Amen – Charles Spurgeon

WE have it put on record by Jerome, that at Rome the people were accustomed to say “Amen” in the gatherings of the early Christians so heartily, I might add so lustily, that it was like the dash of a cataract, or a clap of thunder. I could wish that we more uniformly and universally said “Amen” at the close of public prayer; I am sure it would be scriptural and apostolic, and I believe it would be useful to you all. Perhaps the custom was dropped on account of the irregular way in which the brethren said “Amen.” I have heard the same irregularity in certain rustic Methodist congregations, when I have thought that the “Amen” was put in the wrong place; and could have wished the custom to be discontinued altogether, because certain illiterate, rash, but zealous brethren said “Amen” when there was nothing to say “Amen” to, and so rather created ridicule than reverence, and showed as much folly as fervor. However, a judicious revival of the custom would, I doubt not, be useful in the Church of God. It then signifies, “So be it, so let it be,” and is virtually the consent of the entire congregation to the prayer which has been put up.