Year: 1859

several years ago clergyman from England was
on visit to the churches of this country. The first
time he went into pulpit to speak, he was surprised
At the novel mode Of worship Of people No
sooner had he given out the hymn than the whole
congregation rose to their feet like regiment at the
tap OF the drum, and wheeled around like SO many
patoons, with their faces the choir and their backs
to the preacher. This was " facing the musc' with
vengeance We had supposed this custom had been
pretty much given up, but appears still exist
some churches, since valued correspondent feels
called upon to lift up his voice like trumpet against
it His objections are very forcibly stated. the
reader will see.


To the habit Of turning around to face the choir in
time Of singing, have the following objections,
which we would be glad to have congregations,
that wot of, canddly consider. and if there
not more excellent way


l. 1t is unnecessary trouble. 1t would make
much less noise and confusion rise and stand facing
the pulpit.


q Some cannot stand, because of sickness or the
inrmities of age. 1t is very unpleasant to such
have others standing Immediately in front of them,
and looking them directly in the face.


8. 1t is equally unpleasant for those who are in the
back part of the house turn around and face the
walls of the church, which they must do unless they
face those directly in front of them.


4. 1t is very unpleasant, or ought to be, to any
choir Of sensible modest persons to be stared at by
whole congregation during singing. Many persons
of refined feeling and sensitive natures in fact,
endure it, and will not, therefore, go into chors,
where the unpleasant custom prevails Many parents
seriously object to having their daughters join such
choirs They do not wish them to possess all the bold
ness or brass of public, professional singers.


B. The congregation cannot so well join in the sing
ing while looking at the choir, tcle looking upon
their books That rs rhere the eyes ought 10 be each
following the words; each In fact joining, If
possible, in the singing, making melody in the
heart if not with the lip, utteriug simultaneously
with the choir every sentiment sung. The choir are
NEARLY lead the devotion, in this delightful part of
Divine service, and all to J0In.


The choir not giving n concert. The singing is
q part of the ,corship of Almighty God They are
not singing to the congregation. but all singing to
God. There is more reason why we should look
at the choir in singing, than there is why should
look the minister in praying except our own curl
osity in each case where the sounds come from
and see how the performers behave themselves. But
in each curiosity kills devotion We think OF the
performers and forget God. Let each one look on
his book and sing to God.


G. Another good reason why congregations should
not turn around singing, is the fact that the Gus
tom is not n very prevalent one, and often strikes
strangers unpleasantly coming into such congre-
CATION They are not used to it. They do not know
Mt first what to do with themselves We have often
seen their embarrassment. They among strangers,
perhaps feel somew hat dident, conscious that many
are noticing them as strangers; they have already
seen many eyes upon them, and they are trying as
much as possible to escape observation As the con-
creation are rising around them for the Singing,
thew modestlv get up Just silent possible, with
their ewes glued their books, trying TO the best oil
their ability compose their thoughts In strange
place to Gods worship. But there Is more noise IN
the house than they have been accustomed to; uanc-
ing TO the right or left they to ascertain the cause
Tbey see some turning around. They do not know
vet that the movement is general. They dread to
look up and take survey of the whole congregation
TO see But 10 others, directly in front OF the are
staring them out of or seem to be, ana
this is insuerable, and so another and perhaps ae
perate effort is made know what the custom oil the
house is; whether it is a general movement, OF
whether the few Immediately around them DO no,
know auy better. We have again and again seen al
this embarrassment. We have seen strong men qual
under the gances which they knew to be on them Oh
thought to be on them, seeing their embarrassment
H. ynucb more irving it often be to refined
and sensitive female under such circumstances, We
| need not stop to tell -,


will such persons be likely to come to that church
second time if they avoid 1t! Is that the way
| IN win strangers Remember, ttrsf impressions II
This matter often decide the whole future. IL


Ill, ,nfortunate for a church to keep up custom
! which is so contrarDto the usage IN our churche'
| generally. ,u.o,, hao.use /;
ia extensively regardedsas unrefned, or wen mgr
vulgar We do not say that it is So People Just a
refined as any others may fall into the practice oe


,se brouoht M to it, or because they have cnance'
| 90 live where it has prevailed But many there
,hat have never seen the custom, or have hearu VI
! onlv "a vuIgarity. Such must be repeiieo irohi
| CONGREGATION where it prevails IL may pe - eeOu
in the way of the growth of society. Ana hasmuo


as il involves no principle, 1t would seeln as he.
as So. aosilv he dispensed WITH and all be the bet
| ~. 81 Il If nv turning around to face the singer
| 70 oven disagreeabe the stranger, VINO mas J


,na into our church see how he likes IL, my oou


I,sion is that had better not turn arouhu. IL WI


-, me less trouble; il may add one to our cohgiee


cation: and l. too, shall like looking direT,y 'p


INV book and facing the pulpit just as ~ Emn


bciv else. as soon as get used to it.-''- A'U