6
But why should tuneless folks oppress
The singers with such fury,
As if what talents they possess,
They ought to hide and bury.
Nor should the man for music made
Despise a Christian brother,
Because his organ never played
A crotchet, slur, nor quaver.
If singing really be a sin,
Then singers merit slander,
But if the matter lies within,
We ought to judge with candour,
Let every man do what he can
To sing, and praise his Maker;
Let them that will not drive be drawn,
The strong should help the weaker.
For hark ye what the Scripture says,
Though fashions now are changed;
Look only back to David’s days
How matters were arranged.
The singers foremost took the lead,
The players next forenent them
And those who cou’dna keep the thread
Came droning up behind them.
When Jacob’s son’s from Egypt fled,
The sea on foot they cross’d;
Where all their foes whom Pharaoh led
Were in the waters lost.
When seated on the other shore
They sang the Song of Moses;
No doubt they made a noble choir,
So many different voices.
