Music, merely as one of the fine arts, has many claims to our attention.  We could not well say, in this respect, too much in its favor.  Wrong things, indeed, have been said; and many pretensions have been raised to which we could never subscribe.  It does not possess, as some seem to think, any inherent moral or religious efficacy.  It is not always safe, as a mere amusement.  An unrestrained passion for it, has often proved injurious, and those who would become artists or distinguished amateurs, have need of much caution on this head.  Music is in this respect, like poetry, painting, and sculpture.  The Christian may cherish any of these arts, as a means to some useful end; but the moment he loses sight of real utility he is in danger, for everything that he does or enjoys should be in accordance with the glory of God.

The most interesting point of view in which music is to be regarded is that which relates to the worship of God.  This gives it an importance which is unspeakable.  There is no precept which requires us to employ oratory, or painting, or sculpture in the worship of the Most High.  Nor is there any direct precept for the consecrated use of poetry; for “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” may be written in elevated prose.  But the Bible is filled with directions for the employment of music in the sacred service.  Both the Old Testament and the New require us to sing with devout affections, to the praise and glory of God.  The command, too, seems to be general, like those in relation to prayer.  If all are to pray, so “in everything” are all to “give thanks.”  If we are to “pray without ceasing,” so we are told, “let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.”  Again, “is any man afflicted, let him pray:  is he merry (joyful), let him sing psalms.”  The direction is not, “if any man is joyful, let him attend a concert or listen to exercises in praise,” but “let him sing.”  There is something to be done in his own proper person.

Our necessities compel us to pray.  A mere permission to do so, might seem to suffice.  For we must pray earnestly and perseveringly, or perish forever.  But will it do meanwhile to be sparing in our thanks?  True, one may say, I am under infinite obligations to give thanks, and I generally endeavor to do so when engaged in the exercise of prayer.  But, remember there is another divinely constituted exercise called praise.  Why not engage in this also, and mingle petitions with your praises?  This is the scriptural method of expressing gratitude and adoration, and for ourselves, we see not how individuals are to be excused in neglecting it.  Every one, it is true, would not succeed as an artist, if he had never so many advantages.  But every one who has the ordinary powers of speech, might be so far instructed in song, as to mingle his voice with others in the solemn assembly, or at least to use it in private to his own edification.  This position has been established in these later times beyond the possibility of a rational doubt.  Proofs of it have been as clear as demonstration.  These, perhaps, may be exhibited in another number.