under consideration-how beautifully adapted to dispel all our anxious fears, in reference both to soul and body-how admirably calculated to comfort the heart, in regard to future trials, whether spiritual or temporal! Do we, from painful experience of his power and malice, fear the assaults of our great adversary the Devil? This blessed promise should quell all our apprehensions. Do we fear the bursting forth of our corruptions, to the great discomfort of our souls, the grieving of God's spirit, and the injury of his cause? Here is the ground of our encouragement, for "sin shall not have dominion over us." Do we anticipate days of darkness-of sickness-of trouble? How satisfactory to have the assurance of Him who "is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever," that "He will not fail nor forsake his people;" but as their days, so their strength shall be." Upon this and similar

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declarations of eternal truth, let the weak and tempted believer in the Son of God fix his thoughts and rest his hopes. Expecting its fulfilment according to our need, let us go forward in the way appointed us, as the disciples of our Lord, looking continually to Him perfect his strength in our weakness," humbling ourselves daily before his cross, because of our manifold sins and provocations; yet confiding in his mercy and faithfulness to make sure to us all that he hath promised, to the glory of his grace, and the strengthening and refreshing of

our souls.

Thus, leaning upon our beloved, we shall, in due time, overcome all the enemies of our salvation-be freed from all the evils of this mortal life, and have an entrance ministered unto us into his heavenly kingdom. Even so, Lord Jesus. Amen.

THE following address to the freeholders of the county and electors of the city of Worcester, may not perhaps be unsuitable to the present crisis:

While so much is being said on the subject of Parliamentary Reform, permit one who feels deeply interested in the welfare of his countrymen, to remind you that there is another Reform, which ought not to be lost sight of, and which concerns every one of us more than any thing on earth: --I mean personal reform; which includes a change of heart and life, in every individual who bears the Christian name, but does not in his daily conduct exemplify the Christian character. Allow me to ask, are you living careless about the salvation of your soul, unmindful of eternity? Reform; for the Bible says, "Prepare to meet thy God!"

"What is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"-Are you a Sabbath-breaker? Reform; for the Bible says, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy!"Are you a Swearer ? Reform; for the Bible says, "Swear not at all."

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain,”Are you a Drunkard? Reform; for the Bible says, "that drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God."-Are you in the habit of flying from your word? Reform; for the Bible says, "that liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."-Are you in the habit of living by dishonest means? Reform; for the Bible says, "Let him that stole, steal no more, but rather let him labour,

working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."-Are you one who strives to overreach others in bargains? Reform; for the Bible says, "that no man must go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because, that the Lord is the avenger of all such."-Are you one who runs in debt, without intending to pay? Reform; for the Bible says, Owe no man any thing." "Whatsoever

ye would that men should do to you, even so do ye to them."-Are you a covetous man? Reform; for the Bible says, "The love of money is the root of all evil." "The covetous man is an idolater."Are you a violent, overbearing, proud, malicious, revengeful character ?

Reform;

for Christ gave this commandment to his Disciples, "Love one another." And the Bible also says, "He that hateth his brother is a 'murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him."-Are you living in the neglect of prayer? Reform; for the Bible says, "Pray without ceasing."

In every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." Are you negligent in reading the Word of God? Reform; for in that sacred book it is written, "Search the Scriptures."—Are you a murmuring discontented character? Reform; for the Bible says, *Be content with such things as ye have."-Are you absorbed in this 'present world, forgetful of God? Reform; for the Bible says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; if any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him." "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that forget God."-Are you given up to folly and empty 'amusements? Reform; for the

Bible says, that those "who live in pleasure, are dead while they live." "The end of that mirth is heaviness.”—Are you living in the practice of any known sin, or in the neglect of any known duty? Reform; for the Bible says, "Except ye repent ye shall perish." "If you sin against the Lord, be sure your sin will find you out." "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment."-Are you in the habit of showing contempt to the Gospel of Christ? Reform; for the Bible says, "There is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved, but only the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." May every man bear in mind, that he has a rotten borough in his own bosom -a corrupt heart! For the Bible says, "From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." May every man seek from above to have his heart RE-formed-made new; for the Bible says, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." May every man be anxious to have one indivi dual mended, and let that one be himself: then, through the Divine blessing, should we see in every place, kind parents, affectionate husbands, dutiful children, upright masters, trusty servants, honest workmen, good citizens, and loyal subjects. This would constitute a glorious Reform indeed, the blessings of which would extend to the latest posterity, for the Bible says, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."

A FRIEND TO RICH AND POOR.

The Music of the Church considered in its various branches, Congregational and Choral: an Historical and Practical Treatise for the general Reader. By John Antes La Trobe, M. 4. 8vo. Pp. xvi. and 454. Seeleys. 1831.

IN no instance does the church militant more nearly resemble the church triumphant than when her congregations join with heart and voice in singing the praises of Almighty God. On such occasions the most lively emotions are often felt, the most consoling anticipations experienced. Yet alas! in how many congregations of professing Christians, in how many churches throughout our land, may a worshipper attend from week to week, and year to year, without being favoured with any such holy excitement and lively consolation, or rather in how many instances is his spirit disquieted within him at finding the attempts at praising God the least lively, animated, or appropriate of any part of the service.

In our larger towns, and more numerous congregations, this opprobrium is, we think in some degree, passing away. The controversies about Psalms and Hymns have convinced many, both of the clergy and the laity, of the right which the minister unquestionably possesses of selecting and appointing the stanzas which shall be sung; while the innumerable selections which have been published, however deficient or even disgraceful some of them are when tried by any correct standard, whether poetical or theological, have yet by their extended circulation and general adoption evinced that notwithstanding a few lingering and straggling objections, the introduction of such selections is so far from being in itself irregular,

JULY 1831.

that it is perfectly consistent with the practice of our church from the period of the reformation, and sanctioned by royal commendation, by episcopal countenance, and by the habitual practice of a large majority of the most dillgent and exemplary clergymen. Where such selections are introduced, they are almost invariably accompanied with a considerable improvement in Psalmody; and such improvement would be still more extensive and general, did not too many of the clergy lose sight of the immense value and importance of this part of our service.

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In our smaller towns however, and our country congregations, the evil still remains, and in many parts is on the increase. In some instances the very attempt at psalmody is relinquished; in others, psalm is given out, and a tune played on a barrel organ, without one accompanying voice, while in many the tunes and the gestures of the different performers vocal and instrumental, are alike offensive to piety and harmony. Such cases are at once disgraceful and injurious they powerfully tend to bring religion into contempt. A careless and negligent spirit takes possession of some, while others are led to join themselves to congregations, who by their zealous and energetic exertions in this department of public worship, convey the idea of being really in earnest.

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Such being the state of things, we hail with great satisfaction the appearance of the present volume: The name of the author is itself a

pledge for competent musical attainment, while a perusal of the work must convince every reader, that Mr. La Trobe has both thought deep and reasons well upon his subject. The work consists of ten chapters, under the following heads, The Prologue-The Progress of

On all these topics our author is at once instructive and interesting, and the work should be carefully studied by every 'minister. In selecting however the following extracts, our object is at once to suggest practical hints to our readers on various points, and also to afford a specimen of Mr. L's reasoning.

In Mr. L's third chapter, en titled, The Clergyman, he ably points out the influence of clerical example, the requisite qualifications for a musical reform, the advantages possessed by the clergyman over country choirs, and then, as introductory to his plans of reformation, introduces the following representation of a country per formance. It may perhaps provoke a smile; we wish it were in our power to add, that such cases had never occurred.

Suppose a clergyman inducted to a country living, of which he comes to take possession. The small church is crowded to hear the new parson,' and the singers and performers are preparing in the gallery to make their best display. At the appointed time they commence. The first specimen he has of his choir is perhaps ushered in by a clarinet, which, though rather a favourite in country churches, is the most hapless in untutored hands. This is commissioned to lead off, and after some dreadful hiccups on the part of the instrument, which is its infirmity when clumsily dealt with, and which chases the blood chill through the veins, the tune is completed, and the singing proceeds. Then other instruments are introduced

the flute,

And the vile squeaking of the wry-necked fife, and it may be, breaking suddenly in with portentous thunder, after three or four notes spent in gathering up the long clambering instrument, some unlucky, deep-mouthed bassoon. It may readily be conceived, that these instruments by their united clamour, will lay a sufficient foundation of noise, upon which the singers may rear their super

structure. This they proceed to do with their whole breath of lungs, each striving to surpass his neighbour in vociferation; till, exhausted with the exercise, they gradually cease, according to the tenure of their breath; the bassoon player, for the dignity of his instrument, commencing his last note rather later than the rest, and, by a peculiar motion of his shoulders, pumping out the whole power of his lungs in one prolonged and astounding roar, All sit down-a smile of self-gratulation playing about the lip, supposing that they have given their new parson a good idea of the manner in which they can anticipate the joys of heaven, as if

"The air of Paradise did fan the house, And angels officed all.'

The thoughts however that occupy his mind, would be little calculated to foster their complacency.-Pp. 87-89.

What however is in such a case to be done?-after some very appropriate remarks and suggestions, Mr. L. thus proceeds

When he has made himself fully acquainted with the nature and extent of the evil, let him mingle with them [the choir] in conversation,-speak to them of the importance of their office,*** tell them of nobler principles than their own pride, inquire after their tunes,— evince, by a few pertinent remarks, that he has some knowledge of the art, and shew that he is willing to interest himself in their employments. Let him propose an hour a week at his own house, or at the school-room for practice. Let him be regular himself in attendance, solemnize the occasion by a short prayer,-admit them with all their incongruity of instruments, vociferous voices, and bad tunes,-win by kindness their confidence, and then proceed with his work of reformation.

The tunes might claim an immediate attention. In the place of the boisterous anthems and fugues, (as they are impudently termed, which so generally obtain in country churches, he would seek to substitute simpler and more sober compositions. He would take upon him, as a matter of course, to determine the tunes for the public services and rehearsals, designedly but not professedly, leaving to their deserved fate the most villainous of such as had been previously in use, and adhering to the genuine church tunes, specimens of which are still extant in the very worst-orchestras. He might then, feeling his way

with caution, introduce such melodies as, formed upon the rich combinations, and stern dignity of the chorale, yet attract by the fluency of their measure, and readily approve themselves to the popular taste.

Thus, by degrees, one grand evil would be rectified without exciting needless jealousy. Then the instruments, badly-sorted and worse played, might attract his notice. The bassoon must be dispensed with at all hazard; and if a violoncello can be introduced into its place, an important object is effected. The fife may be easily put down, and even though the clarinet should be suffered to remain with the flute, the evils arising from bad performance will be less perceived, when the tune is restored to its proper character. If, however, considering the usual coarseness of country performances, the clergyman can reduce his instruments to a single violoncello, he will possess every requisite support for plain psalmody.

When he is able to devote an hour to his singers, he will find ample employment. The evils that require a reforming hand are chiefly these,-singing ont of tune, frequently too flat, with a nasal twang,straining the voice to an unnatural pitch, as though it were a contest of physical strength,―introducing awkward drawls, and tasteless ornaments. To remedy these defects, time, care, patience, and perseverance will be required, but the reward would be ample.

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Supposing that his utmost care has failed to win the confidence of his choir; if the flute, fife, clarinet, and bassoon, are huffed, and combine with the vocalists to revenge his interference, by withdrawing their assistance-how shall he act? The way is open; let him turn to his Sunday School. There are rich materials for forming a choir. There he will have fewer tempers to contend with. There he will discover a mine of

vocal beauty; for no finer voices exist, whether for leading or swelling a chorus, than those of children. So that, in many instances, though the petty vexation for the time would be unpleasant, a more favourable event could hardly happen to a country clergyman, than to be deserted by his singers, and thrown upon the resources of his Sunday School.

Here, however, unless he sing him-self, he will find it necessary to procure a precentor. He might then, at certain fixed times, assemble the children for

practice. As with them, of course, it will be purely imitation, he would act wisely to exercise their youthful powers upon a plain and homely psalm tune, marking carefully in his own mind, the separate success or failure of each. Some voices might immediately arrest his attention as naturally sweet and melodious, which perhaps, on further acquaintance, he finds untrue to the note; others not so rich in tone, but denoting a more correct ear; others again of a very mediocre stamp, but not absolutely offensive; and a few, whose natural harshness, and determined inaccuracy, present sufficient evidence of no kind of musical perception. If he is wise, however, he will studiously avoid by a single word, discouraging any child. While he practises by themselves, those who give promise of im provement, he will leave the more uncouth voices to join in, as loudly and heartily as they please, as soon as the tune is sufficiently known to ensure accuracy, evenness and stability.

Yet, whatever tacit check a clergyman may deem proper to impose upon bad voices and bad ears in his rehearsals, he should beware how he forbids any child or person to employ their voices in the great congregation. Instances have occurred in which a whole school of children have been most audaciously silenced, from a mistaken notion that they interrupted the general harmony. Now I hesitate not to say, that such a prohibition is alike injurious to man, and hateful to God. Praise is declared to be especially 'perfected out of the mouth of babes and sucklings;' and on one memorable occasion, when clergymen sought to forbid the acclamations of children, the great 'Bishop of our souls' declared his acceptance of them, and that if they held their peace, the very stones would immediately cry out.' How offensive then to Him must be that exertion of power, which in the face of his approbation commands silence, when he has commanded praise. If it be argued that in such cases, the voices of the children have been so harsh and mistimed, as to disturb the rest of the congregation; and that the feelings of the majority should be consulted before the inclinations of a few ;-the answer is obvious. Supposing the fact admitted, is it so difficult to subject youthful voices, that the only remedy is absolute prohibition? Are the habits more confirmed in childhood, than in