Article June 24, 1911 Issue

"SINGING UNTO THE LORD"

OLIVE B. WILSON

It is not necessary to search the Bible carefully to find repeated reference made to singing; offering praise in song was a common custom. The people were constantly reminded that they must "sing praises to God," and sing "with understanding."

The voicing of praise was so general that it is only natural to conclude of these Bible folk that they possessed a very practical knowledge of the value of singing. To give thanks in speech was not deemed sufficient; the heart filled to overflowing with gratitude for "his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men," found unbounded satisfaction in singing of the mercies of God. The influence of this form of expression was doubtless so evident to them that any other mode of praise lacked the exalting, helpful characteristics of song. In consequence, when help in time of trouble was sought and they were wonderfully sustained through the trial, they would "sing unto God" their strength. Sometimes the seers would cry aloud, "Sing unto God a new song," as though the occasion demanded a song replete with deeper meaning, one filled with love for mankind, one that in every cadence should proclaim to the world their joy for the manifold blessings God had bestowed upon His people.

To sing seemed not more difficult than to speak, and the question which is presenting itself to this age is one of deep import. Why does not humanity look upon singing as did the people of Bible days? Has the universal ability to sing praises been buried beneath a belief of incapacity, as was the ability to heal the sick until Mrs. Eddy gave Science and Health to the world. Christian Science is not only delivering the sick from their distresses, but it is performing great and wonderful things in its reformatory mission to mankind. The business world is being aroused to more wholesome methods, the professions are feeling the silent influence of this glorious truth, while in the realm of music the thought of the world is being led away from the material concept of this priceless art to the interpretation given it by our Leader when she says, "Music is divine. Mind, not matter, makes music; and if the divine tone be lacking, the human tone has no melody for me" (Messages to The Mother Church, p. 29).

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