p. 320 | Short Musical Notes

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · May 21, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 20.

Short Musical Notes.

THE object of music—church music—is to give expression to the words sung. There are very few who do not feel that there is a power in music. Stirring martial music can rouse the soldier to deeds of bravery. Sweet, plaintive music can soothe and calm the troubled spirits. Even the lower animals acknowledge this power, and the fierce and vicious may be tamed by the aid of music. The Lord has called upon his creatures to use this power to his glory; to sing to his praise, and, if needful, to add to the effectiveness of song by the use of instruments, the tones of which may rise in harmony with the human voice. Paul told the brethren to speak "to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." And James said: "Is any merry? let him sing psalms."

But to serve this purpose, to give expression to the language used in worshiping in song, three things are required, namely, judgment, taste, and devotion. Regard must be had to