This is one of the most difficult, as it is one of the most important,
parts of public worship. Much diversity exists in the method of
conducting it. Whether the singing should be congregational or
restricted to a choir; whether, in the former case, it should be led by
a choir or by a precentor; whether an instrument should be used or only
human voices,--all these questions have been differently answered. My
own observation is that the method adopted is of far less importance
than the spirit with which the method is pursued. An inferior method
carefully and enthusiastically pressed will give better results than
the best method poorly followed. In singing, as in preaching, the men
rather than the method determine its effectiveness, and in any church
suffering from defective singing I should seek rather to infuse
enthusiasm and the spirit of musical culture in the singers than to
change hastily any method to which they had become accustomed.
Here, then, I suggest: 1. The pastor should feel and should manifest a
hearty sympathy for the singers and an appreciation of their work; the
lack of this is a frequent cause of discouragement and disorganization
in choirs. He should consult with them in regard to the musical
interests of the congregation, should recognize their work as an
important service done to Christ and the church, should express, in
public and private, his appreciation of whatever is excellent in their
performances, and should use his pastoral influence to secure from the
congregation the necessary means for such books and instruments as may
be important to their success. A good choir, besides contributing the
results of long previous training, spend much time each week in
practice for the service of the Lord's Day, and no true pastor should
fail, or allow his congregation to fail, in an appropriate expression
of appreciation of the work thus done. Such a spirit in pastor and
people will seldom fail to secure a well-trained and enthusiastic choir
and will make the service of song a power and a blessing in public
worship. 2. In the selection of hymns special adaptation to the subject
of the sermon is important chiefly in the one which follows it; the
others, especially the first, while fittingly leading to the sermon,
should be adapted to the purposes of general worship. When the singing
is congregational, regard must be had to the tunes as well as to the
hymns; for in most congregations the range of tunes in which the people
can or will unite is comparatively narrow, and the best hymn will fail
with an impracticable tune. The pastor, therefore, should carefully
note the tunes which the congregation readily sing, and make his
selection within this range. A few months' observation, with careful
noting of results, will enable him to select wisely. 3. Singing in
public worship should be devotional. It is not a musical recreation nor
an artistic musical display, but an act of worship offered to the Most
High. The language of sacred song is often directly addressed to God in
praise, thanksgiving, and prayer; it is, therefore, of doubtful
propriety to call for singing, while a collection is taken up or
business is transacted, merely to occupy the time. Nor should the
preacher, during the singing, allow himself to be occupied in
conversation, or in the study of his sermon; rather he should, if
possible, himself participate devoutly with the congregation in this
act or worship, and thus by his example recognize the devotional nature
of the service.