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46 The National Music of America.
" Whether they who purposely sing a tune different from that which is appointed by the pastor or elder to be sung, are not guilty of acting disorderly, and of taking God's name in vain also, by disturbing the order of the Sanctuary ? "
As late as Aug. 21, 1771, John Adams bears witness to the continued existence of the two schools of song, by writing in his Diary:
" Went to meeting at the old Presbyterian Society; the Psalmody is an exact contrast to that of Hartford. It is in the old way as we call it, —all the drawling, quavering discord in the world."
The battle began with the opening of the eighteenth century. But, if there were evidences of musical barbarism in New England at this time, there were also decided proofs of musical progress.
A work published in London, in 1673, entitled: " Observations Made by the Curious in New England," informs us that "in Boston there are no musicians by trade. A dancing-school was set up but put down ; a |
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