Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1881-01-08


the importance and influence of music is
most strongly felt and needed. There
poverty and sickness and despair must
be- forgotten, and joy and freedom of
spirit placed upon the throne. The
fox was wise enough to see that
when he flattered the raven on her fine
singing she must drop the cheese when
she opened her mouth. Thus few have
the power or disposition to hold in their
minds any bad feelings when their
mouths are opened with cheerful song.
Captive apostles i'm chains sang praises
and their shackles were lOosened, so we,
in chains to ill-feeling or discourage
ment, may sing songs and the bonds will
loosen. We have not yet come to feel
the full force of Gods musical meSSen-
gers.
When Orpheus played upon his Tyre
wild beasts laid aside their ferOcity and
listened, Pluto relented, yultures ceased
to torment TiIyuS, Tantalus forgot his
thirst, and the goddess of death forgot to
go to earth to call away the infant and
aged. This is but type of that power ex-
erted over the human heart by sacred
music, subduing angry passions. smOth
erlng ruffied tempers, causing dull care
to be forgotten, and surrounding life
with an atmosphere of perfect harmony.
"Who is there that in logical words
can express the effect music has on us,
a kind Of inarticulate, unfathOmable
speech" says Carlyle" which leads to the
edge of the infinite and lets us for
moment gaze into that" The number
of these precious moments should be in
creased by all possible means i'm every
sphere of life, for then the soul lives in
its highest transports of joy.
But with all its marvellous history
music in its connection with worship
has its defects which have arisen from
several causes. Having seen the extraOr
binary relation between the soul and
harmonious sounds, we perceive where
in our fOrefathers were in error in eX-
GLIDING almost entirely from public
worship the use of music. From that
pernicious mistake the Christian church
is still suffering, and though during the
last half century much has been done to
counterfeit its influence, yet some rad
zeal defects need correcting. for we are
far from the height of perfection.
1t is sad but true that the time allotted
to music i'm worship is frequently other
wise employed, and this arises not always
from defective vocal organs, but often
from Indifference to the service. For
this there must be some cause. We find
it in blamewOrthy Indifference of an
Organlst to the proper use of music in
worship, in choir whose lives are not
in harmony with the spirit of the serv-
ice, in congregation which fails to I'M
derstand the everlasting power and beau
ty of sacred music, and in general in
a lack of appreciation of its devotional
value.
What is the obvious result of this? Is
it not seriously to injure the designed
effect of worship? Does it not lead to
stiffness and GOODNESS? Does it not tend to
suppress the natural uplifting of the
heart toward divinity? And most of all
does it not fail to attract those with
whom it is case of life or death to
reach?
We believe the true remedy for these
ills lies in the sOul-stirring strains of
sacred music. Let us look at the nature
of this remedy. Though there be SEEM
ingly insurmOuntable difficulties in the
way OF reform in sacred music as an
element of praise in worship, yet the
demands of the age upon the church re-
QullO lCI w SIdpPIC Will tucul at ODCcs
That the common people may learn to
throw open the church doors that within
the sanctuary and under its protecting
influence they may listen to the thrilling
strains OF great composers, and depart to
their homes happier, better, nObler, for
all acknowledge that music is a wise
and secures her ends at far less
cost than courts of justice and prison
walls. Build up a public sentiment in
favor OF congregational singing by Sc
curing chorus choir of Christians led
by prominent voices, plan good times for
them; recognize their arduOus and gen.
orally unappreciated and much criticised
labOrs for you by warm sympathy, by
social gatherings, by entertainments for
their especial benefit, then give them
cheerful place to meet in, and new music
and an organ or piano neither aSthmatic
nor neuralgia. Secure an Organist re-
gardful rather of the spiritual interests
of the congregation than his own repu-
tatiOn; provide an abundance of good
hymn and tune books for the church and
home and then establish weekly meet
lngs for practice, and Sabbath evening
meetings for praise. Select hymns for
this service having unity of sentiment,
say from warning to triumph" or
the life OF our Lord in its various phases
from the manger to the ascension. After
a suitable introduction let the sentiment
of each hymn be dwelt upon by the pas
tor until thoroughly understood, together
with recital of the authors life and
circumstances of writing the hymn.
When this is done let the hymn be rever-
emily sang by choir or congregation or
both, In good pitch, otherwise the sing
ers think OF their Threats or go to sleep,
In good time, neither drawl nor CAB
bic, yet not too spirited to cover the mean
ing OF the hymn but let heart and mind
keep equal pace. An evening thus spentwe
predict will do good like medicine, and
Will interest many one who would not
listen to sermon. Make the Sabbath
school grand training ground where
young and old will be trained with great
care for this part of divine service
There let music have its full share of the
hour and at times little more. Occa-
slOnally devote the entire prayer meet
ing hour to music, again if no one speaks
sing hymn, if no one prays sing a
hymn, If there seems to be no heartfelt
sympathy sing hymn. Thus the Holy
spirit awakens glowing inspiration to
speak and pray and YIELDS together dis
cOrdant hearts with bonds of heavenly
love. Thus make use of the instrument
OF sacred song with hymn book in hand
and ability to use it and no prayer meet
ing will be dull, and you will see some
at least move away from Grumble Corner
up toward Thanksgiving Street where
the atmosphere is pure and the neigh
bOrs agreeable.
In public worship let sacred music be