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eral a choppy or strongly staccato movement has been avoided. The portions of Scripture which make up a single reading have been chosen with such reference to kinship of thought as might constitute each Selec

tion a lesson.

Throughout the Selections, as in nearly all places, the Revised Version has been used. For musical purposes the texts used by the composers have necessarily been followed.

The Christian Year.

The Christian Year is happily more and more regarded by churches of all denominations. A few definite references to it have been submitted, but these constitute only a small part of the material given from which choice can be made for the historic days of the church. The book has assumed that the needs of such occasions would be best met by presenting abundant material to the discretion of an intelligent and devout ministry.

Music.

Besides the musical texts which have been printed in each service, a somewhat extended collection of choir calls, anthems, etc., has been prepared for the aid of pastors and choristers. In this collection the texts have also been printed and numbered, that they may be announced to the congregation which may thus follow the words as they are musically rendered. The music recommended is of a type distinctly sacred. A general guarantee of its excellence is to be found in its selection by Dr. B. C. Blodgett, Professor of Music in Smith College, to whom the author of this work is

indebted for valuable aid, and for some of his most happy experiences in the conduct of public worship. That a considerable number of the compositions cited should be from the pen of Professor Blodgett might be expected from his eminence as a worker in the cause of sacred music, from his superiority as a composer, and because many of these pieces are endeared to his former colaborer by the most hallowed associations.

Length of Services.

Rightly conducted, these services will scarcely exceed the usual length. In this matter much depends upon the judgment of the minister in making his selections. A word of caution should be given against the too frequent prolongation of anthems, and especially of choir responses. The latter should always be short, and may often be replaced by an organ response. In the morning services the Hymn of Aspiration should never contain more than two verses, and the Hymn of Praise not more than two or three. In respect of time consumed, as well as of spiritual impression, that music will usually be found most serviceable which proceeds with directness to its goal, with but little repetition and in stately though simple

movement.

BURLINGTON, VT., April 23, 1888.

The Shorter Order of Borning Service.

OBSERVATIONS.

This service omits the Response after the Lord's Prayer, the Second Scripture Lesson, the Apostles' Creed, and the Offertory Prayer, which are contained in the Fuller Order of Morning Service.

Should the minister prefer to use the offertory sentences with responses, the service will not thereby be prolonged, as these will continue only during the time of collecting the offerings.

In the Hymn of Aspiration not more than two verses should be used, and not more than three in the Hymn of Praise. The former of these should express satisfaction with the day of rest, or the house of God, or a longing for God and his worship, or some kindred sentiment.

The Hymn of Praise, being the response of the congregation to both the Pastoral and the Choir Calls to Worship, which usually summon the people to praise, is designed to be distinctly what the name indicates.

The minister may easily give to all the parts selected a tone in harmony with the theme of the sermon, and thus prepare the way for the presentation of the truth.

THE ORGAN VOLUNTARY.

After the Organ Voluntary the minister reads as many as may seem to him convenient of the following

SENTENCES.

[Congregation sits.]

THIS is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Ps. 118: 24.

The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. Hab. 2: 20.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Is. 6: 3.

God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4: 24.

Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Sam. 15: 22.

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