A tune first appeals to our minds, and then grows in sacredness and value as the passing years surround it with a wealth of associations. "The sound of the Marseillaise," says Carlyle, "will make the blood tingle in men's veins. . . . Every heart leaps at the sound; they rally, they advance, they rush, death defying, man devouring, carry batteries, redoubts, whatever is to be carried." The effect of music on the average listener is emotional, either to soften with recollection or to fire with inspiration, and the evangelist should use it to accomplish his purpose as far as possible.
The music played while the congregation is gathering should awaken an attitude of good will and sympathy for the religious service to follow. As far as possible it should contribute toward the feeling that the congregation is in a building used for no other purpose than religious services. Anything reminiscent of the ballroom or concert hall, or any selection which merely attracts attention to the skill of the singer, should be discarded. A simple piece of music, a song or anthem well rendered, is far better than a difficult one ostentatiously rendered. Complexity is not excellence.
"When the medieval church was young, its music was simple. As the church became more ritualistic, the congregation stopped joining in the singing, and the music became more intellectual than spiritual, and lost its power with the masses.
"Music is nonmoral. It has never made a mar. better or worse of itself. Its power lies in the creation of atmosphere by the power of association. In evangelism, only music that is really suitable for our message should be used. Religious music is really effective only when coupled with suitable words."
For the first few services, until the people feel at home, well-known hymns which have become almost traditional should be sung. Only a small part of the average evangelistic congregation sings, at best. It is desirable, therefore, to choose hymns that are well known. Such hymns as "Abide With Me," "Rock of Ages," "Our Help in Ages Past," and "Nearer, My God, to Thee," will awaken recollections of religious experiences in days almost forgotten.
Memory and emotion combine to break down prejudice. The mood of the audience is then right for the preacher's message. We tell the people so much that is new. Let us at least allow them to sing the hymns with which they are familiar. One should exercise great care, however, not to let the atmosphere become too sentimental, or the music cheap. If most hymns were sung faster than is customary, their power and inspiration would be greatly increased.
An appeal to the minds of men, borne upon the emotional power of music, goes a long way in unlocking hearts and breaking down prejudice. Sung with a sincere appeal, a song creates the right feeling for the preacher's sermon. A song containing the final thought of his message, sung immediately at the close of his appeal, helps to fix it indelibly on the minds of the people.
Let us exploit music to create atmosphere, to awaken sympathy, to break down prejudice, and to fill with enthusiasm
