Music, both instrumental and vocal, formed an integral part of ancient Hebrew worship. The temple service in the days of King David was vibrant with melody. True church music is as much a part of the divine worship as is the sermon itself, for many a heart has found its way to the Redeemer through the influence of appealing sacred music.
"God gave rules of order, perfect and exact, for His ancient people. Has His character changed? Is He not the great and mighty God who rules in the heaven of heavens? Would it not be well for us often to read the directions given by God Himself to the Hebrews, that we who have the light of the glorious truth shining upon us, may imitate their reverence for the house of God? We have abundant reason to maintain a fervent, devoted spirit in the worship of God. We have reason even to be more thoughtful and reverential in our worship than had the Jews."—"Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 496.
These solemn words and many others of similar import have induced the choir director and the elders of the Pacific Union College church to make the Sabbath morning worship as decorous and reverential as consistent with the measure of light and truth that we as a people have, at the same time guarding against making the form savor of ritualism.
With this thought in mind, those who are responsible for the administration of the service at the college church are endeavoring to set the Sabbath morning worship in a framework of solemn sacred music, and to make each part of that service bear the stamp of deep earnestness and dignified simplicity.
The organ prelude announces that the hour of worship has come. A hushed silence falls upon the reverent worshipers. The members of the A Cappella choir take their respective places, and as the organ prelude merges into the melody of the inspiring hymn, "There is a quiet rest, near to the heart of God," the choir, under the direction of its leader, effectively sings this selection or some other hymn equally suitable for the occasion.
At a given signal from the organist, the elders enter and kneel in silent prayer as the choir softly sings the last measures of the hymn already mentioned,
"O Jesus, blest Redeemer
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God."
As the "Amen" softly fades away, the elders rise from their kneeling position and take their seats, while the organ plays a brief interlude, followed by the choir invocation. Thereupon the first elder, or the one in charge of the service, steps to the desk and makes the necessary announcements. If the speaker of the hour is a visitor, and others appointed to have a. part in the service are guests, the local elder introduces them at this time, indicating the part each one has in the service. Further announcements are therefore not necessary. In order to avoid announcing the numbers of the hymns, they are displayed in three conspicuous positions on hymn boards.
The one appointed to give the prayer for the offering steps forward, the deacons occupying the front row of seats arise, and in a brief petition the Giver of all good gifts is invoked, and a blessing sought on the offering of the day. While the deacons receive the offering, the organist plays the offertory. At its conclusion the melody of the morning hymn rings out, and the congregation, rising as the elders rise, joins in the singing of the solemn song. The invocation follows while the congregation kneels. An organ prelude introduces the choir song chosen for the occasion.
The program thus far has consumed approximately twenty minutes. The speaker now steps to the desk to deliver his message, usually occupying from thirty to forty minutes of time. At the conclusion of the sermon the congregation again unites in singing a suitable closing hymn, and the benediction follows. The organist plays a hymn in which the choir joins, closing with "Amen." The postlude fittingly concludes the morning service, and the congregation departs.
Angwin, Calif.
