Esteemed Editor:

Permit me, in accordance with your request, to write a few lines in regards the Hymn Question.

In the first place I would like to make the remark that there is nothing wrong in singing hymns. Why should there be, providing they are Reformed. For also in such singing God is glorified.

In the second place, dear Editor, I am of the opinion that we need no hymn singing in our public worship; especially not now when the end of the ages is upon us. Today our church activities lie in a different direction which is of more importance.

God, in His mercy, has given the church the inspired truths also in the Psalms of David, and let us be satisfied with it, unless we can improve upon it. You may claim that the versification, the poetry is not inspired but manmade, and who will deny it. However, regardless of this fact, as they come unto us in this way, God saw fit they withstood the test of ages, and the singing of Psalms is most essentially in our church services. Can you imagine a church service without singing the Psalms of David? And is it not an undeniable fact that singing of Psalms gives strength to the feeble, comfort, to the comfortless, joy for the distressed, and they enrich the humble in their pilgrim journey. They give songs in the night, and visions of eternal bliss. And have you never noticed, dear reader, that in special occasions as persecutions, hatred, and the like, the psalms speak to us in a special way. I am convinced that hymns do not have this power, for God must work.

In the third place dear Editor, let us not forget in this our controversy, what our Fathers had to say about hymn singing in our worship services. They frequently warned the church of the dangers involved. We like to listen to their advice. Why not now? And where are the churches today which allow hymns sung in their public worship? In some of the churches of the Chr. Ref. denomination they sing more hymns than psalms. I maintain that a church without psalms is a dead Church.

And must we also shut our eyes for all the unrest it creates in our churches? United we stand, but divided we are not able to exist. And let us not lose sight of the fact either that it costs money to add hymns to our Psalter. Also our money must flow through the right channels.

I agree with the Editor that we must have more contributions in this our controversy. The voice of the churches must be heard. I advise those who are in favor of this plan let them speak, and speak with conviction. But let us do it in the Spirit of Christ, as humble followers of Him. Let brotherly love prevail amongst us.

The tone of brother Broekhouse of Edgerton, the Dec. 1 issue of The Standard Bearer, was not becoming in some respects. I am sure the brother meant well; but it came not enough to the fore in his contribution.

Thanks a lot dear Editor for your patience.

—S. DeVries