| Citation |
CG-NL.773.046
20 Aug 1773:11,12 (10/510)
Descend ye nine ! Descend and sing !
The breathing instruments inspire !
Pope.
Musick, in all ages, and nations, from the earliest period
of time, (so far as I recollect) has been esteemed a noble
art, and has gained many admirers.
[2 column philosophical discussion on the history, benefits
and charms of music, including the following statements:]
. . . In war, there is not anything has more influence to
animate the soldier than this. It prompts him to rush on,
with intrepidity, to dangers, which, unexcited by musick, he
could not think of, without fear, nor look at, without
constraint. It is so universally entertaining, that it is
attended to, by all orders of men, from the thoughtless
rustick, who spins out the tediousness of the day, by his
simple whistling or aukward singing, up to the hero, who
makes use of it, not only in his enterprizing battles, but
in his solitary diversions. It is a companion to the
lonely, a comfort to the afflicted, a diversion to the
voluptuary, and an entertainment to the christian.
. . . It is surprizing to observe the spirit of opposition
in some old people, against introducing new tunes, or making
further improvements in the art of singing. I know of
several pious old gentlemen, who would think it next to
blasphemy, to invent any new kind of musick, or make the
least variation in those tunes which for a number of years
have been sung in our churches, under the title of David's
Psalm Tunes.
. . . In giving thanks, the soul is most elevated by lively,
animated musick. At a funeral, that which is grave and
pathetick has a tendency to enforce solemn and serious
thoughts. According to the occasion and circumstances
should be the kind of musick; but at whatever time, or in
whatever condition, the more harmony, the better the effect.
Did not David mention a great variety of musical
instruments, and frequently sing new songs to the praise of
the Lord ? And shall we, to gratify the peevishness of a
few old women, be confined to about twenty worn-out tunes,
which oftner serve to get a congregation asleep, than to
exalt their ideas of God and his work ? Not that I would
despise these tunes; but if better can be found would have
the freedom to sing them.
. . . The next objection is, that the leaders of any new
plan, are often persons of loose lives and morals; and it
grieves the pious spirits of religious persons to join with
them. This argument is as weak as it is ridiculous; it must
be considered, the motion of the lips, is no more than an
external ceremony; if the old people can have instruction in
forming an harmonious sound, they may be as devout as they
please; and altho' the noise be made by immoral persons, yet
if the harmony be delightful, it cannot disturb the
sincerity of good men.
. . . I once heard of a society a little this side of the
northern frigid zone, where the young people were very much
engaged about singing, and made wonderful proficiency in
that art; which so enraged many old people, that, at the
time of singing they would leave the meeting-house, with
such an air of resentment, as christian ought to condemn,
even in an heathen. This caused such disturbance, in the
church, that for some time, they had scarcely any singing at
all.
. . . May these good men, who take offence, and who, I doubt
not, act from good principles, be persuaded to consider the
matter, and exercise charity and benevolence: that those who
have begun in the cause of singing, may have for patrons men
of holiness and virtue; by which means peace and happiness
may reign in their private concerns, and concord and harmony
be spread through our churches.
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