James Milligan Willson published 'A Treatise on Psalmody' in 1848

Context

Glasgow provides a biographical sketch of James Milligan Willson (1809-1886), a prominent RP minister, seminary professor, and editor of The Covenanter. Among his publications is a formal treatise on psalmody that represents the mature Reformed Presbyterian position on exclusive psalm-singing.

Extract

His complete knowledge of the history and principles of the Covenanter Church, together with his proficient scholarship and ripe experience, eminently fitted him for the position which he held in the Theological Seminary. Co-incident with his indefatigable labors as pastor and professor, he edited the Covenanter from 1845 until its consolidation with the Reformed Presbyterian in 1863, and was an editor of the joint publication until his death. Through this medium he fearlessly battled for truth and righteousness against all opposition. Besides his able editorial work, he emitted the following publications: “The Deacon,” 1841, pp. 76. “Bible Magistracy,” 1842, pp. 122. “A Treatise on Psalmody,” 1848, pp. 42. “Civil Government,” 1853, pp. 162. “Social Religious Covenanting,” 1856, pp. 36.

Significance

The existence of a formal 42-page “Treatise on Psalmody” by a leading RP theologian demonstrates that exclusive psalmody was considered worthy of sustained theological defense in mid-nineteenth-century America. Willson’s work came during a period when psalmody debates were active across multiple Presbyterian bodies. As editor of The Covenanter, Willson had a platform to disseminate exclusive psalmody arguments widely. This treatise deserves further research to understand the specific arguments made and how they compared to earlier defenses by Rankin and others.