or charter of the case? Admitting "the Psalms" to have been composed chiefly for temple service, we find in the New Testament alone, sufficient, both in the form of command and permission, as to an extension of this delightful branch of worship into every ramification of society, and into the deepest solitudes; prudence only, in this, as well as some other parts of our religious exercises, being left in full power to prescribe, as to time, place, and degree. How "exceeding broad" is "the commandment!"" and how passing sweet the privilege! conveyed in those words of the Holy Ghost:— "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."-(Col. iii, 16.)

But it is time that, in pursuance of the plan of this work, we should introduce another “ INCIDENT." From the many which rush upon memory, the following may be selected, as presenting, perhaps, what might be called an average specimen of the use of singing, in connection with the PASTORAL OFFICE.

In 1834-5, the writer was stationed in the Bcircuit, and resided in B, which, though not a large town, was then, and is now, one of the most respectable and thriving places, that enjoy a share in the manufacturing trade of Lancashire. One

morning there came a message, that a young man "under conviction," wished much to have a visit. Knowing the family, and appreciating "the case," in half an hour the call was obeyed. The young man was found in a state by no means enviable,— in tolerable health, (it is true,) but too dejected to follow his employment. There he sat, in a corner! and for some time before, as well as at that moment, those lamentable strains, composed probably by one of the prophets, when in Babylon, and found in the 102nd Psalm, were truly applicable to his condition :-"My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread."

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By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin." (Psalm cii, 4, 5.)

"The

A brief conversation explained the case. spirit of bondage again to fear," had, indeed, been "received" by him: (Rom. viii. 15,) and in a more severe sense even than that, in which the oppressed Job first employed the painful figure, he might have said, "The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me. (Job vi. 4.)

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To change the illustration,-his sins, which had not (so far as his pastor could learn,) been greater than those of others around him, were revealed

before him, like a fearful object in the heavens, fixing and compelling his gaze, shaking his nerves, and menacing his reason; for alas! he could not, by either instruction or persuasion, be yet induced to "turn to the strong hold (as) a prisoner of hope," (Zech. ix. 12,) or to look out for "the star of Bethlehem," or any object of comfort to his guilty and despairing soul; albeit, the heavens might be said to be full of them. But he was not to remain long in the dark corner of unbelief, into which, under stress of fear, he had ignorantly run, after he had "wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill." (Ezek. xxiv. 6.) Prayer was offered up for him; and then, A VERSE, appropriate to his feelings and wants, given out. Fortunately, his visiter was able to raise the tune; otherwise that part of the effort would have been abortive. It is not now remembered what the lines were; but the effect was almost magical! Say, rather, it was a direct blessing upon the duty performed; which was, to deal out to this famished soul, the bread and water of life, in such a form as might reach the seat of want, and grapple effectually with the despair which was gnawing, like hunger, "the hidden man of the heart." It was given to that one verse, to pierce the gloom; to dissipate the fantasies of ignorance and temptation; and to advise one who was

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sorrowing after a godly sort," of the nearness of

his Redeemer.

""Tis His the drooping soul to raise,

To rescue all by sin oppressed,

To clothe them with the robes of praise,
And give their weary spirits rest."

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C. Wesley.

The "prison doors" once opened, the light entered, and John B-felt his "chains fall off from his hands!" The emotions which followed, although sudden were not unreal; but, like his prototype in the prison of Herod, “he went out, and passed the first and the second ward," (and then) the iron gate, which opened of his own accord." (Acts, xii, 9, 10.) Never afterwards was this young man known by the writer, who remained more than twelve months subsequently on the circuit, to droop his head in spiritual despondency; and, after uniting himself with the church, he commenced a course of consistency and usefulness, which evinced the reality of the change he had undergone; and on the morning when his first pastor left the town with his family, John was at the door of the inn from which the coach started, and, with a tear of gratitude in his eye, attempted to utter his acknowledgments, and the best blessings of his faltering voice and heart. Even yet, that parting interview remains fragrant; and after the lapse of eleven summers,

poor John's tear threatens to draw down a congenial, and not unprofitable, shower from a pair of eyes which seldom weep, except on such occasions. It is even as

"The former and the latter rain;

The love of God and love of man."
C. Wesley.

The above was so intimately connected with another INCIDENT, (having, indeed, led to it,) the testimony of which is, if possible, still louder in favour of Pastoral Psalmody, that we shall make no apology for proceeding at once to add the latter also; that "out of the mouth of two witnesses every word" we may have to advance on this topic "may be established."

Being deeply interested in JB.'s continued spiritual welfare, and "not ignorant of (Satan's) devices" in regard to infant believers, it was deemed advisable, without the least delay, to exercise his newly acquired graces of love and zeal, in some direct effort, or enterprise, on behalf of the souls of his fellow creatures. He was, therefore, with his own hearty consent, forthwith dispatched to seek a congregation, who were to be assembled in the open air, at his father's door, at twelve o'clock that day; being what is significantly called "the noon hour." It was done; and John and his pastor met again very shortly, in that (to the former at least) pecu