An inquiry into the privilege and duty of the Christian church, in the exercise of sacred praise: a chronology and history of Scripture songs from the creation; an enlarged review of the ancient and modern history of the psalmody of the Christian church; and an examination of "An apology for the Book of Psalms"

Front matter

UNIVERSITY

OF PITTSBURGH

LIBRARY

Preface

Ix presenting this work to the public, the author expressly disclaims the design of entering into a contest of angry words with any member, and still less with any branch of the visible Church of Christ. While, therefore, he feels it to be a duty to examine the ' Apology' of Mr. M'Master, as well its language as its arguments, he trusts, that even in that part of his work, the reader will not find any thing inconsistent with the above profession. While, therefore, he designs faithfully and firmly to point out some of the marked improprieties of Mr. M'Master's language, and tocorrect a number of his erroneous statements and misrepresentations, to descend to his abusive language, or retort his invectives, he has no intention.

The subject, indeed, on which he writes, if duly weighed, is rather calculated to repress the turbulent passions, and elicit the best feelings of the human breast, even while it excites and exercises the temperate zeal of the judicous advocate. Neither can the author think, that angry or reproachful language will ever give weight to argument, or invite to candid investigation. It may confirm or infuriate the prepossessions of prejudice — dictate or control the opinions of ignorance — rally and concentrate the zeal or the envy of sects and parties; but to aid the mind in its judicious deliberations — facilitate the conclusions of sound wisdom— or fix the principles of the inquirer on the immoveable foundation of truth, it has no power. He feels, therefore, quite disposed to leave the whole vocabulary of abuse to those who have a taste and a talent for its employment, as he hopes he has not so learned Christ — as it is not necessary to the illustration or defence of his sentiments— and as the taste and the interest of his readers do not require it.

Some of the language which Mr. M'Master has seen fit

to employ, has also suggested the expediency of giving, in

an introductory letter, a succinct account of the progress of 1 *

VI PREFACE.

the discussion on this subject, and particularly the manner in which the author of the present work has been drawn, into it

In all this, he desires to write under a due impression of his high responsibility to the public, to the church, to his own conscience, and above all, to the Searcher of hearts, from whom the motives of action and means of accomplishment cannot be concealed-

Should this work be instrumental in breaking down some of the remaining barriers of prejudice — of refuting the unsupported allegations of party zeal — of encouraging a more free and enlarged enjoyment of christian and scriptural privileges — and of harmonizing and uniting the sentiments and feelings of the children of God, in the delightful exercise of sacred praise; the author would rejoice in this rich reward of his labour.

To a candid public, therefore, under the patronage of heaven, he fearlessly commits it; hoping,, that its faults may be forgiven, and what is according to godliness may be blessed; for which purpose, he requests- that it may be read with attention and patience — examined with care and deliberation — and judged with candour and truth, and he asks no more.

Since the proposals for this work have been issued, the Christian Monitor for October, 1824, published at Albany, has fallen in my way, in which I find the following article :

(i Proposed New Publication.

We find in the Pittsburgh Recorder, a proposition (should* it meet with sufficient encouragement) to publish a work entitled, "An inquiry into the duty and privilege of the christian church in the exercise of sacred praise — By T. D. Baird, A. M." the avowed object of which is, a refutation of a work entitled, "An Apology for the Book of Psalms — By Gilbert M'Master, A. M." We are ignorant of Mr. Baird's qualifications for the execution of the work he has undertaken; but whatever his talents may be, we hope he will evince for the book of Psalms, as a component part of

PREFACE. Vll

the inspired volume, greater reverence than most of his predecessors have done when advocating the cause which Mr. B. has espoused."

If the writer of the above is ignorant of the author's "qualifications" or "talents," it is a full confession that he is also ignorant of his disposition; and any insinuation of irreverence for the Psalms of David, by anticipated hopes or fears, is at this period, not only unseasonable, but extremely indecorous.

The assumption, too, that my "predecessors" have treated the book of Psalms, as a component part of the inspired volume, tvith irreverence, is not only gratuitous, but utterly void of truth, as we shall have occasion to notice more particularly in the sequel. With all the changes which have been rung on this charge, from the distant insinuation to the broad and violent accusation, and by whomsoever propagated, whether from the kitchen, the parlour, the pulpit, or the press, it is untrue. Not one of the writers to whom the allusion is made, has treated the buok of Psalms, or any part of the word of God, in the irreverent manner intimated, or rather assumed in the above article* That incautious, or, if the epithet please better, improper, expressions have been used, we have no disposition to deny; but as irreverence expresses a particular state of mind, there is a vast difference betwixt an inconsiderate or an improper expression, and irreverence fur any part of scripture.

Even Dr. Watts, who has been so much vilified as the archenemy of the book of Psalms, although he has written some things which few would approve, has not written any thing that a reader of intelligence and candour would construe into such irreverence; and has written much which affords conclusive evidence of a very contrary character.

If our opponents themselves have guarded against every improper expression, it is well — they may cast stones: but if, in the defence of their own views, they have indulged unhallowed language or feelings, were their sentiments ever so correct, it might perhaps be nearly as criminal to contend wickedly for God, as to treat even the Psalms of David with irreverence.

In fine, it might have been as well for the Monitor to have suffered us to proceed in our own course, without those flings in which our brethren on the other side are so fond

Vlll PREFACE".

to indulge; and if, when we shall have done, the Psalmshave suffered by our observations, the Christian Monitor, or any of its friends, will have the right and the opportunity to apply the proper corrective. But the course which has been hitherto pursued by this and other writers, will have little tendency to convince any one of error, or to bring the question to any useful issue, unless obloquy and reproach would promise such a result.

It is not for the author to say how far he has succeeded in his design, but instead of treating the Psalms of David, or any other part of the sacred volume with the least irreverence, he has endeavoured, in the following sheets, whatever other authorities he may have used, to keep the " law and the testimony" constantly in view. If they will not support his cause, he has no wish it should stand, much less prevail. As, however, he is fully persuaded that divine revelation triumphantly sustains the principles he has undertaken to advocate, he would, with all due deference to the judgment of others, show also his opinion. In forming and supporting this opinion, he occupies ground which he believes to be altogether new. In it he has no "predecessor;" and in occupying it he is no "copyist." Whatever, therefore, may be its merit or demerit, the credit or the blame is exclusively his own. He neither admits the weakness nor declines the support of the arguments formerly employed. Their being trite has not impaired their strength, but if he has been able to call to his aid original and efficient arguments, he feels himself not only authorised, but bound, to lay them before the reader, that he may give them that weight in the formation of his opinion, to which they may appear to have a just claim.

When his opinions and his reasons* shall have been examined with deliberation and candour, he willingly leaves every reader to draw his own conclusions.

That these conclusions may be according to truth, and to the praise and glory of God, is, so far as he can judge his own views and exercises^ his sincere desire and prayer-

In this introductory letter I propose giving' a succinct sketch of the controversy on the subject of Psalmody, as it has progressed from about the time of its commencement in this country, until the present day ; at least, so far as it has fallen under my observation, or come to my knowledge.

In fulfilling this design, I am led to remark, that the first publication on the subject which I have seen, or of which I have heard, is a sermon entitled, " An humble attempt toward the improvement of Psalmody, or the propriety, necessity and use of evangelical psalmody in worship : delivered at a meeting of the Presbytery of Hanover in Virginia, Oct. 6, 1762 — By John Todd, A. M." The first sentence of the preface says, "The author had no design of publishing the following discourse, but a petition having been presented to the presbytery, desiring their opinion, whether Dr. Watts' Psalmody might, with safety, be used in the churches; and the presbytery having appointed him to give his sentiments on the subject; and several persons who heard it, having earnestly desired it might be printed, urging, that it would be of use to many serious inquirers : desirous to serve the best interests of -mankind, he sends it abroad into the world. ,r This is a valuable little performance, but out of print, and. now little known in the church.

X INTRODUCTION.

The next work which has come to my knowledge, is " Plain reasons why neither Dr. Watts' Imitation of the Psalms, nor his other poems, nor any other human composition, ought to be used in the praises of the great (rod our Saviour — but that a metre version of the book of Psalms, examined with wise and critical care, by pious and learned divines, and found by them to be as near the Hebrew metre Psalms as the idiom of the English language would admit, ought to be used—By Thomas Clark, V. D. M. Albany, 1783." The design of this work is fully explained in the title; but, I apprehend, that it will be extremely difficult to find a version of the above description. In short, I believe there never was, and never will be, one to answer the portrait drawn by Mr. Clark. To lay aside other qualities or requisites, the single one of being as near the Hebrew metre Psalms as the idiom of the English language would admit, has never yet been attained, and we apprehend never will. The requirement as near, would be hard to answer, or to say when it was effected.

In the year 1790, the Rev. John Black of Marsh creek, Pennsylvania, appeared in defence of a gospel psalmody, in a SeVmon entitled, "The duty of christians in singing the praises of (rod, explained.7' To this there was a reply in the following year, in a "Discourse on the divine ordinance of singing psalms — By John Anderson, minister of the gospel, and member of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania." — 1 To this Mr. Black rejoined in the next year, by "An examination of the lie v. John Anderson's

INTRODUCTION. XI

discourse on the divine ordinance of singing psalms.*7 In the year 1794, the Rev. James Latta, D. D. entered the lists, in •k A Discourse on Psalmody," from Col. iii. 16, 17; which had not only the approbation of his brethren, but also that of the candid of other denominations, This circumstance appears to have given Mr. M'Master considerable displeasure and uneasiness, as we may plainly see in the following marginal note.

i 6 After reading Dr. Latta* s discourse on psalmody, and not a little surprised at its sentiments and reasoning, upon turning to the Christian's Magazine, my surprise was accompanied by pain, to find that the learned and orthodox editors of that respectable work, devoted their pages to eulogise that gentleman, not only as a man, and a scholar, but a divine; and, as if to make it more conspicuous, in a marginal note, to adduce his "Discourse on Psalmody," as a specimen of his talent, in justification of their eulogy. No less painful is it to find such a work receive the high commendation of such a man as the learned and excellent professor at Princeton, in his life of Dr. Rodgers. It is hoped none of these gentlemen were really acquainted with the true character of that work; but resting upon what they considered the character of their friend, unwittingly transferred the reputation of the man to his book. Their testimony may be employed, in a future day, to give currency to thr very exceptionable pages of that discourse. To correct the evil is a duty they owe to themselves, to the church of God, and to the cause of truth." Apol-

Xll INTRODUCTION.

ogy, p. 112, third edition; which is the edition I use, unless where another is specified.

It must have been rash indeed, for Drs. Mason and Miller, to eulogise a work to which the author of the Apology has such a dislike; and it is perhaps the least that could be expected, that they would, according to the course he has prescribed, correct the evil, by making a seasonable and explicit retraction of their eulogies on Dr. Latta's book. Mr. M'M. has alsogiven the Drs. a tolerably fair specimen of his charity and candour, in supposing they had unwittingly recommended a book, with the true character of which none of them were acquainted, but transferred the reputation of the man to his book, by resting upon what they considered the character of their friend. And besides all this, that they gave this very book, of the contents of which they were ignorant, as a specimen of his talent as a man, a scholar and a divine. What a generous apologist! !

Those who know the character of Drs. Mason and Miller, will not easily believe that a book highly commended or eulogised by these "learned and orthodox editors and the excellent Professor," contains the absurdity or impiety which our author ascribes to the work of Dr. Latta. With such readers, his declaration or his opinion when weighed against theirs, will prove light as vanity. But more of Dr. Latta hereafter.

In the year 1800, Mr. Anderson published his "Vindiciae Cantatus Dominicse;" and the next year appeared "A Discourse on Psalmody, delivered at Newburgh, before the Presbytery

INTRODUCTION, XIH

of Hudson, Sept. 1801 — By Jonathan Freeman* A. M. V. D. M."

From this period until the year 1815, the cause of Gospel Psalmody appears to have been making peaceable and steady progress. But a bout the latter period, Mr. M'Master and some others, were burnishing their armour for a fresh onset — although the " Science of Praise" was published before the " Apology/' or Mr. Walk er's Sermon, yet in the first it is said, the author of the " Science of Praise'7 " would not have beeR noticed, were it not for the company in which he is found;" and the last, " I had not the pleasure of seeing your pamphlet, nor had I even knowledge of its existence, until my sermon was almost ready for the press." These authors, therefore. wTere preparing, at the period mentioned, to bring the subject before the public, but were anticipated. by the zeal of one of their brethren.

In the latter part of the year above Mentioned, having been engaged to preach in a vacant congregation belonging to our church, at some little distance from my own, and in the vicinity of the Rev. Robert Wallace of the Reformed Presbytery, he attended sermon, or at least arrived before the service was closed. After the dismission of the assembly, he commenced a most furious attack upon me, respecting the psalmody of our church; and after a debate at least sufficiently animated, Mr. Wallace concluded by a torrent of abusive declamation against revivals of Teligion, camp-meetings, Presbyterians, &c. &c. and finally, with the rest of hfs brethren, wondered we were not smitten dovm like Uzza 2

XIV INTRODUCTION.

To tills I rejoined, that as these things were quite foreign to the subject of dispute, they could answer no purpose in the discussion, unless as a thin covering to his defeat, and that the simple fact of his resorting to the language of vituperation and abuse was a tacit acknowledgment, that cither his ground was untenable, or he was incompetent to maintain it. In a subsequent conversation he confirmed ihis remark, by acknowledging, in the presence of company, that I had "puzzled" him.

Soon after this conversation, Mr. W. undertook to instruct his people on the subject of Psalmody, by a discourse in Avhich he certainly manifested an uncommon share of originality and ingenuity, in the selection and management of his thesis. His text was Judges xii. 6, u Then said they unto him, say now Shibboleth : and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan : and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand." In the exposition of this scripture, Shibboleth was stated to prefigure or symbolize David's Psalms — Sibboleth, Watts' Imitation — Jordan, death — and the Ephraimites, the Presbyterians. When, therefore, they shall come to the banks' of Jordan, that is, to the hour of death, those who can say Shibboleth, that is those who have sung David's Psalms, shall pass over in safety; but those who only say Sibboleth, that is those who have used Watts' Imitation, shall die the death. Notwithstanding my information respecting the above discourse was from a res-

INTRODUCTION. XV

pectable source, I could not resist the impression that the account I received was a caricature, until I had the opportunity and satisfaction of hearing it from Mr. W. himself. I communicated to him the account of his discourse wbich 1 had received, and which I have given above, adding the explicit question, "Is it possible, Mr. Wallace, that you have given such an explanation of the text in question?" To which hereplied expressly in these words, " I confess it is substantially correct." To the information I had before obtained, Mr. W. himself added an account of nine characteristics he had given of the Presbyterians, in which they were symbolized by their prototypes, the Ephraimites; such as, that they were " a cruel people — a wicked people — a treacherous people — a lying people," &c. &c. and stated, or rather boasted, that he had said hard things of the " General Assembly." These were his own statements, and require no comment. The facts however could be established even in a court of justice.

All this, however, might have passed away as the shadows of the evening, had not Mr. W. adopted other expedients to create uneasiness among my people. Not contented with preaching his Shibboleth sermon, and vilifying the Presbyterians and the General Assembly in public, he adopted the plan of separate and private, conversations, to till their minds with a variety of difficulties and dissatisfactions, for the purpose of proselytism, until the best informed among my people, as well as among those of my brethren to whose council I had access, were decided-

XM, INTRODUCTION.

ty of opinion that it had become necessary to counteract his insidious conduct by a suitable publication.

Although such were the causes that originated the " Science of Praise," it is thought that it was untainted with invidious or party languager or feelings. It reproached no sect — attacked nodenomination of professing christians; but attempted to discuss the subject on which it was written,, in a manner as applicable to a portion of that branch of the church to which the author belongs, as to any other. Under these circumstances, and with these views, that book made its appearance in the spring of 1816; and although young in the ministry — settled far from good or extensive libraries — encumbered with other duties and avocations — and, for particular reasons-, the work hurried through the press- with undue precipitation, I had very soon the satisfaction to know its favourable reception, as well as its acknowledged and salutary effects. All uneasiness in my own charge immediately subsided — - many who had held contrary sentiments on the subject of psalmody were convinced; and the favourable opinion of my fathers and brethren, m the most desirable instances, was expressed in zerms much more flattering than I had ventured M> anticipate.

In the year 1817, a pamphlet was published at Cadiz, Ohio, by the liev. John Walker, of the Associate Church. This pamphlet contains " A Sermon" from Ps. cv. 2. aud "Letters to the Rev. T. D. fiaird. Minister of the ftospel at Newark* Ohio." V quotation frqiu

INTRODUCTION. Xvif

the (i Sermon," and another from the " Letters/' will afford the reader a sufficient specimen of Mr. Walker's work. In the sermon, p. 8, Mr. W. says, "We proceed to observe, that the command given by Hezekiah and his princes , was either judicial, ceremonial or moral : it could not be judicial, for this law only respected the Jewish politics : it could not be ceremonial, because it is, and will continue to the end of the world, a permanent duty in the church." Perhaps the reader will be able to make something of the argument of Mr. W. but it is certain I cannot unless it is this — that it will continue because it will continue; or, as the honest Caledonian would illustrate predestination, " What maun be wull be."

In the first of Mr. W's letters addressed to me, in speaking of Messrs. Latta and Black, he says, " To do these ministers justice, they had some knowledge of rhetoric; they had learned to distinguish between the style of argumentation and the style of the stage; they had studied how to reject the figure swollen to a shapeless size, and the language which sinks beneath the level of common learning," p. 45. I would have been very much gratified if the author had subjoined a note for the benefit of uninformed readers, explaining to what size a figure is swollen when it becomes shapeless, as it would require one who has some knowledge of rhetoric to illustrate that point.

The above quotations are by no means unfair specimens of Mr. W's writing; and therefore, a reply to the book was thought quite ujinecesgajry,. and none was ever offered xvm rxTRODircrrox.

In the year 1818, there appeared, at Ballsfon JSpa, "An Apology for the Book of Psalms, in live Letters; addressed to the friends of Union in the church of God— By Gilbert M'Master, A. M." And in 1821, at Philadelphia, there appeared the '• Third edition, reprinted, with some corrections, from the second edition, improved; together with animadversions upon Dr. Ely's review of the first edition." Of these I say nothing at present, as this work will occupy its full share of my attention hereafter.

In this same year an anonymous publication appeared at Carlisle, Pa. entitled, "Hints on the Church Psalmody, being an attempt to repel the violence of sueh as would rob her of a precious right." This is the work of a firm and decided writer, and I am led to think, that if he had extended his " Hints" to the whole field of this controversy, he would at least have greatly lessened, if he would not have entirely superseded the necessity of another publication. In 1822, appeared the "design and use of the book of Psalms in the New Testament Church, illustrated and proved-1— By Alexander Gordon, Pastor of the Associate Congregation of Guinston." This author appears as the auxiliary of Mr. M'Master, and in his preface chaunts the eulogy of his intelligence, cool impartiality, candor, 8£c. 8£c. If Mr. M'M. is a cool, impartial and candid writer, I know not how it is possible to be otherwise. If, too, the structure which Mr. M'M. has raised, should be in danger of falling, I apprehend that the buttress which Mr. Gordon, has placed, under it will not long sustain it.-

INTRODUCTION. XIX

*This year, also, appeared "Strictures on a book, entitled, 'An Apology for the Book of Psalms— By Gilbert M'Master:' to which will be added, Remarks on a book, entitled, 'The design and use of the Book of Psalms — By Alexander Gordon' — By Henry Ruffner, M. A. Lexington, Va. 1822."

Had this writer taken a more extensive view of the subject, he might have saved his brethren any farther trouble; for as far as he has occupied the ground, he has done it with effect: but still, it is only "Strictures" and "Remarks;" and much of the Apology, and of the question, remain untouched. What Mr. Ruffner has performed, however, shows that he was capable of more.

I have heard of two or three other little essays on this subject, but I neither know their titles nor their merits. From such a catalogue, however, amounting to no less than twelve writers, and fourteen publications on both sides of the question, some of which have passed through several editions, it might reasonably enough be inquired, " Where is, or can be, the call for another on the same subject?" To this, it is replied, that the greater part of those mentioned, are out of print — that those which are still in circulation, are chiefly distributed east of the mountains — that in gen eral they are only Hints, Strictures, Remarks, &c. — that it is believed that new light can be elicited in favour of a Gospel Psalmody, and that the history of the Church on this subject, and under its different dispensations, is not as well known, or as much noticed, as would be profitable to the worshippers of GodV

XX INTRODUCTION.

Excepting also the attention paid to Dr. Ely, in the last edition of the Apology, I am the only surviver of those who have been personally distinguished by the abuse of Mr. MrM. On the authority of his book, I have been represented as the copyist of Dr. Latta; as not only inimical to, but the virulent enemy of inspired songs: while these and other unfounded statements circulate with the third edition of the Apology, repeated, unrefuted and believed. As, therefore, I was compelled, in self-defence, in the first instance, to appear against the insidious devices of a Rev. brother of Mr. M' M., so I am again brought under a similar necessity by Mr. M?M. himself. In this necessity, devolving upon me the opinion of a number of my fathers and brethren are as decided as my own.

xVs, too, the brethren of Mr. M'Master zealously patronize his work; as all ranks in that and some other denominations, aid with equal zeal, in its circulation: and as the third edition is in a great measure distributed, an importance, though of an adventitious character, is stamped upon it that demands attention.

Again. If, as it is said, and as the zeal manifested in the circulation of the Apology would seem to imply, this is their best work on that side of the question, a fair and full examination of all its most important parts will try their main strength, and perhaps have some tendency to bring the contest nearer to a close.

As some of the subjects of our author's animadversion had gone the way of all the earth, before he so severely chastised them, so others o£

INTRODUCTION. XX*

them have since been committed to their kindred dust. In the course of my remarks, therefore, I will feel myself under no less obligation to defend the character of the pious dead, when unjustly assailed, than to vindicate my own. Why all this has not been sooner attempted, will be of little interest to the public. Suffice it to say, that when I obtained the first sight of the Apology, proposals were out for a third edition; that when that edition was published, a number of domestic engagements and circumstances placed the execution of this work out of the bounds of common practicability — that I also expected a brother, who was equally concerned with myself, but whom the clods of the valley have since covered, to perform the work and save me the labour, and finally, that I had frequent and serious fears, that the unfairness and scurrility of Mr. M?M. might lead me, even unawares, into the employment of language too much like his own. However, resolved to watch against excitement, I am well aware of great deficiency in self-control, and great provocation in the Apology, if unfair statements, unfounded and heavy charges, and personal insults, may be viewed in that light. It may be observed, too, that from the necessity of refuting erroneous statements there arises a ne cessity of employing language to answer the pur ose, which sometimes may appear to arise from a resentful spirit, when it does not, and doubtless often savours too strongly of that leaven.

All this, however, is now left with the candid reader, from whom alone I expect any indulgence, or even fairness; and from whom alone 1 think worth while to ask it..