The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-12-20
For TIE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN
A PLEA FOR NEW TUNES,

SN-N
Central, by HEMAN. The views he pre-.
sented are not only eminently just, but not
many have the courage to express them, and
to express them so bravely and so well.
trust his suggestions will receive, as | know
they will, the profound consideration of the
Committee of Publication. | sincerely hope
the writer of that article has not limited his
'elU in the preparation of our Book OF
Psalmody, to this public exposition of the
correct principles upon which such book
should be gotten up, but has given copious
suggestions and selections from the many
music books of the day, with the names and
contents of which he seems perfectly famil-
lar. | thank him for such a clear and fear
less paper on the subject of church music.
only wish the article had been divided and
published in two successive papers; for | SO
fear that not few passed by reading some,
thing, two columns and half long.
HEMAN has the right to speak, Especially
when he speaks so well) from his position,
his years and musical taste am what my
signature says, with only few years expe-
rience in the ministry. And yet music, es
pecially sacred music, possesses for me un-
usual charms and attractions; and, though
not having given it as thorough study as
would like, am acquainted with the first
principles, and familiar with many of the
current collections of sacred music. With
out controverting anything in that admira-
bic paper, l venture not without diffdence
to put in this modest plea for nee0 tanes.
Being yet comparatively young, and with
out large experience, it is with real hesita'
ton that express my desire for some new
tunes. l have great respect for the old
tunes. Many of them are very dear to me
by the power of tender and long cherished
associations. can pardon the love and
clinging affection which good people have fol-
tunes they heard in their childhood, even
though the music of them is execrable, and
the harmony false and positively excruciat
ing. But should these tunes, should such
tunes, be actually printed in our book Of
Psalmody, and shackled upon the coming
generation, as the standard tunes of Presby
terian worship? Would it not be better, fal
better, to let many such pass away with the
present generation, as many have done with
the past? have very great respect for the
old tunes; they are venerable in years anc
perhaps in the memories of those who have
passed to rest but having served their time
| have such respect for them that | think
they should be allowed to go to rest likewise
1t isn't novelty 1 want; it is good book
of good tunes; such as VW stand, as well a:
such as hare stood the test of time. Let me
illustrate by an example: The precious
words of Cowper's hymn, " There is fOun
tain, filled with blood" used to be sung to
tune called "New Britain" Zone of the very
best of the old tunes, by the way.) DR.
Lowell Mason in "Spiritual Songs sets th'
words to tune of his called Fountain,
more lately "Cowper." and wherever tn
latter has been sung, it has supplanted tn
former, and been in general use, perhap
twenty years. Now which of these tune
shall be 'wedded' to these immortal words
Both are good,-the latter evidently the bet
ter of the two, as it has taken its place.
Should a new tune be presented to the Com
mittee, of evident merit and likely to live
or should a tune of superior melody an
parts, of FIVE or ten years life, be presente
to the Committee, appropriate to words a
ready sung to one of these old, precious It
the DID, unmusical, ungramatical tunes q
the past? Shall the Committee discard tn
better and choose the worse, and fasten
upon the words and upon future generations
Is this wisdom? Il don't mean policy
it just to precious words? Is it just to ser
sitive tastes?
The newness of tune is merely compal
ative. Where does the limit extend? Dl
Mason's, DR.. Hastings, Mr.. Bradbury
Mr.. George Kingsleys, and others 1 migf
name, are all in the comparison, new;
comparison for example with the old Kel
lucky Harmony, the Southern Harmon.
ct id Omne genus. | do hope the Commi
tee will get the very best tunes, the best MI
sical taste can select, as we'll from the ne
as from the old books. Use the matters
afforded not only by those mentioned abOv
but by Woodbury., Root, Emerson, ALE
Solon Wilder, T. F. Seward, Sherwin, Gre
torex, and other living writer's.
When I went to College, lin 1857, 7,)"Ke
/ tucky," or "Sandusky," or "Iowa, I'll
tune has possibly other nameS-wa8 su
gested to our choir by one who said it "
sung at his home. 1t was a new tane to
a majority of the choir, and yet it had be,
1 sung possibly in the Revolution, When
: came to my present charge, Rockingha
+ Or. Mason's) was by no means familia
a and even the precious old Scottish tune Ma
e tyrdom, or Avon, had never been sung! NJ
J. should l have introduced such tunes, or su
- the same old ones that have been sung t
: generations past to all sorts of hymns ?
e attended the funeral of dear old friend 4
y long since, and the brother who conduct