Secular Music and Christian Worship
By I. N. Vangorder
BRO. SMITH :—Before coming into this message I was engaged in selling and teaching music, and had selected for my own use, a large number of the most popular pieces of music, such as, "Old dog Tray," "Massa's in the cold ground," "Old folks are gone," "Poor Robin's growing old," "Nelly Gray," "Old folks at home," "Young folks at home," "Jamie's on the stormy sea," &c. &c., and I take this method of inquiring if it is right to sing or play the popular pieces of the day, even through the original words are not applied. It is true the melody of all secular music is more or less pleasant to the ear, (as we have been more or less accustomed to hearing sacred music) but when we consider it is the Devil's music, and that it is now the most popular dancing music of the day, it seems to me we cannot call them "humble songs," nor can we pray they may "like incense rise," "and prayer and (such) praise, ascend the skies;" but rather, that we are engaging in an exercise that causes all the associations connected with light and trifling music to arise in our minds, thus driving out all the more spiritual feelings that our hearts desire. I make this inquiry for the reason that my mind has, for some time past been considerably exercised in regard to it, and have nearly come to the conclusion that if it is right to sing or play such music, it is right to sing or play the "Devil's dream," "Fisher's hornpipe," or any other piece of music under the sun. My only object is to elicit correct information of what is right; therefore I inquire of those more advanced in religious duties, and if I am wrong I ever stand ready for correction, the reason also being given. Your brother in hope of life.
I. N. VANGORDER.
Portage, O. NOTE. If any have an opinion to utter upon this subject from feeling, experience or observation, let them speak on. Bro. Andrews suggests that the different circumstances and temperaments of different individuals greatly affect this question. Thus, there are those who are not acquainted with the above pieces of music in their secular character, and to such they would of course bring up no evil associations, while the music is in many instances very agreeable. But with those who are carried away with music, and with whom their associations have been such as to poison them for religious use, the case is very different. Such should deal sparingly with them or forego their use altogether.—ED.