1* 2 *3 * 4 * 5 * 6 * 7 * 8 * 9 * 10
We have read the communication of SIMPLEX on the above subject. But like all other good things it hath a fault. The fault is, it is good only as far as it goeth. Truly, SIMPLEX taketh us back to the olden times, when "the earth was green," and all things free from the innovations of these latter days. And truly, when "the earth was green," in that there was nothing even of the old oaken floor to hide earth's cool beauties -- and where "every one bringeth his own buffalo, or shareth it with his neighbor," or him who sitteth upon the nearest log. But "the light of other days is gone," rather, the light of other days is come. The people dwelleth "in ceiled houses," and have things comfortable for themselves and every thing smileth cheerfully in their homes. And as old earth rolleth round, it cometh into new sunshine and the people see plainer and further, and some are getting more comfortable hearts and understandings. And in their devotion, they read further, even from Psalms to Haggai 1:4. Indeed, we say not, why if we depart from "the upper chamber," simplicity of the early church, and also from the log cabin meeting-houses of the stern war times of the early Puritans, why we may not add to the comfort of the house of God, and make it as delectable as the houses of our homes, in this age of progressive comfort. True, the organ is not a necessary part of the building, nor necessary part of worship. Nor is the carpet or pew. People can bring their own chairs. Nor is the roof a necessary part to some. For many never attend church, save on "sun shining days." Must we therefore have nothing but what is necessary? But the carpet may be too gaudy, the cushions too soft, the paint too pretty, and the organ too loud, too long; and so may be the prayers and preaching. What of that? Shall we abolish them all? Nay verily. Then keep them and command them, and control them. Let the world know, that we can in our day, as well as in David's, make "every thing that hath breath," "stringed instruments and organs, praise THE LORD," and not the organist.
But my dear sir, as it is said, Dr. Wilson of Philadelphia remarked, I object to the organ, simply because it has no intellect! Neither has the human bagpipe in itself considered. Consecrated as the organ is to the church, we have known more intellect and real affectionate purity of thought, expressed by a proper spiritual mind, guiding the instrument for one minute, than has been expressed in ten by voices, and those not out of tune and pitch, which is often the case. And yet would we highly prize the choir of well-tuned voices. There is something heaven-born in the sound of well-tuned and harmonized voices. They are the instruments of heaven's minstrelsy. The instruments upon which the praises of God and the Lamb, are sung in the spirit land. Could we have a visit from some angel chorister, to direct our singing in the Sabbath service, how gladly would we yield the organ. Not that we love the organ less, but that we love such voices more, they come from nearer the heart. But we think, could we have even such a visitant, we would not need to yield the organ. It would take its proper place, not "as an elegant accompaniment," as SIMPLEX condemns it; but as an additional voice of harmony, as well as melody, which would speak the devotion of the whole, as well as the voice does the devotion of the one. Then would we feel that it is "the spirit that quickeneth." Then would we know what powers there are latent in the church, to be made subservient and tributary to the glory of God and the praises of his Sanctuary. We only need proper energy and manhood to arrange and control these appliances, and every thing will only have a tendency to make us "press onward to the mark for the prize."
SIMPLEX has evidently not heard from some of our large cities, within the past few months, or else he would not have written: "There are few organs in the Presbyterian churches, and the number cannot be increased, etc." As to the abuses mentioned, we have no time to mourn plaintively over them; but to correct them immediately, finally and efficiently. In this matter, "SIMPLEX" has gone far enough. He should have told how to correct. A child may destroy what a giant's strength, physical or intellectual, may be demanded to erect. Let us have a building out of debt, a perfect offering, a full consecration to our Father, and then answer whether we may not add an organ, rightly used -- consecrated to God, with the motto on its front in gold, and the hearts of its voices in spirit, HALLELUJAH, by interpretation, "praise the Lord," and sing the praises of the Lord, and the songs of David and of Israel, with increased devotion and correctness in our music, and no impeachment of our orthodoxy.
H.
1* 2 *3 * 4 * 5 * 6 * 7 * 8 * 9 * 10
Page Last Updated: 01/10/08 02:23:07 PM