Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 November 1895 — Origin of the Bell. [ARTICLE]

Origin of the Bell.

Tboerfagfaof the religious significance of the bell Is not tar to seek. Primeval mandteeorered that noise would frighten off tronbleso moor dangerous animals. There am plenty of stories of how beer* for e*ample, were put to flight by unearthly yells. I have often seen

cattle stampeded in that way in the West When, the noise is unusual few animals can resist its terrifying power, especially if they are taken unawares. Primeval man, governed by his imagination, thus came to regard certain notaesi as having a supernatural character, and so Introduced them into his worship. As he advanced in knowledge he Improved his means of making them until he developed the bell. He discovered also that noise is a source of enthusiasm, and for that reason he employed It In his worship. Many a time at a revival or camp meeting I have heard the preacher exhort those at fl»e mourners’ bench and around it to pray louder and sing louder, himself girtag the example, all for the sake of enthusiasm. The bell In worship, Pagan aa well as Jewish and Christian. Is traceable to the effect which noise has an the mind of man and animal, If the animal has any mind.—Pittsburg Times.