There ought to be more Sankey and Moody teamwork in our ranks. It is regrettable that we do not always have it. If the evangelist makes an extended talk, and then formally presents the singer and his song, the greatest effect of the song is lost. How much more effective would be the number if the singer quietly, at a given signal or prearranged time, begins singing one of those beautiful appeal numbers, such as "Pass Me Not," "Almost Persuaded," "Just As I Am," "The Haven of Rest," or "Is Your All on the Altar ?"
The choice would depend, of course, upon the discourse, and the type of appeal required. How often, after a soul-stirring sermon and invitation to the sinner to come and take his stand with the people of God, the tears will course down the cheeks when an old familiar song adds to the force of the appeal. The sin-burdened heart is touched, and the soul sees its need of the Saviour.
Eternity alone will unfold the story of the wonderful power of song. If the singer, seeing the Spirit of God working on the hearts of the people, feels deeply, let his own heart melt under the influence of this gracious power. When the Spirit of the Lord is present and souls are hanging in the balance, Heaven bends low, and angels of light are transfixed by the scene, whether it be in some humble little place, a tent, a hall, or tabernacle. As souls give their hearts to God and come forward in submission to the divine will, we are told that our heavenly Father and the angels sing for joy.
Truly there is power in song. We need more consecrated leaders in singing, properly trained in voice and song leading. Let this side of our evangelism be perfected and ennobled under the leadership of our Saviour through the Spirit. I offer a recent song of mine as suggestive of this principle:
When the way seems dark and drear,
And the night is filled with fear,
There is wonderful power in a song.
When you walk each weary mile,
And you scarce can see a smile,
There is wonderful power in a song.
When the Lord seems far away,
And you don't know how to pray,
There is wonderful power in a song.
If you feel you are alone,
And your heart is turned to stone,
There is wonderful power in a song.
As you climb the Glory Way,
Pressing forward day by day,
There is wonderful power in a song.
Do not falter, do not quail,
As you meet temptation's gale,
There is wonderful power in a song.
If you feel to praise the Lord,
For the blessings in His word,
There is wonderful power in a song.
If your grateful heart o'erflows,
And the feeling grows and glows,
There is wonderful power in a song.
Chorus:
In a song, in a song,
There is wonderful power in a song.
If your grateful heart o'erflows,
And the feeling grows and glows,
There is wonderful power in a song.
