A. D. Fillmore On Instrumental Music
"When an author has published a large number of different books, and the people have shown such an appreciation of them as to make every one a success, there is no reason for even seeming distrust and diffidence in presenting another.
"In preparing the 'Psaltery,' I have kept constantly in view the purpose of promoting the cause of singing in the assemblies of the saints. Therefore, I have endeavored to furnish only the tunes that are good, and practically the most useful.
"There is much needless controversy nowadays, for and against, choirs and instruments, and about congregational singing in the churches. Those who understand, and feel the force of the truth, that singing the praise of God is an essential item of Christian duty and Christian worship, will not want either the thundering organ or squalling melodeon to disturb their devotions. But those who want to share in worldly entertainments, instead of spiritual worship, must have their substitutes; and there is no use of debating the question, for we will have our choice.
"The following hints may be of value to those who heed them, and who love music in its own true and native simplicity:
1. Fashionable singing is, for the most part, a burlesque. This originates generally with those who sing with the instrumental accompaniments. I do not know why it should be so nevertheless. Most of the fashionable singing nowadays, instead of expressing the sentiment of what is sung, is mere empty sound, noisy circumgyrations of the voice, seemingly trying to imitate the midnight concerts of the feline tribes.
2. Men and women who have a just idea of what is common-sense, are always quiet in their proper place, if not taking part in the singing; but gentlemen and ladies oftimes titter, giggle, talk, and smargle during the time of singing, particularly in singing-schools and social parties, and show themselves as sensible and opposite to the place they occupy, as a conch-shell in a conceit.
3. If singers can not learn to sing with the understanding, better not sing at all. Teachers must give heed. Let all study to be carefully correct.
4. The great majority of Church members are wickedly negligent of duty, in regard to singing the praise of God. Preachers must give heed. Let us all study to know and do our whole duty.
(signed) A. D. Fillmore.
Many times the Christian Church and also the "Church of Christ" (music group), try to leave the impression that all the Pioneers were in favor of instrumental music. I think this preface from the song book published by them would well be heeded to-day. I do not agree with the writer on all points but do heartily endorse the statement that those who are not spiritual, but worldly minded, want the organ.