It may be advisable to offer a few remarks in keeping with Solomon’s declaration. According to the above statement, it seems, that even in Solomon’s day, there was "no end" to the making of books. Thus it was then, is now—and ever will be so long as this world remains.

In Gen. 5:1 is the first time and place that "book", is mentioned. It appears that from then, to the present, we read of, and hear of, about all kind. Some very useful, and some quite useless. Hence, "of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." Eccl. 12:12.

Men, and women, too, have written books of fiction (novels) and other trashy literature, degrading to mankind. Moreover, decorums, disciplines, rituals, catechisms, etc., have been, and are being made by mortal men. In view of these documents, and many others, we do not wonder at Solomon saying, "Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."

Furthermore, it begins to look like there is no end of making of song-books. Many new song books are made every year. Or, I should say, they are worked over, and reworked, until the true sentiment and solemnity are worked out. There is no necessity for changing song books so much, trying to keep pace with the denominations in their jazz and operatic performance.

A congregation can sing more harmoneously when all of the members are familiar with the songs. But changing song books every year, causes just a few to do the singing. Oh, some may say, "Get a singing evangelist to come and teach us." Just as well to suggest the use of a musical instrument to learn to sing with. The same scripture that gives authority for the singing evangelist, authorizes the use of instrumental music.

"Evangelist" and "evangelists" are recorded three times in the New Testament — Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5; and in none of these places do they apply to singing evangelists. Therefore, the singing evangelist, like instrumental music, has neither example nor command in the New Testament. But not withstanding this, some have the boldness to exclaim, "Where the Bible speaks, we speak, and where the Bible is silent, we are silent." Should we decide by their teaching, we would conclude that, "where the Bible speaks" they are silent, and "where the Bible is silent" they speak.

It should be remembered that people cannot be sung into the Church or into Heaven. Jno. 3:3-5; 1 Pet. 1:22; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; Rev. 22:14. A congregation should not sing just to be heard, nor to exhibit its talent, but to praise God. Heb. 2:12. Christians are to sing, and make melody with their hearts to the Lord (not to men), Eph. 5:19. Yea, they are to sing with grace in their hearts to God (not to men), Col. 3:16

It would be more economical for the Church, or brotherhood, to agree on some good song book,

hold to it, and not be changing so much. Should it be permissible for me to suggest a song book, I would choose the "New Christian Hymn and Tune Book—In three parts," which used to be published by the Fillmore Music House, 528 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. In my judgment this book has never been excelled, and I doubt very much if it ever will be.

So let us not "go beyond the things which are written"—1 Cor. 4:6; 2:5; 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Jno. 1:9-11.

Let us all read and give heed—making new song books every year, seems to me, to be very extravagant. We should give heed to the teaching of our Lord—Mt. 14:16-21; 15:32-37.