In George Eliot's "Scenes of Clerical Life," the author draws an analogy between religious ideas and melodies, suggesting that once these ideas are introduced to society, they can be interpreted and expressed in various ways. This multitude of interpretations can lead to a distortion of the original message, analogous to music being played poorly on different instruments, which may undermine the purity of the idea itself.

The concern lies in the potential misrepresentation and misinterpretation of these religious concepts by people who lack the finesse to convey their true essence. As a result, the original melody—or religious idea—may become so altered that it risks losing its value, causing others to reject it entirely rather than appreciate it for its inherent worth.