Religion: Tiresome Hymns

A prime part of Protestant worship is the singing of "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." On any Sunday throughout the U. S., among the thousands of hymns which drone toward Heaven are sure to be the following well-beloved four: The Church's One Foundation; O, Jesus, I Have Promised; Onward, Christian Soldiers; Softly Now the Light of Day. Last week Rt. Rev. Benjamin Dunlap Dagwell, chub-cheeked Episcopal Bishop of Oregon, suggested that these old soldiers be given a rest. Said the Bishop, who has sung them since he was a chub-cheeked choirboy: "They are fine hymns and should be used from time to time, but I get tired of singing them about a hundred times a year."