The Litchfield County post. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1826-1829, 1826-10-31

was first introduced into our world, IS not
known; but inspiration speaks Of an early
period in creation, when the Almighty
"laid the foundations of the EARTH" in
which 6 the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for ioy."
From the sacred history also we learn, that
Tubal, a descendant Of Cain, and at an
early age of our globe, taught men to play
on the harp and organ. The ancient Is
raelites were passionately fond of music
When they had crossed the Red Sea, they
sung hymns of praise for their deliyerance
from the cruelty of their oppressors. AT
their sacrifices and solemn feasts, they
sounded silver trumpets by divine appoints
ment. Dayid's return from the slaughter
of Goliath was welcomed BY singing, and
with Instruments of music. David proba-
bly, cultivated the science with delight and
industry; for he had many singers Of both
sexes in his court. The music Of the tenn
pie was grand and sublime, and held a.
most imposing attitude, as represented in
scripture. The psalms of this sweet sing.
er in Israel were set to music by his most
skilful performers; and he had very large
NUMBER of singers, whom he distributedi into
turns. siaf zses'f7s asssSF ~
This science derives its peculiar dignity.
chiefly from the fact, that God has com-
manded it to be used in his Worship
There are numerous instances in the Old
Testament and in the New, in which it is
thus ordained ar improved. The exhor-
tations to " sing unto the Lord" to Using
praises with understanding, = &c. abound in
the book of Psalms. In Ephesians, we
are enjoined TO "speak to ourselves in
psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, sung
a'sg and making melody in our hearts tothe
Lord. When John saw - the Lamb
standing on Mount Sion, and with him an
hundred and forty and four thousand, who
heads, he heard a voice from Heaven, and
harpers harping with their harps |; and they
sung new song before the throne,' &c.
Those also who had gotten the victory o.
verthe beast are represented as g sing
sng the song Of Moses, and the song Of the
Lamb
Mr.. Mason censnred, with Just severity,
the alarming abuse of this science. He
particularly condemned the practice, toe
commonly tolerated in our houses of pub
lie worship, Of abandoning the performances
Of sacred music to young persons, and in
many instances to persons of no serious re-
ligion. Although he acknowledged it to
be the duty of all as founded on moral OBJ
legation, to sing the praises of Cod !; yet he
enjoined it as the special duty of every
church to see that the leaders OF their sing
ing choir should be men Of genuine piety.
They should be too, men of delicate sensi-
bility and Of a correct taste. AsAss
Mr.. Mason made some very striking re-
marks ON the necessity Of the adoption Of
music to the words and sentiments Of the
psalmor hymn to be sung; and illustrated
his idea BY singing part Of doxology to
different tunes. ~ a.. ssssss.sssss..
On the subject Of Instruments to be used
in church music, he gave an opinion Of
those which were most appropriate. He
decidedly preferred the organ to every 9TH
err. He however observed that instrument
tai music was always to be considered as in
subordination tovocal, and as an auxiliary
to the human voice. The organist, Of
course, must be considered as wholly under
the. direction Of the leader in singing,
and whom il was bis duty implicitly 70
obey. 81
Mr.. Mason very zcalously urged, as a
religious obligation on the churches, a mor-
al improvement in the present mode Of per-
forming church music and pointedly laid
the guilt ofits abuse on those who are as
sociated in church order. It is their duty
to superintend this essential part Of public
worship, by becoming themselves engaged
in its reyerent and orderly performance
Children from 10 to Is years of age should
be instructed in the science, and Il should
DO considered a necessary branch 10 their
education. We hope Mr.. Mason's efforts
to effect reform, and admonitions 20 duty,
will not be in vain. ----
es INDIAN REPROOF. ~
Jacob Peter, an Indian youth about Is
years Of age, belonging tosthe Mississaugab
tribe, became pions about year ago. A
few weeks since, he with a number Of his
brethren attended the anniversary of the
Missionary Society at Demorestville. In
the evening several Of the white inhabit.
ants gathered in TO witness the devotions
Of the Indians, who had assembledby them
selves for prayer-mseting. Esq. y. being
present, requested Jacob to speak few
words to the English BY way Of exhorta-