New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1861-03-15
ale@ Oregon plain 1ealer,
COMMUNlCA TED
THE USES OF MUSIC.

Having considered the use or music
as a source Of mental recreation and
amusement, we call the attention to
its uses and claims for worship, and
for the sanctuary service.
1t is for us to remember, that the
Creator Of our being and Author of our
Salvation has prescribed the use of
music, ln> trumental as we'll as vocal,
fer his church; and it has been made
use of as means of worship since the
time of the Jewish ritual as delivered
by Moses, but VIC have no authority to
assert that it formed any part in that
ritual, for the sounding of trumpets
only, was signal for worship. Since
that time tnere has been large intro
duction of music, both vocal and instru-
mental, into the services of the sanct-
uary.
The scriptures inform us that David,
at the command of God, procured mu
steal instruments in abundance, and
fitted and prepared a large Choir, of
singers for his service. David in his
day and age of the world, among must
clans was the first in rank, exceling
all others; and thus he was chosen to
preside over and to govern the affairs
Of the church.
All who have listened to and heard
organs and melodeons as they are used
in connection with choir singing. have
been convinced that they are Of great
benefit; because they are a great adj
dition to the music, and are useful in
keeping up and sustaining the choir.
No objection can be brought to bear
against the use of instrumental music
in the church, unless it is that of its
abuses. which would prove nothing
more than, that everything else might
he used in a wrong way. We lind
nothing in the new testament that
should lead Us to discountence the use
of instrumental music in worship, and
nothing is said in reference to it; conse-
ouently no argument can be produced,
or any plea furnished against it. W.
H. Havergal says: singing and mak-
ing melody in your heart to the Lord,
instead of disfavoring instrumental
music. actually makes, in the original
Greek, such allusion to it as is alto
gether favorable to it's use. The Greek
word which is translated making MEL
ody, means playing on an instrument,
or singing with an instrument; and, as
every scholar knows, in your heart,
may Just as propesly be rendered with
your heart" We may justly conclude,
that the same music prescribed for the
use of the church before the Christian
era, should be made use Of at the pres.
ant day: because God is an unchanga-
bic being, "the same yesterday, to-day.
and forever"
In reference to the propriety of u.s..
ing Psalmody at social gatherings, we
say: On such occasions, unless it be by
special appointment, for the purpose Of
cultivation and improvement, when the
feelings of the company are in good
keeping with the style and character of
the music they are using, 1t is an in
suit to God: and, to make use of devo-
tional music without treating it with
that reverence and respect which be-
longs to it, would be to cast away all
hallowed association, and then end in
a perversion and disrespect for its sa-
cred themes.
At the social party, and on occasions
where hilarity and mirth must be aug
,aentcd, secular music should be made
use of altogether; when practiced and
used, it gives better satisfaction than
does sacred music, which is so wildly
different from the character and senti-
ments of the company, and it also
clears them of the responsibility of a
useles perver sion of its sacred dlscour-
ses. Glee music is also used and adj
mired in the Home circle, around the
fireside, at times when it would be
improper to introduce Sacred song.
We quote from the Singing Class Jour-
nal, a few lines which give vivid i'm
preston of the magic power Of mutual
love in the dom este circle.
Hearts and homes sweet words Of pleasure,
Music breathing as they fall
Making each the others treasure;
Once divided, losing ALL"
Homes We may BE- high or lowly,
Hearts alone can make you holy;
BE the dwelling Ger SO small
Il Ill