New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-06-04
MUSIC IN THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS


The Society of Friends has OF all times opposed the
introduction OF vocal or Instrumental music INTO inc
faml;es within the pale Of its organization. II we
mistake not music has been expressly prescribed IN
n. daciune This feature peculiar to both branches
NJ the socety-the Orthodox and Hickste-the d.
vision in 1928 and 90 having been followed by no
marked change in the letter spirit of the discipline
of either branch-at least with respect to the toera-
lion Of music But during the past twenty years there
has been a manifest tendency the part OF the
younger members Of the Society to ignore sucn sec
tartan pecuiarities as seemed to them merely formal
and having nothing to do with the essence OF 'nei,
RELIGION. The shad-bellied coat and broad-brimmed
hat having been cast aside, there is nothing a. VIC
present day in the external appearance OF the
voupy Friend 10 distinguish him from the ordinary
citizen. Itis true that elderly Friends OF both sexes
still nreserye the pristine painness of their Society In
eneecb and dress, but there not few middle-sged
Friends who are among the innoyators.
Tn This march of innovation it would be strange if
love for musc should not manifest itself among the
members Of this Society unless we admit that Quaker
nature and human nature differ from one another.
That there is really 10 such difference we find in the
fact of the protest against this prescription of music
which exists in the minds of very many and the prac
-
the houses of not few Friends who reside in cities
Slow. conservative members of the denomination
have deprecated these evidences of growing
deeeneracy in the Society. Others, however, have
placed different estimate upon these facts
believing that the desire manifested by Friends to Gull
tiyate taste for music, is an evidence of progress
The question of toerating this innovation has been in
Quiet agitation for some time the matter was settled
finally 20 far az the discipline Of the Society s con-
cerned. The facts Us we have been able to colate
them are az follows:
A yeer or two since friend residing in Madison-st
was brought before the monthly meeting of the Hicks
lite Friends Of this City, because ne had purchased
piano-forte and had the same in his house. The fact
was not denied, but it was avered that the offending
Friend had ever been exemplary member OF the
Society and further, that the piano had not caused
any visible deterioration in bis religious zeal, piety or
morality But the monthly meeting was not SATISFIED
with this and the of the mceting as expressed
by its clerk, was that the offending Friend should be
disowDed.
The disowned member not satisfied with this
decision and he appealed to the quarterly meeting.
There the decision confirmed He again appealed
to the yearly meeting which sal in this City last week
There the subject was fully canvassed. The good
character of the offending Friend was fully sustained
by ample testimony. But there the pano-a hide
Gus confrivance when viewed through Quaker specta-
cles-stln stanuing, anu Propapiy III PoicO' '"0' ~
his parlor in Madison-st., and the New-York yearly
meeting confirmed the Righteousness Of the decision of
the inferior tribunal We believe that the piano is still
standing there but its owner has ceased to be men,
Der Of the Society.
The decision is a very important one in its conse-
quences II seems that there about forty Friends
In Now-York, who, with their families, orc liable to
the Same condemnation. Most of them stand high iii
the Society in every respect except in entertaining
taste for the taboocd art. Among the number is at
least ono preacher Under the decision of the yearly
meeting, tho monthly meeting of course will commence
casting out the remaining offenders until the Society is
purified Of all music-lovng persons.