Punctuality in Attending and Taking Part in Religious Meetings.
By D. T. Bourdeau
4. LIKEWISE, also, the singing should be appropriate and well-conducted. Are inappropriateness, tediousness, and lack of order and harmony censurable in prayers and testimonies? They are much more so, because more observable and repugnant, in singing. For instance, singing a long hymn out of season, or singing on matters that might be good in their place but that are not in harmony with the spirit of the meeting; these things have a deadening influence on a meeting. And if the meeting is not quite killed by them, add to them discord and jargon, and you are quite sure to kill the sparks of life remaining. It is so at least to persons of refinement and lovers of order. And if this is the case with fallen beings who are laboring to be restored to right and fitness in all things, how must it be with the angels present, who have listened to, and engaged in singing the songs of Heaven, whose first law is that of order, and where no discordant note is ever heard? All persons have their favorite hymns and tunes agreeing with their peculiar tastes, casts of mind and experiences, and these may be sung to profit in their proper seasons. And they will add to the interest of the meeting, the same as the different prayers and testimonies. But some may err in not bearing in mind that their favorite hymns and tunes may not always be timely. To illustrate: A person of a solemn and conscientious turn of mind, who naturally inclines to be shut up to the pressure of moral obligation, would also be inclined to select solemn hymns and tunes, which are good in their place. But it is a true saying that too much of one thing is good for nothing; and there are points in a meeting where the spirits need to be cheered up. Then let cheerful and hopeful hymns and tunes be sung. On the other hand, for persons of naturally cheerful and hopeful minds to monopolize the singing by introducing only cheerful hymns, might on some occasions retard the close, deep, and solemn work of ascertaining and confessing our faults and duties, which is so necessary in putting away our wrongs, and perfecting holiness. My present limits will not permit me to say all that might be said on how to properly conduct singing. I will content myself in pointing out three or four common errors, and giving hints on how they can be avoided. And one common error is to not get the right sounds or notes in learning a tune. Let several happen to make this mistake, some on one part of the tune, and others on another, and great discord will be produced in the singing. A second error is to not notice the length of the notes and pauses. A third error is to sing too slow, to drag behind the time, and this, perhaps, while others are keeping time. And a fourth error is to sing too fast, keeping ahead of the time and those who keep it. Now to avoid these and other errors, 1. All should, as far as possible, become acquainted with the rudiments of music. 2. All should take pains to learn the excellent tunes in the back part of our hymn book; and this can done by all those who have an ear for music, whether they understand the art of singing or not. 3. Each church should have one of their members lead the singing. By this suggestion we would not, of course, establish an iron rule, or intimate that it would be improper, on certain occasions for any member to give vent to feelings and heart-felt devotions by breaking out in spontaneous singing. But if one would generally lead, and those who are next best qualified would properly relate themselves to, and stand by, the leader, then those who have not as good natural or acquired talents for music might follow, governing themselves by the leader. And thus confusion might be avoided, and all might take part in singing the songs of Zion. And with our excellent hymn book, which unbelievers admire as well as ourselves, we have a strong inducement to engage in this important branch of divine worship. 4. The time should be well improved, for it is devoted to the Lord, and the manner in which we use it indicates the interest we have in his cause, whether our hearts are tuned for his worship, or not, and whether we realize his presence, and his just claims upon our time and services. We should consider it robbery, if a man working for us and getting wages, should squander a large portion of his time in idleness. Such an one would be looked upon by all as an unfaithful person. And how must the Lord look upon those who commit the same faults toward him? Shall we rob God? By improving every moment, God is honored, a good impression is left on those coming into the meeting, as well as on the church, a spirit of labor is encouraged, and ofttimes testimonies are crowded out which would be detrimental to the interest of the meeting. When moments are unoccupied by some who should speak &c., being backward, any one who has the cause at heart is justified in filling up the time. And God will bless such an one; for he must not be dishonored by a manifestation of indifference and ingratitude, while we are partakers of his manifold and rich benefits.