THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Evening Star, Issue 4021, 15 January 1876, Page 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Evening Sedebunt. I Afrer the deputies from the North had ad dt'essed 'he Synid, the la'.ter proceeded to the consideration of the following overture on INSTRUMENTAL MDSIO .*— Whereas the use of instrumental music as an aid in the worship of God is scriptural, and has been sanctioned in moat Presbyterian Churches of the world, aud wheroriß throughout our Church there is on tho part of many ministers of the Church a desire that the liberty to use this aid be given to such congregations as may unanimously desire it, it is humbly overtured by the undersigned members of the Synod that the Synod would take this whale subject into their consideration, and devise such measures thereaneut as may tend to promote the Glory of God and the good of the Church. The Kev. Mr ill, in moving ! That the Synod adopt the overture on the use of instrumental music in the public worship of God, but considering tho presett divided state of opinion in the Church, deem it inexpedient to take any further action thereanent, defended himself against the charge of violating his ordination, vows, in advocating the use of instrumental music; and iutimated that, if such charges were repeated, he would ba obliged to institute an action for slander against thos* making them. The use of instrumental music Was a matter of choice and liberty; and he had no intention of inducing any congiegation to introduce its use. Mr E. B. Oaroill, in seconding the mo

ti >n. regre ted the letter part had been ad led It would have been better to settle the wnole question at ouce He was no advocate for the introduction of novel ies; but whatever might hi their prejudices in these matters, they should remember there was a new generatiou arising which would take up these questi ub freed from the trammels of the prejudices and feelings of the present generation. The Rev. Mr Kylet moved, as an amend - ment :—•" That the overture be not adopted." U.U chief re i son fordoing so was that there was a decided majority of the Kirk sesti;ns, and also a majority or miniate s, againßt thy introduction of instrumental music. He did j not oppose the ii.t oiuolLn of instrum-n til j music as Bin ul or unscripiural, but on the ground of its inexpediency. The tuv, Mr otob •, and Messrs Beqo and DUNCAN opposed the introduction of ins ruraeutal music on scriptural ground*. Mr W. D. vtewabt moved, and Captain Thomson seconded, as a further amendment: — T; at the overture on the use of instrumental music be adopted, and congregations allowed to use such muß;a in the service of God, provided the Fresbytory of the bouuds shall be first satisfied in each case that the members of the congregation proposing to use such music are substantially unanimous. Tuis latter amendment was suppotted by the Rev M'Coah Smith, and the Rev Air Todd Mr RENNIE, in supporting Mr StewartV amendment, remarked that he did not entertail very strong views on the question. IS one of the speakers had as-erted that in was un--Biriptural. (Mr Mobo: Ves, I did) Theu the assertion hal not been asserted by scripture itself. He (Mr Ronnie was wtll enough satisfied with the present modes of worship, bat he did not consider himself at liberty to th ow obstacle* in the way of letting those who ciiobc avail themselves oftheaid of instrumental music. It was wed known that the service of praise to be acceptable mu«t be from the heart whatever the outw rd form may be, but there was no doubt ihat|-ixalted feeling of the mnd i-» in

some measure exerted and heightened by outward pleasurable sensation acting on the sense of heating. In paesing the Wealejan Church he had been arrested by the solemnising effect of ihe music, when the singing could be distinctly heard above the tone of the organ. Having well considered the matter he jould conscientiously support the amendment. The Rev. Mr Bannehman, not feeling satisfied with either motion or amendment, moved. That the overture be rejected; and that it is contrary to the standards of the Presbyterian Church to act upon principles of expediency in the matter of the worship of God. L'he a 'option of instrumental music, the use of which he he'd to be uuecriptural, would destroy tieunif >rmi y and purity of worship, which they were sworn to maintain. At 1.15 a.m. the discussion ,of this subject was adjourned till Tuesday. To-day's S£dbbunt. The Synod met at eleven "o'clock this morning at the first Ghurch, but discussed private matters only. At oae o'clock, an adjournment was made till Monday next, when the Synod will meet at one o'clock, instead of the übuul hour.