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Lord with the harp; and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.” Lastly, in poetic imagination and deep fervor, all nature is invited to join in this great combined ensemble of voices and in struments in praise to H im : “Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the Lord.” “ O sing unto the Lord.” What a privilege to join in this chorus of ransomed voices singing His praises! Every talent and ability which He has en trusted to us should be given back to Him. Musical endowments, when dedicated to Christ and used sincerely for His glory, can be the means of bringing much honor to His name. W e must guard, however, against the subtle temptation to take glory to our selves for gifts which He has bestowed. Much power in Christian service has been checked because of the pride found in His human instruments. Music has played an important role in the history of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The grand old hymns have sung their way into the hearts of countless multi tudes, leading them to the cross of Christ where they have found release from their burdens of sin. Christian songs have also served to “ nerve the faint endeavor” of saints who have become weary in the walk ing. Satan and his emissaries have been repelled more times than recorded on earth by the singing of the sons of God when they could not see “ the substance of things hoped for.” Let us be more grateful to God for the songs that tell of His wonderful grace toward us 1 Helps for the Leader I. S uggestions for t h e M eetin g Let your music committee have charge of the service. Plan early enough so that they can work out a complete worship program. Make it a musical, singing evening. Select members to sing solos, duets, trios, and quartets, keeping always in mind that the singing must be to the Lord. Sing many of the Old hymns, and tell the story of the writing of some. Sources of material are, Famous Hymns of the World, by A. Suther land; The Romance of Sacred Song, by David J. Beattie; Stories and Sketches of Our Hymns and Their Writers, by David J. Beattie; Stories of the Great Hymns of the Church, by Silas H. Paine, and Stories of Hymns We Love, by Cecilia Margaret Rudin. II. “ A bide w it h M e ” This beautiful hymn was written by Henry F. Lyte. He was a frail, delicate man, pastor of a church in Brixham, Eng land. He suffered from consumption, and he longed to be permitted to do something which would have its influence for good upon humanity after he had gone to his rest. When the last Sabbath of his stay in England arrived, he determined to preach once more to his little flock and tp celebrate with them the Lord’s Supper. In words of
melting tenderness, he pleaded with his people to live holy lives; and when he took his leave of them, there was scarcely a dry eye in the church. . . . After a walk by the sea at the sunset hour, the pastor slowly made his way back to the house in prayerful silence, and went immediately to his room. It was in that hour that the great hymn, “ Abide with Me,” doubtless con ceived in the walk by the sea, had its birth. . . . When he joined his family a little later, he bore in his hand the words that were destined to be an inspiration to thousands. His prayer had been answered. His last evening in his old home had produced that which will be a blessing so long as the heart turns to its Maker for help in times of need.— A l l a n S u t h e r l a n d . JULY 17, 1938 HOW TO CHOOSE GOOD HYMNS P sa lm 92:1; 19:14; 1 C o r in th ia n s 14:15 Meditation on the Lesson “ O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace!” These familiar words of a stately old hymn epitomize the aim of songs of praise to God. The main purpose of sacred music is to express the heart’s adoration and thanksgiving to a Lord who is entirely worthy of all praise. True hymns inspire worship, and draw the soul nearer to God and His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are usually addressed directly or in directly to one of the Persons of the God head. In considering the merits of a hymn, it is well to keep in mind the thought ex pressed in our Scripture verses. The first criterion is this: Does the hymn glorify G od? “ It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High” (Psa. 92:1). Our Lord is the object of all acceptable worship; it is to Him that all praise and honor should be ascribed. Another important considera tion is this: Is it simple enough to be sung with understanding? “ I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understand ing also” (1 Cor. 14:15). Simplicity is characteristic o f those hymns which have lived through the years and are the greatest blessing and inspiration to believers. “Jesus, Lover of M y Soul” may be cited as an outstanding example of a hymn that has immortal qualities. It is exceedingly simple in its diction and melody. O f the 236 words which it contains, all but 37 are monosyllables. Children remember and love the words, a fact which reveals its great appeal to all ages. The most mature saints never tire of its beautiful symbolism and its note of triumphant devotion. “Rock of Ages,” another favorite, is force ful in its singleness of thought expressed. Its lovely old music is a benediction to any occasion of Christian worship and praise. The reverent dignity and thoughtful meter of its strains account in great measure for its lasting popularity. When one compares the merits of its composition with the shod diness of much modern popular music, it is easy to understand why the latter is so short-lived. Good hymns constitute one of
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