The Washington times., 1894-09-16

and next the organ playing short interlude
suggestive of splashing waves; and at last
the choir individually and collectively assert
ing the firm. unshaken resolve that they
would wash; aud then the solution of tine
problem in the united declar alton that they
proposed to wash their hands in innocency!
Then there is the anthem. sailor who
had listened to some fine music was descant-
ing upon an anthem that gave him pleasure.
His shipmate asked: What's a hanthem?'
well. - said the sailor, I'll tell yer. If 1
should say. Ere, Bill, give me that and spike;'
that wouldn't be a hanthem. But if 1 said:
Bill. Bill, Bill, give, give, give, give me,
give nre that. Bill, give me, give me that
hand. give me that hand, hand spike, hand,
hand spike. Bill, give me that, that hand
spike, spike, spike. Ahmen! Ahmenn Why,
that would be hanthem."
The service Of song should be edifying, and
chanting in an unknown tongue, singing
without words, brilliant noise or acrobatic
vocalizinc cannot be regarded as orderly
praise. This ministry OF song should be also
universal. All must render it. LET all the
people praise Thee, Lord, y because all the
people owe this as a solemn obligation.
Praise the Lord, both young men and maid
ems, old men and children How far we
have gotten away from this old-fashionedid idea
of worship! How many of our churches con-
fine this ministry TO a handful in the organ
loit-an irreiigious. undevout, profane group
of men and women, who sing every day in the
week, often in concert and da:lce halls, and
then praise God for His people on Sunday!
All Gods people should share in Gods
praise. The old practice of lining out the
hyms, which was defended by the Scripture
cline upon line, and which came to be re-
garded as a divine ordinance by some, was to
give help to aged people and people who
could not read or were unable TO own hymn
books, so that all might have part in this
ministry. And there is no music like this
universal chorus.
Thus beautiful. edifying. and general. the
ministry Of song must be effective. 1t will
attract people TO the sanctuary when nothing
else can. The power OF song is proverbial.
We remember the story OF the psalm-singing
deacon Naturally a high-tempered man he
used 10 beat his oxen over the head as all his
ueighbors did. Il was observed when he be-
came Christian his cattle became remark
ably docile. A friend inquired the secret of
their change Of disposition. why, said the
deacon. formerly, when my oxen were a
little contrary ! flew into passion and beat
them unmercifully. This only made matters
worse. Now when they don't behave we'll l
only 70 behind the load and sit down, and
sing old Hundred, and I don't know why
II Is but the psalm tune has a surprising ef-
feet upon them oxen" Whether it was the
soothing effect Of the deacon's voice. or be-
cause the oxen just couldn't stand it. and so
buckIed down and pulled we do not know.
but the song did the work.
z During the Crimean war before Sebastapol
a body Of French troops was detached to
storm tho NalakcT The line was formed
and at q signal they moved 10 the charge.
The Russians met them and hurled them back.
Again they formed and rushed with impetu-
Gus daring upon the foe, and again they
were repuIsed. Seven times they advanced
and seven times the thinned and feeble ranks
were driven before the Russians. AS they
rallied the eighth time they called for the
"darsellaise Hymn, the most perfect Of all
battle hymns. The soldiers refused TO move
until the music sounded. The inspiring
strains rose over the bloody field, and the
men shouted for the onset, and madly rushed
through the blazing shower of shot and shell.
Whole ranks We're moved down, but their
places were filed from the rear, and shout
Ing, March on, March on" the men leaped
the trenches and drove the Cossacks from
their guns. The 8Ialakof was won.
Shall notthe works Of sin be carried by the
same power OF song2 Shall not the glorious
Gospel Of the blessed Cod have the same
sway over human hearts when poured forth
in the sweet melody Of heaven There is no
heaven either here or hereafter for the man
who never praises God. T. D. POWER