N. Y. S. S. Association.-Extract from the Minutes of Gen. As. 119 The memorial having been withdrawn, the following resolutions were adopted, viz. Resolved, 1. That if any of the Presbyteries under the care of the Associate Reformed Synod of New-York worth and respectability of character. city several days previons. In his last communication on this subject, this officer remarks, "A peacher of the precious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ seems to be more needed than ever. It is evident that many persous wish divine instruction, and I have good reason to be persuad-shall at any future time, send any of ed that there are not a few who are not altogether easy in their own minds on the great truths of salvation, and I am convinced that there are some who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. The field of use fulness for a Mission at this place assumes a more favorable aspect every day." We observe by the New York Religious Chronicle, that the Sabbath school association of that city has commenced the practice of meeting monthly, for the purpose of discus sing questions calculated to promote the welfare and prosperity of these institutions. This plan appears to be a good one, and should be adopted in every plaee, where union of exer tion and of sentiment can be obtained, sufficiently numerous and respectable to carry on discussions with spirit. their candidates for the Gospel Ministry to our Theological Seminary at Princeton, they shall be received on the same terms as candidates from our own Presbyteries, and entitled to all privileges, both from the library and the funds of the institution, which are enjoyed by other students in the same personal circumstances. Resolved 2. Blatchford and Chester be a commitThat Drs. Nott, tee to confer with the Associate Reformed Synod of New-York, or any committee which that Synod may appoint, on the subject of a friendly correspondence with this body, or of the amalgamation of their churches with the Presbyterian church in the United States; and that said committee report to the next Assembly any such measures for adoption as the conferr to promote the spiritual welfare of these two Presbyterian denominations. We make further extracts from the Mining parties may judge best calculated utes of the General Assembly of the Presby terian church, in the U. States, relating to the Education of Young men for the ministry belonging the communion of the associate Re formed Church, at the Theological Seminaryed, Dr. Proudfit the commissioner Princeton. We love to see union and con fidence among christians, and sincerely desire that it may become more general. After these resolutions were adopt present, declared that he was much more pleased and gratified by the adoption of these resolutions than he would have been by the Assembly's granting the claims of the memorial in their whole extent. The following resolutions, in reference to the United Foreign Missionary Society, were passed by the Assembly. We hope christians will read them with attention, and then ask hemselves, what is their duty. The memorial from the Associate Reformed Synod of New-York, claim ing the library and funds that had been transferred by the late General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church to the Theological Seminary at Princeton, was with the leave of the Assembly, withdrawn by one of the commissioners who had presented The report of the committee on the it, stating that he took upon himself communication from the secretary_of the responsibility of withdrawing it. the United Foreign Missionary SoThe other commissioner had left theciety, of New York was taken 120 up, Young Men's Missionary Society. and being read was adopted, and P. M. at the County Hall, in Caris as follows, viz. lisle. It is expected, that all who Resolved, That this Assembly deemwish to shew a respect for the Gospel it a duty and privilege to make very special exertions for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom in Pagan lands. of Christ will favor the meeting with their attendance. This invitation is extended to all the young men, both far and near, who can make it convenient to attend, and who are friendly to the object in view;-which is simply this: to assist in sending missionaries to the Indians on our frontier. It should be observed, that, by sending Christian missionaries to them, two grand designs are aimed at, viz: The christianizing and civilizing of the Resolved, That this Assembly very gratefully acknowledge the smiles of a kind Providence, upon the opera tions of the United Foreign Missionary Society hitherto, and cherish the hope that this union in benevolent exertions, will strengthen the bonds by which the different ecclesiastical bodies composing this society are unit-aborigines of America. The accomed. plishment of these two objects employs the zeal of two distinct bodies dient. Resolved, That the congregations within our limits be requested to in--the Council of the nation, and the crease their exertions in aid of the christian community. The former funds of this society, either by annu- body, it will be remembered, have apal contributions, or by forming and by propriated an annual sum, to be aprendering more efficient auxiliary so-plied to the civilization of them; and cieties, or by collections at the Month- we would state, for general informaly Concert, or in any other method tion, that a society has, for some time which by them may be deemed expe-existed at N. York, called the United Foreign Missionary Society, whose Resolved, That it is highly import- sole object is the evangelizing of the ant and necessary, that this society North American Indians. The resshould have an official organ of com-pectability of these two bodies, is, we munication to the public, which shall believe, well known; and the laudabe considered as the property of the bility of their pursuits pretty generalsociety, and as primarily devoted to ly admitted. The exertions of one, its interests; and as the American secures the desires of the other; and Missionary Register, printed in New-thus, while the two great institutions York, and edited by the Secretary of this society, has become this acknowledged organ, it is further resolved, that the Register be recommended to the patronage of the congregations under the care of the Assembly, as the means of increasing the funds of the society, while it spreads necessary and important information. YOUNG MEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Many young men, friendly to the establishment of a Young Men's Missionary Society, are desirous that a meeting be held for that purpose, on the 20th September inst. at 1 o'clock unite their efforts, we may look with certain expectations for a favorable issue. It might be observed also, with benefit to the object in view, that the exertions of the missionary society secures both of these grand design. The civilization of society is almost exclusively indebted to human exertions; while the evangelizing of it cannot be effected without the spirit of God-Hence the politician is sure of having his object accomplished, whether the christian's be secured or not. Hence the government holds out of christian principles, which is every advantage to the introduction The Psalmody by Rouse Vindicated. thought necessary for their prosperity. Under this view of the subject, it is expected that the politician, the moralist, the philanthropist, and the professed christian, will all embrace an opportunity, whereby they can practically attest to the sincerity of their love for the redemption of their fellows, from the depths of vice, of folly, and of butchery. For the Miscellany. 101 THE PSALMODY BY ROUSE, VINDICATED a Messrs. Editors.-In No. 5. Vol. 2, piece of some length is published, subscribed by X. Y. The immediate object of the piece appears to be, to reflect on the conduct of the teachers in the Sabbath school of the Presbyterian Church, particularly in singing in the school the Psalms of David. This the writer attempts to expose to The manifold blessings which Prov-ridicule, as engaging the scholars in idence has bestowed upon the people an exercise in which they could take of the United States, should, if no oth-no interest, because the portion of the er consideration could be advanced, Psalm which was sung on the occastimulate every one who has felt the sion, when he states himself to have benefits of free institutions; the bene-been present, was quite beyond their fits of a moral government; the bene-capacity to understand, and therefore, fits of religious liberty-to aid in ex-in the writer's view, they showed tricating the original proprietors of their good sense by taking no part in this land from all the evils which ignorance inflicts. The farmer, who has lately brought in his sheaves, rejoicing in the abundance which the God of the harvest the exercise. Indeed the whole scene as described, was not at all consistent with decorum. Whether the teachers were judicious in the selection they made of the portion to be sung has been pleased to add unto him, cannot well be known; but, doubtless will, no doubt, testify his gratitude to there are parts of the Psalms, as well that bounteous Giver, by supplying as of other scriptures, hard to be unthe missionaries of the gospel with derstood, and not so proper on certain the necessary support. If they have occasions to be sung. But what the passed the time of life to join them-writer especially reprobates is singselves, with those for whom the soci-ing Rouse's version of the Psalms, a ety is designed, they, no doubt, have practice which can never be vindicatsons: let them be encouraged in libe-ed, if indeed it merits all the approrality: let them be sent to act their brious epithets, which he so liberally part in the field of benevolence here opening before them. bestows upon it. Whether the teachers referred to But why need we add pretexts? be at all disposed, or think it worth We hope there is no reason for while, to take any public notice of suggesting motives to urge to this bu- the attack made upon them, is best. siness. Come forward then, belov-known to themselves. In the meaned christians; come forward Ameri- time, till better arguments are adduccan republicans; and come all lov-ed for their relinquishing the practice ers of morality-assist in this glorious condemned, they may be justified in undertaking. adhering to it. What force of arguWe hope those friendly to such an ment there is in degrading terms appliinstitution, whether young or old, willed to any character or practice, it refeel it a duty to interest themselves on behalf of its establishment. MANY FRIENDS OF MISSIONS. Sept. 9, 1823. quires no great exertion of intellect to comprehend. With vulger unreflecting minds, it may be sufficient to prejudice them against singing the Psalms 122 The Psalmody by Rouse, Vindicated. lest we want David in David; while his holy ecstasies are delivered in a flat and bold expression. The translation which is now put into thy hand, cometh nearest to the original, of any that we have seen, and runneth with such a fluent sweetness, that we thought it fit to recommend it to thy christian acceptance, some of us hav of David, to represent them as unintelligible, in which case, to be sure, singing them must be unprofitable and unedifying. Whether singing in Sabbath schools be necessary, might admit of a doubt. The great purpose of such institutions is to provide for the religious instruction of those who either wholly or in a great measure would otherwise be destitute of it.ing used it already with great comTo teach them to sing is no part of fort and satisfaction." Among the the design. However, as it is the subscribers to this recommendation practice to give lessons in the Psalms, of the version so much despised, we as well as in other parts of scripture; find the names of John Owen, D D., to have portions of them read, com- Thomas Manton, D. D., Tho's Watmitted and recited either in prose or son, D. D., Mathew Poole, T. Dooin verse, one may be permitted to little, T. Vincent, and Edmund Cawonder, if singing take place, how it lumy. (See Christian Recorder for should be thought so improper to sing June, 1821.) With those that are them. But it is singing Rouse's old, acquainted with the character and antiquated version that gives offence. writings of these eminent men, it will If it were generally known, that the not readily be believed, that their Westminster Assembly approved of judgment even about the version of it; that the General Assembly of the the Psalms in question, was deservChurch of Scotland corrected and ap-ing only of contempt. But is there proved of it; that this same version not reason to apprehend that it is not met with the most favorable reception merely the version referred to that is both in Scotland & England, & was a- so much the object of dislike to many, like approved of by Independents & as the use of the Psalms of David at Presbyterians; it would appear in a all in singing the praises of God. For somewhat more respectable connex-it accords so exactly with the prose ion. In the year 1673, an edition of it was published with a recommendatory preface by Dr. Owen, and subscribed by 25 other divines. The preface is short, and to the following effect: "Surely the singing of Psalms is a duty of such comfort and profit, that it needs not our recommendation. The new nature is instead of all arguments, which cannot be without this scriptural solace. Our devotion is best secured, where the matter and the words are of immediately divine inspiration; and to us, David's Psalms seem plainly intended by those terms of psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, which the apostle useth Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. But it is meet that these divine compositions should be represented to us in a fit translation, translation and with the original, that some find fault with it as too literal. But let a better translation be produced, what truly deserves the name, and it will soon supersede the other. Meantime, if it be indeed a cold, barren, uninteresting, unprofitable exercise to sing David's Psalms, as appearing in a metre version remarkably literal, and if its being so, renders the Psalmody unprofitable and unsuitable in christian worship; upon what principle shall we recommend the reading of the book of Psalms? Reading, committing and reciting portions of this sacred book, as well as other parts of scripture, has been a favorite branch of Sabbath school exercise. And one cannot but think very properly, when it is found to tion. When they are once granted and enacted by the authority of God, they can never cease without an act of the same authority taking them have been a favorite book with Christ All that is said about the tendency of using the scripture Psalms to produce dreadful formal habits in churches, or of its having a deadening influence, might be allowed to pass for mere declamation, if it had not in it something more malignant. Is it not derogatory to the spirit of God who indited the Scripture to charge the use of it with a tendency to produce such deleterious effects? A due reBut one thing, too little attended verence for the sacred Oracles would to, but which should never be over-lead us to think and speak more relooked on the subject of psalmody, is spectfully of what is given by inspirathe ordinance of God respecting it.tion of God. No one will dare to deny, what is so evident, that singing the Psalms of David had once the authority of God For the Miscellany. CHRISTIAN COMMUNION. to another." F. in the Church; that the sweet Psalm- "They that feared the Lord spake often one ist of Israel gave them by divine authority to be sung in public worship. Social intercourse is a blessing of If this could be shown to have been no ordinary kind. It constitutes alone of the carnal ordiances which most the only rational enjoyment in were to be in force only till the times this sinful world. If this power were of reformation, or designed to have removed, all the attractions of earth place only in the old Testament would lose their influence; man the Church, it would be something to the noblest work of God's creation, would purpose; it would shew the waranta-be assimilated to the brute, and all bleness and propriety of introducing desire of life would instantly cease. another Psalmody in New Testament Although mankind in general are times. But as the efficacy of all or- disposed to overlook the common dinances, or institutions of worship, bounties of Providence, yet this, as if depends, as Dr. Owen observes, on a matter of gift, they seem rightly to the will of God alone, the great ques-appreciate and in some measure to imtion respecting this part of worship prove. To breathe the tale of woe is, who hath required this at your into a confidential ear;-to impart its hands? what authority have you for doubts, fears, and perplexities, freit? is it from heaven, or of man? we quently relieves the afflicted soul from have divine authority for singing an oppressive burden. To mingle in Psalms, and Hymns, and Spiritual the social circle and to participate in songs, but where is there a word about its pleasures; has, in a certain sense, making Psalms, and Hymns, &c.? been correctly styled "refined enjoyAnd as the same author observes in ment." Hence the fascinations of his exposition of the Epistle to the those fashionable parties that have inHebrews, "Divine institutions cease fluenced even exemplary christians, to not without express divine approba-deviate from the path of rectitude. |