HIS REBUKE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume X, Issue 11, 18 March 1893, Page 262

HIS REBUKE.

Much of the music sung in city churches would scarcely be characterized as ‘ sacred ’ if it were heard anywhere except in the house of God. And there are some odd people who even in this age of progress consider that such music belongs rather to the concert-room than to the church. Parson Snow was one of these people, and when he ‘ exchanged ’ one Sunday with an old college friend who was settled over a large city parish, he was both amazed and shocked by the vocal display—the anthem—with which the members of the choir electrified the congregation. • They had fine voices, my dear,’ he explained to his little wife when he was safely back in his own home,’ and I presume they wanted to show them off, and so took advantage of a time when their pastor was away. I thought at first of rising and requesting them to desist. Then I felt that perhaps it would be my duty to report the matter to Doctor Green.

* But I finally concluded that, as it was undoubtedly a first offence and caused by an almost pardonable vanity, I would deal gently with them. So I waited until they had finished, and then I rose and said, ‘ We will now begin the religious services of the morning ”

‘ And I feel sure,’ concluded the simple-minded pastor, ‘ that they felt my rebuke, and will not let such a thing occur again !’