The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1857-03-21
miscellaneous.
For The Cecil Wing.
CHURCH MUSIC.

Mr.. EplroR:-I beg leave through the
columns Of The Wing, to submit to the mem
bsrs of the Iyccum the following question
for discussion
..ls Singing in our Churchea properly a
part Of Divine Worship, or is it merely ga
Urrft rnance' to entertain the Congregation
and ill up the Intervals in the services pro-
per,---..a pertormoncs'' in which only select
few should be rrivil' ged to participate -
confess sir, that my early education had
led me to regard singing as part Of the or
binary services, in which the whole consre-
cation was privileged to unite: but the
practice at this day has induced me to sup
pose that as our simple hearted forcfathers
were far behind the present asc Of progress
in other things, they may in this respect also
have erred, and may have mSread the l4o
and $50 Psalms and other sublime exhorta-
tons to praize God in the sanctuary, which
our scientific performers are perhaps prcpa-
rcd to show have been mstranslated.
II the members of the I.yccum will take the
matter in hand and determine it finally and
authoritatively they will doubtless confer a
great favor upon many, whose minds are
more or less disturbed and unsettled upon
this delicate and important question.
claim, sir, to be open to conviction, but
until more fully enlightened am free to ac-
knowledge myself so much Of an "old fogy,"
Ms greatly to prefer the simple spirt-stirring
melodies Of our fathers and mothers in Israel,
to the miserable jargon with which our sci
cntific ''polywogs" often favor US; especially
when the music Of the tune they select, is 50
wretchcdly inappropriate to the sentiment of
the hymn they are called upon to "peIform"
as it not unfrrqucntly is.
While rejecting upon this subject, and
turning over the leaves Of the Nationsl Maya.
zine for March. | fell upon the following story
which will he found on pnge 23l in that
number. Will you be kind enough to give
it room in your columns. 1t may perhaps
threw some light on the subject, and may he
Of service in the proposed discussion.
NE.uI.Ml.Au, Junior.
The Blackbirds and the Frogs.
In meadow which lay near an extensive
marsh, dwelt colony Of blackbirds, who
when evening came, were wont to meet to-
gether among the thick foliage Of an old elm.
tree which stood at the verge of the morass.
They were happy colony, and after they
had finished their daily toll. long and loud
were the songs they sent forth from the old
tree, gladtcniug the very air with the larmo.
nv Of their voices, and rendering the solitude
oc 81, -
all sang. each one swelling his little throat,
and pouring forth his rich tones as if in &C.
stacy, and thus for season after season they
had lived and sung in perfect harmony and
happiness. One evening, however. a member
Of tiiiS colony ,Primy he was called by his
companions, because he prlded himself on hts
personal appearance, and that Of all black.
birds his plumage was the blacklist and most
glossy CHANGED to visit little pool of water
at the edge Of the swamp for the purpose of
qnenching his thirst. and washing and arran-
ging his feathers, when he was addressed by
genteel-looking individual, whom he recog-
nizcd, after moments gaze, as John Frog,
worthy inhahitant Of the marsh, and very
good singer Johnny Frog was polite and
sclt-conceitcd little fellow, and was so proud
OF his accomplishments, The was an excellent
dancer. as well as snger,) that he never
could cease talking about them.
Good evening. Mr.. Primy," said Johnny,
as he advanced with graceful hop toward the
blackbird. IL have long sought for an OPP
portunity Of seeing YOU or one Of your colony.
How is your familys"
Primy replied to this salutation with re-
spectiul bow. for he regarded tho varied &C.
complishments Of John Frog with the highest
generation. and having assured him that Mrs
Prilny was as well as could be expected, and
that three little Primys had already dipped
their shells, inquired with some earnestncss
why Johnny had been SO anxious to see him.
Why. you sce,' said johnny. II have
three friends. all good singers, as you know.
as well as myself, who, being entirely out Of