Dialogue Concerning Regular Singing, Dialogue

Dialogue Concerning Regular Singing · Dialogue

p. 8Here then I ſhall introduce, The Propoſed DIALOGUE.

Min.

How d'you Nei'bour? I'm glad to ſee you. What occaſions your looking ſo ſad, & uneaſy?

Nei'b.

Alas! Sir, I have met with a great deal of Affliction in my time; I've had … great deal of Sickneſs, been exerciſed with many Croſſes and Diſappointments, but indeed never met with any thing in all my life, that made me ſo uneaſy, as this New Way of Singing, that's forced in upon us.

M.

Truly N. I'm heartily ſorry for your Uneaſineſs about that matter, and the more ſo, becauſe I'm ſatisfyed Satan has got a great Advantage againſt you, or you'd never remain ſo out of tune, after all that has been ſaid and done for your ſatisfaction. But I pray you N. to produce your Cauſe and bring forth your ſtrong Reaſons, p. 9and make out your Charge, that Singing by Note is a New-way, or obtruded upon you; and I'll be your eaſy Proſelite, and make you a Confeſſion in Folio, if you deſire it, that I've been deceiv'd and done very much amiſs in this matter.

N.

Well Sir, but you'l be angry (they ſay) if I ſhould be plain with you, and it will do no good, to have any Diſcourſe with you about it.

M.

And are none of your Party tranſported ſometimes with anger, when they talk about Singing? But— If what you call Plainneſs, be down-right Rudeneſs, and the laſt Dogmaticalneſs, and if thoſe that ſhould come to learn of me and be inſtructed by me, come rather to dictate to me: and inſtead of (as the Apoſtle directs) Entreating me as a Father (ſuppoſing they think me out of the way) arraign my Adminiſtrations, and treat me with the laſt Scurrility, or at beſt, as if I were the Pupil, and they the Tutor; (I ſay, if ſo) I've juſt reaſon to be angry and I do well to let them know I am ſo. I ſhould ſin againſt God, and betray the Authority I'm veſted with, and vilify my office, if I ſhould tamely ſuffer my ſelf to be inſulted, and not manifeſt my Reſentments, with due diſcretion, Rebuking with ſharpneſs where there may be occaſion for it, as the Apoſtle directs. Tho' I hope I do not forget, that the Servant of the Lord muſt not ſtrive, but be gentle unto all men: not a brawler, but apt to teach, patient, and in meekneſs inſtructing thoſe that opppoſe themſelves. And let me aſſure you, N. if you'l modeſtly produce your Allegations & Objections, p. 10I'll (by the help of God) uſe you, with all the Patience & Calmneſs, with all the Goodneſs and Gentleneſs, you can deſire. And this, I think, is fair.

N.

Truly Sir, I think ſo too. And if any ſay otherwiſe, I muſt own they'r very unjuſt. If then you'r at leiſure, Sir, and will give me leave to ſpeak freely, and hear me patiently, I'll tell you what ſticks with me.

M.

Well N. I dare promiſe nothing in my own ſtrength; and I muſt confeſs, there's ſcarce any thing apt to put me out of patience ſo ſoon, as to hear the Unſufferable Impertinces of ſome of you Anti-Regular-Singers; However (as I told you) I'll endeavour to hear you patiently, at leaſt while you keep within the bounds (I don't ſay of good ſenſe! but) of Modeſty and good Manners. Let me then, hear your Objections: Only, let them be reduc'd to a proper order, that I may'nt be oblig'd to anſwer ten times to the ſame thing, but may know when I've done, and that our coming together and this our Confabulation may be for the better and not for the worſe.

N.

Why truly Sir, I don't know whether I've shall end to range my Objections to your mind. I believe you've heard all the Objections I have to produce, and if you'll pleaſe to diſpoſe them in an agreeable Method, I'll endcavour, as my Memory ſerves me, to keep to that Method.

M.

You ſpeak well N. and give me good hope, (tho' you look'd ſo Unpleaſantly at firſt) that you come hither with a Teachable Diſpoſition; p. 11and if ſo, I doubt not, but I ſhall give you full ſatisfaction in every Article, e'r we've done. However, I'll promiſe you N. in this Conference, to act not only the part of a Reſpondent, but of a Moderator alſo, and will agreeably aſſiſt you, in ſtating and proſecuting your Objections, that you may have no cauſe to complain, You can't be heard.

N.

Sir, I thank you for your Civility. I'm ſorry I ran away with the Popular Clamour against you. I muſt needs own you treat me very Candidly.

M.

Well, N. I'm thankful, and rejoyce greathy, if I can give you content; for that's my Ambition & hearty Deſire; and ſince you ask it of me, I'll tell you how you may Range your Objections, to make them look moſt Formidable and fit for buſineſs. Thoſe that I've heard of, (tho' no doubt ſome of you A. R. S. that have ſuch an incomparable talent at raiſing Objections againſt Mathematical Demonſtrations, may have many more in ſtore, againſt the Day of Battel) but thoſe they've been pleas'd to favour us with the Knowledge of, are reducible to Three Heads. Firſt, Some againſt the Thing it ſelf, which you'r pleas'd to call a New Way of Singing, and the Conſequents of it. And they are theſe Seven. (1) That it is a New Way, an Unknown Tongue. (2) That it is not ſo Melodicus as the Uſual Way. (3) That there are ſo many Tunes, we ſhall never have done learning. (4) That the Practice of it gives Diſturbance; Roils & Exaſperates men's Spirits; grieves ſundry good People, and cauſes them to behave themſelves indecently & diſorderly. (5) That is p. 12Quakeriſh & Popiſh, and introductive of Inſtrumental Muſick. (6) That the Names given to the Notes are Baudy, yea Blaſphemous. (7) That it is a Needleſs way, ſince their good Fathers that were ſtrangers to it, are got to Heaven without it. Secondly, Some are againſt the Perſons, that are the Promoters, Admirers & Practitioners of this way. And they are Three. (1) It's ſaid to be a Comrivance to get Money. (2) They ſpend too much time about learning; they tarry out a Nights Diſorderly, and Family-Religion is neglected by the means. (3) They'r a Company of Young Upſtarts that fall in with this way and ſet it forward: and ſome of them are Lewd & Looſe Perſons. Thirdly, The other Objections are againſt the Manner of bringing Regular Singing into the Church: And theſe are peculiarly level'd againſt my ſelf. Theſe are your Principal Objections; a'nt they, Nei'bor?

N.

Yes Sir, They are ſo. But for my part, I don't father all of them; yet ſince we'r upon the Head; I ſhould be glad to hear what you can ſay, (as the time will allow) to theſe ſeveral Objections, or any other that in Diſcourſe may come tomind.

M.

Well N. I am willing to ſpeak particularly to them; but there's ſo many of them, you can't expect I ſhould ſay much to them, but I'll endeavour to ſpeak to the purpoſe and eno', if you'll lay aſide your Prejudices, and hear and judge impartially.

N.

Sir, I know that is my daty; and I dare dono p. 13otherwiſe, I ſhould have no Charity for my ſelf, if I were unwilling to ſee my Miſtakes & Errors, and to come to the Light for that end.

M.

You ſpeak Chriſtianly, N. O that there were ſuch an heart in all of you, that make theſe Objections! Pleaſe then to begin with your first ſet of Objections. There's a perfect number of 'em; and if they wou'd hold weight, when try'd in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, they'd carry the Caſe againſt all the Skilful Singers under heaven. Come, N let's hear them!

N.

Nay, Sir, Proy be Serious, and don't run upon me neither! I don't come hither to be laugh'd at.

M.

Prithee N. keep your Temper, and allow me to handle the matter according to the Nature of it (or I ſhall not do it wiſely) and I'll be as good as my word; If I find one ſolid objection in the whole Croud, I'll endeavour a ſolid anſwer.

Come, let me hear your firſt Objection; and âdone with Preambles.

N.

Why Sir, my firſt Objection is this, That it is a New Way, an unknown Tongue.

M.

As for this Objection, N. you may ſee it ſolidly anſwer'd in a little Treatiſe, Entitul'd, The Reaſonableneſs of Singing by Note; which Book was well approv'd of by very good judges of Books. I adviſe you, if you can, to get that Treatiſe, and read it, with humble Supplication to the Father of Lights, that He wou'd open your Eyes to ſee the Truth there held forth unto you: And if you can't otherwiſe procure it, I'll furniſh you with it. — Now beſides that you find it p. 14there truly aſſerted, That this you call a New Way, was ſtudy'd, known and approv'd of in our College, from the very Foundation of it; (and tho' for ſome Years of later time it was unhappily neglected, yet (bleſſed be God) it is again reviven, & hope will be ever continued in that School of the Prophets.) And beſides, that it is there obſerv'd that the Notes of the Tunes were plac'd in our New-England Pſalm Books from the Beginning, with general Directions for Singing by Note; and that there are many of the Children, and Grand-Children of the firſt Setlers of New-England, who are now living, that well remember their enceſters Singing by Note; I ſay, beſides all this, It's evident, that Singing by Note is no Novelty, ſince Muſick is one of the Liberal Sciences, (or, (as Alsted terms it) a Mathematical Science ſubalternate to Arithmetick, and may be call'd a ſpecial Arithmetick,) has been ſo accounted in all Ages, and amongſt all learned Nations; and was doubtleſs Coaeval to, if not more ancient than Inſtrumental Muſick; of which Jubal was the Inventer, as Moſes tell us, Gen. 4.21.

Moreover, the very Tunes prick'd in our Pſalm Books, are with little or no variation in Mr. Ravenſereſts Pſalm-Book, printed above a Hundred Years ago; in One of which, there's an account of the Gentlemens Names, that made our Tunes.

Furthermore, (as is evident from a Pſalm-Book of Elder Chipman's, now in my hands) The Church of Plymouth (which was the Firſt Church in New-England) made uſe of Ainſworth's verſion of the p. 15Pſalms till the Year 1692. For altho' our New-England Verſion of the Pſalms was compoſed by ſundry Hands, and compleated by Preſident Dunsier, (1)(1)Magnal. B. 3 p. 100.about the Year 1640; yet that Church did not uſe it, it ſeems, till about Two & Fifty Years after, but ſtuck to Ainſworth; and till about 1682. their excellent Cuſtom was to Sing without Reading the Line. Now, in Ainſworths Pſalm-book, there are about 44 Tunes, and but 4 of them that I ever ſaw (to my knowledge) any where, ſave in that Pſalm-book: And there the Tune is pricked as in Ravenſcroſis & Playford's at the beginning of the Pſalm, or you there find a Reference to the Tune the Pſalm is to be ſung in, ſo that all the Chief Maſician or Choriſter had to do, was to give the Pitch and lead the Tune, and all were to ſing according to the Notes in the Pſalm Book.

Briefly, all that know any thing to purpoſe about Singing by Note, know as certainly, as they can any thing, that what is now call'd the Uſual Way, in oppoſition to Singing by Note, is but a Defective Imitation of the Regular Way. And in ſome Places, they've kept nearer to the Rule, and in others, they've varied more from it. And wherever they differ any thing conſiderable, their Singing, as to the external part of it, is ſo far Defective and Irregular. And,

Finally, Singing Skilfully or by Note is expreſsly & by juſt conſequence requir'd in the Word of GOD; as in Pſal. 33, 3. & 47.7. 1 Chron. 15.22. 1 Cor. 12.31. Mal…. 1.14. with the Third Command, p. 16and many other Scriptures; ſeveral of which you've heard me Expound. So that your Uſual Way of Singing is but of Yeſterday, an upſtart Novelty, a Deviation from the Regular, which is the only Scriptural good Old Way of Singing; much elder than our Fathers, or Fathers Grand-fathers; as we could eaſily further evince were it needful; But they that won't be ſatisfyed with what I've now offer'd to conſideration, or with what is in the Book refer'd to, neither would they be perſwaded, tho' one aroſe from the dead l What ſay you N?

N.

Say! Why truly Sir, I'm amaz'd I ſhould be ſo long deluded & Hood-winck'd. I muſt own, You have Antiquity on your ſide, or I ſhall forſeit the Character of a Reaſonable Creature, if things are as you tell me.

M.

I aver what I've ſaid to be ſo; and I'm ready to produce the Books to prove what I've aſſerted.

N.

Sir; I'm obliged to take your Word in ſome things of greater Conſequence than this, and therefore I can believe you as to the Hiſtory you've given me of this Matter: if any ſtill beſitate, let them take the Pains I've done, to ſatisfy themſelves. Let them Come and ſee!

But what do you ſay, Sir, to it's being an Unknown Tongue?

M.

I ſay there is in it, on Alluſion to the Apoſtles expreſſion of Praying or Preaching in an Unknown Tongue: And tho' it's uſed with a good … of Confidence, It is a compariſon without p. 17any ſimilitude, as the Objector ſuppoſes there is. Indeed, if we propos'd to Sing in Latin, as the Papiſts do, this compariſon would be juſt. But tho' we poſſibly Sing Tunes that ſome in the Congregation can't ſing, yet we ſing the ſame Pſalms we ever us'd to ſing. Yea, if we throw by our Pſalm Books and Sing only F. S. L. in the Meeting-houſe, as ſome have been ſo weak, as to ſuppoſe we intended; tho' alas! We'r ſo dull, we ſhould I ever have thot of ſuch a thing, if our ſurmiſing Objectors, had not ſuggeſted it; but, had we done ſo, there had been ſome room for ſuch a …ram… Objection. But verily, this Objection will hold againſt Singing any Tune, for there is to one Tune, that all in the Congregation that try to ſing and do well to do ſo, are Maſters of, and conſeconently in your ſenſe they'r an Unknown Tongue to them. And ſurely Perſons may ſing the Words, the Matter to be ſung, in a Congregation when there is enô to lead the Tune, tho' they were never acquainted with one Note of the Tune before, and that very acceptably to God, if their hearts are right with Him. But, let me hear your next Objection, and try if there's any more force in That, than in This.

N.

My ſecond Objection is This, That this Singing by Note is not ſo Melodious & Pleaſant, as the Uſual Way: Some have call'd it Yelling. Others have ſaid, they'd as leeve hear the Wolves howl. And for my own part, I can't fancy …. One good man ſaid, He never had heard Chriſt's Voice in this way of Singing ſince it came up.

p. 18M. As to this Objection alſo; you may find it ſufficiently anſwer'd in the Book I before refer'd to. And not to enlarge here, I'll honeſtly confeſs to you that before I was pretty well acquainted with the Rules of Singing, I rather fancy'd the Uſual, than the Regular way: But my Judgment ſatisfy'd me the Regular muſt be beſt. And I know, one reaſon why my Fancy for the preſent was moſt gratify'd with my ſinging the Uſual way, was, becauſe I was uſed to that, and not Maſter of the other. And hence it is, that Home is Home, be it never ſo Homely. And even ſo the miſerable Hottentots (pardon the Compariſon!) who think to adorn themſelves with the Gats of Beaſts, with all the Garbage in them; prefer theſe Guts to a Chain of Gold, becauſe it's what they'r uſed to, and it pleaſes their Fancies. But ſurely if they'd exerciſe Reaſon, the Ornaments us'd by other People, are more beautiful and becoming; or elſe all the Civiliz'd & Polite part of the World are deceiv'd and thoſe Dregs of Mankind are in the Right of it.

Furthermore. I've ſaid to ſome of my Hearers, that if any of you A. R. S's would take the pains to acquaint your ſelves with the Rules of Singing, ſo as to be able to Sing 6 or 7 Tunes tolerably by Art, If they did not then ſay as I do, that ſinging by Note is Unſpeakably preferrible to ſinging the Uſual way; I'd give up the Cauſe as to them.

Beſides, There are few of you A. R. S's, that ever heard Singing in the ſeveral parts of Muſick; and ſome of you don't know the Difference between p. 19the Treble & Baſs. Hence I heard one, (that your Fraternity ſet much by) ſay, that the Treble & Baſs muſt be ſung with the ſame Voice! And another was pleas'd to ſay in my Hearing, That one Sabbath-day in a certain Meeting-Houſe, there was Four ſorts of Singing! for ſome ſung Rowly Way; and ſome ſung the Uſual Way; and ſome ſung the New Way; and ſome ſung Baſs. Whence I learnt that the Uſual Way at one Town, and the Uſual Way at another, were very Different: Fas eſt —. Now there is no man can judge aright of the Melody of Singing by Note; that has not heard Tunes ſung in the ſeveral parts, or in Conſort; and that not by Beginners only, but by ideptiſts, or at leaſt perſons well skill'd in the Science of Muſick; any more, than a man can judge of Reading, by Hearing one Read that juſt begins to put his Syllables together.

Again, Conſider N. that the Beauty and Harmony of Singing conſiſts very much in a juſt Timing & Turning the Notes: every Singer keeping the exact Pitch the Tune is ſet in, according to the part he Sings. Now you in the Uſual Way, are very faulty on this account. Hence you may remember, that in our Congregation we us'd frequently to have ſome People Singing a Note or Two, after the reſt had done. And you commonly ſtrike the Notes not together, but one after another; one being half way thro' the ſecond Note, before his Nei'bour has done with the Firſt, … Now this is juſt as Melodious to all …-Muſical-Ear, as Aeſop was Beautiful to … ous Eye.

p. 20Once more, I put it to your Conſcience N. who are the Beſt Judges of Melody, Such as can Sing both the Uſual Way and by Note; or they that can Sing neither; or only the Uſual Way? Why truly N. the man deſerves to be more ſeverely ſtigmatiz'd, than ſome can well bear, that won't readily ſay, the Former: And if ſo, we're ſure the Caſe will be decided in our favour. For the Chief Muſicians in our Country & Nation, recommend the Regular Way, as Unſpeakably moſt Melodious; and our Reaſon and Senſe tell us ſo likewiſe: Whereas it is only an Ungovern'd Fancy tells you the contrary. This ſeveral amongſt us, declare upon Experience.

But ſuppoſe your way is after all, by you eſteemed moſt Melodious; yet ſurely the Conſequents of People's learning to Sing by Rule, ſhould prevail with all that love God, to deny their own Fancy, rather than in the leaſt diſcourage ſuch a Method of Singing For, I truſt we'r all agreed that Singing the Praiſes of GOD is a Duty incumbent on us Chriſtians. And if it be a Duty to Sing, it is a Duty to uſe our endeavours to learn to Sing. For we don't come Singing, but Crying into the World. And tho' ſome have a more Muſical Genius than others, yet Men don't Sing as naturally, as Pigs Squeak, or Children Cry; but their Genius muſt be Cultivated, e're they can Sing with skill & underſtanding. Now if we are to learn any Art we ſhall ſurely take the E firſt and moſt Speedy way to learn it; and this generally ſpeaking is by acquainting our p. 21ſelves with the Rudiments & Rules of that Art. If we would teach our Children to Read, we don't ſet them firſt into Chronicles, but to their Hornbook or Primmer. And ſo if we would learn to Sing, we muſt firſt learn to raiſe our Notes.— And I profeſs were I to learn the Uſual way for my life, I'd firſt learn to Sing by Note. And I'll engage, every Maſter of Song among us will ſay with me. And this we know, that there are Multitudes, can learn to Sing no other way, that can learn by Rule. And will you ſhut out ſo great a part of Mankind from joyning in the Worſhip of GOD, for a meer Fancy, and a Groundleſs one? When if you turn the Tables, all that can learn the Uſual way eaſily, can if they will learn the other.—I might here (by the way) ſay ſomething to a Silly Objection, Iv'e heard, that it can't be right to Sing by Note; becauſe it's ſo eaſy to learn it. Surely no man need go Seven years to College to know how to anſwer this! Won't you ſuffer your Children to learn to Read, or Write, or Cypher, becauſe ſome, yea the generality of Children and Trung Men, learn all theſe things with a great deal of Facility; whilſt ſuch as did not learn them when Young, can never learn them, without the greateſt Difficulties, if at all.

Beſides, ſometimes you object. It's ſo Difficult to learn to Sing by Rule, that it's more pains than profit: more coſt than worſhip. Thus do your Objections Militate with one another; and I'll leave you to reconcile 'em; or e'n let 'em fight it out! So then your Uſual Way of Singing, p. 22(wherein you Sing commonly the Treble only, not keeping your Pitch, not keeping Time; or turning your Notes alike) is as much leſs Melodious (to a Muſical Ear & proper Judge of Harmony) than our Singing a Tune in the ſeveral parts of Muſick with great Exactneſs, as a Tune play'd by an Unskilful Hand, or an Untun'd Inſtrument, is leſs Melodious than the ſame Tune play'd on a Well-tun'd Inſtrument, with great Accuracy, by a Skilful Muſician. And this I think you may Conceive of, or you'r neighty dull of Apprehenſion.

And, whereas you tell me, One Good man ſaid, He had not heard Chriſt's Voice in this way of Singing by Note, or to that purpoſe —: I ſpeak ſolemnly, The man that talks ſo, has juſt reaſon to conſider, and others to ſuſpect, whether He knows Chriſt's Voice. Sure I am that the ſame perſon, as good as he is, (if I am rightly inform'd) betray'd ſo much ignorance of that Sacred Voice, that I could ſcarce have ſuſpected a well-grown …b, much leſs a Sheep of Chriſts Flock, could have been guilty of; in aſlerting three things; (1) That Inſtrumental Muſick was an Invention of David, and not of Divine Inſtitution, even under the Law: tho' the Roval Prophet tells us, Pſal. … 1.4. This, i. e. Inſtrumental Muſick was a Statute in Jacob and a Law of the God of Iſrael. (2) He aſſerted, that if Inſtrumental Muſick were of Divine Appointment, Organs were not. Whereas the Jewiſh Church, however, are expreſsly exhorted. Iſal. 130.4. to Praiſe God, with Organs. p. 23(3) He was pleaſed to ſay, that if Inſtrumental Muſick and particularly Organs, were of Divine Inſtitution, yet the Jews did not play on them, upon the Sabbath-Day. Whereas, in the 150 Pſalm the People of God are directed to Praiſe Him in the Sanctuary with Organs. And in the 92 Pſalm, Entituled, A Iſalm or Song for the Sabbath-Day; It's ſaid, It's a good thing to give thinks unto the LORD.— 3. v. With an Inſtrument of ten Strings &c. Now unleſs, your good man, knew Chriſt's Voice better in his Word, that has an Immediate relation to Muſick; I'd adviſe him, never to Utter any more ſuch complaint leſt he oblige us to conclude, he's as ſhy of his Bible, as ſome A. R. S's are of ſome other Books printed for their Inſtruction.

N. Sir! I can't but ſay, you've convinc'd me, there's no manner of ſenſe in this Objection; and if you as fully anſwer the Reſt, I'll never open my mouth more againſt Singing by Note.

M. Well ſaid N. let us hear your next Objection. But you muſt excuſe me from ſpeaking ſo largely to moſt of the other Objections, or I ſhall grow weary, and muſt adjourn to another Opportunity.

N. Sir, my next Objection is, That there are ſo many Tunes we ſhall never have done learning, 'em. If you'd ſet any bounds, that we might know when we ſhould have done, there would be ſome ſenſe in it. But ſome tells us, there's an 150 Tunes, and we need do nothing elſe but learn to Sing. And I hear that one of our New Singers, (that is a Pillar p. 24among us) ſays, That there are Six Excellent Tunes, and if a Man fall into any one of them, he may make Principal Melody.

M. A goodly ſaving indeed! You'd beſt get it annex'd to the ſayings of the ſeven wiſe men of Greece, in the next Edition of 'em. Suppoſe N. when the Man fa…ls into one of thoſe GimmTunes, he ſhould unhappily Turn out again, as they tell me, he does, on ſome occaſions; whether that won't ſpoil the Harmony? — But to the Formidable Obj. (which no doubt is ſufficient to puzzle fr…le and all his Followers, to ſolve,) I'll tell you N. That as all the Engliſh Books in the World are compoſed of 24 Letters, and when a Child has learn't thoſe Letters thorowly; and learn't to ſpell and put his Syllables together, he can read, in another Lad's Book, as well as in his own: and does not complain,—O! if there were but 10 or 12 Books, I could learn to read with ſome Courage; but when I hear of ſo many Thouſand, I'm utterly diſheartn'd, I ſhall never have done, I muſt do nothing elſe but learn to read! So, in Muſick, all Tunes are compoſed of 7 Notes, and when a perſon has learn perfectly to Name & Raiſe his Notes and Turn his Thirds; He may with a little Practice, if within the age of D… pline, and apt to learn, Sing any Tune he ſees prick'd at firſt ſight, or with a little Conning over, or hearing another Sing it; and here's no occaſion to complain of the Multiplicity of Tunes; for he's ſtill at his liberty to Sing what he pleaſes.

… as to their being Sung Publickly; It's p. 25time enô for People to complain, when they'r burt. How many Tunes ſoever there are (and indeed there may be Ten Thouſand made by the ſame Rule that one is) yet, there has hitherto but Five been Sung in our Congregation, more than were wont to be Sung And as to one of them, viz. Hackney or, St. Mary's, it has been prick'd in one Edition of our Pſalm Books above this 30 Years. As to Stamdiſh, it has been Sung for many years, (as I'm inform'd) in the Church of N. Hampton. As to Dunhead or Brunſwick, It's King George's Tune (it's ſaid) and I hope none but the Pretender's Followers will ſpeak againſt that. As to 85 Pſalm-Tune; There is no other, in which the Firſt Metre of that Pſalm in our Verſion, can be Sung with any Decorum; and ſurely our Fathers inſerted that Metre to be Sung. And as for London-New, it was Sung at the Publick Election, incomparably well, and to good acceptance above a Year ago. And I never propoſe to ſet any Tune Publickly, but what I'm aſſur'd there's enough to lead the Congregation in the Singing of it; and if they won't follow, you may gueſs who's to blame. — Beſides, Variety delights. And it's ſtrange that People, that are ſo ſet againſt ſtated Forms of Prayer, ſhould be ſo fond of Singing half a Dozen Tunes, nay One Tune, from Sabbath to Sabbath; till every body Nauſeates it, that has any Reliſh of Singing. In ſhort, Miniſters are Debtors, not to the Weak only, but to the Strong. They muſt give ſtrong Meat to ſtrong men, as well as Milk to Babes. And ſuch as are Chief p. 26Muſicians and Maſters of Song muſt not only conſult the Gratification of the more feeble ſort of Singers (who if they knew their own Weakneſs, would for ever follow others, and not pretend to go before them) but, they muſt alſo ſet Tunes to Exerciſe the Gifts of the more skilful, or how ſhall they daily improve the Talent, God has given them? Finally, Its ſaid, 1 King. 3.32. Solomon ſpake 3000 Proverbs, and his Songs were 100…. Quaere, Whether this is ſpoken, by way of condemnation, or of Commendation? Was it to his Diſhonour, that he had ſo many Songs, or to his Praiſe? And then, pray Conſider, whether ſuch as reproach us for Singing ſo many Tunes, are guilty of what the ſweet Singes of Iſrael complain'd of, viz. Turning our Glory into ſhame? Pſal. 4.2.

N. Sir, I pray ſpare your ſelf the pai…s of Enlarging any further. I'll never complain again of Plenty of that which is good, while I have my ſenſes.

M. A just Reſolution truly! I wiſh you may keep of that mind. Let us hear your next Objection.

N. Sir, you make ſuch fearful work with my Objections I begin to grow aſham'd of 'em. However, you weat me kindly (tho' you put upon me now & then, I 'count) and I'm willing to heat what you'll ſay to the other Objections. My Fourth Objection. —

M. Nay, Prithee N. don't miſtake me neither. Don't be uneaſy at my manner of Expreſſion. For I aſſure yea, on the word of a Miniſter (and that's p. 27ſacred with me) It is not any Man's Perſon, but the Objections againſt Regular Singing, I'd expoſe the weakneſs of. For notwithſtanding the Rude & Unchriſtian Treatment I have met with from ſome A. R. S's, I can freely over-look it, and ſay in the Apoſtles ſenſe, Ye have not injured me at all: But as to the Objections againſt Singing by Note, I know 'em to be Ridiculous; and I wiſh that you all could, or would ſee it, as fully as I do. And let this be for an Anſwer, once for all, to your complaints of my putting on you. And when [I] uſe ſuch Objections againſt any thing, I'll give you, or any Man elſe leave to put as much upon me. But bring out your Fourth Objection, my Friend! for the time ſpends, and I long to be better Employ'd: or at a more agreable Entertainment, … The Singing Meeting ſucceeding this Exerciſe.

N. Sir, my ary Objection was, That the Practice of Singing by …re makes Diſturbance, roils and exaſperates … grieves good People, and couſes them to … have themſelves indecently and diſorderly: And ſeeing there's a great many ſpeak againſt it, and it's en indifferent thing, methinks it's pity that there ſhould be ſo much Noiſe and Towſe about it, and that ſo much pains ſhould be taken in this matter, when there are things of greater Conſequence —.

M. That there are things of greater Moment, (even in the Doctrine of Singing the Divine Praiſes) Heaven & Earth are witneſs, I always aſſert. But that Singing by Note is Lawful, Expedient p. 28and Best, and ſhould be endeavour'd by ſome, and encouraged by all, Theſe are ſuffering Truths, that ought to be born witneſs to, where our Silence will be Conſtrued a Denial or Diſpiſing of them. Indeed, if theſe points were Problematical, or Diſputed amongſt Wiſe and Learned Men; there were ſome ſenſe (I acknowledge) in this Objection. But (alas) the Caſe is far otherwiſe. And (let the Man make what Figure he will, and let his Coat be of what Faſhion or Colour, or other Quality it will) I profeſs I'll not affix either of thoſe Honourary Epithets to his Name, that won't readily own, that whoever will Diſpute thoſe points, may alſo Diſpute Whether Two & Two make Four! A learned Queſtion in truth! For my part, GOD helping me, I'll never betray any known Truth of Religion, or the Confeſſors of it, to ſecure my own eaſe; tho' all this world were againſt me! I know who has ſaid, Whoſo ſhall break one of theſe leaſt Commands, and teach men ſo, ſhall be called leaſt in the Kingdom of God, i. e. without Repentance, he ſhall never come thither. And again; Theſe things (weightier matters) ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other (the leſſer points) undone. Theſe Text are no part of the Apocrypha. And I appeal to all men of ſenſe, whether Chriſtians are to make Reaſon & the Word of God the Rule of their Faith and Practice, or the Cheigo's & Whimſies of ſome, who have Cor Bonum (we …ope) but not Caput Regulatum (we'r ſure) i. e. Men whoſe Hearts are better than their Heads.

p. 29And whereas you were ſpeaking of acquainting our ſelves with the Rules of Singing as an Indifferent thing, I utterly deny it to be ſo, as to all perſons. Indeed, as to ſome Elderly People, and ſuch as have a natural Incapacity to learn, doubtleſs God does not expect it of them. But as to all that have a Competent Ability, and Convenient Opportunity to learn, my firm belief is, That God as really requires it of them, as He does any thing in His Word; and particularly as He does Singing. (a)(a)1 Cor. 12.311 Cor 12:31For, He that requires the End, requires the Means; or all Expoſitors (that I've met with) are out, in Expounding the Decalogue: For, all take this for a Granted Maxim, and Expound the Commands by it. But no doubt, you A. R. S's that are much Wiſer than your Teachers; you are the Men, and Wiſdom will dye with you!—Beſides, ſuppoſe this were an Indifferency, (which verily it is not) pleaſe to hear the words of the Famous Mr. Samuel Clark, (in his Treatiſe of Scandal) If perſons (ſays He) are ſcandaliz'd at an Indifferency, and then ſcandal ariſe from ſome ſuperſtitious conceit and perſwaſion, and ſuch as they've no tolerable pretence or ground of Reaſon for, they'r rather to be Croſs'd, than complied with therein; becauſe that is more like to tend to their Edification, and yielding to them would but nouriſh them up in their Superſtitious Fancy. As Solomon (he goes on) ſays concerning a Fool, Prov. 26.4, 5. Anſwer a Fool (i. e. a Conceited Fool) according to his Folly; i. e. p. 30Smartly; let him not have his way and ſaying, left … be wiſe in his own eyes. But, Anſwer not a Fool, (i. e. a Trectable Fool) according to his Folly, i. e. Weakly, left thou be like him. He proceeds, ſo may I ſay in this caſe, Comply not with an Obſtinate perſon in his Erroneous, irrational, ſuperſtitious Fancies, that thou Bolſter him not up therein. N.B.And ſays Mr. Rutherford, we read not of ſcandals culpable in God's word, but where there is ſome apparent Moral Reaſon for them. Cit. Clark.

Thus he.

Again, Whereas you ſay, There are many ſpeak againſt it: I anſwer, Not every where. It is not ſo, at Boſton (that I can learn) nor at Cambridge, where People have as much Ability & Opportunity ſurely, to know What's wha… … …ur Town, and ſome others in the Country. But granting it were ſo, That's no ſolid Argument againſt it; for, the Goſpel it ſelf was ſaid to be every where ſpoken againſt; and I pray God, it may never be ſaid ſo again, of ſome Articles in Divinity, of Unſpeakably greater Moment, than Singing by Note. Time was, when it was ſaid, The whole World ſigh'd, to ſee it ſelf become an Arian.

Beſides, ſuppoſing Regular Singing is ſpoken againſt by many, Is it not alſo ſpoken & preached, and printed for, and that by as wiſe and good Men, Men as able & faithful to judge in this matter as any Anti-Regular-Singer upon earth, and no Reflection on them?

And whereas you ſay, Many good People are p. 31griev'd about it. I anſwer, That's none of their goodneſs, I'm ſure; but their Pittiable weakneſs at beſt. And for any to be angry at it, is to be angry without Cauſe, if ever men were ſo. And you remember, what Chriſt has ſaid of ſuch, Mat. 5.22. And tho' we'r Commanded not to give offence, we'r not Commanded, not to let People take offence. And if Good People are offended with us, when we give them no reaſon to be ſo, that's our unhappineſs, and not our Sin. The wo belongs to ſuch as take offence, where there is none given. And if many Good People are griev'd; I'm perſwaded as many and as Good as they are, are rejoyc'd at this matter, and look upon the revival of the ſtudy & Practice of the Art of Muſick, as an happy Omen that the time of the ſinging …irds is coming on. And on the other Hand, Are they not, with good Reaſon, diſpleaſed and offended with you A.R.S's? Which ſome of you, and ſome (that find their account in it, I preſume) that Connive at and Countenance you, ſeem unconcern'd about. Whom, if I were worthy to adviſe, I'd beg them to remember, that there are ſome Patrons of Singing by Note, underſtand themſelves as well, and make as much Conſcience of their Duty, as they do; and are as loth to offend when they can avoid it, as they are: But they remember, Prov. 28.23. But let who will be Diſpleas'd in the Caſe, I'm Confident the GOD of Order (who as Alſted ſays, is the Author and F…utor of all Harmony) is well-pleaſed that Singing by Note is promoted in theſe Churches, p. 32and will be greatly Glorify'd for it, and by it. There are many Thanksgivings to GOD, for beſtowing this Good Gift on his People, notwithſtanding all the Diſturbance occaſion'd by it. And whether is better, to pleaſe GOD, or Men, judge ye!

Farthermore, As to it's roiling the Spirits of Irreligious Men, and giving Diſturbance; — If you'll take the pains to read the Treatiſe I've refer'd you to, ſeveral times, and the Sermon about Prejudice diſpers'd in theſe Towns, you may find an anſwer to it, and it may be to your Satisfaction. For, I remember, I heard one of the wifeſt and beſt men in this Town, ſay, to one of the oldeſt, Sir (ſaid He) I was my ſelf as much in the Dark about Singing by Note as you are, but when I heard the Sermon from that Text, Come and ſee, I went Home (and adviſed) and made it a Caſe of prayer, and read over the Treatiſe (before quoted) and really I found ſo much Reaſon and Scripture for it, that I'm ſatisfy'd, 'Tis of GOD. —An abundant Recompence, I acknowledge, for all my Pains and Sufferings occaſioned by that Sermon!

In ſhort, N. Do you love Peace, ſo, as to purchaſe it with the l…ſs or practical Denial of Truth. I tell you truly, It's a Curſed peace you get upon thoſe Terms! It's bought too Dear! No! follow Peace and Holineſs. Love the Truth & Peace, Z…ch. 8.19. Both are beſt. But better Truth without Peace, then Peace without Truth. Therefore, … Truth and S… not; N… not for Peace it ſelf. And y… … p. 33ownes! The Lord Bleſs his People with Peace! And to conclude the Anſwer to this Objection, I'm heartily griev'd that any of you are uneaſy; or, I wou'dn't have taken ſo much pains for your Satisfaction, and have undergone the Drudgery of Anſwering ſuch Trifling Objections. And I would yet Gladly ſpend and be ſpent to quiet you in a way of GOD; and yield to any thing, I may Wiſely and with a good Conſcience; but if after all. Men will be Humorſome, and wilfully blind, and fly from Books offered for their Illumination and Conviction, as they would from a Rattle-Snake, as the manner of ſome has been, I ſay, I know who has ſaid, Jer. 15.19, 20. Let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them. i. e. ſays Mr. Clark in his Annot. Comply not with them in their finful Courſes, nor ſooth them up therein. You may read the Twentieth verſe at your Leiſure. And now pleaſe to produce your 5th Objection, and let's try the weight of that.

N. It was this, That this way of Singing is Quakeriſh, and Popiſh, and introductive of Inſtrumental Muſick.

M. Well, N. And what's your Sixth? I think (if I remember right) their pretty near of kin, and therefore let us anſwer them together.

N. Sir, I find already you'll Non-ſuit me … theſe Objections, and therefore I'll only mention them: I ſhall never plead to 'em. My Si…th Objection was, that the Names given to the Notes are Baudy, yea Blaſphemous.

p. 34M. Verily, my Friend, Apollo himſelf, that Laugh'd but once a Year, could never forbear Giggling again, at ſuch Comical Objections. Quis talia ſando temperet a Riſu? Theſe Objections certainly labour of the Malady, of Obſcurum per Obſcurius, to prove a dark point by that which is more dark. In plain Engliſh, N. A Broad Laugh, is all the Anſwer ſuch Whimſical Objections deſerve: or rather, a hearty Scoul; or, Deep Sigh, to obſerve the Doleful Effects of Man's Apoſtacy. To be oppreſs'd with ſuch Objections would make a wiſe man mad, Eccl. 7.7.

However, To gratify you N. I'll ſay in a few words! Tho' we underſtand Quakeriſm and Popery as well, and hate them as much as you do; yet, I'll never deſpiſe what is Laudable in them. I admire the Quakers neat and modeſt Dreſs, and condemn nothing in it; but the wearing it, with Affected Singularity. And if the Papiſts ſing a better Tune, or with a better Air, than we do, I'd as ſoon imitate them, and a thouſand times ſooner, than the Honeſteſt man among you, that has no Skill in Singing. You've heard frequently, That Truth is as precious in the Church of Rome, as in the Churches of New-England. And verily, the Papists in many Articles, and particularly in their Bodily Devotion, are a ſh…me to many Proteſtants! If Papiſts will come Early to Meeting, and behave themſelves in the Worſhip of GOD with Gravity and Wakefulneſs, muſt I (under a pretence … abhorring Popery) make a Trade of Coming, when Prayer is juſt done; or run out, p. 35needleſly and unexemplarily, before the Exerciſe is ended; and go away without the Bleſſing; or ſit and Sleep, or Loll my Head on the Seat, as if I did ſo, in the time of Divine Worſhip, as—? Away, Away! The Papiſts themſelves will riſe up in judgment againſt Proteſtants, that act at this Rate, and will condemn them!

And ſince you make a Noiſe (tho' no pleaſant one) about Inſtrumental Muſick, I'll give you an unanſwerable argument, that may put you out of all pain about it: And that is, That, truly, it's too Chargeable a peice of Worſhip ever to obtain amongſt us; and you may depend upon it, that ſuch as are not willing to be at the Coſt of a Bell, to call the People together on the Lord's Day, and of a Man to ring it (as it is with too many amongſt us) will never be ſo Extravagant as to lay out their Caſh, (eſpecially, now Mony is ſo ſcarce) to buy Organs, and pay an Artist for playing on 'em.

N. Yea, Sir, But what won't People do for their Wills?

M. Why truly N. it's well tho't of! They'll do e'n juſt any thing. Agreeably, I remember I once heard a Grave yet Facetious Divine obſerving, That Corruption will do more than Grace at Building Meeting-Houſes. But yet, I'll tell you N. for your comfort, when People grow ſo extream fluſh of their Money, and ſo wilful as to lay it out upon Organs (if you and I live to that Day) I can help you to ſeveral Arguments, that ſome eminent Divines have invented againſt p. 36Inſtrumental Muſick, in Divine Worſhip. And in the mean time, pray be Eaſy; and aſſure your ſelf, that Singing by Rule, won't in our Day, introduce Inſtrumental Muſick, much leſs Quakeriſm and Popery. I promiſe you, your Uſual way of Singing, would much ſooner, diſpoſe … to full in with them. Becauſe the Quakers don't Sing at all, and I ſhould be out of the Noiſe of it; and the Papiſts Sing much better, when they Sing by Rule. I mean only as to the External part of the Service. But I ſpeak in Jeſt, and to ſhow you the Abſurdity of this Objection.

But then as to the Baudineſs of La, Sol; All I need ſay is, That as the Fool thinketh, ſo the Bell Clinketh. No Mortal that can ſpell would ever have had ſuch a Tho't, and it's a ſhame to mention it. And I'm ſure, I'd never have done it, but to let the world ſee, what Treatment we have from you, who have a Zeal without Knowledge, as I muſt bear you Record.

But that we may hear no more of this Naſty Objection; I'll tell you, that the very Letters, F. S. L. are in ſome Editions in our Pſalm Books, and the whole Myſtery of the Buſineſs is this, That theſe Names of the Notes were given them (as Alſted and Playford tell us) by Guide Aretinus, ſeveral Hundred Years ago; they being the First Syllables of that Saphick,

Mi-ra Geſtorum

Sol-ve Polluti

Fa-muli Tuorum

La-bii Reatum.

And theſe Names have been retained ever ſince. Becauſe they anſwer the End as well as p. 37any other. And ſome Names there must be for the Advantage of the Learner: But if any will uſe, A, B, … or, Bo-Ce-Di-Ga-lo-ma-ni, propoſed by Alſted, inſtead thereof, it will ſerve the turn. And ſo as to the Names of the Tunes. St. Mary's, Iſle of Wight—they'r to diſtinguiſh one Tune from another, and one Name is us well as another for that End, Tho' it be iſle of Shoals for Iſle of Wight, or Bullbead for Dunbred, as ſome in Deriſien have call'd 'em. But then the Names muſt be ſuch as People commonly agree to call them by, or it will breed the Confuſion of Babel, where, when a Man called for a Trewel, his Servant brôt him a Spade or a Pick-…x. And why may not a Tune be called St. Mary's as well as St. David's, and ſo one of our moſt celebrated Tunes is termed in our Pſalm Books; unleſs you think with one, that ſaid to me, He did net know but that Tune was made by King David, about 200 Year ago. Commend me to that Man, however for a Chronologer, if he's no Muſician!

And then, as to the Blaſphemy of Fa, Sol, La, it's too foul-mouth'd an Objection to be repeated, and as hideous Nonſenſe as ever was utter'd: and therefore Good now, N. let's paſs on to your 7th Objection, if you pleaſe.

N. Well Sir, I hoſe if all the other were tou light, and weak, to bear the ſtreſs I've ſaid upon them, This will do the Buſineſs, and I preſume is Unanſwerable by you.

M. Well N. pleaſe to produce it, and I'll try my skill upon it; and if I …n't anſwer it, I'll p. 38come over to your ſide, I'll promiſe you: if you'll come to our ſide, if I do. Come, Let's hear this Mighty, Dead-doing Argument!

N. Sir, It is this, That this way of Singing is Needleſs, ſince our Good Fathers, that knew not this way, are got to Heaven without it. And therefore what need of all this Adoo and Pudder for Nothing?

M. Why look'ee, N. as to the Good Fathers of ſome of you A. R. S's, I can't ſay, but that they were unacquainted with this Excellent way of Singing, and I can't ſay whether they could ſing any way; nor can I tell, whether they did not leave the Old Land (as you ſometimes call it) to ſteer clear of Singing by Rule, thô I hope they had more Wiſdom. But this I know certainly and affirm conſtantly, that ſome of our Fathers, that were I ſuppoſe, pretty near as Good, as any of yours, were acquainted with this way of Singing My Father learnt it at College; and I can Sing a Tune he learnt me by Note when I was a Child; and I have now in my Study, Tunes prick'd with his own Hand, and I can't be more ſure of any thing of that nature, than of this, That he highly approv'd of it, & greatly delighted in it. And one Reaſon doubtleſs, why he did not practiſe it, was, becauſe his People could not do ſo; and it's probable he (did, as another Miniſter famous in our Neighbour hood, I've been inform'd, has ſaid he did) ſhuck in with the People, and ſang himſelf out of all. And thô, (I am humbly thankful) I've as much reaſon as ſome others to reverence the Memory of my Anceſtors, p. 39yet I cannot but cloſe with that eminent Man of GOD, Mr. Jer. Burroughs (of whom it has been ſaid, he was a Prince of Preachers, and ſit to be a Preacher to Princes,) in his Expoſition of Hoſea; (a)(a)and Edit. and Vol. … 556, 557.where he thus expreſſes himſelf, (and my Good Father has ſet a ſpecial Mark upon it) What a fond opinion is it, and what a ſluggiſh Spirit does it manifeſt, to be ſatisfy'd with that Knowledge which hath been in former times? Therefore ſuch ſpeeches as thoſe, What ſhall we be wiſer than our Fore-Fathers? May be anſwered, we'r to be thankful for the Knowledge of our Forefathers, and ſay as Maſter Greenham did, I bleſs God for what our Forefathers knew, and I bleſs God alſo that bath kept back ſome of his Counſels for this Generation to be acquainted with. 'Tis an argument of a poor ſpirit to reſt ſatisfy'd with ſmall meaſures of Knowledge; the Light … 4 hundred Years ago was ſmall, and in theſe Days our Light is ſmall, to that which ſhall be revealed. It is very little in the matter of God: Worſhip and in the ordering of his Houſe. Therefore had not we need to follow on to know the Lord, and not ſcorn at the New Light which God diſcovers? For tho' there are no New Truths, in reſpect of the Word yet in reſpect of the Manifeſtation of them to us, they may be fall to be New. Thus Mr. Barroughs, a ſtrict Con… tional Divine, & one of the very Fathers of them. And new …can't you … this to … … ſent Caſe?

p. 40Beſides, to ſay it's needleſs to learn to Sing by Note, for the Reaſon you mention, is juſt as much ſenſe, as the Man's ſaying, It was needleſs to learn to Read, becauſe his Uncle, that could not read had as good Corn, as any Body in Town. Alas, N. there's many a one I hope got to Heaven, that could not read, & had a very mean gift in Prayer, or I'm ſure ſome of your Fathers & Grand-fathers (to uſe a Phraſe of the American Apoſtle's, (a)(a)Dr. Mather's Magnal. B 3.2…8.Mr. Eliot,) are Gone the wrong way. And what? Is there therefore no need to ſtir up People to learn to Read. And here I'd take occaſion to anſwer a Plea made by ſome that never had any hand in the Gun-powder-Plot, that if Singing by No… be Right, then Singing the Uſual way is …rong and then what's become of our Fathers that Sung in this way? I anſwer, I deny the Corſenarn…. It was not wrong in them, becauſe they did as well as they could: They offer'd their Best. And if they could have Sung better, I believe they would. And if there be a willing mind, it's accepted according to what we have —. It is not wrong for him that can read but poorly, or pray, but meanly, to read or pray as well as he can. But if a man has a Male in his Flock, and ſacrfi… to the Lord a corrupt thing, he expoſe's himſelf t… the Livine Malediction. He that has two … …epted if he faithfully improve them, whilſt …e that has ten, w… be accepted, if he … them. Where much is given much … little is given, little is … all theſe Objections p. 41to the place from whence they came, and bring on your Second R…nk of Objections, and Fire t'other Round, and let's ſee, if we can anſwer you!

N. Sir, my ſecond ſet of Objections was againſt the Perſons that are the Admirers, Promoters and Practitioners of this Way of Singing und r Conſi… ration. And my firſt particular —.

M. Hold N! One word if you pleaſe, as we go …ng, to all Objections of this nature; which (it may be) may ſave you the labour of mentioning, and me of anſwering them particularly: And that is, That no Obj. of this kind can touch the M…rit of the Cauſe. For if ſo, are there not with you, even with you? as ſcandalous perſons, perſons of as vile & ignominious a Character, and guilty of as much folly & iniquity as any in the Town —? Are there no A. R. S's that are Tiplers, Tavern-haunters, Idle, Sauntering Drones, and meer Incendiaries—? But tho' we commend all that are for Regular Singing, on that account; we are very far from commending any thing victous or of Bad Report in them. And we pray, that what you ſee amiſs in any of Us, you'd mend in your ſelves. And conſider, are there no ſcandalous N.Conſormiſis? Are there no Hypopocrites in the true Church? And will you then Condemn the True Church, and give up the cauſe of N. Conformity for that Reaſon? Do you diſlike the good Fiſh, you take in the Net, becauſe there are ſome and, ſlide in among them? Should the Miniſters of Chriſt, reject the Goſpel, becauſe by the Pre…ing of it, ſome are bro't into the p. 42Church, that prove a Peſt in it; and when they come to diſcover their Hypocriſy & Unſoundneſs, they wiſh them out again … On the other ſide, Are there not ſome, are there not many yea are not the principal Encouragers of Regular Singing, ſuch as you ought to Eſteem Faithful Servants of Jeſus Chriſt? And ſuch as are more Proper Judges in this matter than any of you? And mayn't you with more Reaſon, argue thus, There are theſe and thoſe, Men of Learning & Wiſdom & Piety, for Singing by Rule, and therefore we dare ſay nothing againſt it? Does not the argument hold this way, at leaſt as well as the other.

You take my M…ing N. I preſume; and if you ſee meet, yet, to mention your Particulars, pray do ſo, and don't ſay you can't be heard. Only, bring 'em all out together, for there's ne'r a Barrel the Better Herring; and the time wou'd fail to enlarge on 'em all.

N. Sir, You'l gratify me to ſay a few words to each, that I may however, know Low to anſwer ſuch as Reproach you on the account of them.

M. 'Tis well, N. pleaſe to ſay on.

N. Sir, It's ſand (1) That the bringing up of this way is a Contrivance to got Money. (2) That there's too much time ſp…nt in learning. That People Tarry out Diſorderly, and Fam…ly-Religion is neglected. (3) That they'r a Company of Young Upſtarts that fall in with this way, and ſet it for ward, and ſome of them are Lord & Looſe Perſons and guilty of Prophetneſs in Singing I ſ…lm Tunes in Barns and at Plow & Ca… will make nothing to p. 43Sing part of a Pſalm Tune, and then, Cry, St'r up Darby—Nay, they'll Sing Fa, Sol, La, in the Tavern.

M. Now take an anſwer N.—As to getting Money by it; This were a Better Contrivance (allowing the Objection) and more juſtifyable, than many approved of, by ſome that Object this. And why the Singing Maſter, is not worthy of his Reward for his pains in teaching our Children to Sing, as well as the School Dame and School Maſter for Teaching our Children to Read, Write & Cypher, I can't Deviſe. For, Muſick is as Real & Lawful & Ingenious an Art, as either of the other. I don't ſay indeed as Uſeful & Neceſſary. But to put you, in this place, out of pain about your Purſes; I'll undertake, if you'll learn to Sing, you ſhall all be taught on free Coſt.

And as to ſpending too much Time, or neglecting Family Religion, (if there be any ground for ſuch an Objection) we'r very ſorry for it. I'll countenance no ſuch things. But I won't therefore condem the Practice, and diſcourage any from learning to Sing; but will Exhort them to reform ſuch things, and cut off occaſion, from ſuch as ſeek it, to ſpeak evil of the things they underſtand not. For my own part, as Iv'e the Honour of Conducting this Flock of Chriſt, I ſhall recommend it to Heads of Families, that, when they go out in an Evening to Sing, they'd ſet their Houſes in order before they go from Home. And as for being out late, it can't well be avoided, where People go ſo far, as ſome muſt do; and I wiſh ſome that make the Objection (thô this I confeſs is only. p. 44Argumentum ad Hominem) did not drive a Trade of tarrying out unſeaſonably, on leſs Juſtifyable Occaſions.

And, as to Singing in Barns and Fields— you may ſee the Objection anſwered in the Treatiſe, I've ſo often refer'd too. And tho' there may poſſibly be ſome Deference to be paid to Common Pſalm-Tunes; yet it's wonderful to hear thoſe talk at this rate, that deny the Holineſs of Places. For ſurely the Meeting-Houſe is as Holy as any Tune. Is the One improv'd in the Worſhip of GOD? ſo is the other. But this Objection ariſes from a Superſtitious Notion, ſome have Imbib'd, That there is ſome Sacredneſs in Tunes. But I aſſure you, & can eaſily demonſtrate to you, there is not the leaſt Jot. If any would ſuppoſe there's a Relative Holineſs in ſome Pſalm-Tunes, I affirm, there is no more Real Holineſs in the moſt Celebrated Pſalm Tune, than in the Tune of, Pepper is Black. And if People have taken up any other notion, It's high time they ſhould be better inform'd, and convicted of their Error. Pſalm-Tunes & Song-Tunes are all made by the ſame Rule: and thoſe that made the Pſalm-Tunes were not Divinely inſpir'd; nor had they Authority to conſecrate any Tune to the worſhip of GOD. I remember, as I was talking with one good Man on this Head, he cry'd out, I'm convinc'd; for (ſaid he) tho' the Bible is Holy, the Covers are not ſo.—And further I affirm, the moſt of the Pſalm-Tunes, as Sung in the Uſual way, are much more like Song-Tunes, than as Sung by Rule; becauſe you've more Supernumerary Notes & Turnings p. 45of the voice in your way, than in ours. An Ingenious Gentleman, who has prick'd Canterbury, as ſome of you Sing it, finds (as I remember) no leſs than 150 Notes, in that Tune, in your way, whereas in our's, there are but 30. Did we propoſe ſo many Crotchets, and Quavers, and Semi-quavers and Demi-ſemi-quavers, in every Tune, I ſhould not wonder if you were diſcouraged from endeavouring to learn to Sing. But alas! This is what you've generally no Notion about: And yet think your ſelves ſufficiently accompliſh'd to judge in the Affair—. Yea ſome Rage again in their Confidence. And yet ſometimes their own Mouths condemn them. I was told by a very worthy Man, That he was not long ſince arguing with one of your Fraternity, and at length us'd this Similitude,—You are a Planter Ner'beur. Now ſuppoſe, while you'r Planting, there comes a Sailer athwart you. Well! crys he; What are you doing, Friend?— A doing (ſay you)? Why, I'm Planting.— What at this time of Year? quoth the Sailer. The Planter replys, Yes; when ſhould I Plant?—Why (ſays the Saile…) in Auguſt; if you intend to have a Crop,— No (ſays the Planter) you'r deceived: Iv'e been a Planter this no Year, and my Father was a Planter before me, and I know certainly, I ſhould have no Crop if I ſhould Plant in Auguſt. You know better how to Rig and Sail a Ship, than how to raiſe Corn.— You talk like a fool (cryes the Sailer) I knew, you and your Father before you, were deceived: I tell you, you ſhould Plant in Auguſt —. p. 46What would you ſay to him? ſays my Friend.— Say? Cryes he: I'd up with my Fiſt [which he did at that Inſtant] and hit him a Dab in the Chaps, [and he gave the Man a good Dowſe.] And upon the whole I ſay, Ne ſutor ultra Creptdam. Let not the Shoe-maker go beyond his Laſt. And every Man to his Trade, wherein he's to be believ'd.

Briefly, Whereas you ſay, it's by ſome objected, they'r young Upſtarts—. I anſwer, It's an unparellel'd (I'd almoſt ſaid unpardonable) piece of Ignorance, or Impudence, for any to ſay ſo. I remember indeed, that one of my Reverend Brethren, told me, That ſome of his Hearers made this Objection, at the Beginning of this Ridiculous Controverſy. Whereupon, he took occaſion to ask the Judgment of ſeveral Aged Miniſters, and of ſeveral of middle Age; and finding they all agreed in their Sentiments about this matter (and whatever he is for a Chriſtian, I'll be bold to ſay, He's a poor Tool of a Scholar; and may either be Saluted,— Salve Doctor, ſine Libris! or, if he has a Library, His Books may be Complemented, Salvete Libri ſine Doctore; that does not know, that Muſick is as proper a Science, as Geometry or Arithmetick: I won't Engliſh it to you, but I ſay, finding all the Miniſters he diſcours'd, highly approving of ſinging by Note) He tells his Friends, Tho' you were pleas'd to ſay there were no Miniſters for it, but ſome Young Men; yet I find this and the other Aged Miniſter of the ſame Judgment—. Yes, ſay they, but thoſe p. 47Miniſters are ſuperannuated. Well ſays my Friend, but I've diſcourſed with theſe and thoſe, middleag'd-Min…ters, and they'r of the ſame mind—. Yes, cry they, Miniſters will hang together right or wrong!—Horribile d…! I'm amaz'd to think of the Perverſeneſs not to ſay, Atheiſm, ſome diſcover, when under the power of inveterate prejudice.

Furthermore, There was an Excellent Man of our Church, that told me, about a Year ago, that ſome of your Party ſaid, if Old Dr. Mather upprov'd of it, they ſhould then ſuſpect they were out of the way in oppoſing it. Upon which I wrote to that venerable Doctor. And he very kindly ſent me his Son's (Dr. Cotton …ather's) Accompliſh'd Singer, and upon the laſt …age of ſaid Book, He wrote with his own hand, theſe Words.

I DO concur with what is here Publiſhed by my Son, and heartily wiſh, that Young People may be Encouraged to Learn to Sing Regul…ly.

INCREASE MATHER.

Now, Dr. C. Mather, (in ſaid Book, Page 22—) thus expreſſes himſelf. It would be very deſirable, that People (and eſpecially our Young People, who are moſt in the Years of Diſcip… would more generally learn to Sing and become able to Sing by RULE, and keep to the Notes of the Tunes, which our Spiritual Songs are ſet unto; which would be to Sing as Or…gen expreſſes it, — Agreeably and Melodiouſly.—It has been found that in length of Time, in ſome … our Congregations their Singing has degen… p. 48into an Odd Noiſe, that has more of what we want a name for, than any Regular Singing in it whereby the Celeſtial Exerciſe is Diſhonoured; and indeed the Third Commandment is treſparſed on. To take notice of the Ridiculous Pleas, wherewith ſome very weak People go to confirm this Degeneracy, would indeed be to pay too much Reſpect unto them. And they muſt have ſtrange notions of the Divine SPIRIT, and of his operations, who ſhall imagine, that the Delight which their untuned Ears take in an Uncouth Noiſe, more than in a Regular Singing, is any Communion with Him. The Skill of Regular Singing, is among the Gifts of GOD unto the Children of Men, and by no means unthankfully to be Neglected or Deſpiſed. For the Congregations, wherein 'tis wanting to recover a Regular Singing, would be really a Reformation, and a Recovery out of an Apoſtacy, and what we may judge that Heaven would be pleaſed withal. We ought certainly to ſerve our GOD with our Beſt: and Regular Singing muſt needs be better than the Confuſed Noiſe of a Wilderneſs. GOD is not for Confuſion in the Churches of the Saints; but requires, Let all …hings be done Decently. — The Tunes commonly uſed in our Churches are Few; 'Twere well if there were more—. It is to be deſired, that we may ſee in the Riſing General on, a freſh and ſtrong Diſpoſition to … the proper Tunes; that GOD may be … Religion Beautify'd, with a Regu… …ing among us— p. 49Now I ſhould have tho't that by Two ſuch Eminent Witneſſes, the Cauſe of Regular Singing might have been Eſtabliſh'd. But tho' I lent this Book to ſome, and gave them the preceeding account; they regarded it not. After this, I ſhew'd them Mr. Walter's Singing Book, recommended by Fifteen Miniſters. They took as much notice of it, as if the famous Sam. Hide had commended it. Quis talia fando temperet a Lacrymis? Is this to Obey the voice of the Lord's Servants? To believe his Prophets? To learn the Law at the Mouths of Chriſt's Meſſengers? I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping,—'Tis a Lamentation, and ſhould be for a Lamentation! And eſpecially that it ſhould be ſo in a place ſo famous for Religion, as this has been!

But where now is that Mouth, that ſaid, The Abettors of Regular Singing, were only Young Upſtarts? The man one would think, ſhould bluſh into a Flame, unleſs his Face is harder than a Rock, and he has eat ſhame and drank after it.

And whereas you ſay, there are lewd and vicious People that are pleaſed with this way: As I ſaid before, Are there not as vicious Perſons againſt Regular Singing, as there can be for it? And if there are any Good People againſt it, It's more than I know, tho' I ſuppoſe ſome of them, are Faithful Brethren; but I'm Confident this is none of their Wiſdom and Goodneſs, but their Weakneſs and Carnality; and if they die Martyrs in this Cauſe, as ſome have boaſted they would, I dare aſſure them, they'l never obtain the …own of Martyrdom for their pains.

p. 50In a word, It's utterly unfair to Charge the faults of all the Pretenders to this or that way, on the way it ſelf. Are we willing a Judgment of N. Conformity ſhould be made, from the Principles or Lives of ſome N. Conformiſts? No verily! Therefore, Good now Nei'bour, let's hear no more ſuch Objections, and come to your Laſt. Bring on your FORLORN-Hope! And if w…'ve ſtood the ſhower, I hope we ſhan't flinch for the Drops, of this Puny Objection. You know my Reference!

N. Sir, I'm willing to do ſo; for I think you've ſufficiently anſwered all the former; and for my part, if you can anſwer this as fully, I'll give up the Cauſe; let who will be againſt Regular Singing, I'll have done, and come over to your ſide.

Sir, My laſt Objection was againſt the way of bringing Regular Singing into practice in our Church. Some have ſaid, they had nothing againſt Regular Singing, but they diſlike the way of bringing it in; they account it's intruded upon them.

Min. If you'd allow me one Random-Gueſs; I ſuppoſe it's 20 to one, but it had been bro't in right, if ſome of thoſe Objectors, (who can't Sing, no not the Six Excellent Tunes aforeſaid, if it were to ſave their Lives;) and ſome of their Queer Comrades, had been conſulted, and leading in it. But ſome Men think nothing well done, that they han't a Hand, a Chief Hand, in the management of. If they think themſelves neglected, all the Fat's in the Fire… And they'l ſet the whole Courſe of Nat… in a Flame!—But p. 51you may Remember, N. (if you don't, I do) that I've publickly Declared, That as to this, I'm anſwerable for it. And I aver, it has been fairly and Regularly introduc'd; and I ſhan't be determined by thoſe, that understand neither what they ſay, nor whereof they affirm, In this matter: And if any will be ſo Hardy as to Arraign my Adminiſtrations on this Score, I appeal to Council. And I'm ſtill of the ſame mind. And if any will ſtill go on to Cenſure me on this Score, and yet decline the propoſed Method: or, if any in other places will do ſo, upon Hearſays, The Lord Judge between me and them! And the Good Lord forgive them, who know not what they do! And for further Anſwer (tho' I han't time now to go thro' the Story of it's Introduction) I'll hint to you a few things. Firſt, I don't underſtand your Notion of Intruſion. Men intrude on a Society, if they deprive them of their unqueſtionable Privileges, and oblige them to any thing unwarrantable and unreaſonable—But who, ever before, complain'd of being intruded on, for being urged by their Paſtor to the Practice of that which is Laudable and vertuous, and which they account ſo.

Beſides, You may think poſſibly, it ſhould have been introduced by a Vote of the Church. But here you Blunder moſt miſerably, and are ignorant of your own Principles. For your Platform of Diſcipline, which when it ſuits your Turn; (and I ſpeak ſoberly, never elſe that I find) you'r very fond of, tells you in Terms, Chap. 10. Sect. 5. That the Power granted by Chriſt to the p. 52Body of the Church and Brotherhood is a Privilege, which the Church doth Exerciſe, (1.) In Chooſing their own Officers, whether Eiders or Deacons: (2.) In admiſſion of Members. — But not a word about matters of Doctrine or Worſhip. Here, the Paſtor is Maſter of the Aſſembly, and unleſs he Preach falſe Doctrine, or introduce any part, or means of Worſhip, not warranted by the Word of God; he's Juſtifiable before all the World by your own Principles.

And further, Some plead the matter ſhould be decided, by a Vote of the Congregation: And (tho' there's neither Precept nor Precedent for ſuch a thing, that I know of) this ſeems more Reaſonable than the former. For every one in the Congregation has as much Liberty to Sing, as the Oldeſt Deacon in the Church, and as good a Right to decide this Queſtion. For, there are many N. Communicants of you Anti-Regular-Singers, that know ten times as much about Singing, and can Sing ten times as well, as any of thoſe of you that are Communicants. And ſince you'r as much divided about the Perſons, who you ſuppoſe have a Right to vote in this Affair, as the Papiſts, about the Subject of Infallibility, (for, ſome of them, ſay, it's in the Pope alone: others, that it is in an Aecceminical Council; others, think it's in Beth together, and in neither ſeperate; and we Proteſtants juſtly ſay, it's in none of them) till you'r agreed, who are to decide the matter by a Vote, it muſt e'n go Undetermined in any ſuch way.

p. 53But then further I affirm, that the Care (at leaſt) of Setting the Tune, does properly belong to the Paſtor; and ſuppoſing he's tolerably skilled in Singing, it appertains to him to ſet it. I'm ſure, in the Jewiſh Church, the Levites were over the Song, 1 Chron. 6.31…. ch. 15.19, 22. 2 Chr. 5.12. ch. 7.6. & 30.21. And I ſee no Reaſon why Miniſters ſhould not be over it now, eſpecially, when they are Skilful. I'm ſure I know no ſuch Eccleſiaſtical Officer of Divine Appointment, as a Quiriſ…er. As for the Deacons, the Buſineſs aſſign'd 'em by the word of GOD, is to ſerve Tables, and not to Tune the Pſalm. And I'm humbly of opinion, that the Reaſon why our New-England Paſtors han't generally done this Service for the Church, but put it on the Deacons, has been either becauſe they could not Sing, or becauſe they would free themſelves of the Trouble. And no doubt, if a Miniſter can't ſet the Tune, or it be burdenſome to him; he may direct one to do it; who is moſt capable and beſt skill'd. For as every man has received the Giſt, ſo let him minister the ſame, 1 Pet. 4.10. But ſuch are much deceiv'd, who think a Miniſter takes too much upon him, that ſets the Tune himſelf; eſpecially, if he can Sing as well as any of his People, or if he can't, yet Calls upon whom he ſees beſt to do it. The Maſter of a Family, will ſet the Tune himſelf if he can: and if he can't, and any of his Children or Servants can do it a great deal better, I think he's a Proud Man, that ſcorns to put them upon it; and to be guided by them in this Exerciſe and part of Family-Religion.

p. 54And then, in our way, when a Perſon has been p…d upon to ſet the Tune, it has ever been l… his Diſe…tion, what Tune to ſet, and How. And agr…bl…, when Deacon Tenny (of Bleſſed Memory) ſet the Tune in our Congregation, he … Tune of the 119 Pſalm, when, (there are yet Living Witneſſes that can well remember) there was but three or four Men in the Town could Sing it. And yet none ever grumbl'd againſt him for it, that I can learn. And when I ſet the Tune in mother Place, I bro't in a Tune to the 24th Pſalm, which is ſaid to be an Indian Tune, when but about 10 or 12 Men, were Maſters of it, as I remember, when we ſung it firſt. But none called my doing ſo Intruſion, but all were pleas'd with it, ſo far as I know. And there's the ſame Reaſon Now, not to ſay a great deal more, why, my ſetting the Tune, and now and then, one, not ſo commonly Sung, ſhould be acceptable. For truly, I never took upon me to … the Tune here, till the Good old Deacon, yet a…ive, had many Years ago, beg'd me to Excuſe him, in Deacon Tenny's Abſence—; and Elder Tenny had deſired me again and again to do it; and a whole Room full of People, at my own Houſe had done the like, the matter being prop…ſed and Diſcourſed amongſt them, and all acquieſc'd in … ſo far as I perceiv'd (I profeſs I can't conceive why they ſhould not) and Finally, I confeſs, I took one wrong step; condeſcending to propoſe to the Brethren as I did, whether it would be grateful to them, that I ſhould for the p. 55future Tune the Pſalm, acquainting them with Elder Tenny's Deſire, and what Diſcourſe had paſs'd at my own Houſe. Upon making which Propoſal, a Principal Brother of our Church, (after a little Pauſe) ſaid, Sir, I… you'll take the T… ble of ſetting the Tune, to be ſure it will be gratefull to us. And no Man ſaying the leaſt word to the contrary, I took their ſilence for Conſent (as I do in a multitude of other caſes) and thenceforth have ſet the Tune. And for ſeveral Months I ſet only the uſual Tunes, and in the way I was ever wont to ſet them; and continued to do ſo till I was told to my Head (by ſome I ſhan't name) that I ſet the Tune by Rule—. And indeed, when I ſee People ſo unreaſonable, and would be angry with me for Singing by Rule (as they ſuppoſed) I at length reſolved never to ſet a Tune again, any other way than by Note. And have govern'd my ſelf accordingly, and intend to do ſo. And further I receiv'd a Letter from the Reverend & Aged Mr. Wiſe of …ſw…ch, wherein he gave it, as His Judgment, That when there were a ſ…ff… number in a Congregation, to carry away a Tune Roundly, it was then proper to intr…duce that Tune: Which Letter I rea… to the Church; and I never yet ſet any Tune Publickly, but there were (as I ſaid before) … to carry the Tune, without the leaſt hazard of making a …er.

And now after all …. I've us'd, I never (as I might have added … a word in any Sermon about this U…ace … till a great part of the T…n had for near halt a p. 56Year, been in a meer flame about it; and then, I at firſt Preach'd only ſome general Truths, that I hop'd, by God's Bleſſing, might compoſe the Minds of the Good People amongſt us— I ſay after all] to be treated as I have been, not only in this Town, but in other Places, by ſome, at who…e Hands I deſerve no ſuch Treatment, is not fair, nor juſt. And I think, I'm juſtly offended at it. And I pray God convince and pardon thoſe who in a time of Temtation, (not knowing …hat manner of ſpirit they were a…ed by) have ſhamefully entreated me: And, Deliver me from unreaſonable Men!

Thus Net'bour, I've endured the Fatigue of Hearing and Anſwering your Objections. I might ſay abundance more in my own Vindication, but I will rather ſtill ſeek unto God, and Commit my Cauſe to him, who ſits in the Throne Judging …ght. And verily, I would not have ſaid ſo much, Remembring what my late Excellent Friend, Mr Bernard of Andover, ſaid to me on a ſpecial occaſion,— He that is not Tattle-proof, is not ſit to live i… this World, eſpecially in a Publick … ) but that I know,—While it's ſufficient for … Miniſter, …at he have a Good Conſcience, it's neceſſary for …is Hearers, that he have a Good Name.

I might alſo, have conſidered what Arguments there are for Regular Singing; but, beſides that the thing is ſelf evident, you may ſee Arguments ſufficient to ſatisfy any unprejudiced Perſon, in the cloſe of Dr. C. Mather's …ed Singer, and in the other T…ea…ſe, I have ſo often men…ioned; p. 57and I muſt be Excuſed at preſent, being weary with ſpeaking, if you a'nt with hearing.

N. Sir, I'm abundantly ſatisfy'd, and I thank you for your pains; and pray God Reward you; and follow you Good Endeavours among us to forward Regular Singing, and every other thing that's praiſe-worthy, with a ſignal Bleſſing. And I beg your Pardon, … all you've ſeen amiſs in me, in this matter.

M. I heartily thank you, Nei'bour for your kind Acceptance of my poor Endeavours, and pray, that if you've receiv'd any Light, God may have all the Glory; and I your Prayers, that God will ſtill aſſiſt and bleſs me in his Work: That He will forgive all my Follies and Weakneſs, and ſinful Infirmities attending my beſt Performances, and bring us at length to ſerve him Day & Night in his Temple, and Sing his Praiſes without Imperfection and without End, in the Heavenly World. Farewel.