3785<\/b> Two Singing Religions<\/b><\/p>\n
Judaism and Christianity are singing religions. Atheism is songless. It has nothing to sing about. The funeral notices of Robert Ingersoll, the noted agnostic, stated, \u201cThere will be no singing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The psalm-singing of Christian martyrs going to their deaths in the arena alerted the Roman Empire to the fact that a new and revolutionary force was coming into being. When the pleasure-bent populace saw the Christians singing as they fearlessly entered the amphitheater where hungry lions awaited them, they were filled with awe. <\/p>\n
Heaven is vibrant with song: \u201cAnd they sing the song of Moses \u2026 and the song of the Lamb\u201d (Rev. 15:3). <\/p>\n
\u2014Walter B. Knight<\/p>\n
3786<\/b> No Singing At His Funeral<\/b><\/p>\n
When the noted agnostic Robert Ingersoll died, the printed funeral notices said, \u201cThere will be no singing.\u201d Look not for hymns, anthems, oratorios, carols, and spiritual songs among infidels, agnostics, or skeptics. Without God, without Christ, without redemption, without a divine revelation and without hope, what have they to sing about? <\/p>\n
\u2014Sunday School Banner<\/i><\/p>\n
3787<\/b> She\u2019d Rather Sing<\/b><\/p>\n
A brave little girl was taken to a doctor for a minor, but painful operation. When all was ready, the kindly doctor said, \u201cThis will hurt, but you may cry or scream as much as you please.\u201d The little girl looked up at him, smiling, and said, \u201cI would rather sing,\u201d which she did with her sweet, childish voice and went through her brief ordeal without sigh, groan or tear. <\/p>\n
\u2014The Presbyterian<\/i><\/p>\n
3788<\/b> Next To Theology<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cMusic is a fair and lovely gift of God which has often wakened and moved me to the joy of preaching. \u2026 Next after theology, I give to music the highest place and the greatest honor. \u2026 My heart bubbles up and overflows in response to music, which has so often refreshed me and delivered me from dire plagues.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Martin Luther<\/p>\n
3789<\/b> Earth\u2019s Mighty Choruses<\/b><\/p>\n
An old man wrote of his being present in Boston in 1869 at the great Peace Jubilee in commemoration of the ending of the Civil War. There was a chorus of ten thousand voices and an orchestra of one thousand pieces. Two hundred anvils had been placed on the platform for use in the Anvil Chorus. <\/p>\n
There were huge bells. Outside, in the park, was artillery to be fired electrically in harmony with the chorus. At the head of the violin section, two hundred in number, stood the world\u2019s greatest violinist\u2014Ole Bull. Their bows moved up and down as if in the hand of one man. <\/p>\n
Parepa Rose was the soloist of whose singing Dr. Talmage said, \u201cIt was never equalled on earth!\u201d When, in the \u201cStar- Spangled Banner,\u201d she sang the high C with the fortissimo accompaniment of the full chorus and orchestra, the bells and cannon, it was so loud and clear that it seemed to bury the accompaniment! <\/p>\n
The old man\u2019s letter closed thus: \u201cI am an old man now, but am looking forward to the music of heaven where there will be music infinitely superior to the marvelous chorus I listened to that day!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Selected<\/p>\n
THE CHOIR<\/p>\n
3790<\/b> Happiness In Alto Section<\/b><\/p>\n
A lady choir member, 30 years in the church choir, was surprised to read an article entitled \u201cHappiness in the Alto Section\u201d which was about her. The writer described his conversion from her pleasantness while in the choir loft. She confessed: \u201cI cannot help but smile when I think of the wonderful and inspiring words of the many beautiful songs we sing in church.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Choral Overtones<\/i><\/p>\n
3791<\/b> My Name Is Martin Luther, Sir! <\/b><\/p>\n
A weary choirmaster closed his organ at the end of a rehearsal. As the choristers were preparing to leave, a boy\u2019s clear voice rang out in joyous song in the street outside the Eisleben church. \u201cBring that singer in! I want to speak to him,\u201d said the choirmaster. Search was made for the singer. Presently a boy stood attentively before the choirmaster who asked, \u201cWhat is your name!\u201d \u201cMartin Luther, sir,\u201d replied the boy. <\/p>\n
\u201cWho taught you to sing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one taught me, sir. I like to sing. I often earn a few coins by singing in the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you like to sing in my choir?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d be very glad for the chance, sir,\u201d Martin answered gratefully. \u201cThen report for rehearsal Saturday afternoon,\u201d the choirmaster said. <\/p>\n
In this manner Martin Luther was introduced to the Eisleben church choir and to the world of song. <\/p>\n
\u2014Walter B. Knight<\/p>\n
3792<\/b> Soot On Worshippers<\/b><\/p>\n
So much soot is clinging to the roof of 73-year-old Westminster Cathedral, the central church for Britain\u2019s Roman Catholics, that it showers on to the choir if the music is too loud! The London cathedral is a Byzantine-style building with a 283-foot belltower, overlooking the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Cathedral authorities are appealing for $2 million for repairs. <\/p>\n
3793<\/b> Bound For \u2026 <\/b><\/p>\n
The Rev. Rob Yeomans of Pontesbury, England, bounced up and down trying to get more life into the choir\u2019s rendering of \u201cI Wonder Where I\u2019m Bound.\u201d The iron grid gave way under him and he vanished into the church\u2019s central heating duct. <\/p>\n
\u2014Selected<\/p>\n
3794<\/b> And Never A Break In Step<\/b><\/p>\n
It started at the end of a Sunday morning service in an Ontario church. The choir began the recessional, singing as they marched in perfect unison up the center aisle to the back of the church. <\/p>\n
The last young lady in the women\u2019s section was wearing a new pair of shoes with needle heels\u2014heels that are so slender they slip through any grating. And in the aisle was grating that covered the hot-air register. <\/p>\n
Without a thought for her fancy heels, the young woman sang and marched. And the heel of one shoe sank right through a hole in the register grate. Instantly she realized her predicament. She knew she couldn\u2019t hold up the whole recessional while she back-stepped to pull out her heel. She did the next best thing in the emergency. Without missing a step she slipped her foot out of her shoe and continued up the aisle. There wasn\u2019t a break in the recessional. Everything moved like clockwork. <\/p>\n
The first man following that young woman noted the situation and, without losing a beat, reached down and picked up her shoe. <\/p>\n
The entire grate came with it. Startled but still singing, the man continued up the aisle bearing in his hand one grate attached to one shoe. <\/p>\n
Never a break in the recessional. Everybody singing. Everything moving like clockwork. And then in tune and in time to the beat, the next man stepped into the open register. <\/p>\n
\u2014The Lutheran<\/i><\/p>\n
3795<\/b> \u201cSin\u201d In Choir<\/b><\/p>\n
I was engaged in a series of services in a church in San Leandro, California. Looking at the church bulletin my eyes singled out the following announcement, which was all right except for the lack of one single g: \u201cChoir rehearsal this after noon at 3:30. Everyone who wishes to sin in the choir must come to practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014G. Franklin Allee<\/p>\n
3796<\/b> Out Of Tune<\/b><\/p>\n
Bill: \u201cSince when did you stop singing in the choir?\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlie: \u201cSince the Sunday I was absent, and everyone thought the organ had been tuned!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Speaker\u2019s Sourcebook<\/i><\/p>\n
3797<\/b> Child\u2019s Impressions Of Choir<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you children playing?\u201d asked the mother. <\/p>\n
\u201cChurch,\u201d chorused the crowd of youngsters. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou know that you shouldn\u2019t whisper in church.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but we\u2019re the choir.\u201d<\/p>\n
3798<\/b> William Booth On Choirs<\/b><\/p>\n
William Booth said that he found choirs infested with three devils\u2014the quarreling devil, dressing devil, and courting devil. <\/p>\n
3799<\/b> Epigram On Music (Choir)<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 A job for any pastor:<\/p>\n
KEEPING THE CHOIR IN HARMONY! <\/p>\n
THE HYMN<\/p>\n
3800<\/b> Singing In Christianity<\/b><\/p>\n
Singing is peculiar to revealed religion. You find it but rarely in other religions. You find it but rarely in lodges, clubs, or associations. Singing was so much a part of the Hebrew faith that the hymnal (the Book of Psalms) was in the middle of the Bible. Singing is so important to Christian faith that more than 500,000 Christian hymns have been written. <\/p>\n
3801<\/b> Pliny\u2019s Letter To Emperor<\/b><\/p>\n
In a letter written to the Roman Emperor Trajan by Pliny the Younger, governor of Bithynia about A. D. 110, Pliny described what he had learned about the Christians and their worship. \u201cThey are accustomed to meet,\u201d he says, \u201con a fixed day before daylight to sing a hymn of praise to Christ as God.\u201d The troubled governor of Bithynia had tried to explain to the Roman Emperor the reason for the spread of the Christian faith, which was being extended so rapidly that it was leaving the pagan altar deserted. <\/p>\n
Unwittingly he had declared the secret of the power of Christianity and its spread in the world\u2014the Christians worshipped Jesus Christ as God. <\/p>\n
\u2014H. Guy Moore<\/p>\n
3802<\/b> Favorite Hymns<\/b><\/p>\n
At Indiana State Fair of 1971, in a poll taken of persons over 60 years old, the No. 1 favorite of Hymns was \u201cHow Great Thou Art.\u201d No. 2 favorite was \u201cIn the Garden,\u201d then \u201cThe Old Rugged Cross,\u201d then \u201cAmazing Grace.\u201d<\/p>\n
3803<\/b> Most Popular Hymns<\/b><\/p>\n
The Ram\u2019s Horn<\/i> some time since gave its readers an opportunity to express their preferences as to their favorite hymns. Those receiving the largest number of votes were:<\/p>\n
No. 1. Nearer, My God, to Thee<\/p>\n
No. 2. Jesus, Lover of My Soul<\/p>\n
No. 3. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me<\/p>\n
No. 4. Just as I Am, Without One Plea<\/p>\n
No. 5. What a Friend We Have in Jesus<\/p>\n
No. 6. Abide With Me, Fast Falls the Eventide<\/p>\n
No. 7. Sweet Hour of Prayer<\/p>\n
No. 8. There Were Ninety and Nine<\/p>\n
No. 9. How Firm a Foundation<\/p>\n
No. 10. Saved by Grace<\/p>\n
\u2014Current Anecdotes<\/p>\n
3804<\/b> More Favorite Hymns<\/b><\/p>\n
Of the estimated 400,000 Christian hymns that have been published, fewer than 500 are in common use and only 150 of them are well-known by churchgoers. To determine their popularity in this country, a poll was made, not long ago, which disclosed that four hymns alone constituted the first choice of 20,384 of the 30,000 churchgoers questioned. And the relative popularity of these four outstanding favorites is shown by the following figures. For every 100 persons whose first choice was \u201cAbide With Me,\u201d the hymn that led, 75 preferred \u201cNearer My God to Thee,\u201d 57 preferred \u201cLead, Kindly Light\u201d and 47 preferred \u201cRock of Ages.\u201d<\/p>\n
3805<\/b> Our Hymns And Church Unity<\/b><\/p>\n
The hymnbook has an interesting and instructive history. It is the greatest argument for church unity ever printed. Herber, the Angelican, wrote, \u201cHoly, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.\u201d Toplady, the Calvinist, wrote, \u201cJesus, Lover of My Soul.\u201d Miss Adams, the Unitarian, wrote, \u201cNearer, My God To Thee.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whittier, the Quaker, wrote, \u201cEternal Goodness.\u201d Faber, the Roman Catholic, wrote, \u201cThere\u2019s a Wideness in God\u2019s Mercy.\u201d Doddridge, the Congregationalist, wrote, \u201cO Happy Day.\u201d John Fawcett, the Baptist, wrote, \u201cBlest Be the Tie That Binds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Every great hymn is the result of a spiritual experience in the life of its author. There are 500,000 religious hymns in the world but only about 400 are favorites.<\/p>\n
\u2014Selected<\/p>\n
3806<\/b> Gaiety In Christian Hymns<\/b><\/p>\n
One of America\u2019s greatest heritage is the Negro spiritual. Many of them are in plaintive minor modes so expressive of sorrow and suffering and of simple and bright faith in God. Gypsy Smith said, \u201cThe difference between the singing of white people and Negroes is this: white people sing the music, but the music sings the Negroes.\u201d<\/p>\n
John Wesley said, \u201cBeware of singing as if you were half dead or half asleep. Lift up your voices with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, or more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sang the songs of Satan.\u201d<\/p>\n
William Booth was criticized for the gaiety of some of the hymns sung at his meetings. He replied, \u201cIs the devil to have all the good tunes?\u201d<\/p>\n
3807<\/b> Defining An Anthem<\/b><\/p>\n
Elder Watkins, just back from the city, was telling his wife of the church he had attended. \u201cDid you know any of their songs?\u201d asked she. \u201cNo,\u201d replied the elder, \u201cthey didn\u2019t sing anything but anthems.\u201d \u201cAnthems!\u201d exclaimed his wife. \u201cWhat on earth is an anthem?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d answered the elder, \u201cI can\u2019t tell you just exactly, but I\u2019d say to you, \u201cBetsy, the cows are in the corn,\u201d that wouldn\u2019t be an anthem. But if I\u2019d say, \u201cBetsy, Betsy, Betsy, the cows, the cows, the Holstein cow, the muley cow, the Jersey cow, the spotted cow\u2014all the cows are in, are in, the corn, corn, corn. Ah-men!\u201d why that\u2019d be an anthem.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Paul E. Holcraft<\/p>\n
3808<\/b> Value Of A Hymn<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cYou gave the Lord two hundred dollars this morning,\u201d said a servant of God to an aged brother who had never had much of this world\u2019s goods. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d asked the aged Christian. \u201cI don\u2019t have it to give.\u201d \u201cI heard you singing,\u201d replied the preacher, \u201cI counted five hymns of praise to the Lord. The psalmist said that a song of praise would please the Lord more than an ox. A cow would be worth at least forty dollars. So you have given the Lord two hundred dollars\u201d (Psalm 69:30\u201331). <\/p>\n
\u2014Choice Gleanings<\/i><\/p>\n
HYMNS SUNG<\/p>\n
3809<\/b> A Mighty Fortress Is Our God<\/b><\/p>\n
Perhaps the finest of Luther\u2019s great hymns is Ein feste Burg<\/i>, \u201cA Mighty Fortress.\u201d Its majestic and thunderous proclamation of our faith is a singing symbol of the reformation. Inspired by Psalm 46, Luther caught up in the hymn the very essence of faith, and the fervor and flavor of patriotism which he found in the Psalm. <\/p>\n
Long ago in the fourteenth century when Sergius the hermit was leading his countrymen, and Tartar hordes were overrunning his land, this Psalm was a source of strength and courage. Over and over, the godly hermit recited Psalm 46 and then led his revived men in a charge that drove the invaders back and brought ultimate victory. Throughout the ages men have been stirred by the realization that the Eternal God is available to them and that nothing, literally nothing, can overwhelm or destroy a man when he lives in this faith. <\/p>\n
\u2014Edward L. R. Elson<\/p>\n
3810<\/b> Amazing Grace<\/b><\/p>\n
On one occasion John Vassar, the great soulwinner, was going from house to house distributing tracts and talking with people about their souls. One woman who heard about this strange man and what he was doing said: \u201cIf he comes to my house, he will get the door slammed in his face.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without knowing that this woman had made such a statement, Mr. Vassar rang her doorbell the next day. When she saw that he was the man who had been described to her, she slammed the door in his face. John Vassar sat down on her doorstep and sang:<\/p>\n
But drops of grief can ne\u2019er repay<\/p>\n
The debt of love I owe, <\/p>\n
Here, Lord, I give myself away;<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis all that I can do. <\/p>\n
The woman heard the earnest verse as he sang and was convicted a sinner. She opened the door and called Mr. Vassar in, who led her to Jesus Christ. <\/p>\n
\u2014Covenant Weekly<\/i><\/p>\n
3811<\/b> Amazing Grace<\/b><\/p>\n
A 200-year-old American hymn tune, with words by a former English slave trader, played by, of all things, a Scottish bagpipe band, was the runaway hit record of 1972 in Canada and Britain. \u201cAmazing Grace,\u201d performed by the regimental pipes and drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (a British cavalry regiment), was the number-one record in Britain and now tops charts in Canada. Sales in the United States were brisk. <\/p>\n
More than 100,000 copies of the 45 rpm single were sold in Canada within three weeks of release, and sales of the band\u2019s long-play album total half that. Amazing, says a distributing company official. <\/p>\n
\u2014Barrie Doyle<\/p>\n
3812<\/b> Christians, Awake! <\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWhat would you like for a Christmas present?\u201d To any young girl such a question would evoke delighted visions of long-wished-for possessions, but to Dolly the answer to her father, John Byron, was, \u201cPlease write me a poem.\u201d So on Christmas morning in 1749, Dolly found on her plate at breakfast a piece of paper on which was written a hymn entitled, \u201cChristmas day, for Dolly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Soon after, John Wainwright the organist of Manchester Parish Church wrote a tune for it. On the following Christmas morning, Byron and Dolly were awakened by the sound of singing below their windows. It was Wainwright with his choir singing Dolly\u2019s hymn, \u201cChristians, Awake.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHRISTIANS, AWAKE<\/p>\n
Christians, awake, salute the happy morn, <\/p>\n
Where-on the Saviour of the world was born;<\/p>\n
Rise to adore the mystery of love, <\/p>\n
Which hosts of angels chanted from above;<\/p>\n
With them the joyful tiding first begun<\/p>\n
Of God incarnate and the Virgin\u2019s Son. <\/p>\n
\u2014Selected<\/p>\n
3813<\/b> The Fairest Of Ten Thousand<\/b><\/p>\n
The soloist was singing in a high-pitched voice, well beyond her vocal range. <\/p>\n
She came to the phrase: \u201cHe is the fairest of ten thousand,\u201d and her voice broke as she came to the \u201cten.\u201d<\/p>\n
Undaunted, she tried again, but met with no greater success the second time. <\/p>\n
\u201cGive me my note again,\u201d she requested of the pianist, and made a frantic third attempt. <\/p>\n
\u201cLady,\u201d someone in the audience called, \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re gonna make it. Don\u2019t you think you\u2019d better start over again and try for one thousand this time?\u201d<\/p>\n
3814<\/b> God Understands<\/b><\/p>\n
A young grocery chain executive parked his car on the edge of a treacherous two-hundred-foot cliff at the edge of the Pacific Ocean some twenty-five miles south of San Francisco. Devil\u2019s Slide, it was called, and to Bill Mansdoerfer it seemed an appropriate place to plan suicide. <\/p>\n
The next morning alone in his home, burdened with sin and guilt, the desire to take his life gripped him again. In the midst of writing a suicide note, on impulse, he went to the hi-fi and turned it on. It was turned to KEAR. <\/p>\n
What happened next has been described by doubters as a mere coincidence but to Bill Mansdoerfer it is looked upon as a miracle, a divine appointment. From the radio he heard:<\/p>\n
God understands your heartache, <\/p>\n
He knows the bitter pain;<\/p>\n
O, trust Him in the darkness<\/p>\n
You cannot trust in vain. <\/p>\n
God understands your sorrow, <\/p>\n
He sees the falling tear, <\/p>\n
And whisper, \u201cI am with thee,\u201d<\/p>\n
Then falter not nor fear. <\/p>\n
The song was being sung by Flo Price and it was written by Dr. Oswald J. Smith. <\/p>\n
Comments Bill, \u201cIf that had been a preacher, I would have turned him off, but that song \u2026 it broke me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill telephoned KEAR\u2019s Station Manager. Without any preliminaries, he blurted out, \u201cThank God, your station is on the air. You just saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
That broadcast and phone call resulted in more than that. During the next six months, the station kept in touch with Bill, and finally offered him a job as Public Relations Director. Today he not only is the Station Manager of KEAR, but as Director of Communications and Operations, he is a vital part of the six-station family radio network. <\/p>\n
\u2014People\u2019s Magazine<\/i><\/p>\n
3815<\/b> The Hallelujah Chorus<\/b><\/p>\n
One day a young Indian named Bill Hayes came to George Walker, the missionary on the Pima reservation, in Arizona and said: \u201cMr. Walker, our choir would like to learn to sing the Hallelujah Chorus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Walker gasped. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut did you ever hear the Hallelujah Chorus? It\u2019s big music, Bill.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, we never heard it, but we understand it\u2019s pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood? Bill it\u2019s tremendous! But it\u2019s very hard to learn, and it\u2019s the sort of thing you wouldn\u2019t want to spoil by singing it poorly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill just stood there, and finally said: \u201cWell, we could at least try, couldn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n
The choir members worked hard at odd jobs until they had accumulated thirty-five dollars for the musical scores. The books came, and that same night the choir assembled for their first practice. In fact, the whole village assembled to see the project launched. <\/p>\n
Bill studied the music for a while and then started \u201cdinging\u201d with one finger on the scarred old piano. What Bill lacked in technique and experience, he made up in infinite patience and determination. <\/p>\n
He picked out the soprano part with his one finger and turned to the soprano section. \u201cYou sing that much.\u201d They sang it over several times. Then the same for the altos, and the tenors, and the bases. Over and over again, then, \u201cNow, everybody sing that much.\u201d They worked at it for months. The old piano groaned under the one-fingered musician. The choir laboured under the 115-degree Arizona heat. They sang a measure at a time, repeated endlessly. <\/p>\n
Mr. Walker said that wherever you went during those months you could hear snatches being sung by youngsters and grown-ups alike. Children played ball while singing, \u201cHaa-le-lu-yuh.\u201d The farmer, irrigating his beans, sang \u201cFor the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!\u201d<\/p>\n
Finally, Bill was at last ready to do a full rehearsal with full accompaniment. They still had never heard the chorus played by an accomplished musician, and had never heard it sung. Bill came to Mr. Walker:<\/p>\n
\u201cCould you get us a musician to play the piano for us so we could hear all the parts? We want to see if we can do it with all the parts just right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Walker recruited a music teacher from the state university. They were all waiting when the missionary and his friend arrived. All of the villagers were present on this night of nights. <\/p>\n
The pianist cringed as she tested the old piano; it was tuned one whole note lower than standard pitch. The choir rose in unison putting their music books behind them, stared resolutely at their director. <\/p>\n
\u201cKing of Kings \u2026 and Lord of Lords \u2026 <\/p>\n
And He shall reign for ever and ever \u2026 \u201d<\/p>\n
They finished, and a sigh of relief swept over the entire assemblage. There wasn\u2019t a dry eye in the house. Both the accompanist and George Walker were too choked up even to speak. <\/p>\n
After driving a quarter of a mile, Walker got his voice. <\/p>\n
\u201cTell me, how did they do?\u201d Another quarter of a mile and the accompanist revived\u2014\u201dOh! Mr. Walker\u2014it was perfect\u2014perfect.\u201d Another pause and she said\u2014\u201dHow I wish Handel could have heard those Indians sing!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Prairie Overcomer<\/i><\/p>\n
3816<\/b> The Holy City<\/b><\/p>\n
Thirty men, red-eyed and disheveled lined up before a judge of the San Francisco police court. It was the regular morning company of \u201cDrunks and disorderlies.\u201d Some were old and hardened, others hung their heads in shame. Just as the momentary disorder attending the bringing-in of the prisoners quieted down, a strange thing happened. A strong, clear voice from below began singing:<\/p>\n
\u201cLast night I lay a sleeping<\/p>\n
There came a dream so fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last night! It had been for them all a nightmare or a drunken stupor. The song was such a contrast to the horrible fact that no one could fail of a sudden shock at the thought the song suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cI stood in old Jerusalem, <\/p>\n
Beside the Temple there,\u201d<\/p>\n
The song went on. The judge had paused. He made a quiet inquiry. A former member of a famous opera company known all over the country, was awaiting trial for forgery. It was he who was singing in his cell. <\/p>\n
Meantime the song went on, and every man in the line showed emotion. One or two dropped on their knees; one boy at the end of the line, after a desperate effort at self-control, leaned against the wall, buried his face against his folded arms, and sobbed, \u201cOh mother, mother!\u201d<\/p>\n
The sobs, cutting to the very heart of the men who heard, and the song, still welling its way through the courtroom, blended in the hush. <\/p>\n
At length one man protested, \u201cJudge,\u201d said he, \u201chave we got to submit to this? We\u2019re here to take our punishment, but this\u2014\u201d He, too began to sob. <\/p>\n
It was impossible to proceed with the business of the court, yet the judge gave no order to stop the song. The police sergeant, after an effort to keep the men in line, stepped back and waited with the rest. The song moved on to its climax:<\/p>\n
\u201cJerusalem, Jerusalem! <\/p>\n
Sing for the night is o\u2019er! <\/p>\n
Hosanna in the highest! <\/p>\n
Hosanna for evermore! <\/p>\n
In an ecstasy of melody the last words rang out, and then there was silence. <\/p>\n
The judge looked into the faces of the men before him. There was not one who was not touched by the song; not one in whom some better impulse was not stirred. He did not call the cases singly- -a kind word of advice, and he dismissed them all. No man was fined or sentenced to the workhouse that morning. The song had done more good than punishment could possibly have accomplished. <\/p>\n
\u2014Author Unknown<\/p>\n
3817<\/b> I Need Thee Every Hour<\/b><\/p>\n
A great man once said that his greatest moment of joy was on a crowded street of a big city, when a little child looked up into his face, put her hands into his big hand, and said: \u201cTake me across the street to the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was an honor to take that trusting child to the other side! Are there streets in life ahead for you to cross? Is there some difficulty you must meet and need a stronger arm to take you across? Put your hand in the hand of Christ. To simply trust Him is to bring delight to both you and Christ. <\/p>\n
3818<\/b> I\u2019d Rather Have Jesus<\/b><\/p>\n
When King George VI and the queen visited Washington, D. C., a state dinner was given in their honor. Chief Whitefeather, an Indian, began the program by singing the British anthem. After the applause the chief sang, to the surprise of those present, the hymn whose opening words are, \u201cI\u2019d rather have Jesus than silver or gold!\u201d<\/p>\n
Later in the evening, the chief sat near the king and queen. Tactfully he asked the queen, \u201cDo you believe in Jesus? \u201c The queen replied graciously, \u201cHe is the Possessor of my heart, and of my husband\u2019s also!\u201d The king, smiling, added, \u201cI\u2019d rather have Jesus than silver or gold!\u201d<\/p>\n
3819<\/b> Jesus, Lover Of My Soul<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cThe Last Hymn,\u201d by Marianne Farningham, tells of the people in a little Welch community coming from the church at sunset and seeing a storm raging out on the ocean. Then to their horrified gaze they see a large ship falling and rising on the billows, drawn toward the rocky coast. As they watch, unable to rescue, the ship strikes the rocks and breaks in the middle. Half of it soon goes down; they see only one figure left clinging on a spar, moving closer to the land but impossible to be reached. <\/p>\n
Someone asks the preacher to take the trumpet and call something of comfort. He thinks quickly\u2014what to say? then calls, \u201cLook to Jesus! Can you hear?\u201d \u201cAy, ay, sir!\u201d And as they listen they hear him singing, \u201cJesus, lover of my soul.\u201d When he comes to \u201cLeave, ah, leave me not \u2026 \u201d he drops into the sea. As the people walk soberly home, they say to one another that he went to be with Jesus in the singing of the hymn. <\/p>\n
3820<\/b> Just As I Am<\/b><\/p>\n
It is said that Sir Henry Norman, an Indian government official, once was converted to Christ by a remark made by Lord Rastock, while conducting a Gospel service. After he had given a Gospel address, he announced the well-known hymn, \u201cJust As I Am.\u201d He added, \u201cThose who can sing the hymn truthfully, let them sing it heartily; but those who cannot sing it truthfully, ought not to sing it at all, for it is better not to sing than to tell a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sir Henry was soundly converted and became a true and firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He filled many high government posts, and eventually became a Field Marshall. He died in 1904, a triumphant Christian. <\/p>\n
\u2014Christian Victory<\/i><\/p>\n
3821<\/b> The Messiah<\/b><\/p>\n
When Jenny Lind was coming to this country for her first concert tour she expressed to the captain of the vessel a desire to behold a sunrise at sea. Accordingly, one cloudless morning, he had her called at early dawn. <\/p>\n
Silent and motionless she stood by his side upon the deck watching every change of shade and tint in the sky and their reflection upon the waking waters until the first golden rays shot up from the horizon. As the sun leaped up from the waves she burst into rapturous song, her deeply religious feeling expressed in the noble music of Handel. <\/p>\n
She was unconscious of the presence of the captain and a few sailors who stood near. In the ecstacy of her emotion she lifted her voice to an unseen Hearer, to whose majesty and glory she paid her tribute. Little wonder that Captain West in describing the scene exclaimed: \u201cNo one will ever hear \u201cI know that My Redeemer Liveth\u201d sung as I heard it that morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
3822<\/b> Oh, Rest In The Lord<\/b><\/p>\n
Years ago the English steamer Stella<\/i> was wrecked on a rocky coast. Twelve women put into a lifeboat, but the boisterous sea immediately carried it away. Having no oars, they were at the mercy of the winds and the waves, and they spent a fearful night being tossed about by the raging tempest. <\/p>\n
They probably would have lost hope if it had not been for the spiritual stamina of one of the ladies, Margaret Williams, who was well-known for her work in sacred oratorios. Calmly she prayed aloud for Divine protection. Then, urging her companions to put their trust in the Lord, she encouraged them by singing hymns of comfort. <\/p>\n
Throughout the dark hours her voice rang out across the water. Early the next morning a small craft came searching for survivors. The man at the helm would have missed the women in the fog if he had not heard Miss Williams singing the selection from Elijah<\/i>. \u201cOh, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him!\u201d Steering in the direction of her strong voice, he soon spotted the drifting lifeboat. While many others were lost that night, these trusting few were rescued. <\/p>\n
\u2014Henry G. Bosch<\/p>\n
3823<\/b> Rock Of Ages<\/b><\/p>\n
One of the \u201cJubilee Singers,\u201d a student of Fisk University, was on board a steamer that took fire. He had the presence of mind to fix life-preservers on himself and wife. But in the agony of despair, when all on board were trying to save themselves, someone took from his wife her life-preserver, so that she found herself helpless amid waters. But she clung to her husband, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders as he swam on. After a little while her strength was exhausted. \u201cI can hold on no longer,\u201d was her cry. \u201cTry a little longer,\u201d was her husband\u2019s agonized entreaty; and then he added, \u201cLet us sing \u201cRock of Ages.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n
Immediately they both began faintly to sing; and their strains fell upon the ears of many around them, while they were thus seeking to comfort each other. One after another of the nearly-exhausted swimmers was noticed raising his head above the waves and joining in the prayer:<\/p>\n
\u201cRock of Ages, cleft for me, <\/p>\n
Let me hide myself in thee.\u201d<\/p>\n
Strength seemed to come with the song; and they were able to hold out a little longer, still faintly singing. A boat was seen approaching, and they did get strength enough to keep themselves afloat till the crew lifted them on board. And thus Toplady\u2019s hymn helped to save more than one from death by the sea, as it has often helped to save souls ready to perish. <\/p>\n
3824<\/b> Saviour Like A Shepherd Lead Us<\/b><\/p>\n
One Christmas Eve, Ira D. Sankey was traveling by steamboat up the Delaware River. Asked to sing, Mr. Sankey sang the \u201cShepherd Song.\u201d After the song was ended, a man with a rough, weather-beaten face came up to Mr. Sankey and said: \u201cDid you ever serve in the Union Army?\u201d \u201cYes,\u201d answered Mr. Sankey, \u201cin the spring of 1860.\u201d \u201cCan you remember if you were doing picket duty on a bright, moonlit night in 1862?\u201d \u201cYes,\u201d answered Mr. Sankey, very much surprised. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo did I,\u201d said the stranger, \u201cbut I was serving in the Confederate army. When I saw you standing at your post I said to myself: \u201cThat fellow will never get away from here alive.\u201d I raised my musket and took aim. I was standing in the shadow completely concealed, while the full light of the moon was falling upon you. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt that instant, just as a moment ago, you raised your eyes to heaven and began to sing. Music, especially song, has always had a wonderful power over me, and I took my finger off the trigger. \u201cLet him sing his song to the end,\u201d I said to myself. \u201cI can shoot him afterwards. He\u2019s my victim at all events, and my bullet cannot miss him.\u201d But the song you sang then was the song you sang just now. I heard the words perfectly:<\/p>\n
We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, <\/p>\n
Be the guardian of our way. <\/p>\n
\u201cThose words stirred up many memories in my heart. I began to think of my childhood and my God-fearing mother. She had many, many times sung that song to me. But she died all too soon, otherwise much in my life would no doubt have been different. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you had finished your song it was impossible for me to take aim at you again. I thought: \u201cThe Lord who is able to save that man from certain death must surely be great and mighty\u201d and my arm of its own accord dropped limp at my side.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Religious Digest<\/i><\/p>\n
3825<\/b> Silent Night<\/b><\/p>\n
In the Austrian village of Hallein on Christmas Eve 1818, the organist, Franz Gruber, composed a hymn called \u201cSong of Heaven\u201d and played and sang it in church the following night. A man from a nearby town happened to hear the song and, being impressed, memorized the words and music which he later taught to a traveling quartet. <\/p>\n
By 1854, the piece had become so famous that a search was made for its unknown composer and Gruber was found. He then learned that his song had been \u201cmemorized,\u201d sung for 36 years and had become the most-beloved Christmas hymn of all-time under another name\u2014Silent Night. <\/p>\n
At that late date, the fact meant little to Franz Gruber, who was then 67, and he remained an obscure and impoverished organist until his death in 1863. <\/p>\n
\u2014Selected<\/p>\n
3826<\/b> Take My Life And Let It Be<\/b><\/p>\n
Frances Havergal wrote her famous hymn, \u201cTake My Life\u201d in 1874. It was not until 1878 that the lines were put into print. When she read the second stanza:<\/p>\n
\u201cTake my silver and my gold, <\/p>\n
Not a mite would I withhold,\u201d<\/p>\n
she was suddenly convicted of her failure to do just that. She had an amazing collection of exquisite jewelry, most of which came by gift or inheritance. Immediately, she packed the jewels, and sent them to her church missionary society. Then, just to be sure, she included a check to cover the monetary value of the jewels she had chosen to keep! \u201cI don\u2019t think I need to tell you I have never packed a box with such pleasure!\u201d she exclaimed. <\/p>\n
\u2014Christian Index<\/i><\/p>\n
3827<\/b> There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood<\/b><\/p>\n
When a large religious service was being conducted at the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco, many people quickly became aware that the minister delivering the main address was not thoroughly orthodox. Although a gifted speaker, he began to direct most of his eloquence against the power of the blood of Christ. <\/p>\n
Ruth E. Marsden relates that when his fluent oratory ended, a timid, elderly lady stood up in the midst of the crowd and softly began to sing a great hymn by William Cowper as a touching rebuttal to the modernist\u2019s remarks. A hush fell over the assembly as they heard those faint but familiar words: \u201cThere is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel\u2019s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before she could begin the second stanza, approximately a hundred people rose to join her. By the time she reached the third verse, nearly a thousand Christians all over the audience were singing that blessed song of faith. The triumphant, thrilling strains rang out loud and clear: \u201cDear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power, till all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more.\u201d Many were deeply moved as that humble believer stood up for her Lord and with the light of Heaven upon her face. <\/p>\n
3828<\/b> Singing On The Mountain<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cSinging on the Mountain\u201d is a great tradition in western North Carolina. Hundreds of families annually set aside an early summer Sunday for a trek to Grandfather Mountain, where in song and sermon they echo the Gospel message across the laurel-crowned Blue Ridge heights. It is a dawn-to-dusk songfest<\/p>\n
\u201cSinging on the Mountain\u201d began as a Bible class outing 36 years ago. <\/p>\n
\u2014Christianity Today<\/i><\/p>\n
3829<\/b> A Drunkard Sung To Sleep<\/b><\/p>\n
A loud-voiced, drunken man, followed by his wife and small son, swaggered aboard a railroad train that was soon steaming across the lowlands of Scotland. Across the aisle sat a Christian temperance worker who felt led to sing an old hymn with the hope that the drunkard would be quieted and perhaps go to sleep. Soon he was snoring vociferously. After a nap of some hours, he awakened somewhat sobered. As the temperance lecturer left the train, the fellow held out his hand, bade him good-bye, and actually thanked him for his singing. <\/p>\n
Fifteen years passed and the temperance worker was again touring Scotland. After a particularly successful meeting, a well-dressed man and wife came forward and inquired of the speaker if he remembered them. He shook his head. \u201cWhy, I\u2019m the man who was drunk that day on the train,\u201d confessed the stranger, \u201cand you sang me to sleep. But I never could get away from those hymns, and it wasn\u2019t long before I was led to Christ. Our son Joseph, who was also with us that day, is now in school preparing for the ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n
This Joseph was, in years to come, to be the great Dr. Joseph Parker, who was for a long time pastor in one of London\u2019s largest churches. <\/p>\n
\u2014American Holiness Journal<\/i><\/p>\n
3830<\/b> No Priests \u2026 <\/b><\/p>\n
A few years ago the Roman Catholic leaders in the Dominican Republic became so fearful of a successful Protestant work in that country that they circulated the following leaflet against the Protestants:<\/p>\n
A religion which has:<\/p>\n
No priest, no Holy Mass or Communion, <\/p>\n
No Jesus in the Tabernacle, no Crucifix, <\/p>\n
No blessed Virgin, no Mother, no Rosary, <\/p>\n
No Saints and no statues of them, <\/p>\n
No baptism for your babies, <\/p>\n
No visible forgiveness for sinners, <\/p>\n
No last Sacraments for your dying, <\/p>\n
No prayers for your beloved dead, <\/p>\n
No purgatory to ready for heaven, <\/p>\n
No blessing in life or in death, <\/p>\n
Not a candle, flower, or bell, <\/p>\n
But only preaching and singing\u2014only a Bible and a songbook. <\/p>\n
Such a religion is not, cannot be, the religion of Christ. <\/p>\n
\u2014L. E. Maxwell<\/p>\n
3831<\/b> How Spurgeon Memorized Hymns<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cDuring one of many holidays at Salmbourne, I had a varied experience which I am not likely to forget. My dear grandfather was very fond of Dr. Watt\u2019s hymns, and my grandmother, wishing to get me to learn them, promised me a penny for each one that I should say to her perfectly. I found it an easy and pleasant method of earning money, and learned them so fast that grandmother said she must reduce the price to a half-penny each, afterwards to a farthing, if she did not mean to be quite ruined by her extravagance. There is no telling how low the amount per hymn might have sunk, but grandfather said that he was getting overrun with rats, and offered me a shilling a dozen for all I could kill. <\/p>\n
I found, at the time, that the occupation of rat-catching paid me better than learning hymns, but I know which employment has been more permanently profitable to me. No matter on what topic I am preaching, I can, even now, in the middle of my sermon, quote some verse of a hymn in harmony with the subject; the hymns have remained with me, while those old rats for years have passed away, and the shillings I earned by killing them have been spent long ago. <\/p>\n
\u2014Charles Spurgeon<\/p>\n
HYMNS WRITTEN<\/p>\n
3832<\/b> Abide With Me<\/b><\/p>\n
This beloved hymn of comfort and trust was written by a pastor who was sickly and unwell most of the time. He pastored a seashore church in England among the rough sailors and uncultured villagers. And this made outsiders often wonder. But they loved him and he loved the work. <\/p>\n
However, health finally left him and the doctor advised him to retreat to sunny southern Europe, and he prepared to sail, <\/p>\n
The last Sunday before leaving, although he had no strength to stand up and preach, yet he forced himself and preached among his weeping people. That evening, by the light of the evening sun, he wrote these words:<\/p>\n
Abide with me, Fast falls the eventide;<\/p>\n
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;<\/p>\n
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, <\/p>\n
Help of the helpless, O abide with me! <\/p>\n
He sailed, but died abroad within that year. <\/p>\n
3833<\/b> Amazing Grace<\/b><\/p>\n
John Newton wrote the hymn \u201cAmazing Grace.\u201d As he thought upon the words: \u201cBy the grace of God I am what I am,\u201d he said, \u201cI am not what I ought to be. How imperfect and deficient I am! I am not what I wish to be. Though I am not what I ought to be, I can truly say that I am not what I once was\u2014a slave to sin and Satan. I can heartily say with Paul: \u201cBy the grace of God I am what I am\u201d!\u201d<\/p>\n
3834<\/b> From Greenland\u2019s Icy Mountains<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWrite something for us to sing at the service tomorrow morning,\u201d Dr. Shepley, vicar of Wrexham, said to his son-in-law, Reginald Heber, in 1819. <\/p>\n
Dr. Shepley was to preach next day in behalf of foreign missions, and he was chatting over the subject of his discourse with a few friends. Heber, already known as a writer of verse, withdrew to another part of the room, and soon returned with the first three stanzas of \u201cFrom Greenland\u2019s Icy Mountains,\u201d just as we sing them now, except that in the seventh line of the second verse he wrote \u201csavage,\u201d which he afterward changed to \u201cheathen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Shepley was satisfied, but Heber was not until he added the triumphant fourth stanza, beginning: \u201cWaft, waft, ye winds his story.\u201d In 1823 Heber went as a missionary to India, where he died after three years of patient and loving service. <\/p>\n
\u2014W. J. Hart<\/p>\n
3835<\/b> God Will Take Care Of You<\/b><\/p>\n
This was written on a Sunday afternoon by a pastor\u2019s wife. She was very ill and in bed, but her husband had to go to a meeting. He was reluctant to leave her. She said, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, God will Take care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
While her husband was away, she thought of the wonderful truths in her own words, and wrote this poem. Her husband returned and later composed it to music. <\/p>\n
3836<\/b> He Hideth My Soul<\/b><\/p>\n
This hymn is unique in that it was a poem written to fit the tune. Kirkpatrick brought the music to Fanny Crosby, asking her to write a poem to fit his music. She, the blind musician who wrote 8000 music, did! <\/p>\n
3837<\/b> How Great Thou Art<\/b><\/p>\n
A young minister\u2019s two-mile walk in the rain provided the inspiration for \u201cHow Great Thou Art,\u201d a more recent addition to the collection of age-old hymns. <\/p>\n
The Reverend Carl Boberg of Monsteras, on the southeast coast of Sweden, was 25-years-old when he wrote the lyrics of this song after treking through a thunderstorm from a church meeting two miles away. <\/p>\n
One cannot sing this majestic hymn of praise and adoration without realizing anew the omnipotence of the Creator who did it all. <\/p>\n
3838<\/b> I Am So Glad That Jesus Loves Me<\/b><\/p>\n
Dr. P. P. Bliss, the evangelistic singer and composer, said that he wrote the sacred song, \u201cI am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me,\u201d when he was a young man. Growing older, however, he realized more deeply how insignificant is our love toward God compared to His love for us. Hence, in his later years, he wrote that appealing hymn, which children so love to sing\u2014and which is good for grownups too:<\/p>\n
I am so glad that our Father in heaven<\/p>\n
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;<\/p>\n
Wonderful things in the Bible I see, <\/p>\n
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. <\/p>\n
\u2014Sunday School Times<\/i><\/p>\n
3839<\/b> I Gave My Life For Thee<\/b><\/p>\n
Frances Ridley Havergal wrote one of her most famous poems while she was in Dusseldorf, Germany. She had gone to Germany to do some specialized study. While there, she saw a copy of Sternburg\u2019s great painting: \u201cThe CRUCIFIXION.\u201d The title above the picture was, \u201cAll this I did for thee; what has thou done for Me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Inspired by the probing question, she wrote her famous poem, \u201cI Gave My Life for Thee.\u201d But she was not happy with the poem and threw it into the fire, but a draft blew the paper out of the fire and onto the hearth. Feeling that this might have been Providential, Miss Havergal took the slightly-scorched paper, folded it, and sent it to her father in England. <\/p>\n
He composed a tune to match the words and had it published. However, the tune we now use with this superb poem was written years later by P. P. Bliss, an associate of D. L. Moody. The tune he wrote is now the one we use with this great song: \u201cI gave my life for thee, what hast thou done for Me?\u201d<\/p>\n
3840<\/b> I Love To Tell The Story<\/b><\/p>\n
A young girl who devoted her life to Sunday school work fell seriously ill at age 30. During her convalescence, she wrote a long poem which contains the words of this hymn. Also from this long poem is taken another hymn, \u201cTell Me the Old, Old Story?\u201d<\/p>\n
3841<\/b> I Must Tell Jesus<\/b><\/p>\n
Elisha Hoffman was born in Pennsylvania and spent his life as pastor there. Once while visiting one who had been through deep trial, she cried: \u201cOh, what shall I do? I don\u2019t know what to do!\u201d Then her face brightened and she said, \u201cI must tell Jesus!\u201d<\/p>\n
On his way home, the words of the woman came to the pastor\u2019s mind, and that night he wrote this comforting song. <\/p>\n
3842<\/b> I Would Be True<\/b><\/p>\n
From Princeton University there graduated in 1905 a young man by the name of Howard Walter. Because of his sunny smile he was wanted where there was fun; because of his keen mind he was sought for when counsel was needed; because of his consecration to Christ, he was a blessing to all. Through college and seminary he went and then chose the foreign field as his life service. He went to India and entered into work among the students of the great educational center of the Punjab, Lahore. <\/p>\n
One Christmas, out of his own heart and life he wrote his mother a poem. And she, recognizing the beauty of the message, sent it to Harper\u2019s Magazine<\/i>. It was his Christmas greeting to her. In 1919, when the influenza was raging in India, he was one of the victims; but he still lives in this beautiful Christmas poem dedicated to his mother. His influence is still felt in India. The verse has been set to music by Joseph Yates Peek. <\/p>\n
\u201cI would be true, for there are those who trust me;<\/p>\n
I would be pure, for there are those who care, <\/p>\n
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;<\/p>\n
I would be brave, for there is much to dare. <\/p>\n
I would be friend to all the foe, the friendless;<\/p>\n
I would be giving, and forget the gift;<\/p>\n
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;<\/p>\n
I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift.\u201d<\/p>\n
3843<\/b> I\u2019d Rather Have Jesus<\/b><\/p>\n
Forty years ago Bev Shea was attending the Bible School in Ottawa (Ontario) where I was teaching. He loved to sing. After more training in New York City he was given an audition at one of the radio stations and was offered a contract. He asked that he might sing Gospel songs. He was told that he might use one occa sionally, but he would have to use the songs on the Hit Parade. What would he do? His mother was praying. <\/p>\n
On Saturday night she placed a poem on the piano. In the morning he composed a tune for it. One verse was: \u201cI\u2019d rather have Jesus than silver and gold: I\u2019d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame; I\u2019d rather be true to His holy Name!\u201d Bev turned down the contract. A short time later he was offered a position with a Chicago radio station where he might use the Gospel songs he loved. While there he met Billy Graham. The rest of the story is well-known. <\/p>\n
\u2014R. Barclay Warren<\/p>\n
3844<\/b> In The Cross Of Christ I Glory<\/b><\/p>\n
All who have heard the sacred hymn, \u201cIn the Cross of Christ I Glory,\u201d love it; and it adds to its beauty to learn about how it was written. Sir John Bowring, the noted naturalist, linguist, statesman, financier, was the author. This gifted man was at one time the governor of Hong Kong. It was he who invented the florin, a two-shilling piece greatly used in England. He could write in thirteen different languages and dialects. His education was of the right sort, for it led him to a deeper worship of the Crucified One. <\/p>\n
One time when he was in the Orient, he was gazing at a tract of land which had been devastated by an earthquake. He noticed the tower of a church standing among the ruins, and on the top of the tower a cross. The sight of this prompted him to write the great hymn. <\/p>\n
\u2014Our Youth<\/i><\/p>\n
3845<\/b> Jesus, Lover Of My Soul<\/b><\/p>\n
Charles Wesley was conducting one of his many open-air meetings, this one near Killyleagh, Ireland. During the course of his preaching, a number of persons who took exception to his views assaulted him. Unable to withstand the mob, Wesley fled for his life. <\/p>\n
He took refuge in a farmhouse nearby. Jane Moore, a kind-hearted wife of a farmer, hid the panting evangelist in the milkhouse. She was barely in time, because at that moment some of Wesley\u2019s assailants rushed up. <\/p>\n
Mrs. Moore tried to divert their attention by preparing refreshments. Fearful that they might search the premises and discover the harried evangelist, she went to the milkhouse on the pretext of getting a cold drink for her visitors. <\/p>\n
\u201cQuickly,\u201d she bade him, \u201cget through the rear window, and hide under the hedge.\u201d He clambered through the window and found a little brook flowing beside the hedge, forming a pool with overhanging branches that afforded a pleasant and safe retreat. <\/p>\n
While waiting for the vindictive Irishmen to give up the search and leave, Wesley pulled a pencil and paper from his pocket and wrote out the immortal hymn, \u201cJesus, Lover of My Soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. George Duffield, author of \u201cStand up for Jesus,\u201d another of our famous songs, once said of Wesley\u2019s hymn, \u201cIf there is anything in Christian experience of joy and sorrow, of affliction and prosperity, of life and death\u2014that hymn truly is the hymn of the ages.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014E. H. Jordan<\/p>\n
3846<\/b> Jesus Paid It All<\/b><\/p>\n
This hymn was written by Mrs. Hall during her pastor\u2019s lengthy prayer while she sat in the choir loft! The words were originally scribbled on the flyleaf of a hymnal. <\/p>\n
She handed the words to her pastor, who, instead of scolding her, put it to music, using another member\u2019s music also given to him. The pastor had noticed that the melody and the words fitted perfectly. <\/p>\n
3847<\/b> Just As I Am<\/b><\/p>\n
Charlotte Elliott\u2019s brother, Rev. Elliott, was planning the building of a school for daughters of clergymen. The author was then 45 years old, ill of health, and could not help. A special program had been scheduled to help in the fund-raising. <\/p>\n
That night she could not sleep and started doubting if she would be useful to the Lord. The next day, everyone went to the program and she was left alone. <\/p>\n
As she thought of her weakness, she realized that since salvation was not of works, her Christian life was also to be by faith and trust, that God accepts the weakest person. And taking up her pen, she wrote this hymn of commitment. <\/p>\n
3848<\/b> Let The Lower Lights Be Burning<\/b><\/p>\n
Philip Paul Bliss was directing the singing for a series of services being conducted by the well-known preacher Dwight L. Moody. As he closed his message, Moody told the story of a captain who was attempting to bring his boat to the Cleveland Harbour one very dark and stormy night. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe waves rolled like mountains,\u201d Moody said, \u201cand not a star was to be seen in the clouded sky.\u201d He pictured the boat rocking on the violent waves as the captain peered through the darkness for the sight of a signal light by means of which to guide his vessel to safety. When he finally spotted a single light from the light-house, he turned to the pilot and asked, \u201cAre you sure this is Cleveland Harbour?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite sure, sir,\u201d the pilot replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cThen where are the lower lights?\u201d the captain continued. <\/p>\n
\u201cGone out, sir,\u201d the other man answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cCan you make the harbour?\u201d the captain asked anxiously. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe must, or perish, sir,\u201d the pilot replied. <\/p>\n
But despite his strong heart and brave hand, in the darkness he missed the channel. With a resounding crash the boat piled up on the rocks and then settled slowly to a watery grave. <\/p>\n
As the congregation listened intently, Moody concluded with this admonition to the Christians, \u201cBrethren, the Master will take care of the great light-house; let us keep the lower lights burning.\u201d That was all Bliss needed to pen one of his most popular hymns, \u201cLet the Lower Lights Be Burning.\u201d<\/p>\n
3849<\/b> Moment By Moment<\/b><\/p>\n
I heard related at a convention the other day this story of the birth of \u201cMoment by Moment,\u201d the song so popular at Northfield, and the one carried by Rev. Andrew Murray into South Africa with such telling results. <\/p>\n
It was during the great World\u2019s Fair evangelistic campaign. Mr. Moody and his workers were gathered at the close of the day, as their custom was, in the famous evangelist\u2019s room, for a word of prayer together. The hymn, \u201cI need Thee every hour,\u201d had been announced. <\/p>\n
When the singing of it ceased, Mr. Henry Varley, the English evangelist, said: \u201cI\u2019m not sure that I can subscribe heartily to that sentiment. I feel that I need Christ moment by moment.\u201d The thought impressed Major D. W. Whittle, and at the close of the prayer season he went to his room, and, prompted by the Holy Spirit, he wrote and rewrote and wrote again, and at 2 o\u2019clock in the morning the new song was in complete form. <\/p>\n
\u2014Current Anecdotes<\/i><\/p>\n
3850<\/b> Nearer, My God, To Thee<\/b><\/p>\n
Benjamin Flower was an English journalist. Some considered him too radical for his times. He was imprisoned for six months. An English girl, whom he later married, frequently visited him in prison. Their daughter was Sarah Flower. She was brilliant and had varied talents. Because of poor health, she dismissed all thoughts of a career she had long dreamed about. She began to write. In the field of writing she gained her greatest achieve ment. The hymn, \u201cNearer, My God, to Thee,\u201d will immortalize her as long as time lasts. It is said to be the greatest hymn ever written by a woman. <\/p>\n
\u2014Power<\/i><\/p>\n
3851<\/b> The Ninety And Nine<\/b><\/p>\n
In 1874, Sankey and Moody held revivals in Scotland. Once on a train Sankey bought a newspaper to find news of America, but was disappointed. He threw it down, later picked it up and in a corner he saw a poem. He liked it and read it to Moody, who was absorbed in reading letters from Chicago. <\/p>\n
The next day at noon, Moody\u2019s topic was \u201cThe Good Shepherd.\u201d Moody suddenly asked Sankey to sing something. \u201cBut if I sing Psalm 23, every Scotsman would join in,\u201d he thought. Then a voice said, \u201cSing the hymn you found on the train.\u201d But there was no melody to that poem! <\/p>\n
Placing the clipping on the organ, and after a brief pause of urgent prayer, Sankey began singing. Note by note, the tune came out. At the end of the first stanza, a difficulty arose: would the tune be the same. It came out the same for the second stanza. And that hymn has come to us today\u2014without change. <\/p>\n
When Sankey stopped singing, a great sigh arose from the congregation, \u201cRejoice! for the Lord has found His sheep!\u201d<\/p>\n
3852<\/b> O God Our Help In Ages Past<\/b><\/p>\n
Christianity was facing a dark future in England when Queen Anne forced through Parliament the Schism Act designed to severely limit religious freedom. <\/p>\n
Against this black backdrop, Isaac Watts wrote the stately, reassuring hymn \u201cO God Our Help In Ages Past.\u201d How the words must have brought renewed courage and comfort to Christians in those days of fear and instability. <\/p>\n
3853<\/b> O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go<\/b><\/p>\n
George Matheson, engaged to be married, learned he would soon be totally blind. His fiancee said, \u201cI cannot marry a blind man.\u201d He left her with his dreams shattered. He thought of taking his life, but instead took hold of himself as he wrote the moving hymn, \u201cO Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014James Hastings<\/p>\n
3854<\/b> The Old Time Religion<\/b><\/p>\n
Shortly after the Civil War in America, a Methodist minister and his wife were blessed with the birth of a son. When the boy became a teenager, he left home to make his way in the world. His fondest dream was to become a concert singer, but he never fulfilled his ambition. He took a job peddling songbooks, and later made his living by going around the coutryside in a wagon demonstrating pianos for a local firm. <\/p>\n
At the age of 25 he began to realize that his worldly goals would not be achieved and that even their complete attainment could never satisfy his deepest longings. Convicted by the Holy Spirit of having drifted far from his early training, Charlie Tillman received Christ as his Savior and spent the rest of his life singing and working for the Lord. <\/p>\n
One day while passing through South Carolina, he heard a group of Negro worshippers chanting a lilting tune. He quickly jotted down the simple words and melody, for they spoke to him of his own conversion experience. Few today remember Charlie Tillman, but almost everyone has heard of \u201cThe Old Time Religion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Henry G. Bosch<\/p>\n
3855<\/b> Onward Christian Soldiers<\/b><\/p>\n
This hymn was written by a pastor. At that time, the custom in town was for the children to march from one town to another with banners. The pastor wanted the children to sing a hymn as they go. Since nothing was suitable, he wrote one himself\u2014late the night before the march! <\/p>\n
He wrote more than 60 books in the British Museum, but was most remembered as the author of \u201cOnward Christian Soldiers.\u201d<\/p>\n
3856<\/b> Peace, Perfect Peace<\/b><\/p>\n
One morning in 1875 Canon Gibbon of Harrogate preached from the text: \u201cThou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.\u201d The Hebrew is \u201cpeace, peace\u201d instead of \u201cperfect peace.\u201d Bishop Bickersteth wrote the hymn, putting each first line in the form of a question and giving the answer in each second line: \u201cPeace, perfect peace\u2014in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014A. Naismith<\/p>\n
3857<\/b> Rock Of Ages<\/b><\/p>\n
Toplady, even when he wrote his magnificent masterpiece, the \u201cRock of Ages,\u201d could not resist the temptation to give a thrust at those who, he insisted, were believers in \u201cPerfectionism.\u201d So he entitled his hymn, when he printed it, \u201cA living and dying prayer of the holiest believer in the world.\u201d This is as much as if he had said, \u201cThe most sanctified soul in the world must come down on his knees and confess, \u201cNothing in my hands I bring,\u201d and \u201cVile I to this fountain fly.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Walter Baxendale<\/p>\n
3858<\/b> Sweet By-And-By<\/b><\/p>\n
The gifted Christian musician Joseph T. Webster was often tormented by deep feelings of depression. On one occasion, when he was in a melancholy mood, he received a visit from his close acquaintance Fillmore Bennett. <\/p>\n
Knowing that one way to keep Webster from brooding over his problems was to interest him in writing a hymn tune, Bennett decided he\u2019d try to pen some lyrics that would direct his friend\u2019s thoughts heavenward. The despondent man himself unwittingly supplied the theme, for when he was asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter now?\u201d he replied, \u201cOh, it will be all right by and by!\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d exclaimed Bennett, \u201ctrials do generate great glory for us in the sweet by-and-by!\u201d<\/p>\n
Inspired by this thought, he immediately sat down and wrote several poetic verses on the subject. When his friend read them, a new look of hope came into his eyes, and his whole attitude changed. After jotting down some musical notes, Webster took up his violin and played the melody he had composed to fit the words. Within half an hour the enduring hymn \u201cIn the Sweet By-and-By\u201d was born. <\/p>\n
3859<\/b> Sweet Hour Of Prayer<\/b><\/p>\n
One day, according to Pastor Salmon, Mr. Walford recited several poems which he had composed. He could not get anyone to write them down, so Mr. Salmon did so. One poem was the four-stanza rhyme which is now known as \u201cSweet Hour of Prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Robert S. Wilson<\/p>\n
3860<\/b> Tell Mother I\u2019ll Be There<\/b><\/p>\n
Just before he left by special train to visit his dying mother, President McKinley sent a telegram that probably did more for the Kingdom of God than any other single act of his life. The message read, \u201cTELL MOTHER I\u2019LL BE THERE.\u201d<\/p>\n
A preacher, Rev. Chas. Fillmore, read that message, took the phrase and wrote his world-famous hymn: \u201cTell mother I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charles Alexander took the song with him on his evangelistic tour around the world, and wherever he sang it hearts were touched. \u201cIn the great Welsh revival,\u201d Evan Roberts said, \u201cthis song won more souls than any other song that was sung. Many have been converted through it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014The Bible Friend<\/i><\/p>\n
3861<\/b> To The Regions Beyond<\/b><\/p>\n
This testimony appeared in an issue of Power<\/i> magazine under the title \u201cWhat a Song Did for Me\u201d:<\/p>\n
\u201cTen years ago, while in high school in the Philippines, I dedicated my life for full-time service. Since then: I have finished high school, college, and completed a year of seminary. Through this schooling, my original call remained clear\u2014to minister to the overseas Chinese in the Philippines. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut I felt that first the Lord would have me complete my seminary training in America. One Sunday, just before I went to America for this training, two girls sang a duet in our church youth group. They sang:<\/p>\n
To the regions beyond I must go I must go;<\/p>\n
Where the story has never been told:<\/p>\n
To the millions that never have heard of His love, <\/p>\n
I must tell the sweet Story of old. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur speaker, a missionary, then stood up and asked: \u2019Did you really mean what you sang? \u2019 As far as I was concerned, his question put me on the spot, for I had hummed and nodded approval during the song. Could I, the youth advisor, truthfully declare that I had fully meant every word of the song? <\/p>\n
\u201cAfter much thought, I renewed by His grace my earlier dedication to go to the Chinese in the Philippines. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I applied for my visa to the United States, the American consul asked me, \u201cDo you intend to return here to the Philippines following your studies in the United States?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI told him that I did. <\/p>\n
\u201cLater, a friend asked, \u201cIf you were offered a comfortable pastorate with many opportunities for service in America after graduation, would you accept it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI shook my head. I have already been called to the Philippines. I will not go elsewhere, unless God should lead. I thank the Lord for calling me to rededication through that song.\u201d<\/p>\n
3862<\/b> What A Friend<\/b><\/p>\n
This was written by a young man for his mother who was ill. He tried to comfort and encourage her, and intended the poem just for her. No one knew about the words of this beloved hymn until a neighbor was visiting and found out. <\/p>\n
Born in Ireland, Joseph Scriven graduated from college and was engaged to a beautiful girl. On the eve of their wedding, the girl drowned. Overwhelmed with grief, he came to Canada and devoted his life to helping the underprivileged, giving them clothes and sharing his food. If anyone could afford his service, he would not work for them. <\/p>\n
In 1875, Sankey put up \u201cGospel Hymns No. 1\u201d and included it as the last one in the collection. But later, the last hymn became one of his favorites. <\/p>\n
3863<\/b> Story Of John Newton<\/b><\/p>\n
John Newton who ran away to sea, and then to Africa, was sold at last to a negress. He sank so low that he lived only on crumbs from her table and on wild yams dug at night. His clothing was reduced to a single shirt which he washed in the ocean. <\/p>\n
When he finally escaped, he went to the natives, accepting their base life. It does not seem possible for a civilized man to have sunk so low, but the power of God laid hold on him through a missionary. He became a sea captain; later became a minister. He wrote many hymns sung the world around: \u201cSafely through Another Week,\u201d \u201cCome, My Soul,\u201d \u201cGlorious Things of Thee Are Spoken,\u201d \u201cHow Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,\u201d \u201cOne There Is Above All Others.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the church of London of which he was the pastor, there is still an epitaph which John Newton wrote for himself. It reads: \u201cSacred to the memory of John Newton, once a libertine and blasphemer and slave of slaves in Africa, but renewed, purified, pardoned, and appointed to preach that Gospel which he had laboured to destroy!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Quiet Hour Stories<\/i><\/p>\n
3864<\/b> \u201cSweet Singer Of Scotland\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
The \u201cSweet Singer of Scotland,\u201d Horatius Bonar, wrote his first hymn under the pressure of necessity. In his first ministerial charge, a mission church in a squalid section of Leith, Scotland, he was troubled by the lack of songs for the Sunday school. The children had no liking for the songs of the Church of Scotland\u2014the metrical versions of the Psalms with their slow, solemn tunes. Bonar met the difficulty directly by writing new songs in simple words about Jesus, the gospel, and the Christian life. <\/p>\n
Bonar soon began to write hymns for adults, too. His first \u201cGo Labor On! Spend and Be Spent!\u201d was written for the encouragement of his co-workers in the mission church, as they laboured at their seemingly unrewarding task among the poor, the wretched, and the sinful. <\/p>\n
Bonar was always writing hymns which touched almost every facet of Christian doctrine and experience. \u201cI try to fill my hymns with the love and light of Christ,\u201d he said. He always carried a notebook in which to jot down ideas and verse fragments. He wrote under varied conditions and at almost any time\u2014frequently while on railway journeys. Over a period of fifty years, he produced close to six hundred hymns, of which about one hundred are still in use. <\/p>\n
Although Dr. Bonar was the most notable spiritual leader in Scotland after the death of Chalmers, and the nation\u2019s greatest hymnist of all time, his hymns were not used in the worship services of the Scottish churches during his lifetime. When, late in his life, one of his hymns was introduced into the service in his church, two of the elders arose and walked out. From the beginning of the Reformation in Scotland, only the Psalms were sung as divinely inspired, while hymns were rejected as being \u201cof human composure.\u201d Hymns eventually triumphed, and a hymnal was published by the Scottish churches in 1898. <\/p>\n
\u2014Oscar T. Gillan<\/p>\n
3865<\/b> Epigram On Hymns Stories<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 The requisites of a singer\u2014a big chest, a big mouth, 90 percent memory, 10 percent intelligence, lots of hard work, and something in the heart. <\/p>\n
\u2014Enrico Caruso<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
3785 Two Singing Religions Judaism and Christianity are singing religions. Atheism is songless. It has nothing to sing about. The funeral notices of Robert Ingersoll, the noted agnostic, stated, \u201cThere will be no singing.\u201d The psalm-singing of Christian martyrs going to their deaths in the arena alerted the Roman Empire to the fact that a … Continue reading “MUSIC, CHRISTIAN”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermons"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5172","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5172\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5172"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}