Is It Seemly to "Make a Gladsome Noise" in Worship?

Christianity is a religion less of the head than of the heart, and it is not surprising that the joy of the heart should find expression in songs and even at times in shouting. These are the natural, unrestrained outlets of a soul filled with deep religious fervor and spiritual gladness. Scripture literally teems with invitations to God's people to such expressions of feeling. Ezra 3:13 tells of the "noise of the shout of joy" at the laying of the foundations of the Temple. In Psalm 33:3, the congregation is urged to sing new songs and make a "load noise," and in Is. 42:10, we read "let them shout and declare his praise"; Job 38:7 relates that the "sons of God shouted for joy," while Psalm 65:13, describing the condition of the righteous who had been blessed with prosperity, says, "they shout "for joy. . they also sing." "Let them that put their trust in thee rejoice," says the Psalmist (Ps. 5:11), "let them shout for joy." In marked contrast is the picture in Is. 16:10, of the unrighteous from whom the Lord has turned his face, "There is no singing, neither shall there be any shouting." Surely the Christian who feels his heart overflowing with joy and gratitude to God, has the best of all warrants for publishing his gladness to the world, if he be so minded. We quite understand, however, that there are many natures so quiet and reserved that they do not relish any exuberance and prefer to be moderate in their manifestations. In a majority of cases, religious enthusiasm is a matter of temperament, each kind proper in its own place.

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