hearing under the auspices of a concert, or music meeting, it will be denounced as an irreverent prostitution of holy things; if it retires into the parlour the domestic circle, its timid, sweet, captivating charms, will awaken suspicions, that it will supplant the more sober duties of devotion.

So that, according to the fears, prejudices, and whims, of this class of friends, the onward cultivation of the science, must be banished to the hermit's cell, followed by its devoted admirers; otherwise it must maintain an ideal existence in the undeveloped regions of musical genius. But we have pursued these objections far enough, and shall return at the guardian call of Christian principles; to whose admonitions we shall listen in the next chapter.

CHAPTER V.

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS.

The moral character of singers important—early attendance necessary-tunes should be selected before service begins— occasional improprieties of preachers in starting tunes, &c.— necessity of putting right tunes to hymns-new tunes should be introduced with caution—on the use of notes in public worship —on the management of the breath, modulation, emphasis, &c.

WE shall devote this chapter to miscellaneous observations, chiefly in regard to the conduct of singers, and the effective discharge of their duties as such. It is not unlikely that some of the subsequent remarks may have been previously introduced, either in the assertion or illustration of some controverted point. That, however, will not be a reason sufficient for wishing their absence from this chapter, where they will appear to most advantage.

In the formation of a choir, due regard should be had to the character of the singers in a religious point of view. This should not-it cannot be lost sight of with consistency. The doors of entrance are made wider in some places of worship than in others. In some, none but members of the church are admitted; while in others, those of orderly and moral habits, though not decidedly religious, are

admissible. The latter custom is doubtless the more common, and when properly guarded, is what that charity which "hopeth all things," will be disposed to allow. But this rule is grievously outraged in many places. It must be admitted that the character of every one that bears office in the house of God, down to the "hewers of wood and drawers of water," is mixed up with the operations of the gospel, and indirectly at least, pledged for its success. Does it not then appear monstrous, that the man who is fiddling at the wakes all around the country, leading on with every species of low cunning the fascinating dance, obtaining a living at the expense of thousands of the youth of both sexes; or he, who is in the habit of attending a public house, or elsewhere, and entertaining a bacchanalian company with songs that cannot be heard without a blush covering the face of any one having the least claim to modesty ;-is it not, we ask, strangely out of character for such an one to be found formally engaged in a Christian congregation, conducting its praises to a pure and all-seeing God? These observations are not recklessly made, as though the author were insensible to the value of such musical capabilities, or of the difficulty, especially in some places, of raising an effective choir. On the contrary, he is always grieved to see persons so well qualified, by their improper conduct, exclude themselves from a situation, which, under other circumstances they

might fill to such advantage. And when individuals steadfastly resist temptation, to prostitute their musical skill to propagate infidel sentiments and licentious practices; but who, on the contrary, are consecrating their powers in aid of moral truth and religious devotion, they are worthy of no slight commendation.

Strange as it may appear, from whatever cause, and however the avowal of the fact may give umbrage- such is the fact, that singers as a body are very difficult to please. They seem generally disposed to ask the full market price for their services; and few commodities take the advantage of scarcity, sooner than musical talent. In aid of the bad effects at times produced by the stupidity and whims of singers, we hesitate not to say, that preachers and other official individuals, from a want of taste and judgment rightly to appreciate their services, or from a fastidious meddling with things non-essential, have often lent their influence in a way that could afterwards afford but little satisfaction to considerate and Christian minds. Still with every just consideration in favour of singers, a scriptural government must be maintained in the church; and wherever that authority is vested, it cannot be supposed to have a residence in the singers' gallery.

It is very desirable for the singers to be in their places a little before the time appointed to begin the service. When, after a smart walk, they take

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their seats, after the singing is commenced, besides the annoyance to which they subject themselves, an unpleasant sensation is produced in the minds of others, who witness their gasping for breath in

order to support the tune. The singers in this respect, would do well to keep in mind one of the principal rules of their art—to keep good time.

An early attendance will enable the singers to select with deliberation the tunes which are to be sung in the service; and thereby obviate the necessity of searching at the moment, and amidst confusion for a tune, which when found is often unsuited to the hymn. Indeed the habit of turning over the leaves of music books, and handing them from one to another, is too much practised beyond the urgency of the occasion. It is grievous to witness the singers perusing and tracing over the notes with perfect indifference, while the preacher is exerting himself in unfolding the all-important system of Redeeming mercy; or while engaged in the still equally important duty of leading the prayers of the congregation to the mercy seat of heaven. Lord Chesterfield himself would denounce such conduct; and such a practice is certainly an outrage on the common courtesies of society, and a burlesque of the worship of God. This charge may receive some palliation, from its often being the result of sheer inconsideration, and newly kindled ardour of musical enthusiasm.

It is desirable, in a general way, for the singers