service the organist plays a voluntary, then people must sing their own songs. In mohymns or psalms are sung, and this is the ments of great religious emotion, when the extent of the musical exercises. In all of heart of the people is stirred and moved to these denominations one of three systems is its depths, it must speak with its own tongue followed. In some of the churches there to its Creator, and will suffer no other to are choirs hired who perform, unaided by sing its repentance or shout its praise. It the people, all of these simple musical of- is only as religious fervor waxes cool that fices. In others there are smaller choirs mechanical skill is tolerated to act as a muwho are supposed to lead the people; and in sical substitute for genuine praise-offering. still others there is also the congregational Whether or no congregational singing be or universal style of church singing, where effective and produces a hearty and soula precentor leads the people, who, however, stirring result is largely dependent upon make no attempt to sing otherwise than in the character of hymnal music. The music unison. In the larger and more fashionable which a congregation naturally sings best is churches the first system is usually adhered that which is the simplest. But it should to. And where this system is adopted many be also of a popular nature. The words and of the evils found in the more elaborate mu- the hymn tune should not only stand in most sical ritualist services are prominent. High intimate relationship to one another, but prices are paid for leading tenor and so- both should stand in intimate spiritual relaprano singers, who use the opportunities of tionship to the singer and to his belief. The their position to make the most effective enthusiasm which the hymns of Luther and display of their musical skill. Organists | Wesley awakened was due to the fact that choose and ministers allow the introduction they appealed to the religious needs of the of ballad and operatic music, to which the popular heart. solemn words of hymns or psalms are set. Even where the evils are not so pronounced there is always a tendency, where the choir is intrusted with the entire responsibility of hymnal praise, for it to be administered in an indifferent or perfunctory manner. People are only too willing to listen, and they naturally prefer to listen to the best voices and finest music. But they listen to enjoy, and the æsthetic pleasure takes the place of the spiritual impression, ignoring the fact that the only church singing which is not a mockery, and the only church music which is not a sacrilege, is that which is chosen with regard for its sacred office, and delivered in the spirit of reverential consecration. The fault with the most of our present hymnal music is that it does not correspond to the sentiments of the age. We in America are still greatly under Puritan influence in this respect. Much of the music is still tinged with a morbid melancholy coloring, and many of the words of our most used hymns and psalms appeal to the intellect rather than the heart. The truest hymnal music is that which allows a spontaneous outpouring of pious fervor and soulful praise. Dr. Lowell Mason has, more than any other modern hymn-writer, satisfied the religious need of the so-called orthodox churches of America of the nineteenth century. His hymns and psalms are many of them deeply religious in sentiment, and yet pervaded by a truly noble spirit of cheerfulness, and inspired by a healthful and animated hopefulness. It is to be regretted that congregational singing is not more largely practiced in the denominations above mentioned, in which the people take so little active share in any The real trouble with the present condiof the religious exercises. It is a curious tion of church music is not, however, to be fact that the Presbyterian and other related found in the character or quality of the Churches, which rest their whole basis upon music itself. There is good and fine mua democratic form of government, should sic enough; the true lack is the want of possess an essentially autocratic ceremonial. enthusiasm among the people in performing In its service there is nothing of a demo-it. The most profoundly religious music cratic nature. It does not appeal to popular sentiment by a popular church service. The offices of praise, prayer, invocation, instruction, and exposition are in the hands of the few, not the many. It is the minister who carries the entire burden of the church service, the congregation taking no more part in it than if they were attending a concert or a lecture. For these and other excellent reasons congregational singing should be encouraged. The fusion of a people in musical union would impart a sense of individual oneness with the religious ex-by the fact that one man possessing genuercises. Of this no better proof is needed than the fact that in all seasons of revival the will fail to produce its highest and most ennobling influence if there be no vitality of faith in the souls of those who listen to it. What is needed more than fine music in these days is a fine faith and an earnestness of personal zeal in matters of devotion, which will animate with a new and more intense life the formal acts of devotion. We need the touch of enthusiasm to kindle the flickering flame of our waning faith, and that it can be done, even in these days of religious indifference and coldness, was proved ine religious ardor, and fired by a genuine musical enthusiasm, made the religious and the irreligious of two continents sing with | been retained by her, and so escaped the all earnestness and intensity of feeling his burning. The reader will find them curious, moving revival hymns. Were our clergy from their statement of facts connected with inspired by a similar zeal, and animated by an important period of the history of this the same reverence for the musical art that country, from the amusing social gossip they was shown by St. Gregory and Luther, some contain, and from their style, which is highof the religious indifference of the day might ly characteristic of their anthor. be seen to melt away, and give place to a genuine religious devotional spirit. DR. MITCHILL'S LETTERS FROM Dr. Mitchill's political life embraced a period of twenty-two years. He was elected to the Legislature of New York in 1790, and He took re-elected to that body in 1797. his seat in the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Congresses, was afterward a member of the T is unfortunate for the memory of the national Senate, was subsequently re-electlate Dr. Samuel Latham Mitchill that ed to the State Legislature, and finally to no complete biography of him has ever the Eleventh Congress. "But," said one of been published. There are comparatively his eulogists,* "he never used his influence few men now living who remember him to the promotion of his personal interest, personally, while to the rising generation the aggrandizement of his rank, the increase his talents, learning, and public services of his estates, or the procuring political faare almost unknown. Yet sixty years ago vors for himself or his relatives. He refew citizens of this country held so prom-mained content with the moderate, regular inent a place in the literary and scientific world as did this remarkable man. It would be difficult for those who never knew him to conceive the deference paid to his learning and judgment. His knowledge of the physical sciences, his varied and intimate acquaintance with classical literature, both ancient and modern, his attainments in history and political science, his practical acquaintance with public affairs, and his remarkable familiarity with the common and useful arts, caused him to be looked upon as a fountain of learning always ready to pour forth abundant streams of knowledge to every thirsty applicant. A witty friend once said of him, "Tap the doctor at any time, he will flow." Accordingly, the merits of all inventions, discoveries, projects, arts, sciences, literary subjects and schemes, new books and publications, professional cases, acts of charity or public spirit, and a multitude of other things, used to be submitted to his critical opinion. If he had not been one of the most polite and | amiable of men, he could hardly have borne | the demands thus made upon his time and patience. accumulation of his paternal property, assisted by his professional avails, and made himself, through eloquent and persevering exertions, the means of obtaining many sound laws which go far to increase our present security and happiness." During his residence in Washington, from 1801 to 1813, he wrote almost daily letters to Mrs. Mitchill when she was not with him. He kept her informed of all the political and social events that were transpiring around him, so that her house in New York used to be frequented every evening by visitors who called to ask what news she had had that day from the capital. He brought to the service of the country all his vast store of learning, and the same unremitting industry and conscientions performance of duty that characterized him in private life. In the House of Representatives his varied knowledge became of frequent practical utility, so that Mr. Jefferson used to call him the "Congressional Dictionary," and he was known among his colleagues as the "Stalking Library." On one occasion he was put on a certain committee with several other gentlemen, among whom was Dr. Dana, of Connecticut, who was also distinguished for learning. Wishing to con ness of the committee, Dr. Dana was looking for him at the door of the House, when he met Mr. Randolph. "I am looking," said Mr. Dana, "for our 'Stalking Library.'" "Are you?" said Mr. Randolph; "I just heard him inquiring for his 'Index.'" Dr. Mitchill corresponded with most of the literary and scientific men of his day, and left a numerous and valuable collec-fer with Dr. Mitchill personally on the busition of letters and papers, which would have furnished abundant material to his biographer. He had committed his manuscripts to the care of his brother-in-law, the late Dr. Samuel Akerly, of New York, as the friend who, from long familiarity with his life and labors, was best qualified to write his biography. The work was begun by Dr. Akerly, but unfortunately the papers were destroyed in the burning of the house where they had been temporarily deposited, and it was hardly possible to complete the undertaking after the destruction of this precious material. The letters to Mrs. Mitchill had While he gave his time and attention most faithfully to the discharge of his duties in the Senate and House of Representatives, such was his industry that he at the same period edited the Medical Repository, a journal of high reputation, and made fre Dr. Felix Pascalis. quent contributions to other scientific publications both in this country and in Europe. At the age of twenty-eight he was appointed to the professorship of chemistry, natural history, and agriculture in Columbia College, and at a later period occupied the professorial chair of chemistry, botany, and materia medica in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons. salon were entertained with cordial but simple hospitality. The house was a perfect museum of curiosities and monstrosities, so that Mrs. Mitchill, who was a lover of order, used sometimes to be troubled at the accumulation of movables on her tables, shelves, and mantel-pieces. The doctor's attachment to these treasures will be best illustrated by the following anecdote: Captain — had His social and domestic character was un- brought from some distant part of the world usually amiable and attractive, and marked the skin of an ant-eater, which he presented by many amusing peculiarities. His tender to Dr. Mitchill. It was hung in the parlor, attachment to his wife, to the two adopted and shown to visitors with great interest daughters, who were to him as his own chil- and satisfaction. After a time Mrs. Mitchill dren, to the young relatives who surrounded prevailed upon him to let her remove it to him, and to the old family servants who the study; and as it became dingy and dusty, lived and died under his roof, proved the she with some difficulty got his consent warmth of his affections. He was always to banish it to the garret. There it hung delighted to show his confidence in Mrs. for two or three years; it became old and Mitchill's taste and judgment. She was moth-eaten, and was a nuisance to a neat fond of books, and had a lively sympathy in housekeeper. She knew the doctor would her husband's literary and scientific pur-never consent to abandon it; she therefore suits, and a very pardonable pride in his learning and reputation. His habit of intense mental application, though generally understood, could only be fully appreciated by one living in the same house with him. Mrs. M. used to tell the following story: concerted a plan with her faithful old servant Jenny to get rid of it without saying any thing about it. The doctor had not seen it for several years; she hoped he would never think of it again. So Jenny was directed to take the skin out of the house at night, and throw it into the street at some safe distance from their own door. Accordingly, under cover of the darkness, she carried it round a certain corner in the neighborhood, and threw it away. Dr. Mitchill was accustomed to take an early walk, and sallying forth as usual next morning, turned the very same corner that Jenny had turned the night before. Seeing a group of boys in the middle of the street, apparently examining with attention something they had found there, Dr. M., with his usual habit of investigation, went up to them, and was surprised to find them surrounding an anteater's skin. He immediately began a learned discourse on the animal-its genus, spe Early in their married life, and soon after they were settled in their own home, she came down stairs one morning, and having ordered breakfast set on the table, sent a servant to call the doctor, who had been in his study since an early hour. After waiting some minutes she sent a second summons, and as he still did not come, she went herself to the door of the study, and opening it, found him so engrossed in his book that her presence was unnoticed. She spoke once and again to say that breakfast was ready, until he looked up and said, "Yes, I know it; but if you'll excuse me, I will not eat any breakfast this morning." Mrs. Mitchill retired, somewhat chagrined, and ate her breakfast alone. The morning pass-cies, habits, etc., and concluded by saying ed, and at two o'clock dinner was served. She went again to the door of the study, and found him still bending over his books with an air of profound abstraction. After she had succeeded in arousing his attention he said, "I beg your pardon for my apparent indifference, but I am engaged in the investigation of a very interesting and somewhat difficult subject. I can not leave it at present. Do me the favor to consider the dinner as eaten, and by-and-by I hope to join you and take a cup of your nice tea." Saying which he turned again to his books, and she felt that nothing more was to be said. At six o'clock he laid aside his books, made a careful toilet, came down to tea, and they spent a delightful evening together. He was averse to every kind of ostentation in his manner of living. His home was pleasant and unpretending, and the numerous celebrities who used to resort to his that he had a skin at home very like this one, and would be glad to have another. As the boys had discovered this treasure, it rightfully belonged to them. Would they sell it for fifty cents? They readily consented. The doctor came home delighted with his acquisition, and neither Mrs. Mitchill nor Jenny made any further attempt to get rid of the ant-eater's skin. He was in the habit of frequenting the markets, where he was well known to the fishermen and hucksters as a collector of animal and vegetable rarities. Many of these were handed over to Jenny, with orders to cook them, that he might ascertain whether they were eatable. The old woman used sometimes to be troubled at this desecration of her cooking utensils. She has been heard to declare that on one occasion her master ordered her to cook and serve for dinner a dish of "spotted snakes." "BALTIMORE, December 4, 1801. "This will inform you of my safe arrival at Baltimore a few hours ago. Our party from Philadelphia hither was very agreeable as to company, and we met with no disastrous accident. Since I underwent the operation of shaving and dressing I have He had great fondness for young people, combined with a steady purpose to stimulate them to high aims and aspirations. The rare power of inspiring the young with a love of knowledge was possessed by him in a remarkable degree. He wrote verses with great ease, and used to say that every gentleman should cultivate this accomplish-walked round the city with Mr. Van Wyck ment as part of an elegant education. Sometimes he would propose to a circle of young people that conversation should be carried on in rhyme, and would immediately lead off a rhyming discussion of the topics of the day, and talk fluently without being a moment at a loss for a jingling word. In one of these rhyming talks a young sportsman asked the question, "Pray, doctor, tell me now in rhyme, For catching black-fish what's the time ?" and Dr. Moores to see its state and improvements. Perhaps no place in the world ever grew up more rapidly. I am to take tea with Mrs. General Samuel Smith, wife of the Representative from this city, and am to depart at four in the morning for Washington." "MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA, December 7, 1801. "I rode this morning from Gadsby's Hotel, in Alexandria, on the Virginia side of the Potomac, on a visit to the celebrated estate of Mount Vernon, lately the property and residence of General Washington...... "My companions on this visit were Mr. Van Ness and Major Holmes. On our way Dr. Mitchill's labors in the cause of science we met Colonel Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Baywere those of a pioneer. The great advances ard, of Delaware, and Mr. and Mrs. Lowndes, made since his death in every branch of the of South Carolina, returning from a visit to natural sciences seem to throw his work Mount Vernon. On our arrival we were reinto the shade. But his diligent, disinter-ceived by Mr. Lewis, a gentleman who marested study of truth for its own sake ought | ried one of the Misses Custis, a granddaughnot to be undervalued, nor should it be for-ter of Mrs. Washington, and who, with his gotten that the more advanced scholarship wife, now resides here. Presently Mrs. of the present day owes much to the superior facilities now enjoyed by laborers in the field which his hand helped to prepare. Dr. Mitchill died in New York September 7, 1831, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. On his monument is the following inscription: Medicus, Physicus, Civis, Senator, Fas sit-commemorasse. “PHILADELPHIA, December 2, 1801. "After travelling all night long through the heavy and muddy roads of New Jersey, I arrived in this city about ten o'clock this morning. I passed the whole night, cold as it was, in the stage. Yet I have not taken any indisposition. We have laid by to rest and to look about us until to-morrow morning, when, at eight o'clock, we are to depart for Baltimore, and expect to reach Havre de Grace to-morrow evening. I am now at Francis's Tavern, in Market Street, in the dining-room, with a number of persons who are chatting on a variety of subjects. Dr. Woodhouse has just left me, and General Smith has gone to bed. I have supped upon partridge and turtle, and am now, at ten o'clock, about to retire to bed to repair my last night's want of rest." Washington and her other granddaughter, the celebrated Mrs. Law, now here on a visit, entered. The old lady was habited in black, and wore a plain cap with a black ribbon; she was affable and polite, and made us welcome in that hospitable though unceremonious manner that without hesitation we agreed to stay and dine. Mrs. Law was dressed in white, and both looked and acted in that engaging and superior way for which she is so justly famed. Her little daughter and her husband were with her. Three young ladies, the Misses Stewart and a Miss Henly, and Mrs. Washington's grandson, Mr. Custis, also joined us a little before dinner. Mrs. Washington presided like a lady of hospitality and good sense, tempered by much acquaintance with company. Every thing was neat and wellordered, bespeaking her to be quite the mistress of her household, and regulating all its concerns." "WASHINGTON, January 3, 1802. "I wrote you that on a late occasion I had been invited to dine with Mr. Madison. He is one of our most distinguished men, is a Virginian, and was a member of the Convention which framed our Federal Constitution in 1787. He was elected to a seat in the First Congress, and labored with great zeal to get the amendments to it adopted. In the course of events he sided with the opposition as early as Washington's admin istration, and while Federalism was waxing strong he declined a longer continuance in the House of Representatives. Having thus withdrawn himself from the national councils, he retired to his own State, where he remained until President Jefferson appointed him to the office of Secretary of State. He is a man of small stature, and of plain, unaffected, and modest deportment. and consider the subjects intrusted to them, that after examination they may make judicious reports to the body that appoints them. Being engaged myself that morning on the Committee for Naval Affairs, I could not go to the President's till after one o'clock. The reading of voluminous papers and the discussion of their merits occupied all the earlier part of the day. However, late as it was, I went to pay my respects and make one of the crowd on this occasion, which occurs but once a year. "I rode from the Capitol, and proceeding along Pennsylvania Avenue, met many gentlemen on their return. In some of the carriages ladies were to be seen, for the Secretaries of the Treasury, Navy, State, etc., with their families, had sallied forth to pay their homage to the Executive, and so had the foreign ministers. "Arriving late, I met a whole troop of ladies and their attendant gallants coming down the outside stairs and going to their carriages. On passing the great hall and "While Congress sat in New York it was reported that he was fascinated by the celebrated Mrs. Colden, of our city, she who was so noted for her masculine understanding and activity, as well as for feminine graces and accomplishments. But Mr. Madison was reserved for another widow, who some years after became connected to him by the nuptial tie. This lady was Mrs. Todd. She was originally a Virginian, and her family were of the Society of Friends. Her first husband, who was an attorney of Philadelphia, was poisoned by septic acid during the prevalence of yellow fever in that city in 1795, or in one of their sickly seasons. The death of this person, who, though re-entering the withdrawing-room, I found still spectable, was but a plain, plodding man, enabled her to emerge from the mediocrity of her condition. She has a fine person and a most engaging countenance, which pleases not so much from mere symmetry or complexion as from expression. Her smile, her conversation, and her manners are so engaging that it is no wonder that such a young widow, with her fine blue eyes and large share of animation, should be indeed a | queen of hearts. By this second marriage she has become the wife of one of the first men of the nation, and enjoys all the respectability and éclat of such a position. "The company at dinner consisted of both ladies and gentlemen, and was extremely sociable and agreeable. Since that day Mr. Madison has made me a friendly visit, and I have spent an evening with Mrs. M. "I write this in the dead of night. Having waked at two o'clock, and finding myself unable to sleep, I rose, lighted my candle, and rekindled the fire. And so, by way of improving time, I write a letter to my little sweetheart in New York." "WASHINGTON, January 4, 1802. "New-Year's Day was a time of great parade in the city of Washington. The weather being fine, gave every body an opportunity of exhibiting. The great place of resort was the President's mansion. There was no visiting, as at New York, from house to house through a whole circle of acquaintance, or of public men who keep open houses; but every body crowded to Mr. Jefferson's, and after having made their appearance there, returned home. "It was Saturday, and that is commonly a busy day with Congressmen. They then must meet on their committees of business, a large party there. The President was standing near the middle of the room, to salute and converse with visitors. The male part of them walked about or made groups for conversation, while the ladies received the bows and adorations of the gentlemen. Among the ladies were the President's two daughters, Mrs. Randolph and Mrs. Eppes, to whom I paid my obeisance; then to Mrs. Madison and her sister, Miss Paine; then to Mrs. Gallatin and Miss Nicholson, besides a number of others. Beaux growing scarce or inattentive, toward the last I had to officiate myself, and to escort several of the fair creatures in succession to their carriages. Several belles from Virginia and elsewhere were brought out on this gala day, and it was allowed on all hands that the company made a brilliant appearance. After the room was cleared, I went into another apartment with the President, and had a conference with him about the best method of preserving our public ships from decay, etc., and then withdrew." "WASHINGTON, January 10, 1802. "I promised you in a former letter some account of Thomas Jefferson, now President of the United States. "I have had several opportunities of seeing and conversing with him since my arrival at Washington. He is tall in stature and rather spare in flesh. His dress and manners are very plain; he is grave, or rather sedate, but without any tincture of pomp, ostentation, or pride, and occasionally can smile, and both hear and relate humorous stories as well as any other man of social feelings. At this moment he has a rather more than ordinary press of care and solicitude, because Congress is in session, |