Worship/Singing in 2nd half 19th C

Question 1

What changes in worship happened in later half of 19th C? (what was history?)

Answer 1

Changes in worship (1873)
- Calvin and other reformers wanted to reinstate congregational singing from scripture – especially the psalms.
- CofS unaccompanied psalms became norm.
- As time goes on – 19th C – growing dissatisfaction with psalm singing. Wasn’t helped because the singing wasn’t enjoyable.
- Enter into the equation the figure of Issac Watts. He was a critic of psalm singing; and a prolific hymn writer. Likely hymns of Watts were being sung in Scottish households.
- Theological moderates from a generation earlier still being felt. Many wanted a relevant ministry and thought psalm singing was restrictive.
- Anglican Oxford movement was felt in Scotland, too. They thought hymns needed in Scotland, too.
- This shift occurred in long, lengthy, and parliamentary manner.

• In 1807 a new committee is appointed to expand the paraphrase collection. Then through 1811, 1814, 1827, 1852 – and never comes to a conclusions. 1861

Question 2

What were 4 issues from Later half of 19th Century?

Answer 2

1) Robertson Smith
2) Worship
3) Declaratory Act (very significant, in IM opinion and a massive mistake)
4) Union of 1900 (with UP church)

Question 3

What happened in Worship Act of 1870

Answer 3

• 1870 can be used in public worship. As such, it’s departed from the Reformation psalm only
   Reasons
   1) culture trend. Romantic era. Self and feelings.
   2) moderation in theological convictions
   3) popular demand of the people.
   4) wearing down victory by parliamentary persistence. War of attrition.
• While it was slow, it was a significant milestone. This distinction didn’t come about overnight, but quite tolerance marked the end of a revered and strict practice

Question 4

Worship in Free Church in 19th C? (part 1)

Answer 4

• That persistence spilled into Free Church. Again, until mid 1800s, it was unaccompanied psalm singing. The relief church was hymn singing.

Question 5

Worship in FC part 2?

Answer 5

• By 1873 in came to the free church. Because it came about as other major changes it needs to be seen in context of concurrent development. Societies mood was changing
• People were dissatisfied with congregational singing and wanted something more explicit about the gospel in NT terms,
• 1865: overture by Presb of Greenock asking for hymns.
• 1866: 21 overtures regarding intro of hymns. Some for / some against. The division was a north / south one. Northwest always taking a conservative position.
• 1869: committee on paraphrases:
   1) Word of God did not fetter the liberty of the church in praise.
   2) Such change ‘was inconsistent of principles of this church’ – brought by James Begg. Said it would be a violation of purity of worship. Scripture gave no warrant except from Word of God. Very strict view of Reg Princ.
   Including hymns was passed. More were introduced in south; north stayed to psalms.
   No one left the FC over this. James Kennedy didn’t leave. That’s one of the most interesting things of this.
• Then issues of musical instruments. 1883, the committee decided for liberty in music to aid vocal praise.
• By now Robert Rainy comes forward and has a huge influence and within a few years organs were installed in churches outside of Highlands. Minority in north decided 1883 as a wayward assembly decision.
• Arguments for psalms only (Begg et al):
   Every constituent part of worship but have scriptural warrant.
   The absence of instruments was a given to the Westminster Divines (but the argument from silence)
   Said changes were beyond law of the church
   If you’re going to draw instruments from OT then should have a whole Levitical system
   Instruments would lead to Prelacy?
   Granting congregational liberty breached Presb uniformity.
• After 1900, this is all reversed and went to exclusive psalmody. This continued to 2010. When at a specially held assembly, an Act was passed which allowed each session to decide items of praise.