come from your minister. If any thing is wrong, it is his duty to speak; and if he is mistaken, or you think he is mistaken, still he acts for the best in speaking; and if you can convince him, with humility, that he is

wrong, he will be obliged to you; if not, be thankful to him, and amend.

In some choirs we find women taking a prominent part, which has at least the appearance of indecorum. It is not perhaps necessary to exclude females entirely from the singing gallery, but they should be in some degree screened from the full gaze of the congregation. On this point Mr. L. remarks.

As to the persons of whom the choir should be composed, I would say, that you had better confine yourselves to men and boys; because, though the voices of women are well calculated for the purpose, much impropriety has resulted, especially in country choirs, by uniting the two sexes in this service. Of themselves, women would not be able to sustain all the parts; besides that, it does violence to the female character, to give them prominence in public worship. A few boys for trebles, and the other parts divided among the men in proportion, attainable in every parish, would form a sufficient choir.

Our author next lays down a few rules for the benefit of those who may be anxious to assist by finger or voice.

1. Play and sing NOT TOO LOUD. The best music is not when each voice and instrument is strained to the utmost and thus heard separately, but when they all blend so completely into one sound, that you can hardly distinguish them.

2. Play and sing without ornament. No shakes-no runs-no turns-no graces of any kind. They answer no purpose but to show man's skill, and tickle man's ear-we want nothing but what shall please God, and edify man's heart.

3. Choose simple tunes and simple instruments.

4. Learn to sing in parts. By which I mean, that the treble, alt, tenor, and bass, should each sing their separate partsnot all sing treble, which is the case in some choirs. To sing in parts adds greatly to the harmony and beauty of the tune; indeed the genuine psalm-tune can never properly be understood without it.

5. Take breath between words, and not between syllables.

6. Sing evenly and reserve your breath. Many burst out with such vehemence of sound at the beginning of a note, that the voice dies away before it is completed. Better begin softly, and rise gradually.

7. Avoid carrying on the last letter of a word to the beginning of the next. For instance, some singers, when the word and follows good, will attach the d to the and, and sing dand. Avoid also making awkward sounds, which are neither in the tune, nor in any musical scale, but pronounce your words distinctly, that all may understand.

8. In addition, I would say to the players, whether upon the organ or other instruments: Don't play too loud for the singers. Remember that as the singers have to lead the people, so you have to lead them. You should therefore not make such thunder that no singing can be heard; but be calm and steady; accompanying, not overpowering the singing. See that your instruments are in good tune; but tune before church-time, and avoid twanging your strings, and sounding your notes after the congregation has begun to assemble, for it disturbs private devotion.

His next chapter refers to the words employed in our praises; on introducing this part of his subject,

Mr. L. remarks

In general, neglect of the Psalmody will be found accompanied with many other marks of disrespect for divine worship. If you step into those churches, from which singing is banished, you will find them cold and damp, badly pewed, and every article telling stories of the pastor and his flock-that their zeal is as cold as the church, and their devotion as ragged as their accommodations.

It is a well-known aphorism, There is no rule without exception,' and here we have a verification of the saying. We are acquainted with a congregation in the country, where a gospel minister has been stationed for many years, and an evident increase in true religion is taking place, but instead of Mr. L's rules holding good in this case, we should say that the reverse is decidedly the fact. Indeed so wretched is the