The Daily Texarkanian., 1894-06-09
THE MUSIC OF THE SOUL"
BY JOSIE AvoNDINo.
AT st. Agnes Academy, May 81, "a.

~Ab ~ - 3 hNo AANu0NhJj NAe'J "'i "f'
The emotion that conveys to the
mind of man an idea of that grand
mystery, the beautiful, is usually
designated by the common appella-
ton, "art. These emotions, so
pure and elevating, may be applied
to that which is pleasing to the eye
or ear and to many of the disposi-
tions of the mind. In it we recog-
nize dormant sparks of heavenly
fire, placed in the soul of man by
his Creator to be replenished by the
fuel of culture, so that when the
soul glows with its warmth man en-
joys a foretaste of the pleasures
that await him in the celestial
kingdom; the wish to have others
share in his sublime happiness makes
a man a true artist or a reyealor of
Gods most sacred earthly treas
ures.
The sculptor presents his ideas by
means of outward forms; the eye of
the artist makes known to his mind
the ideal of which surrounding OBJ
jects serve as models.
In music the thought is carried
back to the musicians heart; the
idea of the artist is confined within
his own bosom, but music is felt by
all, except those who are devoid of
the finer sympathetic feelings of
the soul; it is the least understood
of all the arts and its mystery
shrouds it in sublimity. Majestic,
yet full of sentiment, it is linked
with the innermost life of man, and
in its mystical way can express feel
ings where language is totally pow
erless.
"By music, minds and equal temper know,
No swell too high nor sink too low:
If in the breast tumultuous joys arise,
Music her soft persuasive voice applies;
Or when the soul is pressed with cares,
Exats her in enlivening airs.
Warriors she fires with animated sounds,
Pours balm into the bleeding lovers
wounds;
Melancholy lifts her head,
Morpheus rouses from his bed;
Sloth unfolds her arms and wakes,
Listening Envy drops her snakes.
Intestine war no more our passions wage,
And glddy factions bear away theirrage." "
All this is true of art with it's its
relation to the musical, but there is
Il music of the soul which appeals
more strongly than this to all of us
and can touch us in the tenderest
way. This music is more familiarly
known by the sweet name of SYM
pathy. Notice how it abounds in
nature. When the clouds weep all
nature seems mournful; the little
flowers droop their heads, the trees
bend their branches, and even our
selves are downcast, we know not
why. Let the king of day light up
the murky horizon, and immediate
ly all traces of sadness and gloom
disappear; we unconsciously respond
to the surrounding atmosphere.
Sympathy is our guide from in
fancy to old age. In our early days
we had all the sympathy we desired,
for every one is anxious to please
baby. But after few short sum
mers pass over her she is gradually
taught to depend more on herself.
SO she is sent to school for several
years, where her dealings with the
outside world begin, and she is
taught to think, act and do for her
self. Some people imagine school
girls life is all sunshine, but they
have only to recall the many weary
hours they spent in study and how
often they wandered home tired
and disconsolate Yes, school life
is full of trials and contradictions,
and the only consolation is the kind
encouragement bestowed by loving
teachers and cherished friends,
Yet how trivial are these trials,
compared with the graver duties
of life? Tonight life presents
more serious aspect; we leave school
so full of innocent happiness to be-
come women Of the world, to elevate
strong, grand characters, doing our
duty as true, noble, Christian wo-
men, thus making the world better
for our existence. Are we ready
for the encounter Will there be
found in us the strength of charac-
ter necessary to assume the weighty
responsibilities which cause the
greatness of lifeY Shall we, by
our lives, sustain the prerogatives
of the Christian woman2 All If
we have used the rich store of APP
pliances at our command to the
best advantage, it will be to us a
source Of satisfaction through all
our lives. and we need have no fears;