Let us assume that music is a means to an end—the end of tendering and subduing the souls of men and women to prepare them for the seeds of truth. Quiet instrumental sacred music fits the soil of the soul for the message. In Colossians 3:16 we read: "Teaching . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
A singing church is a working church, and vice versa.
A singing church is a triumphant church, also. It is said of Luther that he stole the hearts of the people by his songs more than by his preaching. We are told that the success of the Methodist Church was due as much to the songs of the Wesleys as to their preaching and organizing ability. Singing arouses the soul to action—to do, to dare. Cromwell led his men into battle singing hymns of deliverance.
While they sang, they marched;
While they marched, they fought;
While they fought, they won.
In Civil War days some thought that it might be possible to economize in band music. Many bands were dismissed, but the soldiers began to fall back. The cry went up: "We do not have enough bands." Some were restored, and at once fresh victories resulted.
Who has more reason to sing than a Christian? Joyful workers in God's cause always attract more converts than those who merely preach of coming calamity. The apostle Paul states that we can be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. In our march to warn and win a confused world, singing will help much to keep us in step.
While we sing, we march; While we march, we work; While we work, we win, And finally triumph gloriously.
Music, of course, can never take equal place with the spoken word. Musicians -who know how to stir emotions, and stir them deeply, are a wonderful means of bringing men and women to decisions.
Many recognize our need of more real choir leaders. Where shall we get them if not from our schools and churches? How important then that our music departments take seriously the responsibility of training workers who will make their music soul winning. When people attend our meetings, the spoken word will convince them and hold them, but the Holy Spirit alone is the power to convert them. And the Spirit often speaks through music. Consequently the music during a series of meetings is of vital importance. The music director must plan his program very carefully, and in cooperation with both the minister and organist or pianist. He must study the topics to be presented.
Another important feature is to have a well-drilled choir. The choir can do much in saving the voice of the leader, for often the music is pitched too high for a baritone or bass voice. Actually it is not necessary for the leader to sing very much. He needs to lead the audience, keeping all in the spirit of worship, praise, and prayer. It is imperative that the leader select songs with care as to content and also to pitch. If one song key merges smoothly into the key of each following song,. it will add much to the effectiveness of the song. feast. To vary the program the leader may hold the interest by giving an occasional song story while the organist modulates into the key of the next song. And the leader should know every song by. heart. He must keep his eyes on his audience, not on the songbook. Opera singers never follow the script —they know their role. And so should we.
Heaven smiles upon a jubilant service of song, and angels blend their voices with ours as we "sing unto the Lord a new song" and sing it with new joy.
