The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-02-07
From the Ploughman
SOME PASSAGES IN THE
LIFE OF DEACON GOODMAN.

The not huflng IA
Musical Ear"
Deacon Goodman was extensively known
not merely in his own parish, but through
several miles OF the surrounding country, fol
his amiable disposition, active benevolcnee
and unquestionable piety So thoroughly
was the Dcacon's character established, thai
when the people Of the neighboring towns
saw him passing by, they would say--that
man was rghtfully named, for if there eyer
,eas good man, he is one. And from TINS
there was no dissenting voice Nay; am
wrong in saying that; for there are some
who never hear any body praised without an
interposing and qualifying but; lie may
be well enough on the whole, they VIII say,
but, SC &C.; and then they Will go on and
make him out any thing but clever fell
low
The qualifying but must be interposed
even in the case of Deacon Goodman. lie
had fault: He mould sing in meeting Gal
YOU that fault;' saith the reader. We'll
then, kind reader, cali il misfortune. 'Bu,
why misfortune:'
will tell thee. Nature has so formed us,
that some have the musical ear, and others
rot. Now this musical ear has nothing to
10 with real character, moral or intellectual;
bnt yet the persons who have mol the mu-
seal earl ought never 10 sing in meeting. Ii
they do, they will be sure TO annoy others,
and make themselves ridiculous. Deacon
Goodman had NOT the musical ear Wheth-
er il were the Messiah, or The Creation, ,
or Jim Crow and Zip Coon, il was all the
same to him, SO far as music was concerned;
il was just Sc much singing Whether the
artist were Sivori, OF Ole Bull, or poor old
John Cssco, it was Just so much fddEnq.
He had not the musical ear and still less,
il possible, the musical voice; bur yet he
could sing in meeting. And the gentle and
respectful remonstrances of the choir leader
were net with the UNMARRIED reply, Singing
is praying; YOU might as well ask me not to
pray; I shall sing in meeting
It is now proper for the Biographer to
hint at another trait in The good Deacon's
character. He was rather set in his way;'
or, in other words; he was dreadfuly obsti-
nate in what he thought good cause; and
be was generally correct in approaching the
merits Of the cause,
We all know that musical people are apt
to be sensitive and somewhat little capri
ciods and who has ever known theatri-
cal orchestra, or even village choir, that
had not regular blow up al least once a
year, Beyond all doubt, Deacon Good
mans singing was very serious grievance
to the choir, and no small ANNOYANCE to the
congregation. Yet in consideration Of his
great merits he was INDUCED !; and his reg
ular Sunday performance, often drew forth
the remark, that il music murder was sin
Deacon Goodman would have much to an.
swer for. But there is point beyond which
forbearance is no longer virtue, Grea
pains had been taken by the choir in getting
up new Anthem, (seectcd from Mozart,
for Thanksgiving day, and the very gam o.
the piece was solo, which lad been assigned
10 the sweetest voice, and the prettiest little
girl in the village All who attended the
rehearsals were perfectly delighted with the
solo as sung by little Mary II was very
difficult. II was marked from beginning 10
end Andantino,' Dolce .AlIetuoso,' sCre-
scendo,' Piano. Pianssimo,' with changing
keys, and fats and sharps springing out from
unexpected places; but she had conquered
ii all. Three or four accomplished singer,
who had come from Bosom to pass Thanks
giving in the country, and who attended thu
last rehearsal, were in raptures with It'll,
Mary's singing They had heard Tedesco
and Biscaccianti, and Madam Bishop; ali,
they say, for . country gin, she is a prod
igy.'
In due time, Thanksgiving day arrived
and while the second beIlhwas ringing,
news came to the village that a very serious
accident had happened to the Unversalis,
Minister. His horse had thlown him, AM
either his neck or leg was broken the bo,
who had brought the news had forgotten
which. q hope it is not his neck, said the
rich and charitable old church member -
When Deacon Goodman heard that remark
he held up his hands and exclaimed i never !
Now the Deacon, dearly loved good
preaching, and the meeting house was to
him house OF Fasting But his religion
was Of very practical kind and although
he thought but precious little Of his good
works, he tool, care to do good many Of
them, and was far from believing with Ans
dorf, that good works are an impeachment to
salvation So, said he TO Mrs. Goodman.
do you go to the house or feasting, and gel
all the good you can and | will 90 10 the
house Of mourning, and do all cam And
away he went 10 see, and il possible relieve
the Universalst minister
In the meantime the congregation assem-
blea, and the worship proceeded in the usu-
j way. At length came the anthem. II
even went beyond expectation A long
rest Immediately preceded the solo. Il
wa, no rest for poor little Mary It was
the most anxious minute she had ever naaa.
ed She arose blushing and trembling.
Her agitation gave tremor to her voice
which added 10 the pathos Of the music Il
was beautiful.
Now Deacon Goodman always made i
rule, when an accident had detained hin
until after worship had commenced, to com,
in very softly. How different from the fash
ionable flourish! All were intent on tn,
sole. None heard, but few saw Deacon
Goodman enter his pew, and take up th,