Page 141 - UTOPIA

were the effect of the appearance of a deity. After they have
been for some time in this posture, they all stand up, upon
a sign given by the priest, and sing hymns to the honour of
God, some musical instruments playing all the while. These
are quite of another form than those used among us; but,
as many of them are much sweeter than ours, so others are
made use of by us. Yet in one thing they very much exceed
us: all their music, both vocal and instrumental, is adapted
to imitate and express the passions, and is so happily suited
to every occasion, that, whether the subject of the hymn be
cheerful, or formed to soothe or trouble the mind, or to ex-
press grief or remorse, the music takes the impression of
whatever is represented, affects and kindles the passions,
and works the sentiments deep into the hearts of the hear-
ers. When this is done, both priests and people offer up very
solemn prayers to God in a set form of words; and these are
so composed, that whatsoever is pronounced by the whole
assembly may be likewise applied by every man in particu-
lar to his own condition. In these they acknowledge God to
be the author and governor of the world, and the fountain of
all the good they receive, and therefore offer up to him their
thanksgiving; and, in particular, bless him for His good-
ness in ordering it so, that they are born under the happiest
government in the world, and are of a religion which they
hope is the truest of all others; but, if they are mistaken,
and if there is either a better government, or a religion more
acceptable to God, they implore His goodness to let them
know it, vowing that they resolve to follow him whitherso-
ever he leads them; but if their government is the best, and

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