ere good fighters. They quarrelled over the question whether
one should sing or the whole congregation; whether women as well as men
should sing; whether pagans should be allowed to lift up their voices;
and whether the scanty stock of tunes should be enlarged. Learning a tune
by note, without having previously heard it, was almost a mortal offence,
and at last something like a compromise was effected in some of the
churches, where alternate singing by rote and rule satisfied both
parties. The ministers added to the general confusion with a flood of
circulars on the subject. Several of them issued a tract entitled "Cases
of Conscience about singing Psalms," in which they ask:--

"Whether you do believe that singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spirituall
Songs is an external part of Divine Worship, to be observed in and by
the assembly of God's people on the Lord's Days, as well as on other
occasional meetings of the Saints for the worshipping of God.

"Whether you do believe that singing in the worship of God ought to be
done skilfully?

"Whether you do believe that skilfulness in singing may ordinarily be
gained in the use of outward means by the blessing of God.

"Is it possible for Fathers of forty years old and upward to learn to
sing by rule; and ought they to attempt at this age to learn?

"Do you believe that it is Lawful and Laudable for us to change the
customary way of singing the psalms?

"Whether they who purposely sing a tune different from that which is
appointed by the pastor or elder to be sung are not guilty of acting
disorderly, and of taking God's name in vain also, by disturbing the
order of the sanctuary."

Rev. Thomas Symmes, of Bradford, Mass., also issued a tract in which he
contended for rule-singing. On this point he says:--

"The total neglect of singing psalms by many serious Christians for
want of skill in singing psalm-tunes. There are many who never employ
their tongues in singing God's praises, because they have no skill. It
is with great difficulty that this part of worship is performed, and
with great indecency in some congregations for want of skill; it is to
be feared singing must be wholly omitted in some places for want of
skill if this art is not revived. I was present in a congregation where
singing was for a whole Sabbath omitted for want of a man able to lead
the assembly in singing.

"The declining from and getting beside the