had singing and prayer themselves been abolished: but these were not only retained, but enjoined by Christ and his apostles. Our Lord, as likewise his disciples, both before and after his crucifixion, no doubt were in the habit of attending the worship of God at the synagogues, and at the temple. Now, if any disapprobation had ever been ex-in my former remarks on this subject, pressed, or even implied by any of them, at this method of praising God, this would have served his purpose: but a reference to the private devotions of Jesus Christ and his apostles, cannot be analagous to, or admitted as evidence of the institution or abolition of any act of public worship. On the occasion quoted, Matt. xxvi. 30, "they sang a hymn," and doubtless without an instrument: for, let us consider the circumstances attending this affecting opportunity. Our Lord had just taken the last supper with his disciples. The moment before this act, he had filled them with grief, not only by announcing his approaching death, but by intimating to them, that one of them should betray him: the miserable Judas had even then absented himself for this detestable purpose. And now, because in this situation of things, our Lord sang a hymn with his disciples without the assistance of an instrument-therefore, it is incumbent upon his church to reject them as unlawful in public worship!!! With just as much propriety, might the singing of Paul and Silas have been quoted in defence of such a proposition, when they sang praises to God in the prison, their feet being fast in the stocks. And let it by the way be remarked, that in this latter place, in Acts xvi. 25, as likewise in Matt. xxvi. 30, and Mark xiv. 26, the Greek words employed are derived from Tuvew, and are essentially different in their signification from those used by the apostles Paul and James, in Rom. xv. 9, 1 Cor. xiv. 15, Eph. v. 19, James v. 13, viz. derivatives of aw; the former meaning to sing or recite, (hence the Vulgate in Matt. xxvi. 30, "hymno dicto,") but the latter can only be construed to sing, in an accommodated sense: the primary meaning being to touch lightly the strings, or to play upon a stringed in which are inconsistent with its morality, or with the divine appointment, there is place for the exercise of discretion in the selection of the best mode of performing it." That singing is both a moral and an instituted duty, enjoined in the New Testament, there can be no doubt; and, as I before urged it seems quite apparent, that the apostles left it to the discretion of their converts to use instruments or not, according to the situation, or circumstances attending the worship. For, seeing they were then in use among the Jews, it does appear a very marvellous thing, that, if they had been incompatible with the simplicity or spirituality of Christianity, they should not have been declared so, and consequently abrogated: but, on the contrary, we find the apostles, in all their directions to the churches, invariably using words which must necessarily imply their use. strument. I shall now pass on to the third head; viz. that "When a moral or an instituted duty admits of being performed in a variety of ways, none of From what has been advanced, it would appear, that there is nothing in the use of instruments at variance with the precepts of the New Testament: we have now to enquire, whether there be any thing in the use of them inimical to the spirit or morality of the duty. I am at a loss to know how these things can be charged upon that use of an organ, which is merely to keep a congregation in order to dissipate the discrepancies of the voices-to drown discord-to preserve harmony-above all, to avoid the disgusting evils of large choirs, and the more shocking charge, of becoming accessary to a gross insult upon the Divine Being. As to the extent to which, as an individual, I should wish to employ an instrument, I have in this particular been sufficiently explicit, in my former paper; I shall not, therefore, recapitulate it now. Sure I am, such a limited use of an instrument, cannot be opposed to the spirit, or precepts of Christianity. Is it then to be borne, that persons wishing thus to exercise and defend their right of discretion, shall be charged with indirectly countenancing the "FARRAGO of Popish ceremonies?" As to the alleged testimony of an old musty monk of the thirteenth century-the suspicious assertions of an Echard-or the remonstrances of the venerable Dutch Divines of 1598;-what is all this to us? We have quoted higher authority than theirs; and I doubt much, if our bre thren would be willing to acknowledge their testimony as evidence, upon some other particulars. We therefore claim the ground our opponents have provided for us, viz. the exercise of our discretion, in the selection of the best possible mode of performing this instituted duty of the Christian church. To conclude: to us it appears, that if there be any appointed way of performing this duty, laid down in the Sacred Writings, we are right; but if there be no such particular directions, then we claim the right of using our discretion, in that case in which our opponents acknowledge it as "admissible;" viz. the right "of selecting a mode of performing a duty, which must be performed in some way, but where the particular way is not appointed." HAVING seen in one of your columns, the enquiry of a correspondent respecting the "impropriety of attending Sacred Oratorios," and pleased with the satisfactory manner in which you have answered the same, I beg leave to submit to your consideration, whether an exhibition of paintings on the "Sufferings of Christ," "His Agony in the Garden," "The Descent of the Holy Spirit" at his Baptism, and of other subjects, equally sublime and sacred, can be congenial with the pure spirit of Christianity? If they are designed merely for the amusement of the gay, or to display "the sublime and beautiful" in execution, are there not subjects sufficiently fascinating and imposing to arrest the attention, and which at the same time afford ample scope for the display of talent. Or, if they are intended to affect the mind of the truly devout, cannot the eye of faith far more accurately realize subjects so truly interesting and sublime, than the pencil of the most celebrated artist could possibly produce? Being convinced that a want of due consideration will imperceptibly lead even pious minds into error, by countenancing apparently innocent gratifications, which a right use of reason would not sanction, I trust these lines will meet with a kind reception, and receive a cordial reply. Theological Review. Reviero of Orme's Memoirs of the Life, [Continued from page 18.] Owen was appointed to preach before the parliament, on the day after the execution of the king; and the discourse which he then delivered, although silent IN preparing his Memoirs of Owen, on the transactions of the preceding Mr. Orme steadily adheres to what day, and containing the most solemn appears to us to have formed one leading warnings against "oppression, self-seekprinciple in his original design,-—namely, ing, and contrivances for persecution," with to free religion from the unjust slanders a faithful declaration," that much of that have been heaped upon it in con- the evil which had come upon the sequence of the improper conduct of country, had originated within the walls some of its pretended friends. It was of the House of Parliament," has been not likely that the circumstance of im- strangely misrepresented. Several atputing to the Independents the horrid tacks were made on Owen's character, denomination of "Regicides" should in consequence of this discourse; but escape his notice. To the question the most infamous and malignant of respecting the execution of Charles I. these, was that of Vernon, a Glocesterhe has done ample justice within the shire rector. This anonymous libeller, limits of a few pages; and has proved, who was followed in his abuse and deto the satisfaction of all reasonable men, traction by others as unprincipled as not only that the Independents, as a himself, designates Owen, as "The body, had no hand in that event, but prince, the oracle, the metropolitan of that no religious sect whatever can be Independency; the Ahitophel of Cromjustly charged with the crime of putting well; a blasphemer, and perjured perthe king to death. On this subject, we | son, and a libeller of authority, after do not for a moment hesitate to declare, the restoration of Charles II" He that the mind must be either inexcu- accuses him, of "having praised God sably ignorant, or incurably sceptical, for shedding the blood of Christian which remains dissatisfied with the evi- kings, and of being guilty of reiterated dence by which Mr. Orme supports his perjuries against that God, whom he "The parties immediately confidently affirmed to be the inspirer concerned in this tragical scene were, of all his prayers; and finally, invokes the army, the parliament, and the high the state to take vengeance upon a miscourt of justice. The army was a col- | creant, whose crimes deserved the highlection of all the fierce republican spi- est punishment the laws could inflict." rits which had been produced by the This affair is more particularly deservanarchy, the excitement, and the suc-ing of notice, as it seems to have opecess of the preceding years." "The rated after the lapse of thirty four years, parliament, by the numerous changes in drawing forth from the University of it had undergone, was reduced to a Oxford, such an expression of cowardly mere caput mortuum by the army." revenge, as will for ever disgrace the "The high court of justice, being com- memory of those who were then at the posed chiefly of officers of the army, head of that institution. On the and members of the commons, partook twenty-first of July, 1683, this sermon of their respective characters; few of was burnt in the school quadrangle, by the individuals who composed it ever the marshal, before the members of the ranked under the banner of the congre- University, because its positions were gational body." It is no easy matter," pernicious and damnable." This, Mr. however, to divest the mind of preju- Orme informs us, took place within a dice which appearances seem to justify. month of the doctor's death; and justly VOL. VIII. opinion. L ג sence, upon some d be wong to acknowledge A Correspondent under the signature of W. H. A. requests to be informed whether there be any propriety in attri buting Omnipresence, or Ubiquity, to the We mereture claim se ti ar sacretim, 'great Adversary of God and man-" the The best possitie starrears, that wonted way of per- 1 ver dis cr crpo vet ng a mode of But are the J. D. Prince of the power of the air-the Spi rit that worketh in the children of dis obedience?" As this is a subject of considerable importance, and of equal culty, the Editor would feel obliged to any of his correspondents who would take up the subject, and state the doc trine of the Scriptures respecting it. PRIZE ESSAYS. seems calculated to give stimulus to the ex Ix compliance with a practice which ercise of genius, and to foster talent in young authors; the Editor of the New Evangelical Magazine proposes the following subject for discussion, and offers a reward in book to the value of Two Guineas for the ables Essay that shall be transmitted to him in lustration of either of these questions. The : manuscripts to be forwarded to him prior to one of your the 1st of June, 1822, after which they will amespunt be printed in this Magazine, ESSAY I. On the importance of consistency of cha d ample scope racter in those who are vested with the mi , if they nisterial office-and particularly the evil the mid of the influence resulting to enquirers after truth, eye of faith from their acting inconsistently with their rea. ze subjects so avowed principles in the church of God. and shame, than the PREMIUMS. thest cebrated artist The successful candidate must make his The? Being con- election from the following list of books, viz. ata act of due consideration Dr. Dwight's System of Theology, 2 vols. caleven pious minds 4to. bds. , by countenancing apparently Jones's Biblical Cyclopædia, 2 vols. 8vo.hds. batas, which a right as we not sanction, I History of the Christian Church, ? vols. 8vo. ta. L'est des will meet with a kind/ M'Lean's Commentary on the Hebrews, 2 vols. 8vo. and his Apostolic Commission. and receive a cordial reply. New Evangelical Magazine, 7 vols. fine paG. per, and first impressions of the plates. Theological Review. view of Orme's Memoirs of the Life, [Continued from page 18.] Owen was appointed to preach before the parliament, on the day after the execution of the king; and the discourse preparing his Memoirs of Owen, on the transactions of the preceding which he then delivered, although silent Orme steadily adheres to what day, and containing the most solemn ears to us to have formed one leading warnings against "oppression, self-seekciple in his original design,—namely, ing, and contrivances for persecution," with ree religion from the unjust slanders a faithful declaration," that much of have been heaped upon it in con- the evil which had come upon the ence of the improper conduct of country, had originated within the walls of its pretended friends. It was of the House of Parliament," has been likely that the circumstance of im- strangely misrepresented. Several atng to the Independents the horrid tacks were made on Owen's character, mination of 66 pe his notice. Regicides" should in consequence of this discourse; but ecting the execution of Charles I. these, was that of Vernon, a GlocesterTo the question the most infamous and malignant of as done ample justice within the shire rector. This anonymous libeller, s of a few pages; and has proved, who was followed in his abuse and desatisfaction of all reasonable men, traction by others as unprincipled as only that the Independents, as a himself, designates Owen, as "The had no hand in that event, but prince, the oracle, the metropolitan of no religious sect whatever can be Independency; the Ahitophel of Cromcharged with the crime of putting well; a blasphemer, and perjured perking to death. On this subject, we son, and a libeller of authority, after ot for a moment hesitate to declare, the restoration of Charles II" He the mind must be either inexcu- accuses him, of "having praised God ignorant, or incurably sceptical, for shedding the blood of Christian ch remains dissatisfied with the evi- kings, and of being guilty of reiterated ce by which Mr. Orme supports his perjuries against that God, whom he "The parties immediately confidently affirmed to be the inspirer cerned in this tragical scene were, of all his prayers; and finally, invokes army, the parliament, and the high the state to take vengeance upon a mist of justice. The army was a col- creant, whose crimes deserved the highon of all the fierce republican spi- est punishment the laws could inflict." which had been produced by the This affair is more particularly deserv. chy, the excitement, and the suc- ing of notice, as it seems to have opeof the preceding years." iament, by the numerous changes in drawing forth from the University of "The rated after the lapse of thirty four years, had undergone, was reduced to a Oxford, such an expression of cowardly caput mortuum by the army." revenge, as will for ever disgrace the The high court of justice, being com- memory of those who were then at the ed chiefly of officers of the army, head of that institution. d members of the commons, partook twenty-first of July, 1683, this sermon their respective characters; few of was burnt in the school quadrangle. e individuals who composed it ever the marshal, before the members On the anked under the banner of the congre- University, because its positions ational body." however, to divest the mind of preju- Orme informs us, took pla It is no easy matter, pernicious and damnoble." The on. re fice which appearances seem to justify. month of the doctor's desi VOL. VIII. L |
