Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1893-06-09

- w h1ch, G4llng, makes lie green, tne snoAoS
IS spring,
Of!purer fancies and high sympathies.
Nothing exerts o stronger or more refining
influence upon character than music.
We trace it's existence through the beautiful
mythology Of the Greeks: have its mysterious
power symbolized in the Homeric legend Of the
sirens, whose sweet songs luled the Inflated
mariners to destruction; fnds its image engra-
ven upon the ancient tombs and obelisks OF
Egypt, everywhere gliding the twilight Of anti
quity with its suggestive presence.
The myth OF Orpheus and Eurydice has fur
nished Browning with an illustration OF the
power Of music in his .Pied Piper" who was
able by means OF secret charm, to draw all
creatures from beneath the sun, that creep. OF
swim, or fly, or run, after him. SO as you never
saw. IL f:s 5s5
. national air or song.
The animating and exciting Marsatlla1se Of
the French has always exerted great influence
upon the people. The celebrated national a1r
OF the Swiss, though composed Of but 2 few
intervals and having such q beautiful and
powerful effect amid the lofty mountains OF
the Alps, explains the Inconsistencies 80 often
experienced when the Swiss IN for distant
des Vaches. "a 54ss y.
Tho cultivation Of the art Of music has .
most favorable influence upon public MORALS
\ II furnishes source Of pleasure In every
family: it gives home new attraction, and
makes social intercourse more cheerful. The
history Of music is essentially tho record OF 9
few men Of genius, like Haydn and Mozart.
who, by their Jealous and self.sacrihcing dey0-
odc.% %fn natter
for 1t. sg,s iss
Music Is the cry Of Joy and Of sorrow, Of trt-
umph and Of despair, of ecstacy and OF agony,
Is understood BY all because it is the voice OF
Nature. 5ts 65S
when linked to words 1t loses its vagusness.
and becomes beautifully ILLUSTRATION Of Language,
and apart from words 1t expresses passion and
sentiment.
Music is like prayer, in that 1t gives repose
and satisfies the heart.
One who sings about his work, not only re-
deems toll from drudgery,: but may furnish
wings unconsciously for another soul to rise.
There should be melody in the heart first Of
all, hut let the lips utter it that others may
hear. 3s n
What other songhas influenced more souls
for good than Wesley's Jesus Lover OF MY
Soul which is acknowledged 10 be the most
.t5ncraliy sacvsptcd and beloved Of al Christian
hymns? MI
We are told Of q Spanish king who was af-
fected with the most distressing form Of mad
ness. Sinking into the deepest melancholy,
and shutting himself in darkened chamber,
where nothing could arouse him to the slight
est interest in the affairs Of life.
At last the physicians ordered famous
vocalist to sing in On outer room SO that the
patient might hear him.
At first the melody had no effect. but after
q time the king seemed aroused. tears started
to his eyes, and he commanded the door of his
chamber to be opened.
Softer, sweeter, fell the strain, more sooth-
ing the melody, until like another David the
singer had exercised the evil spirit, and Saul
was himself again.
The medicine of song has more than once
been employed in soothing distracted brains,
with the most satisfactory results.
In fancy we might stand within q. lofty cathe-
dral, listening to the voice Of many singers,
and the grand accompaniment of q deep-toned
organ.
They chant softly an anthem. Now there is
upon us IN exquisite sensation Of great JOY.
The melody has charmed oil care away. we
would rest here for ever!
Hark! they strike into triumphant chorus.
Now the soul rests not in serene repose, but
rises steadily and strongly, and seems borne
far above the earthly. AS the psalm ceases,
and Us we mingle with the hushed crowd the
remembrance OF gladness remains with us.
There is doubtless music as vast MS crea-
tion, embracing all sounds, oil noises in their
numberless combinations, and rising from the
bosom OF discord in boundless and harmonious
swell-the hymn which the universe chants to
God"