The ministry of the Word and music have gone hand in hand with each outstanding advance of the gospel all down through the years. So we should, and may, expect that a similar situation would be in evidence with the church's last stride into light more brilliant than ever before. But our music should not belie our message.
This does not mean that the musical back ground of our songs needs to be different from the better class of gospel songs, but that it should be definitely in harmony with the message of the song. In evangelism it is the message which makes the distinction in denominational approaches. So with songs, the gospel song form is a common means of religious emotional expression. This does not mean that our songs should have a secular ring; nor does it mean that our music should pattern itself after the standards of the sixteenth century.
Music has undergone a gradual change toward a more sincere expression. The era of polyphonic writing had its exaggerated forms which appeared as Chinese puzzles through the effort to carry the accepted style just a little further than it had gone before. Each musical advance has had its drawbacks, and our present condition is also accompanied by a similar condition. But all gospel songs should not be condemned because some are below standard.
The music of today is truer to the real mission of music—emotional expression—than it has ever been. All the elements of music, when making their proportionate contribution, find their highest usefulness in the form which they serve. A march should be definitely rhythmical; and the other elements, melody and harmony, are subordinated. The service we expect from the use of music should determine the kind we call into use.
Publishers "Soft-Pedal" the Advent
Where are we to obtain the songs that have a content and setting that runs parallel to our message? Will our selection of specials be limited to the popular books? Many of these can safely be used, but they are usually well worn and lack the particular denominational touch that is needed. They could as easily be sung by any denomination. Therefore, they lack the specific touch which carries a more effective impression. The books from which our people draw their selection of songs are, in the main, published for commercial purposes, and are designed to match a variety of tastes and uses; otherwise there would be no urge to publish them. The songs which we need, and which lend aid to our evangelists' efforts, are not found in these popular books, with rare exceptions.
Worldly publishers are not interested in songs that cannot be conveniently sung by all denominations. Therefore, their selection would naturally exclude the very songs which might make a definite contribution to our work. They are not hesitant to explain that such-and-such a song is "denominational," and would be frowned upon by many of their prospective buyers.
About fifteen years ago an editor of a large concern, whose success depended upon such a general acceptance of book content, told a com poser that he could not use a song on the second coming of Christ, because "people would get up and walk out of the meeting" if it was sung.
Quite recently still another editor remarked, "We must be careful not to overdo these songs on the second coming of Christ. We can use only a very limited number, and you have many on that subject which must be turned down."
The very thing which makes us a people— our bright hope of Christ's coming—will need musical support from some other source than at the hands of uninterested commercial publishers, if it ever receives the attention it deserves.
Songs That Support the Message
Our distinctive message in gospel song need not be radically different in musical construction, other than representing a degree of excellence in choice of melody and harmony appropriate to the poem. The poem itself needs to be cast in language which yields itself to song, and a rhythm which is hidden in the poem and not too assertive in the song.
We cannot expect to draw our water from worldly wells or drink from their buckets. But we should partake of the "wells of springing water" and provide proper vessels with which to draw. A certain use of interdenominational songs is to be expected, but it is ideal to have an appeal song whose content emphasizes the spoken message. Let us be on the alert to collect songs which have a direct bearing upon the third angel's message—songs of merit in both words and music—which will transform beliefs into decisions, and supply the emotional support to encourage action.
