case.

He thus speaks of the regard due they relate to concerns of far more ingto the opinions of others on this sub- portance, -than thoce of the former ject.

“ An independence of action, and a « If those whom we esteem pious, are choice of practical principles, is an abconscientiously principled against such surdity of terms when applied to a Tecreations, they are wounded by our Christian profession. The moment this engaging in them.--Now to say, that is assumed, the professor becomes ameevery man ought to leave his neigh- nable to all the laws of Expediency and bour to stand or fall by himself, and Charity. He will find that they bear accordingly to suffer no feeling to oc- on many an act which may be right in copy the bosom in relation to his con- itself, but which is wholly altered in its duct in these things, is to waive the character by that bearing. The quesmatter on a ground very foreign from tion of abstracted rectitude' never the economy of Christianity. No can belong to the department of Chris Christian can do this.-It is not the tian casuistry.” pp. 130–133. single interest of the private individu.

After describing the tendency of al he has in view : it is that of the cause of the Redeemer.-This he has these amusements to destroy devomade his own: He feels himself wrong- tional feelings, he subjoins the fol. ed by an injury which it sustains. That lowing remarks. same diffusive charity, which sinks in his sight little sectarian distinctions,

“There are certainlyprofessors of reand teaches him to love all who love ligion who know little or no difference the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,' in the nature of their experience: and renders him susceptible of feeling, who tell us, accordingly, that they diswhenever the cause of religion is dis

cover no alteration in their frame of honoured. Charity owes its existence mind after engaging in such recreations: to a love of the Redeemer; and is in. It is not easy to reason with such separable from a love of his cause, or

persons from the effect of changes which of those who are supposed to be enlist they have never felt: and still less easy ed in it. To suppose the Christian, to point out evils which they cannot then, unaffected by that which je be- comprehend. But he who has passed lieves detrimental to the influence of from death unto vite,' and whứ since true religion, is to suppose an impossi- that change has discovered in himself bility. We are not without analogy of

new inclinations, and has found new the same thing in civil communities : sources of happiness, is familiar with Whatever public sentiment has deter- a difference in the religious frames of mided to be a matter of reproach, or

bis mind plainly referable to his habits mischievous to the welfare of society. or employments. It is not hard for him is proscribed : even although there to distinguish between acts the mere may be no written law in relation to morality of which he may not be able it: And he who violates such a tacit to investigate, but the propriety or imregulation, is justly considered an of- propriety of which is obvious to him fender against the better feelings of from their effect on himself. It is not the community. And it is no pallia- saying too much to affirm that no one tion of his fault, that some others may

can return from these amusements and be loose enough to countenance him in

close the day with all that fervency of it: This public sentiment is derived devotional exercise, with that undifrom the more virtuous, and not the vided attention to the perusal of the more loose portion of society. Now word of God, and that diligent examithe Church of Jesus Christ is a com

nation of his own heart, which will be munity, whose express object is to ho

the last daily exercise of the growing nour their Head: the views which are

Christian. The scene in which he had entertained by those whose acknow- engaged possessed a power of attracledged piety has given them a promi- tion which is not relinquished when the bence in it, are entitled to our respect: engagement is closed. It is over and Do matter what their birth, worldly over enacted, at least in many of its rank, or power, may be. The feelings parts, by the effective exercise of fanor anxieties which are called into play cy. The reflected picture is vivid, and here, are far more intense, --because perhaps long vivid, to the mind's eye,

ness.

even where the reality is passed. This tion of refined music in their choirs ;
attraction was not derived from the secondly, such as have the disposi-
power of a religious taste, but from in-
clinations which were wholly of a world- tion, but want leisure or the means
ly nature : These, of course, are fed for attaining correctness of harmony
and cherished, and strengthened : And and expression in their choral per-
so far as they are so, they effectually formances.
militate against an opposite and holy The present differs from the for-
temper.

mer editions of the same work, in
“ Now every one who is conversant several particulars of no small mo-
with any thing of religious experience, ment. The first is the increased
well knows that a devotional and hap- number of tunes of common or sim-
py frame of mind is more easily lost
than regained. It is, therefore, not a

ple airs, with a harmony so very momentary effect which is produced in plain and unpretending as scarcely the present instance. The coldness to arrest the attention of the amaand insensibility which now attend the teur, but which is extremely chaste, performance of religious duties, will and well adapted to the low state of either be followed by the pains of re- vocal talent that is very observable morse, or they will increase in inten

in multitudes of congregations sity by continuance. One link in the chain of evil, is succeeded by another. throughout the country. The se

cond is the addition of some paroThe feelings and character undergo a new modification. The comfort of re- chial tunes, and a choice number of ligion is forgotten, or only remember- set pieces, of a character sufficiently ed in its vacancy, as a thing that is refined and scientific to gratify the passed. Conscience loses its tender. most fastidious. It differs also from

Devotion itself is a matter of the former in being comparatively
form and constraint. The spirit and free from errors, which, for several
beauty of holiness are visible no more.
Such has been the fearful history of previous editions, had been accumu-
many a Christian, whose first back lating; and in the exclusion of some
sliding step was taken in innocent pieces which could be said to be-
amusements.
pp. 141-144.

long to neither of the classes above
pointed out.

But an important feature of the

work, and one which renders it proMusica SACRA, or Utica and Spring. per to be noticed in this journal,

field Collections United. Consiste (whilst the press is annually groaning of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, ing with thousands of copies of re. Anthems, and Chants, arranged arranged. worn out, and resuscitated for two, three, or four voices, music,) is the addition of about fifty with a figured base, for the organ pieces, absolutely new in this counor piano forte By Thomas iry, the most of wbich appear to us Hastings, and SOLOMON WAR- to be of an uncommonly high characRINER.

Fifth revised edition. ter Many of these are the proUtica: Printed and published by ductions of modern European masWilliam Williams. 1825.

ters of celebrity, and a few are from

a

the pen of one of the compilers. We have examined the above publi- As to the music in general, we cation with no small degree of grati- notice with peculiar pleasure that, fication, as we are fully inclined to whilst the music of several other believe it contains such a collection collections has been scientifically of sacred music as has long beeo a arranged with reference to the powdesideratum with two classes, com- ers of the organ, the music in the prising a considerable portion of the volume before us has been arranged religious public. The classes refer with more special reference to the red to are, first, such as have made difficulties of vocal execution, and considerable progress in the cultira- the capability of vocal expression.

Both of the compilers have, for the found to embrace sufficient variety, most of fifteen years past, been en• and to be sufficiently easy of execagaged (and we think successfully tion, to answer all the ordinary and honourably engaged) in the act. purposes of psalmody; but as each ive cultivation of church music. of them is calculated (by a common They have been distinguished for though somewbat questionable litheir practical knowledge, skill, taste, cense) to be sung in a great variety and discrimination; and in compil- of stanzas, the business of practical ing the present edition of their work, adaptation becomes an object of im. they have evidently spared no pains mense importance, and clergymen, to turn these qualifications to the teachers, and choristers cannot be. best account. There is a multitude stow too much attention

upon

it.” of pameless and apparently trifling To the sentiment implied in the particulars, which, taken together, marked passage of the parenthesis go to make up what we would term above, in favour of particular adapexcellence of style, and which are tation, we joyfully subscribe. But scarcely known or recognised, ex- so long as the greater part of clercept by the practical vocalist; while gymen, choristers, and even teachto all who listen to the performance ers, remain so palpably deficient in in which these are combined, the musical taste, how can it be especto effect is obvious. To this purport we ed that a suitable adaptation of mumight instance Colchester, Elysium, sic will be made to the words, or of Mear, Weymouth, Lowell, Roth- words to the music, so as even well, Eaton, and a large number of to exempt us from the pain of others, compared with the numerous sometimes hearing the doxology different copies in use. Among appended to a sombre hymn, or the set pieces, witness, in like man- performed in a tune of the minor der, Eighty-Eighth, Dying Chris- key? tian, Dialogue Hymn, Christmas, From this view of the subject it is Gently Lord; which, when the obvious that the greater the scarcity state of church music in our country of tasteful performers, the greater is taken into view, must be acknow- is the need of that particulas adapledged to be better barmonized than tation we observe in set pieces. If any copies that have hitherto ap- all performers understood musical peared.

expression, even a tune of doubtful The parochial music, comprising character would be partly adapted more than two-thirds of the volume, in the performance, by being varied embraces all the principal varieties to suit the variation of sentiment, so of measure, which are found in the that we should no longer require most approved psalm and hymn the aid of those way marks commonbooks. Under the head of Paro. ly found in set pieces, and no longer chial Psalmody, the compilers have be tortured with unmeaning sounds. instituted several distinctions with We conceive it almost time that the regard to practical adaptation, the meed of superior excellence should importance of which has never be- cease to be awarded to such tones us fore been sufficiently sbown and in- are of that doubtful character,or are sisted on in a work of this kind. so destitute of character that they For these we must refer the reader may be sung indifferently in a hua. to the work itself. We cannot for- dred different sets of words, cop. bear, however, to select from their taining perhaps as many different remarks on the above subject, the shades of sentiment. There is a following passage :-"With few ex. language in music, without which is ceptions, wbich are noticed in the bo- is wholly uofit for devotional or othdy of the work,the tunes of this large er purposes.

If this language is class” (Parochial Music) “will be perverted, its incongruities of eso 1826. No, I.

6

pression are manifest. But if every thou great Jehovah." What modest melody bag an appropriate relation pilgrim would tbink of making a reto some particular sentiment, in pre- spectful and melting petition to Him ference to erery other shade of'sen- whose very throne is majesty, in timent how shall that peculiar lan. that boisterous manner which is bet. guage, be understood, when the me- ter suited to the taking by assault lody is applied to any and every than to asking a gratuitous favour. other sentiment but its own ? But The harmony which the compia glance at the real state of the art lers have introduced into the old in our country, is sufficient to induce

tunes may, in most instances, better us to drop this subject. We can- please the ear than the received bar. not, however, but be pleased with mony; yet we would take this occathe contemplation of one tact; which sion to express the objection we feel is, that the attention devoted to this to the great license so frequently tasubject is increasing, and that the ken by tbe publishers of music in this rudiments of taste are more conspi- country, of changing the harmonies, cuous in many places within the and even the airs, of the tunes of sphere of our acquaintance, than has celebrated masters, which, for their ever before been the case ; and we great excellence and purity, as well cannot but hope that the time may as for their universal reception into soon come when enlightened Chris- the praises of the churches, mayjustly tians may be induced to take the be termed classical. It is desirable command in this business, and not that these should be preserved unfeel themselves degraded by daring touched, as the never-varying stan. to be unfashionable.

dards of taste. The license which The subject of adaptation leads is taken by publishers of correct us to notice a few faults in this work, musical science and taste, moreover, which, though they do not detract is made the precedent on which ev. from its scientific merits, seem to be ery pretender sets forth his correcaberrations froin that high standard tions and emendations, to pervert of taste which Mr. Hastings has been the airs of eminent composers, and instrumental in erecting. We refer the harmonies established by usage, to his selection of words for some of and to corrupt, so far as his influence those parochial tunes which, from extends, the taste of the public. For their structure, are calculated for these reasons we would inquire, general adaptation. Now, we make whether innovation and novelty bold to say that his selection of ought not to be repressed by comwords in this edition is not so happy pilers and editors so justly celeas in the former ones, as might be brated as those whom we are reinstanced in Jersey, Vienna, and viewing? The proper theatre for Mansfield ; and that, in those tunes the exercise of talent lies in the which bave in this edition a differ. composition of original airs and barent set of words from those in the monies ; and here we hail with joy former, the change is far from doing the acquisitions we have received bonour to his laste. Among the from Mr. H. to the music of the latter we more particularly notice sanctuary. Let Homer be preserved German Hymn, Walworth, Wesley in bis original simplicity ; let Virgil Chapel, and St. Philip. But as an pour forth his numbers still, in all outrage upon all attempts at adapta- the gracefulness with wbich they fell tion intended for the public eye, (we from his lips; and if any modern mean no disparagement to the Mu. must explore the field of epic poetsica Sacra, it being the same in this ry, let him return, not with pretendas in other compilations,) we would ed improvements upon the standards instance Tamworth, to which are of all antiquity, but with his own applied the words " Guide me, work, that, for its ability and taste, shall descend to posterity, a compa-. ral,) we would rank Dartmouth, by nion and rival of theirs.

L. Mason of Savannah; Ralston, Among the new pieces which Killingworth, Sandwich, Communstrike os as peculiarly fine, we ion, Resurrection, Fraternity, Inwould notice Immortality, by Meyer, spiration, Saints' Rest, and InstallaAustria, by Mozart, Veni Creator, tion, by T. Hastings ; the last three Portland, Medfield, Doduridye, and of which we think peculiarly excelPittsfield, by Mather; Mansfield, by lent, and fine specimens for illustraCroich ; Acceptance, a sweet minor, ting our ideas of particular adaptas by Handel; St Austin and Asylum, tion. by Horsley; Orinburgh, by Haydn ; The introductory part, containing Gratitude, by Shield; Park-street, the rudiments, which seems to em. by Venua ; Salisbury, anon.; Pro- body most of the rules in the Musitection, by Haydn ; Pergolesi, by cal Reader of Mr. Hastings, is better an Italian of that name ; Dunbar, by adapted to the use of beginners, Corelii; Seville, by Woelf; Invita- and all classes of vocalists, than tion, from Gardiner's Melodies; those in any compilation of music Florence, by Viotti.

we have yet seen. On the whole, Among those which do great cre- we congratulate the religious public dit to the American muse, (although on their being put in possession of we have no great predilection in this improved edition of so valuable favour of American music in gene- a work.

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE.

New PERIODICAL WORKS.-T. B. tions. It is probable that M. LevasWait & Son propose publishing at Bos- seur will publish, under the revision of ton, a “Journal of Education,” to be the general, an extensive History of issued monthly, at $3 per annum; each the Year's Residence of the Guest in number to contain 48 pages.--A publi- the United States, with official docucation to be called the “ Troy Review, ments. or Religions and Musical Repository,' is about to be commenced at Troy. Mr. Hurwitz, author of “ Vindiciæ