[00:00.000] 作曲 : Archie Campbell[00:11.525]It was a stylish congregation: you could see they'd been around[00:17.762]And they had the biggest pipe organ of any church in town[00:22.279]But over in the Amen Corner of that church sat Brother Ayer[00:25.481]And he insisted every Sunday on singing in the choir[00:32.056]His voice was cracked and broken; age had touched his vocal cords[00:37.217]And nearly every Sunday he'd get behind and miss the words[00:42.427]Well, the choir got so flustered. The church was told in fine[00:45.525]That Brother Ayer must stop his singing, or the choir was gonna resign[00:51.668]So the pastor appointed a committee. I think it was three or four[00:57.296]And they got in their big fine car and drove up to Ayer's door[01:01.915]They find the choir's great trouble sitting there in an old armchair[01:06.291]The summer's golden sunbeams lay upon his snow-white hair[01:11.168]Said York, "We're here, dear Brother, with the vestry's approbation[01:14.925]To discuss a little matter that affects the congregation[01:19.438]Now it seems that your voice has interfered with the choir[01:21.940]So if you'll just lay out, or……[01:25.368]Are you listening, Brother Ayer?”[01:29.685]The old man raised his head, a sign that he did hear[01:33.795]And on his cheek the three men caught the glitter of a tear[01:37.909]His feeble hands pushed back the locks as white as silky snow[01:42.244]And he answered the committee in a voice both soft and low:[01:48.392]"I wonder if beyond the tide that's breaking at my feet[01:54.101]In that far off heavenly temple where my Master and I shall meet[02:00.765]Yes, I wonder if when I try to sing the song of God up higher[02:07.395]I wonder if they'll kick me out of there for singing in heaven's choir."[02:14.712]A silence filled the little room; the old man bowed his head[02:17.940]The committee went on back to town, but Brother Ayer was dead[02:22.483]The choir missed him for a while, but he was soon forgot.[02:25.918]A few church goers watched the door, but the old man entered not[02:36.107]Far away his voice is sweet and he sings his heart’s desires[02:41.495]Where there are no church committees and no fashionable choirs[02:45.733][02:46.652]Let me hide myself in thee.