It is a rather common thing to hear our older ministers lament the passing of hearty "Amens" during the preaching of the word. But more and more we are hearing protests over the careless, yes, almost flippant, way in which certain of our workers as well as members are coming to use this revered word. With some it has become merely a vain repetition, a show of sanctity, with no regard to the meaning of the word or the connection in which it is used.
Again, there is a tendency to make a cheap use of it as a means of applause after musical numbers, or in connection with particularly striking statements from the lecture platform. Surely the finer senses of thinking men and women in the audience must have been shocked when recently a singer in a public effort paused in the midst of his solo, and demanded, "If you like my song, say, Amen!"
According to Jeremiah (28:6; 11:5, margin) the use of the word implies sincere concurrence in a sentiment or thought expressed, with the prayer that God will make it to be realized. Some of the inconsistencies in the use of this prayer utterance that are quite common today might be illustrated by the following actual cases that have been heard by the writer:
"If the church is in such a condition, there is something wrong with the pulpit." [Hearty "Amens."]
"It will be a sad day in this cause when we as ministers lose our simplicity." ["Amen."]
"We are doing only a tithe of what we ought to do." [Amen."]
There are hymns, which, because of the sentiment expressed in them, can most properly be followed by fervent "Amens." But when it is very apparent that the response is influenced, not by the words of the song, which often are not understood, but by the popularity of the musician or appreciation of the talent displayed the use of the prayer borders on sacrilege.
In His message to the Laodicean church, the True Witness introduces Himself by the august name "Amen." (See Rev. 3:14; cf. 1 Cor. 14: 16.) It is therefore as much a violation of the third commandment to take that name in vain as any other of the divine titles. If we as ministers, by example and education as to the sincere and fitting use of "Amen," lead out in this aspect of a revival of primitive Christian worship, the well-nigh lost art of the worshipful, heartfelt "Amen" response, will no doubt come back to us, and we shall once more feel the inspiration of the "Amen corner" in our preaching of the word.
Angwin, Calif.
