000 
JOURN^AL OF A 
looked over the organist's shoulder's into his book. The majestic 
siinplicity of the T;utheran hymii-tunes was lost, in a display of the 
most flourishing decorations. Still I hoped, that, during some part 
of the service, which, as far as the preacher and congregation were 
concerned, was conducted with great solemnity, some anthem would 
be performed. I was mistaken; for, as a prelude to one of thefour 
hymns appointed for the occasion, we were treated with another 
instrumental piece of Haydn, beautiful in its composition, and well 
executed by the band, but rather suited to accompany a dance, 
than to excite devotional feelings. Of Mr. Hesse's most impressive 
discourse, I understood more, than on a former occasion, havins: 
seated myself near the pulpit. He closed it with a serious, and in- 
deed mournful, consideration of the great degeneracy, now prevail- 
ing throughout the Protestant conmmnion, and with an earnest, 
but affectionate address to his congregation, and especially to the 
youth, exhorting them to consider their ways, and return unto the 
Lord, who had granted them such great privileges, and the free use 
of His Holy Word and Sacraments. But, as if to efface all due im- 
pression made upon the audience, by the solemnity of Mr. Hesse's 
discourse, the organist struck up the last movement of the military 
symphony, which half the congregation staid to hear. 
I must confess, that I left the church with pain and disgust. 
Though blame may attach to the persons engaged in this degrada- 
tion of the service, and of that noble art, which is so suitably and 
acceptably employed to promote devotion, when under the influence 
of a proper spirit, yet the cause of grief and regret in the heart of 
every sincere Christian, on account of such incongruities, lies deeper. 
That such things exist, is one convmcing proof, among many, of the 
truth of the reverend preacher s description of the present degene- 
racy. In those days, when the Protestant Confession was presented 
at Augsburg, would such performances have been borne in a place 
of worship ? 
Luther knew the value of music, and the strong influence it has 
upon the mind and affections, and therefore wisely retained the 
