DAY BY DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17839, 11 October 1929, Page 6

DAY BY DAY

In his last talk to the children of St. Andrew’s congregation, “Amen” Christchurch, the Rev. and N. L. D. Webster ex- “ Hallelujah.” plained to them the significance of the word “Amen,” which occurs so frequently In the Scripture (states the Press). It was the last word in the last chapter of Revelation the last Boole of the Bible, he said. Some girls and -boys regarded it only as a signal to open their eyes and sit upright at the end of a prayer, or to sit down at the conclusion of a hymn, but it really was an affirmation of the belief in their hearts of the truth of the things they had been saying or singing. It signified their consent and assent. “Amen” and "Hallelujah” were the only two words In the Bible untranslated. “Amen” was a very old word, and went back to the beginning of Hebrew history. Its first use was as an adjective, meaning steadfast, firm or true. When the ancient Hebrews pledged themselves they said “Amen.” Eventually the word was taken over in the worship of the synagogues, the congregation responding to the chanting of the canticles by the rabbi with “Amen.” Then it was taken over by the early Christian Church, and its use had become a feature of religious services right down to the present day.