There are many kinds of hymns in the hymnal. Some are to be sung slowly and others faster. Some are rugged and powerful; others are gentle and quiet. How the hymns should be sung should be given careful study.
To have most effect, the hymns that are chosen should be the most appropriate for a given occasion. Ministers, Sabbath school superintendents and MV leaders should choose hymns which are of a high standard both musically and poetically, and which are meaningful and worshipful.
There is a place for the gospel song. Mr. Rodeheaver, who has specialized in publishing this type of hymn, with the object of making the Christian life and fellowship with our Lord more real, tells this story:
While visiting the sick at a sanatorium for T.B. Patients, he spoke to one man who seemed very bitter and sad, as his family and friends did not visit him. He seemed to be completely forgotten.
“Well,” said Mr. Rodeheaver, “the friends here forget easily, but there is One who never forgets us.”
“Who is He?” asked the patient.
“Jesus Christ, my Savior and yours, and if you allow Him to be, my Friend and yours.”
Mr. Rodeheaver took his little New Testament from his pocket and read some of its promises. Then he sang to the patient: “Jesus Remembers When the World Forgets,” a beautiful gospel song. Before long the patient put his hand into his and said he would accept Christ as his Savior.
The next morning a nurse phoned Mr. Rodeheaver to tell him that his new friend, the patient, had died during the night and from the peaceful expression on his face he had fallen asleep in Jesus, his Friend who would never forget him.
As much as we love the great anthems and oratorios, do you know one which would have brought a message of comfort and peace to a man at a time like that? I believe we can find an appropriate place for the worshipful hymn, and also for the beautiful gospel song, each of which will in turn create the desired atmosphere, and will be an acceptable and sacred oblation to the Most High.
The following article by Dulcie Kitney is taken from the October 15, 1969 issue of Trans-Africa Division Outlook. The original can be found at the Adventist Digital Library website.
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