Studies in Worship-Music; (Second Series) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ...principle, applicable to a choir. Besides, talking, &c., gives a bad impression to strangers and occasional visitors from other churches, especially those from the Church of England. Please accept this exhortation in the same spirit as that in which it is written--namely, a spirit of love, and believe me, your sincere Friend And Pastoe." Now it is well known to be the height of folly to write a letter to a neighbour with whom you disagree. A given amount of reproof is infinitely more irritating on paper than when delivered in conversation; let us say also that it is infinitely less likely to affect its purpose. To reprove a choir by letter at all shows an utter want of tact. Again, is it likely that everyone of the members of this choir were in the habit of chatting and laughing? If not, why reprove all because some were guilty? The calling aside of two or three leading transgressors for a few minutes' conversation would in this case probably have effected the object far more pleasantly and thoroughly than the mischievous method adopted. Some clergymen and ministers--it is of no use to ignore the fact--need reminding that the organist, the choir. master, and the members of the choir are their own flesh and blood, capable of the same higher feelings, open to the same influences as they themselves. Payment for church offices and work--as the clergy and ministers ought to be the first to recognise--does not imply mercenary motives, nor is the recipient of a salary incapable of zealous and disinterested work. The church authorities should always assume high motives in the singers and musical assistants. Efforts should be made to express sympathy with the singers. In America the churches which have " chorus choirs " treat them with great...