The scene is the Conference Musical Evening when some 1,200 Brethren, Sisters, young people and friends assembled in relaxed atmosphere to be uplifted in music and spiritual songs by individual and combined artists, in rich harmony and sweet melody; truly in tune with the Infinite who has showered these blessings on his people, that in understanding we might make music and sing before Him, giving heartfelt praise whilst appreciating the abundance of His mercy towards us.
In this atmosphere Bro. H. Wiggins (Shaftesbury Road) opened the work with prayer under the theme the “Lord is my strength and song” and in this our minds were drawn upward to the source of all power, blessing, righteousness and truth, to the throne of God and directed to the words of the Psalmist who when appreciating his unbounding love and mercy gave exhortation. “Let everything that bath breath praise the Lord . . . Praise ye the Lord”.
The rich chords of the organ were then heard, soft and controlled in “Hear My Prayer”. The sound rose in volume and expression, of times with plaintive note invoking the attention of the Creator to us: “O God incline thine ear, whilst in faith we wait on Thee”, finally fading away in tranquility, peace and the calm assurance that our prayers had been heard.
The instrumental trio which followed with the “Golden Sonata” brought to us not only music of the highest quality but showed us the beauty and benefits of working in harmony and co-operation. In meditation we may be permitted to see a thread of Gold running throughout it, representing the trial of faith in varying mood. The mellow sounds of maturity and sweetness, sometimes subdued and depressed, whilst again springing forth into unbounded joy and ecstasy—always looking forward in hope to the reward, when the final chord will be played and our work completed.
Our next item “The Living God”, was sung with much realism; a thoughtful presentation of the qualities necessary in men and women who will be acceptable to the Father. The proud and haughty, those self-satisfied and confident in their own achievements scoff at the truths of God, keeping out the cleansing operation of His word, while those with humble and contrite hearts who follow the Lord of Glory, born in lowly circumstance, allow the healing balm to overflow the thoughts and intents of the heart.
From the depths of meditation we were enthralled by the talents of two pianists in rendering “Rondo Cappricio”, a brother and sister in 2 different situations on 2 instruments focussing their mind and attentions to one theme, the result being sheer delight, exhilarating to the hearers: a truthful and precise work of co-operation. How satisfying it is not only to us but to our Father when we make joyful music before Him in reciprocation of talents endowed to us: “Praise Him on the stringed instruments”: so let it be.
“How lovely are thy dwellings fair, 0 Lord of Hosts”, was the next rendition—by a quartet. These words, oft-repeated and set to music, unusual and intriguing, impressed upon us the desires of our heart for a place of rest with the Living God in His Courts, the reward of a life lived in conformity with that of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is in us the hope of future glory. To this end we “Dedicate” our lives now.
This theme, “Dedication”, became the all important message of our next pianist, when from the strings and soul of the instrument there came a stirring rapturous sound, unrestrained chords which mounted onward and upward, rising to great heights and power. We were made alive to the immediate need of action: that those “Dedicated” to the work of Christ must be up and doing—no time for slumber—the Light must shine forth in words and action, moving others to dedicate their lives also in service and praise, sending forth those glorious sounds into all the earth.
We were then most impressed by 2 brethren who spoke to us “Gems of Scripture”—the message of God, alive, compelling and demanding. These wondrous words of God, able to change and regenerate, that with boldness we might proclaim the salvation wrought in Jesus Christ our Lord, the embodiment of the Love of God, “Our Divine Redeemer”.
This was the subject of our next attentions when in duet and with blended voices we were brought to realise that we have no claim on God; but that He has made the way possible through His Son—that in our anguish and sin we should not despair, but look to God who is our helper and who will abundantly pardon, remembering not our sins but elevating us to high and exalted places in Christ Jesus, that His Name might be seen and glorified throughout all the earth.
As an interlude to serious thought and to relax our minds we were treated to the lovely tones of the woodwind instrument when we heard a sonata for flute and organ.
This was most delicately played and it must be appreciated that such a huge instrument of sound as the organ could be so carefully handled as to accompany so minute an instrument as the flute, which in itself though has a great capacity to be heard. It brings to mind the compassion and condescension of the God of all the Earth to approach to the estate of men; and yet the ability of the sons of men to be heard—if in harmony with their Creator.
As a fitting conclusion to the first half of the programme a chorus of 35 brethren sang “Song of Praises” and “Arise, O Sun”.
These were sung with control and feeling, correctly expressing the thoughts of all present that unto God alone all praise and glory belongs and that we with all things created share in this adoration and reverence, looking forward to the time when the Son of Righteousness will arise with healing in his wings, when nothing shall hurt nor destroy, but when peace, joy, unity, fraternity and fellowship shall reign.
The pent-up feelings of all assembled gave rise to tumultous acclamation to those who had laboured long that we might be spiritually uplifted together in music and song in family unity.
It had become obvious that the evening’s work was not a “concert”, but that the ideal of the committee was being accomplished through various media, to stimulate the spirit of Christ amongst His brethren and sisters, demonstrating the privileges we receive in this present life, while fortifying our faith in things still to be revealed.
The scene changes: arranged before us are some 85 Brethren and Sisters from many ecclesias in Adelaide and interstate, their purpose being to paint pictures in music and song—and how well this was done! Against a background of rich organ tones, sharpened by the piano the story of “Penitence, Pardon, Peace” was told.
Man is pictured in the depths of despair, cut off from his God. If he could but find Him and come into His presence! With earnest prayer, “How long wilt Thou forget me and hide Thy face from me?, the work of Jesus is brought into full vision. His voice is heard, rest is found, thirst is quenched with living waters flowing from His presence, the Light of salvation shines forth and is the guiding star, till travelling days are done and life’s work is complete. The chorus comes forth in power: “Look unto Him and be ye saved”—not only to the individual but all the ends of the earth. The redemptive work of Christ is thrown clearly into relief; the resultant comfort which will be the reward of the redeemed in Zion being likened to a woman comforting her child.
In ecstasy and joy, and with thankful heart to God who has made this condition possible by the provision of His Son, a trio of young sisters sang of, “Hearts that love Thee”. No evil can disturb their rest, nothing can exceed the joy of those who love the Lord, if they continue steadfast in their faith. The coming judgement portrayed in the next chorus will have no fear for the beloved, for when the Son of Man returns to sit on the throne of glory, as judge of all the earth, He shall say unto them on His right hand, “Come, ye blessed of my Father”.
What “Peace” shall be afforded in that day, when the righteous who have come out of much tribulation and washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb shall be rulers in the Kingdom of our Lord, when all things shall be made new: tears and sorrow and resultant death shall be no more. The mighty chorus, “Alleluia” shall then rise in one triumphant chord of victory, praise and adoration to the glorious name of God —not as now from the 85 present, but from all the redeemed on Mount Zion with their Lord and King and Saviour.
Our appreciation is extended to the choristers, organist and pianist for the vivid portrayal of this most elevating and inspiring cantata which will long remain with the listener for meditation and exhortation, that our faith might be constant in Him until the end.
Will there be a universal language of worship?