Music often plays an important part in an evangelistic effort, or even in a single successful meeting, perhaps as large a part as does the sermon. And does any one think that a minister can successfully preach his message without preparation? Never! He must have both mental and spiritual preparation. And I believe this indicates the point wherein the musical features of our meetings have frequently fallen short. Many connected with the musical part of our evangelistic efforts do not spend as much time in serious preparation as they should.
The music leader should put much time, thought, and prayer into his part of the work. Careful and prayerful preparation of the musical numbers to be used in these services is essential, for, as suggested, music can often do as much in the saving of souls as the preaching of the message. Remember the remarkable work of Sankey, that man of God, coupled with the message given through Moody. That is the kind of combination we need in public ministry today.
Since coming to Charlotte we have been invited to sing for the W. C. T. U. and an interdenominational welfare society, as well as at gatherings sponsored by certain churches. We have been glad to sing for these organizations, and feel that it is doing much to break down prejudice in this very conservative city. These contacts have brought a number of interested persons to our meetings, and our members tell us that there have never been so many strangers attending our church services as at present.
Simple gospel songs make a direct appeal. Well sung, they are far-reaching in their effect. For congregational singing in evangelistic meetings, I like "Christ in Song" or "The Gospel in Song." If these are not available, I select songs that contain a message, and have slides made of them. In fact, I have found that singing from the screen is the best method for getting my congregations to really sing. Fully twenty-five per cent more of the people will sing when you use the screen. Every one may not find it possible to use slides; but if arrangements can be made, the results are often better than with song books.
It was said of Luther, "By his songs he has conquered us." Let our message be given the right ring in its music, and let us as ministers of present truth learn to love, respect, and give music its rightful place.
The following songs have proved to be very effective, and are listed by request for any who may be seeking new and helpful song material:
Rodeheaver's "Gospel Solos and Duets"
"Have You Been in the Garden With Jesus?"
"The Hands of the Saviour"
"To Look on His face"
"Hymns of Assurance"
"Calvary"
"To See Thy Face"
Published by Prof. Harold Miller
"Won't You Give Your Heart to Jesus?" "Will You Meet Me in the Kingdom?"
"Herald of Praise"
"The Nearer, the Sweeter"
"Alexander's Hymns No. 3"
"No Burdens Yonder" "Jesus, I Come"
"A Dream of Calvary"
"Hymns of Worship and Praise"
"Let Me Lean on Thee"
"The Sword of the Lord and Gideon"
"The Valley of Peace" "Awakening Songs"
"An Evening Prayer"
"Open Mine Eyes"
"Confidence" "Drifting"
"They Led Him Away"
"Victory Songs"
"A Heart Like Thine"
"Jubilate"
"My Mother's Old Bible Is True"
"He Is Mine"
"Pilot Me. O Gracious Saviour"
"Songs for Service"
"His Love Is Far Better Than Gold"
Other books that I like and use frequently are the following:
"Tovey's Gospel Solos, Duets, and Trios," Nos. 1, 2, and 3;
"Park's Sacred Duets."
Charlotte, N. C.
