SOAPY HYMN TUNES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21940, 14 November 1936, Page 10

SOAPY HYMN TUNES

TO THB EDITOB OF Trfß PR"SS Sir, —A very interesting article appeared in your issue of November 12 on “Hymns to Soapy .Tunes.” I sincerely hope it was read by all lovers of hymns with a feeling akin to devotion. As I read on I felt sorry that so eminent a person as the Bishop of Liverpool should turn the cold shoulder on those sacred compositions which are often the very life of a man’s inmost soul. I remember with the deepest reverence the hymn, “O, Jesus, I Have Promised,” was sung on the day I was confirmed a member of the Church of .England, and, even now, after the lapse of more than 40 years, that lovely hymn and its sweet memories are as dear to me as they were on that memorable occasion. To place these beautiful hymns on the shelf for a period of 12 months is one of the most nefarious thoughts that ever entered into the heart of a man.It is most noticeable that the congregations of the Church of England are listening congregations only. They love to listen reverently to the choir singing, while the heart of the congregation beats in unison to every note that is sung. It has been the same from time immemorial. There is a great difference between singing and bawling. The religion of the Church of England is one of deep reverence and adoration for the Supreme Being, and a full assurance of enjoying in full measure the felicity of eternal happiness. I would also like to point out the power singing of hymns has over us. A ploughman will often break out in singing his favourite hymn, while engaged in his rural occupation. In fact, there is not a calling in life but what calls forth a recognition of the relationship between the soul and its God through the medium of sacred song. Why, then, abandon these beautiful hymns to a 12 months’ rest We shall never weary* of their presence; they cement society, unite families, and prevent us from committing unseemly acts. Who can sing a better hymn than the well known “All People That on Earth do Dwell” with reverence, intelligence, and respect?— Yours, etc., W. MOSDELL. November - , - i