Drumstick Primula

I found this primula denticulata, or drumstick primula, growing in our chapel grounds, and was struck by its unusual shape and attractive form.

I was once warned that drums were evil, redolent of African paganism, for which there is no place in the church of God. Many contemporary churches have drummers who go about their business with such enthusiasm, one cannot hear singing. They have not been used at Salem Chapel except when the Ayrton Family come down from the hills of North Lancashire for our annual Lambing Service (which is in a few weeks).

The timbrel may be the Biblical instrument closest to the drum, though it sounds rather more like the tambourine:

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dance Exodus 15:20

And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 2 Samuel 6:5, NKJV

I am unkeen on any musical instrument which detracts from the words. For any which compliment that worship, rendering it as beautiful and serious as that primula, I see little prohibition. Ancient drums were usually instruments of war. If we better understood our place in the spiritual conflict being fought all about us, we might march quicker and fight better.