Within the pages of Holy Writ, from the earliest records of Genesis to the Revelation given to the Apostle John in the isle of Patmos, we have consistently brought to our notice the fitting relationship between music and worship.
Music is a physical fact in the universe, whether you consider it as a pianissimo phrase executed with delicate touch on a violin, or the sublime attainment of choir, organ and soloist in Mendelssohn’s “Hear my prayer.
We are, of course, reminded of the wisdom of the Apostle Paul when, in effect, he said, “There is no sound without signification. “Whether we have educated ourselves to appreciate the importance and consequent effect of music as applied to the various aspects of our worship is a matter which must be answered by the individual reader.
The Old Testament writings provide many illustrations of the way in which music was employed. One outstanding incident is recorded in I Sam. 18. 6-7 : “And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.”
It was the occasion of much rejoicing, and the combination of singing, dancing and musical instruments undoubtedly contributed to the intensity of that joy which sprang forth as a spontaneous expression of gratitude for the victory that had been accomplished by the mighty arm of the Holy One of Israel, through His servant David.
Have we not a thousand times more reason for praise and thankfulness than people who lived in the time of David ? Has not God increased His blessings to the sons of men a thousand-fold since David’s day ? And yet, we say, among the new songs we sing, where is the praise of His glory ? Where is the spirit amongst us, reminiscent of the days of David, when it was recorded, “And David and all Israel played before God with all their might : even with songs, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets” ?
If it is true that an acceptance of the exhortation”, Consider the lilies of the field” can dispose men’s minds to worship, then just as surely the strains of the Hallelujah Chorus”—or a beautiful Bach Chorale—can do just the same thing, perhaps even with a greater depth of emotion.
Oratorios, cantatas and anthems, using the fullest resources of music, can present the story of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and ascension, most vividly and impressively to the heart and mind. It is only necessary to recall the rich timbre of the contralto voice as it interprets the words of Isaiah 53, “He was despised”, as portrayed in music by George Fredrick Handel, to realise just what an effective contribution music can and does make towards a greater and deeper feeling in our worship of Him who inspired the Psalmist to declare, “O worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness.” (Psalm 96. 2).
There are many aspects of sacred music which commend themselves for consideration, and it is our intention in this series of articles to cover as broad a canvas of the subject as can be found practicable in the hope that we may be encouraged more fervently to participate in our worship, by means of music. We sincerely believe that there is no more perfect outlet for the worthy use of creative leisure than that which is offered to us in the various departments of music, to be used as the voice of worship.
Will there be a universal language of worship?