The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-10-14
John G. whIttIer.

There IS one phdpc "a tA'N ,
music question that was almost entlre-
" lost sight OF In the recent discussion
of that important subject. Very prop
civ the dignity and splendor OF the oiu
music used in the liturgieal chufehes
was dwelt on with great emphasis ana
with equal propriety the trivialles OF
much Of the popular religious music
we're condemned. But 1t should De re-
membered that some OF the familiar
HYMNS are both beautiful and impress
sive. at least, as far as the wofas 20.
MANY of those Of the Wesleys, ana
some of those of Dr. Watts. have a
majestic simplicity about them that are
worthy of all praise. And these are
the HYMNS that are most neglected IN /
the churches that undoubtedly have lhe
most devotional music. It would be a
sad thing to lose such hymns as
Glory Gilds the Sacred Page. 20 For
Closer walk With God Jesus. Lover
Of NV Soul" Rock Of ages, Nearer
NV God. to Thee. and many others
eouallv we'll known. They all have
their Mace. and a very important place
n n in public worship. Several points
are naturally suggested in this connee-
ton. One Is the Importance OF eohsio,
eational singing. Music. even "neh OF
the best and most classic religious
tvne may be beyond the capacity oi
ne average congregation, even Wheh
II Is thoroughly familiar 70 the people
Ana nothing should be done that may
evcinde me people from participation
In the service Of praise. Inc olo
hvmns and some OF those that are eri-
ncised-and with justice-serVe a use
~, nurpose in stimulating conefega-
t,onal singing. It is to be borne IN
mind further that while book hymn
may also be good literature, y i ~
nocossarilv so It cannot be good II II
oHends or shocks the taste but II mag
bo good even though it violates sons
Z ~ ne rules Of poetry For there y
,ietinetion between a hymn ana
noem A poem may be very Deauuiu'
and aned with a spirit Of devotion an
..-t ~ ne hvinn at all. so i is no
: fair 10 Judge a hymn by purely ii'si"i
standards The object OF worship
4 a must be remembered, two-told-t
3 ,.stifv the love and devotion o. "a
% noonls 40 God and TO make them rea
+ ~ vividly His love for them. Musi
as we'll as everything else connecte
Ip with the church service Is an oheiln
d. 40 God. and so Il should be worthy
be Him But il is also valuable IN pr
Is nortion as It kindles the religious ein
re s,o,s etrenrthens the faith and dee
ia .rs the reverence Of the people
IN cbnrch choirs could be made TO reaii
ed thai their part Of the service = not
ch mere show. not a program 20 pc ie
IN dered not something presented 70 7
TO conereeation. but a solemn part OF I
,..orship Of God. much would ne gain'
,us -,cb "A consciousness as that "o'
-o- oHeet their manner. vastly impIe
tlv ,b.ir singing and afford the real .
be bv which church music Anoula
,lv Judged And il would. too. Cause th
.h. IL turn instinctively from IN
u.rstcbed hymns which have given
,,nrh onense. Dignity. simplicity
susterlty are the great notes 20
strnct but after all some aiioNa
.1S must be made for the emol'onA,i.'
ss .sa ana possibly even the senumen'al
.n' OF the people. and some scope u
~ ~ be given 10 the humber and more
'ae- nan cravings Of the spirit q man.
~. esrse 81 human fellowship. the Co
-. ~ Grafton and Of dependence on one
IN other as well as on God, must % d
- i.tered Indianapolis News