those precious gifts of Providence which are liable to
be misused and misinterpreted. It has been applied, like oratory, to
pernicious, as well as to useful purposes. It has been made to minister
to vice, to indolence and to luxury--as well as to virtue, to industry,
and to true refinement. But we must not on this account question the
preciousness of the gift itself. The single circumstance that the Master
of Assemblies requires it to be employed through all time, in the solemn
assemblies of his worshipers, should suffice to prevent us from holding
it in light estimation.

Other good things besides music have been abused. Poetry, and prose, and
eloquence, for example; but shall we therefore undervalue them?
Painting, too, has its errings--some of them very grievous; but shall it
therefore be neglected, as unworthy of cultivation? Things the most
precious all have this liability, and should on this account be guarded
with more vigilance.

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