Article August 18, 1956 Issue

"THE MUSIC OF SOUL"

RONALD GRAY WALKER

"O Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth" (Ps. 96:1). In this and many other beautiful passages the Psalmist indicated that he was aware of a "new song"—a form of music far beyond the limited range of material sound. Such music has a deep, spiritual significance. Its purpose now, as then, is to comfort and to heal.

Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, possessed keen insight into the spiritual value of good music. She recognized the importance of music in church services. For our guidance Mrs. Eddy indicated the type and quality of music suitable for these services. She says in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. XIX, Sect. 1), "The music in The Mother Church shall not be operatic, but of an appropriate religious character and of a recognized standard of musical excellence; it shall be played in a dignified and suitable manner."

The profound purpose of every Christian Science church service is to spiritualize human consciousness and thereby enable the individual to rise above false mental concepts of discord, disease, and sin. How vitally important, then, that the music at these services should contribute towards this great healing ministry of our church! Clearly music required for such a sublime purpose is not emotional but inspirational, both in quality and in presentation.

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