The Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1822-1822, 1822-05-18
SACRED MUSIC,

OAChED NlOSlCo
One of the first things which makes an IN
favorable impression upon the mind of a relig-
ious stranger in this town, is the low state of
sacred music. Perhaps there are few places in
our country possessing equal advantages where
less attention is paid to it. 1t must be evident
10 the most inattentive observer, that in all our
religious societies, there is much room for i'm
provement. At present there are several pro-
tessed Teachers of Sacred Music among us,
and favorable opportunity is presented to i'm.
prove IN this interesting science There are
MANY considerations which NAV with proprietv
be urged upon religious people, to awaken their
attention to this subject.
Il would seem to be truth to which reason
could furnish no good objection, that we ought
TO use those powers which our Maker has Civ
en- us in his service Atleast If he has enioined
upon us any special duty, no circumstances
can Justify us in neglecting it. Now If we look
into that volume which he has given--to be a
lamp INTO our feet and kgkt uato our potR,
We shall find that the duty ofsinging the praise
of God is particularly commanded. 1t holds a
conspicuous place in that Divine worship
which he has appointed to be given him. No
duty IS more plainly enjoined, none more dill
gently practiced by those whose history is left
on record for our example. Those therefore
50 whom God has given vocal powers cannot
refuse to exercise them in the discharge of this
duty without criminalitv But are there not
Inanv, In our religious assemblies who do hab-
1tually neglect this delightful duty, and plead as
an excuse the want of qualifications, who might
be qualified by little attention to the subject
Under the old Testament dispensation, it was
deemed ofsuch importance, that particular
body fmen were regularly set apart and care
fully trained for the employment. Under the
New Testament dispensation, where it is de-
volved upon the whole assembly, and is the
only one in which they can unitedlv engage, it
would seem to require not less attention.
1t IS also an important means of grace, and
often attended with very sautarv influence.
1t certainly has a tendency to arrest the atten-
ton, and to captivate and soften the heart.
There are not wanting examples of those whose
hearts have heen awakened and whose lives re-
formed through its instrumentality. And per-
haps more than anv other means It tends to "a
TakeD. strengthen, devotional feelings in the
minds Of real christians. Where is the true
worshipper who cannot attest its salutary infu-
ence; whose heart has not been borne above the
world, and forgotten Its cares and pleasures
while celebrating the praises of the Most High
When this part OF worship is well performed it
adds also much to the responsibility of a con
sregation, and in many ways promotes their in
terests.
But in order that the great ends of singing
IN divine worship may be attained it is, necesss-
ny not merely to sing, but to sing well. I'm
harmonious and discordant sounds, instead of
exciting devotional feelings excite those which
are directly the reverse. And in order to sing
well. e. with accuracy and melody, some at
tention must be paid to the subject as science,
StuOy ana experience are necessary 10 become
proficient In any other science. OF employ
snent; and why not el ually SO in this: A knowl
edge must be obtained of the principles of Sa-
cred Music; the voice must be cultivated, and
a JUST acquired. and for this, is not some
degree of attention, and application requisite
And surely none need he ,old that to gain this
knowledge, theseason of youth is beyond COM
Parison the best. But to sing with accuracy
and melody, however, we do not intimate is all
the Qualifications necessary for rendering &C
SePtabie worship, nor the principal one; but it
IS that which We can alone anu which, is our du-
ty to acquire.
But correct knowledge of sacred music is
also highly important as personal accom-
Plishment. A knowledge of the more light
and sprightlv kind, is fashionable air, often
acquired at much pains and expence and to
become an adept in this, correct knowledge
"ssacfed music is extremely useful bat peg