Article November 8, 1958 Issue

THE INSPIRATION OF SONG

EMMA E. AKIN

A Legend relates that in the early days of Greece, Sparta called upon Athens for help during a war. The Athenians, feeling jealous of the Spartans, did not really want to help. But they were afraid to refuse outright. So they sent Sparta a man of poetry and song instead of a warrior. They felt that such a man could not give Sparta assistance in war. How wrong they were! The man is said to have composed stirring martial songs. Under the influence of those songs, the Spartans renewed their courage and gained a great victory.

Music has exerted a powerful effect upon individuals and groups throughout human history. The effect is uplifting in proportion as the spiritual qualities of thought inspire both rhythm and lyrics. The Bible exhorts us to praise God in song, and it records many instances in which joy and gratitude were expressed in terms of music.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. .... Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:14-19).

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