We must be careful not to sing error just as we are careful not to teach error. A lie sung is no better than a lie told. The songs sung must be in accordance with the Truth. The words must not only be scriptural but understood. I fear that many brethren sing year after year without properly understanding many words sung. In an exchange bulletin recently, a fine article appeared on “Understanding What We Sing.” The author is unknown, but the thoughts are pertinent in giving definitions of words familiar to us all:
- GUERDON—reward.
- BULWARK—a solid support of defense.
- EBON—black; PINION—a wing.
- EBENEZER—any memorial of divine aid.
- HOARY—white or grey with age.
- CASSIA—a plant of warmer regions that produces a drug.
- SHEAVES—wheat or grain stalks bound into a bundle.
- PILGRIM—one who wanders to some holy place as a devotee.
- BARK, OR BARQUE—a small sailing vessel.
- SURGES—a great, rolling swell of water.
- DIADEM—a crown or an ornamental headband worn by Eastern monarchs.
- CHERUBIM—a group of angels described in Ezekiel.
- SERAPHIM—As above, in Isaiah 6.
- BILLOWS—a great rolling swell of water.
- GLEANINGS—grain left over after the harvesters have finished.
- SILVER CORD—life, Ecclesiastes 12:6.
- PRODIGAL—given to reckless extravagances.
- INFINITE—without limits, without end, boundless, immeasurable.
- HALLOW—to make holy.
- STRAND—a shore, especially of an ocean or sea.
Our Father knew the influence of good singing for its edifying and unifying power when performed correctly. Blending our voices and hearts together in worship brings spiritual teaching in a way no other means can equally produce.
The Results of Worship in Song for Man
Perhaps no one realizes the fullness of what worship in song means and the results in our lives until we are deprived of worship by sickness, etc.
“O Happy Day” has served to express the joy of heart at the baptism of thousands. It has likewise resulted in bringing great happiness to many hearts in distress. Who has not felt the burdens of the day lifted as we join other Christians in singing “Master, The Tempest Is Raging” and “Be With Me Lord”? There is great assurance of faith in singing “How Great Thou Art” and “My Faith Looks Up To Thee.” The bleakness of difficulties are eased with “Peace, Perfect Peace,” and “All To Jesus I Surrender,” and “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord.” Spiritual rededication to our first love is stirred as we burst forth in singing “To Christ Be Loyal” and “What A Fellowship.” And, who has not been encouraged to expend more effort toward the lost because of faithful saints vocalizing “There’s A Call Comes Ringing . . . Send The Light” and “Let The Lower Lights Be Burning”? Deep feelings are aroused with the song “Low In The Grave He Lay.”
Error is answered by singing, too. Most recently, the “God is dead” theory caused the writing of the beautiful hymn, “Our God, He Is Alive.” Perhaps you recall hearing the account of an atheist who spoke long and loud on the non-existence of God and Christ, even challenging the entire audience for any rebuttal in defense of God and Christ. None, even of the preachers in the audience, answered the challenge! But, two teenage girls, seeing no response from the great audience, stood. With small, sweet voices they began to sing, “Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus.” Soon the entire audience came to their feet and with booming voices answered and removed the atheist. Of course, the unsound arguments of atheists are refuted by sound arguments, but singing can play a vital role in touching the heart!
How many of you who read these lines, have not felt your heart bend at the singing of “Just As I Am, Without One Plea” or “O Why Not Tonight?” when sin was still your master? Oh, the results of singing in our lives! It cannot be completely measured! The brevity of life, the surety of death, and the hope of eternity ring out with “Here I Labor and Toil, As I Look For A Home . . . There’s A Mansion Now Waiting!” Or, “I Am Bound For The Promised Land . . . O, Who Will Come and Go With Me?” certainly expresses our desires for Heaven, the home of the soul.
(To be continued.)