Interrupted Service

1895

At a small church in Maine the regular organist happened to be absent, and the congregation, in which were a few summer visitors, was obliged to sing the hymns without instrumental aid and under the pastor's leadership. One hymn, apparently not familiar to many, came several times to a distressing halt and finally died out altogether.

The minister, rather irritated, sat down as if determined not to continue the service until the singing met his approbation.

An oppressive silence fell upon the little company, broken at last by a deacon's prayer.

"O Lord," he said, "touch the heart of our pastor, that he may be moved to go on with the service."

Not to be outdone, the minister rose and prayed earnestly that the congregation might have their eyes opened to their faults and be willing to do their part and not put all the labor on their spiritual shepherd.

Another embarrassing pause followed, which seemed likely to last for the remainder of the day. Finally a woman rose in the rear pew and faintly petitioned that a spirit of harmony might rest upon pastor and people and move them to union and peace. Then a shrill voice struck up a familiar anthem, the ice was broken, "all joined" in the singing, and the service went forward. — Youth's Companion.