An Appreciation of Musicians
"As well as the singers and players on instruments shall be there." -- Ps. 87:7
David was a great statesman, a great leader of men. But the most permanent and blessed service he rendered to mankind was as a composer of music and song. He was author of most of the psalms. These psalms have survived through the centuries, breathing into human hearts everywhere a wholesome, beneficent, elevating and inspiring influence.
When the roll is called of those who have rendered conspicuous service to the world, among the best known and most loved will be the names of our great musicians, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Rubinstein.
A brother whose wealth had made him arrogant once called on Beethoven, and not finding him at home, left his card inscribed thus:
Johann Van Beethoven
Land Proprietor.
Beethoven returned the card with this added inscription:
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Brain Proprietor.
The great majority of men have brains only for lands, manufactures and commerce; and while I would not underestimate the value of these men to society, the world would be poor indeed had not God created some men with brains for music. Can you imagine the poverty that would be inflicted upon us should the world be robbed of the operas, the cantatas, the oratorios and all the masterful productions which we have inherited from these men of musical genius? We cannot too freely express our gratitude for the contributions of these men which have so enriched the cultural life of the world.
In the history of the church we recognise the ministry of the musician and singer as of no less value than the high service rendered by the world’s great preachers. The name of Ira D. Sankey will ever stand side by side with that of Dwight L. Moody. The gospel message set to music by such men as Sankey, Bliss, Excell and Gabriel, has added to the church many thousands of souls. Charles Alexander relates many incidents of men hardened in sin being brought back from the very borders of hell by the singing of "Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight?" and "Tell Mother I’ll Be There." Indeed, with most of us, our first religious impulses were prompted by the heavenly melodies of the hymns that are sung in Zion. And when Zion is gathered together in the day of her final glory, the highest of earth shall be there, we are told, and as well the singers and players on instruments.
