"INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC is entirely in harmony with
the most grateful, solemn and happy feelings of which
the human heart is susceptible. Indeed, sacred music
upon an instrument, tends, in a very considerable
degree, to excite solemn and holy emotions; and we
cannot forbear to say, that could the music of our
churches be improved--could it be accompanied with an
instrument, it would soothe and calm the feelings of
the auditors; it would improve the order of the house;
it would call into lively action the latent religious
emotions of the heart, and add very much to the
enjoyment on such occasions.
"Music exerts a mysterious charm upon man--it
takes captive the citadel of life--carries him out of
himself, and leads him where it will. The shrill fife
and the rattling drum, inspire the soldier just about
to enter into battle, with a zeal and daring which no
hardship can overcome, and no danger intimidate, and
causes him to rush headlong into the thickest of the
combat, regardless of consequences. If martial music
thus inspires the worshippers of Mars, will sacred
music do less for the humble followers of the meek and
lowly Jesus--the worshippers of the true and living
God? No! It will not. It will inspire them, too, with
zeal and courage, and impel them on to resist--not
flesh and blood with instruments of death, but
principalities and powers--spiritual wickedness in high
places, with the armor of God and the sword of the
Spirit. G."
The argument drawn from the Psalms in favor of instrumental
music, is exceedingly apposite to the Roman Catholic, English
Protestant, and Scotch Presbyterian churches, and even to the
Methodist communities. Their churches having all the world in
them--that is, all the fleshly progeny of all the communicants,
and being founded on the Jewish pattern of things--baptism being
given to all born into the world of these politico-ecclesiastic
communities--I wonder not, then, that an organ, a fiddle, or a
Jews-harp, should be requisite to stir up their carnal hearts,
and work into ecstasy their animal souls, else "hosannahs
languish on their tongues, and their devotions die." And that all
persons who have no spiritual discernment, taste, or relish for
their spiritual meditations, consolations and /582/ sympathies of
renewed hears, should call for such aid, is but natural. Pure
water from the flinty rock has no attractions for the mere toper
or wine-bibber. A little alcohol, or genuine Cognac brandy, or
good old Madeira, is essential to the beverage to make it truly
refreshing. So to those who have no real devotion or spirituality
in them, and whose animal nature flags under the oppression of
church service, I think with Mr. G., that instrumental music
would be not only a desideratum, but an essential prerequisite to
fire up their souls to even animal devotion. But I presume, to
all spiritually-minded Christians, such aids would be as a cow
bell in a concert.