THE Rev. Dr. William Ritchie of St. Andrew’s Church, Glasgow, was exceedingly fond of music, and had taught his church to admire both vocal and instrumental music combined. They determined, if possible, to secure an organ, to assist in aiding the praise in public worship, but were not allowed to do so by the Presbytery, which was of the "opinion that the use of organs in the public worship of God is contrary to the law of the land and constitution of our Established Church."

This did not, however, prevent Dr. Ritchie cultivating his favourite art. He loved the violin especially, and had both a big and a small one, which he frequently used. Though popular with his own congregation, who were devoted to him, and admired his ministrations, he was not so well liked by his brethren, who thought he acted an unministerial part by playing on the violin. In the year 1807 he was waited upon by a deputation of ministers, to advise him to give up his performances on these instruments on a Saturday night, that he might be the better prepared in spirit for the sacred duties of the Sabbath day. When they arrived, Dr. Ritchie asked them to come in, and he would let them hear one of his favourite tunes, and then they could judge for themselves whether such music was calculated to produce evil or good results.

They consented to remain, and he begged them not to interrupt him in the performance till he was done, which would be, at most, in a few minutes. Taking the largest instrument into his hands, he played with care and feeling his own most favourite tune, the Old Hundred. The effect was marked. One of the chief divines was entranced, and could not refrain from saying,— "Oh, ‘tis a heavenly sound! please let us hear it again."