New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1861-04-05
Nsn 0regcn plain 1ealsr,
COMMUNICATED.
THE USES OF MUSIC.

Commencing with this subiest where
VIC left it, Emusic IN the home circle, }
1t will be we'll to notice its use at the
family altar as an auxiliary to its wor-
ship. If singing is worship, or any
part of it. its tendency is to augment
devotion and raise the soul to ncclama-
tions of praise to him who is the author
of all comfort and consolation: and it is
an act which should be duly considered
by all who attend family prayer, for
singing and praying are acts both Civ
ing expression to devotional feeling;
consequently. one is equally important
as is the other. Let us sing to the
Lord, making melody in our hears,
and though We are not permitted to
sing with him as did his disciples,
when they went out and sang a hymn;
yet he has given US the blessed privil-
eye of singing to him. which is q
grand evidence of his love toward us.
70 those who have not used music.
and have not made it a part of their
worship in the family, try it, and you
will be able to say with the poet:
Sometimes the light surprises
The Christian while he sings"
From my own experience, l cannot
say what blessings may be conferred
upon those who observe this duty, but
many have given their testimony in
favor of its use as a means of obtaining
blessings which they stand in need off.
Hints at difficulties IN churches
though this is departure from the sub
iect, it is a matter of Importance,
evils may be considered as they exist
and means used to avoid them. 1t is
lamentable fact that in many of the
churches during service persons are
present who might sing and would be
glad to, if they had books, they look
around and see only half a dozen hymn
books in the congregation, perhaps not
more than one or two, no singing books
to he had because those who have them
have carelessly left them at home, sup
posing that Others are willing to neg
lect and depreciate worship in the same
manner that they do themselves. If
the question be asked, ''are not all
under the obligation Of furnishing
books for themselves" reply: ''in
many instances strangers are present,
and persons belonging to denominations
of different order, they should have
the privilege of taking part in the wor
ship, AMI not to invite them to sing and
supply them with books, is to withhold
from them that courtesy which is their
due" The question arises, on WON
does the responsibility rest to furnish
books for cho,rs and singers? 1t must
be the church itself; if they do their
own singing they should furnish them
selves, and all others who are compe.
tent to and are disposed to sing; if
they have &hoir singing only, they
should bear all the expenses incident to
tie wants of that chior during service,
because they have spent their time and
their money to qualify themselves, AID
obtain this part of their education,
which is neglected and unapreciated by
so many, and by those to, who never
even give them credit for their compe-
tsncy. In cases where the church is
able to, they should procure either an
Organ or Melodeon for it, use.
There needs to DC o reformation in
the church. Mans musical nature is
all right, but it is necessary that he
should have that wisdom which eometh
down from above, guidance and d.
rection, together with a study of policy
and duty that he may use it in man
ner to answer the ends for which it was
designed.
In places where instrumental music has
fallen into disuse, and where it never has
had an admission into the church; discipline
a,ust be applied, and means used to obtain it.
There always ha; BEEN and always viii be
an increase of knowledge and an advance in
musical skill; and the consequence ia. that
Organs and Melodeons have been brought
into the churches.
In churches and cathedrals the Organ
stands pre-eminent in musical power, and
surpasscs every other instrument in usc
Historian. say that Organs were admitted
into the Christian church ut the early period
Of $50. other writer's Assert that the date was
SEQ, but they probably were not used much
until the time of the reformation in the 10th
century; these opinions are conflicting and
unsatisfa Glory, but we know that they have
been used extensively far nearly three centu-
riea. Organs are pondorous in their con-
struction, and arc not a. well adapted to the
wants of the Village church as Melodons
which are now manufactured at 40 low prices
and are sold by Factorymen and Agents in
almost every part of the country as to be
within tho reach of all; and it IL the duty of
those who manage the affairs of the church to
procure them. and encourage their admission