INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

Evening Star, Issue 3719, 23 January 1875, Page 3

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

To the Editor. —ln reply to one signing himself “ Another Member ” in your hsue of last evening, permit me to say one word. Ido belong to what he is pleased to term the “bigoted cbvs” in so far as I have a desire that we should let well alone, and attend to the work which we all, as members of a Christian Church, ought to have at heart viz , seeking to draw erring ones to the Saviour ; and I take leave to think, sir. that that should be done by the preaching of the gospel more'energetically and acceptably by our ministers, and by the mo e faithful discharge of duty by many of our elders and others who have given themselves to the work. 1, too. confess, although with a f eling of shame, that our Presbyterian Churches are not attended as they ought to be, but surely our ministers will not thank your correspondent for the reasons he assigns, viz., “ long and dry sermons.” It is a bad look-out for a Church when it has to resort to such means as grand instrumental music to draw people to the house of God. Why, sir, what is it that the Episcopal and the Roman Catholic Churches do to draw people within their pak? Just what is now urg* d to be done by some who seem to be lovers of music more than lovers of God and the simplicity of bis worship—lip and heart, worship. I may be cither “an old man” or a young man, so far as your correspondent knous. i. am, howcvtr, quite aware of a “ rising generation” in our Church, and one which would fain ride rough-shod over their more experienced, and, it may be, oiler brethren in all such matters, but think they might “wait a little longer” before attempting, as they are doing, to run away with the harness : wait, in fact, until they have risen. By that time their views may have modified to some extent, and probably they may then be ashamed of ever having made a move in i nch a direction. I think better of Dr Stuart than that he will take the advice of “ ’ noiher Member,” as he knows well that his own people are decided on this question, as are other congregations, and as be is, no doubt, anxious to strengthen rather than weak n oi.r congregation?. “Union is strength !” So say the supporters of the union with the North, at least ; therefore let our Church remain unbroken and united.—l am, ftc , A Member of the Church.