Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-03-30

What is commonly called public worship,
then, Is divisible into two distinct parts, each
having distinct objects, to be attained by diff
ierent means. One of these, have said, con-
sists in feeling, in alteration of the perfection
and goodness of a Being, before whom we
DOW with reverence, awe, and love. What
ever tends to prepare the mind for therecep-
ton of these emotions, whatever contributes
to draw it from the contemplation of objects
OF subiunary nature, to smooth the rough
lines which care or affection have left upon
the heart, and to lift the soul, in momentary
torgetfulness, above time, its perplexities and
enjoyments, its hopes and its fears, should not
De neglected in the exercises OF public wor-
ship Music is sGch preparative. When
appropriate and tasteful, it steals upon the
ear with an insidious power, almost impercep-
tlble IN its approaches, but irresistible in its
effect. Who, while in a spacious church,
crowded with numbers, yet silent as the
chambers OF death, when the soft notes of the
choir come gushing upon the stiffness of the
place, echoing like angels voices among the
pillars and arches above him, and dying away
IN soft cadence, in the remote corners and re-
cesses of the buiIding-who, at such time,
and in such place, has not felt the ties that
bound him to earth loosened? Who has not
forgotten the petty interests and wants of life
IN the deep tone of feeling thus inspired, and
felt himself raised, pure and uncontaminated,
to communion with the spirits of the world
above If there be moment in the life of
man, when his soul can miugle with the nigh
ty intelligence that formed it, and part OF
which it is--if there be moment, when, in its
adfron "a h
ITS invisible and mysterious Author, it is this
when passion has lost its power, when life
fades into dream, and existence itself is but
one overwhelming gush Of feeling. 1t is then
that pride feels its littleness, and humility its
safety, and that both join in silent and spon-
taneous alteration of the presence of Him who
pervades the universe.
| know not whether music has that power
over the feelings of others which it has over
my own. But history informs us that, in every
age and in every country, it has been regard
ed as powerful agent in smoothing the rough
err points of the human character, in allaying
the more violent and untameable passions of
man, and in contributing to his refinement and
virtue. The Hebrews made it part of their
devotion. The Grecians, in their enthusiasm,
ascribed to il the power of moving rocks and
forests. The Romans introduced it into the
temple of their gods-snd Christians, of all
nations, have considered it an essential part
of their worship. .
The Catholic and English churches have
paid great attention to its cultivation. Their
cathedrals and chapels are furnished with or
sans of the finest tone and compass, which,
joining their deep notes with the choir, pro-
duce harmony Of vocal and instrumental
sounds that ravishes the car Of the listener. 1t
was perhaps from this circumstance, more than
from any other cause, that our forefathers re-
garded this part of worship trfing and sinful.
1t was, in their minds, sufficient objection to
any form or appendage Of devotion, that was
practised by the church of Rome or Of Eng
land. instrumental music was for long time
excluded from their churches; and, when at
length its introduction was permitted, its i'm
provement was retarded by their pious scru-
pies. These scruples, however, have long
since yielded to more enlightened views, and
instrumental, as well as vocal music, is gene
rally allowed to be delightful and useful
part of public worship. In many places, how
e"er, the chill which it first experienced is
still felt, and it remains for those who know
its efficacy, and have felt its power, to raise
this interesting and refined religious exercise
20 that state ofperfection which its importance
demands. f,