G. B. THOMPSON by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 6, 1913

G. B. THOMPSON

By G. B. Thompson

Singing

G. B. THOMPSON

A WRITER, speaking of the manner in which the psalms were sometimes sung, said, “They are so far from doing justice to David that methinks they revile him worse than Shimei.” Rather a severe criticism this on those who were professing to sing to the glory of God; but his soul was no doubt vexed within him listening to the singing and trying to ascertain which psalm they were supposed to be singing, but was utterly unable to do so.

David is not the only poet whose beautiful productions are destroyed in the hands of those who profess to express in song the product of their pens, the sentiment being wholly obscured because rendered in unrecognizable vernacular.

John A. Kern, in his work entitled “The Ministry to the Congregation,” says: “But solo singing, like choir singing, as we often hear it, not coming from one who is himself worshiping, is far from being helpful to the worshiper. There must be truth and feeling; and, I may be permitted to add, distinct enunciation. The sentiment of the hymn cannot be interpreted and communicated unless it is sung not only in the spirit, but also in recognizable English words. Gounod, the brilliant composer, has even taught that pure diction is the first law of song.”

“Distinct enunciation,” “recognizable English words,” “pure diction,”—this is the cry from the pews. Who has not heard sacred songs and solos sung, supposedly to the worship of God, when the keenest ear was unable to understand but few words at the most. Such singing is not worship; it is a performance. But the church is the place for worshipers, not performers. Some may be intellectually entertained by listening to tones, but no heart is touched and drawn to Christ. Such persons sing professionally rather than devotionally, that the beautiful tones they are able to produce may be admired, and the compass of the voice be a subject of favorable comment. Like the Pharisees who prayed that they might be seen of men, they have their reward.

Singing is worship. To have a mere performer, whose heart God has not touched, singing flippantly, is but little less incongruous than to hear such persons pray. Many songs are prayers. Think of singing for musical display, but without devotional fervor or a touch of truth and reality, such words as the following:—

“When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.”

“O wondrous cross where Jesus died, And for my sins was crucified! My longing eyes I turn to thee Thou blessed Lamb of Calvary!”

It is a great thing to be a gifted singer. Music is a tremendous power in the conversion of souls. Whose heart has not glowed with holy joy and formed anew vows of consecration to God as he has listened to the clear, well-enunciated words of a song sung by one whose heart went out in the words of the hymn, who sang to the heart as well as to the ear?

In behalf of a large number whose souls unfortunately are unable to revel in beautiful and enchanting tones, in behalf of the saintly worshipers who sit in the pews who would most reverently enter into the spirit of holy song if they could but know what is being sung, I plead for simplicity in singing, and that it be at all times in a language recognizable to the congregation.

Takoma Park, D. C.