Middletown transcript., 1868-05-09
For the Mddiet,o,irn Transeript.
NEAR MIpDLETowN, April 26th, '6s.


Mr.. EDIToR.-Who can mark the pro-
gress'of time without expressing thanks,
that they live in the 10Th century, where
the philosophy Of reform seems to be the
order of the day. After an absence
Of three years, Mr.. Editor, I visited the
NJ E. Sabbath School, of your place. ]
recognized some familiar faces. noticed
many who occupied places as scholars then
were now engaged in teaching. The same
faithful ladies still have charge of the In
FAINT Department. But this was not all
noticed for fear of worrying the patience
of your readers, and to make long story
short, will proceed. The Melodeon had
crept in. " Thinks / to myself" what q
change! since the following lines we're
written, but never published Not only
did I discover this change in the M. Il.
Church, but "The Church" has resorted
to Tableaux, means few years ago they
would have Uushed at to accomplish any
purpose. Arc not the Churches becoming
more and more like the world? And as
my sentiments do not agree with the doc
trine that we were predestinated (let our
lives be what they may) to happiness, l
cannot help expressing regret, that the
churches which claim to be evangelical,
would do that which we cannot find sane
toned in the writings of the Bible.
"'Tis said thnt sweet music
| Hath charms that will soothc
The breast of the savage
And tendcrly move
The depths of the soul
| And its powers control -
Our Creator has given US
Powers of voice,
That our souls may in music
| BE glad and rejoice,
AMI he listened with pleasure
| In those early days,
When David, with instruments
Poured forth his praise"
We of kindred mind
Have late been inclined
| To procure for our school melodcon that might
To scholars and teachers give added delight,
And by prasing God, both with fingers and voice
Make more of those present give thanks rejoice,
We sent for the instrument brought it along,
And soon touched its notes in Zion's sweet song,
But, 10 and behold the old folks and pastor,
Thot the young ones were going little bit faster
Than propricty taste in such things would allow,
And determined melodeon should leave anyhow.
1T went, went with il some friends Of the school
Who upto that time had obeycd every rule;
Not only the instrument, so strange to our view,
But also some teachers-offended withdrew,
Our Superintendent along with the rest,
Though faithful before, as all must confess,
Left scholars and schools and all that was dear,
And since by his presence hath given no cheer,
His labors so constant and useful 10 all
Arc missed since he fails to answer our call
We remember, with heart full of tender esteem,
How useful in school he hath hitherto been
But we know that he will not listen in vain
To the roicc that invites him return once again.
oh brother come back, and all who have stray d
And heal up the wounds your absence has made
Your places yet call you; forget the past strife,
And in concert and love let us walk on in life
Then, pastor and people, superintendent and all
O6eying the voices of duty that call,
Will put on the nrmor and strike for the right,
In the spirit of Christ and his heavenly might
We may yet in our hearts have cause to rejoice
That we tried to make music aside from the voice
If the instruments gone, let us raise clear a lout
A song of thanksgiving for sunshine and cloud,
'Twere a shame if our music so rich and so sweet
For any good teacher should play a retreat.
e No let the past be forgotten and gone,
And all Joined to the school, be marching along
, An OBSERVER.