ON PAROCHIAL PSALMODY. SIR, I have read with much interest, and I trust with some advan. tage, the various papers on the subject of Parochial Psalmody, which you have recently inserted; though they contain some positions from which I feel myself compelled to dissent, and omit others which deserve consideration. A very general idea seems to prevail of the desirableness of an authorised selection of Psalms and Hymns, to which all should be required to conform. I am not certain, however, that such a production is either practicable or desirable. I doubt very much the expediency of interfering with all those ministers and congregations who have already at considerable expense and trouble, provided themselves with selections, by means of which they can “sing praises with understanding.” Their conduct must be considered legal until the contrary is proved : it is certainly sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth's letter-by the connivance or permission of the So vereign-by the example of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and by the practice of near three centuries; nor is there any mode of prohibiting the use of any collection of Psalms or Hymns, except the King should be induced to interfere, and exercise his supremacy. Complaints may be made in certain courts, of particular Psalms or Hymns being used, where the supposed merits of those Hymns will be tried, but I believe no suit of this kind can be instituted on a general ground, or instituted at all so long as the minister and church warden approve of the hymn being sung. Nor are such persons to be justified solely on the ground of legality; they are, I contend, strictly regular, yea, highly praise. worthy, in that they have attempted to rescue, and generally succeed in rescuing, an important part of divine worship from the contempt and reproach into which it has been reduced by the supineness, apathy, and perhaps irreligion of others. Such persons ought not to be disturbed in their pious and laudable proceedings. Some, indeed, are of opinion, that a selection of Psalms and Hymns every way suitable for a plain country congregation, might not be altogether so appropriate for the more refined and better informed worshippers in our metropolis and other wealthy places. But it is not needful to agitate this question. The formation of such a collection is at present scarcely practicable. It would require the consent of our Archbishops and Bishops, and when this was obtained, a general reception could not be enforced without an act of Parliament. "The King has no power to order or enforce the adoption of any collection of metrical Psalms or Hymns: it being wholly at the discretion of congregations to accept or reject them.'* The united injunction of the bench of Bishops would have great weight, but no authority. They are magistrates but not legislators, except when sitting in the House of Lords. Such being the state of things, it is, I conceive, a question for each minister to determine for himself, what version or selection he shall introduce into his own congregation, and how such introduction may be best attempted. I own I should recommend every minister to be exceedingly cautious in alterations of this nature. There are few congregations in which psalmody is altogether neglected, and it is most surprising with what hostility every thing which bears the semblance of innovation is regarded. Men * Gray's Inquiry who care nothing about religion to all others, and the least alteration are glad to seize on any or every in which is a species of sacrilege. excuse for quieting their own con- I cannot myself account in any other sciences, and nothing is so effectual way for the preference given in some as persuading themselves that a cases to very objectionable selec. minister is in the wrong. When, tions, or for the admission into some however, the minister is decided in recent compilations by men of sound making the attempt, he will do judgment, deep piety, and conwell to begin gradually. This may siderable musical taste and skill, often be done by continuing the of various psalms and hymns, where old Psalms at the stated times of the religious sentiments are amsinging, and introducing an extra biguous, the expressions often obhymn, taking great care that such jectionable, and the poetry abomihymn is obviously suited to the nable or contemptible. day, the season, the lessons, the Wbile, however, I say this, I sermon, &c. Let him aim at sug- cannot but feel that a very congestion or persuasion, rather than siderable improvement has recently authority, and never let him have taken place in our hymn books in recourse to authority, much less to a few years. Some hymns have legal measures, until absolutely been quietly dropped from our older compelled. A man loses nothing selections. The modern publicain general by concession-I should tions are more strictly adapted to have liked this, but as my hearers general and congregational use, and do not, I am anxious to consult a greater regard has been in many their wishes rather than my own. instances evinced to convenience In many cases a selection may and economy than on former occaquietly be introduced by means of a sions. It is exceedingly desirable Sunday or Charity school. Most that a Hymn book should be portselections contain portions from able, otherwise perhaps the Bible either version of Psalms; the or Prayer book may be left at home minister may therefore select such to make room for the hymns; it is portions, and such only to be sung, of great consequence that the collecuntil the people gradually become tion should be cheap, that the poor, familiarized to the hymn-book, and, and the young may be able to prowishing for more variety, are pre cure it; the young especially, are pared for its adoption. very much attached to hymns, and In adopting a hymn book the I have known many instances where minister will do well to consider the prospect of obtaining a Hymn very seriously which of the immense book for a reward, has stimulated number already published is most even young children in a Sunday suitable to his own congregation; school to learn in a very short time on this point it is very difficult to the whole of Watts's Divine Songs be impartial. The effect of asso- by heart. ciation very much impairs the If it is deemed expedient to injudgment. Where persons have troduce a selection of Psalms exbeen accustomed to a particular clusively, Cecil's selection appears selection in early life; where certain to me superior to any other, and hymns have been adapted by skilful has met with very general acceptcomposers to favorite tunes; or ance. I have never, however, been where they are connected in the able to discover any good reason recollection with pleasing, affecting for confining the praises of the and interesting events, the mind New Testament Church to the becomes powerfully attached; the model of the older dispensation. I book, or the hymn is regarded as an am aware that many of our generold friend, which must be preferred ally received versions of Psalms are really New Testament paraphrases, highly conducive to congregational and thus in fact may be more ap- singing; nor is the possibility of propriately styled hymns than adapting a hymn exactly to the psalms; and in this way the ques- subject of a discourse of great imtion is rather evaded than fairly portance ; if there be a general met: but so long as fair and legiti- adaptation, that is, if the hymn mate versions of the Psalms are accords well with any part of the used-so long as we adopt correct service, as the Lessons, Gospel, poetical translations of the songs Epistle, &c. the due harmony will be of the sweet singer of Israel, so preserved. Many ministers feel it long our attention is confined to an irksome task to turn over their the imperfect prediction and shadow. Hymn Books just before service to ing forth of gospel mysteries, in- find a suitable Hymn. I know not stead of rejoicing in their full and why the Hymns should not be distinct developement, as recorded selected at an early period, but I in the New Testament. I am am well aware that where there is aware that some adopt Psalms, abundant opportunity of choice, the under the idea of their being more Hymns are often less adapted to the regular than Hymns; this is, how- service than when the collection is ever not the case : custom has smaller. This arises, I conceive, sanctioned the old version—the new from the appointment being left to is permitted to be used by royal incompetent hands. Where the authority, and if you sing any other Minister cannot himself spare time metrical production (except Bishop to select, it may be expedient to Patrick's, which we now seldom adopt a Hymn Book where a list hear of) you will be, and are, just as is made out for every Sunday in irregular as if you adopt a Hymn the year; it is however obvious that of Watts, Wesley, or Toplady, such arrangements can only refer We have formerly had some very to the first Lessons, and the Epistle silly observations, on these topics, and Gospel for the day, and can have in certain episcopal charges, which no reference, except at the greater are now happily, as well as their festivals, to the second Lessons or writers, pretty nigh forgotten. Sermons, a defect, in my judgment, · I have already intimated that the of considerable importance. It may smaller collections of hymns are not be improper to remark, that the preferable to those which are more late venerable Mr. Scott observed numerous, both as being more por- on one occasion, that a selection table and more economical: there of about a hundred and fifty Psalms is however another ground of pre- and Hymns was amply sufficient ference which experience has taught for ordinary congregations; and I me, namely, that they are more am assured, by a clergyman who useful. The larger collections in- has paid some attention to the deed afford greater variety, and subject, that, in a church where a allow of choosing a hymn more Selection of above four hundred exactly suited to the specific subject Psalms and Hymns is used, and of a discourse. But I very much where there are three services in doubt the advantage of so great the week, not more than a hundred variety; it seems to me desirable hymns are ever used in any one that hymns should recurso fre- year : and that, on a comparison of quently as to become familiar to different years, between seventy and our congregations, and as one of eigbty out of the hundred thus used your correspondents has remarked, were found to be the same. Another that the same hymn should as much clergyman informs me, that there as possible be sung to the same tune, are between sixty and seventy which will be found in practice Psalms and Hymns, which are inAUGUST 1829. 2 R serted in almost every collection ing, eighteen-penny, or two shilling that has met with any extensive hymn-books may usually be obcirculation, and which may thus tained at four, sir, or eight pounds, be considered as bearing the im- per hundred, respectively. * primatur of the Christian church. The introduction of congrega I have known some instances tional singing is a subject of great where great inconvenience has been difficulty. The plan of J. B. in sustained, in consequence of a par- your number for April last, p. 138, ticular selection becoming out of is worthy of general adoption, yet I print, when of course no further am not sure that it will be always copies can be obtained, and when, practicable. In fact, had he not the copy-right being in other hands, been favoured with a leader, 'on the aggrieved parties could not whose ear and self-possession he print another edition, even if dis- could depend, I apprehend his plan posed to encounter the risk ; for it would have in great measure failed. may be remarked, that where selec. I quite approve of dispersing the tions are confined to one or two singers, and not allowing them to congregations, they can seldom be congregate in one place. But I supplied at less than double the would send them forth by two or price of those which have already three together. In this case, one acquired an established character, would more effectually sustain the and met extensive patronage. To ob- other; and if two or three such viate this inconvenience, it has been parties could be planted in a cunrecommended to adopt another gregation they will soon be joined selection, containing a considerable by some sweet and modest voices, number of the hymns common to which, wbile delighting to praise both selections, and to confine the God, would shrink at the least obserpsalmody for some time to those vation, and become unable to utter a hymns, the clerk giving out the note. In general, however, it must page of the old selection, and the be by singing in small parties, in number of the hymn in the new. Sunday schools, in families, in This method has been adopted in meetings for social prayer, in Missome instances. I should, however, sionary and Bible meetings, that a rather recommend a clergyman taste for psalmody will be formed. who, either from necessity or choice, in promoting this object, great pawished to change a received selec- tience and mildness are necestion, first to look over and compare sary: instead of reproving an insome of the most approved selec- judicious attempt, endeavour, by tions; and having fixed in his own mind which is the most adapted * The following list of the principal to his people, to confer with a Collections which have fallen in my way, few leading persons in the congre may not be unacceptable; it were, of gation ; if they concur, it may be course, easy to enlarge the list very much. practicable to raise a small sub Compilers. Psalms. Hymns. Total. Price. scription, or to make a collection Cecil......... 987 35 329 9. 60. by which fifty or a hundred books Cunningham 88 120 208 Is. 3d. s. 6d. may be procured for those to whom Horne ...... 155 340 the price of a book is an object, 35. 6d. [Psalms and Hymns intermixed.) . while the middling and bigher . 350 000 950 28.6d. [Hymns alphabetically arranged.) . classes supply themselves. In this Robinson... 419 28. ed. way, an immediate change may Simeon..... 418 25. od. Scholefield .. 133 1 99 332 Is. 6. take place, without any material 253 Is. od. trouble or inconvenience. By ap. 305 90 Is. 60. Lock. ... ... ... Pratt ....... 350 65 354 78 [Alphabetically arranged: Psalms and Hyuins intermixed.] plying to the London publishers, Woodd...... 231 1 81 412 38. 6d. The principal part of the 181 here marked, are and paying ready money, the shill paraphrases of Psalms. ] Webster... singing more correctly, to inspire a tice, but there is no good reason to better taste. I have often felt that be assigned, why it should not persons of correct ear and musical more generally prevail in private taste are sometimes the greatest families.'* obstacles to congregational singing. I have often lamented that MinisWhen a harsh note is struck, they ters in general are not sufficiently look indignant or become silent, instructed in music to ead the whereas if they persevered, their praises of the congregation. This efforts would soon introduce a more attainment would terminate or recorrect harmony. It were much move many difficulties, and I would to be desired that singing more earnestly press it upon those who generally accompanied family wor- are preparing for orders, to bestow ship. The following extract from some little time on this interesting the preface to a small collection of and pleasing recreation. Music has Psalms and Hymns deserves serious its snares and its dangers, and so attention. has every other pursuit and attain• It is much to be regretted, that ment; where however our pursuits the voice of praise so seldom re- are sanctified by the word of God sounds within our habitations. We and prayer—where they are pursued are expressly enjoined to be teach from the desire of promoting his ing and admonishing one another glory, we may humbly hope to be in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual preserved from evil by the power Songs, singing and making melody of his grace. in our hearts unto the Lord, and I had thought of saying somewe cannot therefore but apprehend, thing on the legal right of the that where the members of a clergyman to direct what shall be family are not uniting in praise as sung. But I cannot enlarge. The well as prayer, there is not that right is unquestionable, and has been ardor of devotion, which might judicially recognized. t But I reasonably have been expected. It is a reproach which applies in many * Webster's Psalms and Hymns, for cases, that while difficult pieces the use of Families, Schools, and Congreof music are played and sung with gations. considerable effect, the performers + The following anecdote has been comhave no heart for uniting in the municated to us by a highly esteemed praises of God, but are disposed correspondent. 'A clericalfriend of mine, on undertaking to discourage and censure the un- the charge of a country parish church, scientific and perhaps inharmonious gome years ago, was most painfully exerattempts of others, rather than cised, in the like way with Rusticus. He to endeavour their correction and was considerably annoyed by the giving out of inappropriate portions of the singing improvement, by affording an ex Psalms to be sung by the congregation; ample of a more excellent way. portions, no ways adapted to precede or There is always something wrong, succeed the discourse, and frequently very when those who have health and improper to be sung by a Christian congre gation. He was determined to remedy ability, shrink from singing the this piece of inconsistency, by making his praises of God in the great con own selection of portions from the singing gregation, or on proper occasions Psalms. This was considered as an unwarin the private circle. It was the ranted interference with the self-constituted practice of the late venerable Mr. authority of a small choir of country singers, who heretofore had always had the Scott, to close the services of the arrangement of the singing part of the serLord's day, by singing a hymn vice. To such a shameful and disgraceful with his family, and uniting in length was the opposition carried, as to prayer. The exhausting labors of render it absolutely requisite for my friend to lay the matter before his Diocesan, the Sunday disable indeed many (lately deceased) and to solicit his instrucministers from adopting this prac- tion how to proceed. The answer was |