Hymns Up to Date

1901

An old gentleman of 82 whose occasionally cynical speeches are always tinged with good humor was asked his opinion of modern church music.

"It's all very fine," he said dryly, "and I like to hear it, but there's one thing I've noticed. It may be just chance, but I've noticed it a good many times.

"When I was a boy, the people went to two services a day and sometimes three, and they sat on hard seats and sang with all their hearts:

"My God, the spring of all my joys.

"Now the congregation lean comfortably back in softly cushioned pews and listen to the choir singing:

"Art thou weary, art thou languid?

"I may be mistaken, but it comes home to me every now and then that hymnology is changing to suit the times." — Youth's Companion.