Author Topic: 27 Principles of Music (Read 80899 times)

Mimi · « **Reply #120 on:** April 18, 2011, 09:20:52 AM »

"Form" has clearly been defined in that statement, Elder Thurber. Again, my mind is taken back to the Levites, the priestly tribe. They had not only a knowledge of God but a rich experience with Him. O to have heard their music.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #121 on:** April 20, 2011, 08:34:38 AM »

O to have heard the music, me too Sybil, maybe in heaven. SOOOOON

Principle # 24 When the home is filled with singing that’s soft, sweet and pure, there will be fewer words of censure and more of cheerfulness and joy.

   The value of song as a means of education should never be lost sight of. Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet and pure, and there will be fewer words of censure and more of cheerfulness and hope and joy…”
(Education page 168)
   As a part of religious service, singing is as an act of worship as is prayer, Indeed, many a song is a prayer. If the child is taught to realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings and will be more susceptible to their power.(Ibid)
   Jesus when a child would sing songs with His companions. Psalm 66:1-5 and portions of the sixty-eight and seventy second Psalm was often sung by Christ. Thus in the most unassuming way He taught others. (YI Sept. 8 1898)

colporteur · « **Reply #122 on:** April 20, 2011, 03:19:55 PM »

John;

Are you familiar with the song "Ancient Words" ?

It is a beautiful song. I believe it is a new song (could be wrong) but it sounds like a hymn. The message is beautiful.

Hmmm.... "Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart

Words of Life, wordfs of Hope
Give me strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.

Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through Sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Mimi · « **Reply #123 on:** April 20, 2011, 05:54:55 PM »

Fountain View Academy orchestra and chorale - Ancient Words

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaZyYTa2p1Q&feature=related

colporteur · « **Reply #124 on:** April 21, 2011, 05:47:11 AM »

They also sing "Why Me Lord ?"

This song as I recall was made famous back in the 70s by a man who appeared as a rouge movie star. In my mind, the message is not quite so uplifting as that in "Ancient Words." Perhaps I still retain the impression of the man that made the song popular and his beer drinking, sleeping around, activity in the movies. Being "wasted in soul" (and body) seemed to describe the parts he played.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #125 on:** April 21, 2011, 08:24:42 AM »

cp, you bring up an interesting thought. When we find a song we like, one that we think glorifies God, when we find that the one who wrote the song is not following Christ, but may even be outwardly a tool in the hand of Satan, how are we to look then upon the song? I have no immediate thoughts on this, but it is disturbing when I see Satan obviously working through a person and then we find a piece of his work being accepted in the church. When I think about it, I think of Balaam who was a false prophet, but could not curse Israel. This shows that even a false prophet can be forced to do things. But, that seems far from my concern.

There are some song writers that do so under the direct influence of Satan. He takes a lot of good and mingles in just a little bit of His evil that cannot be discerned by the majority of professing Christians and it works like leaven in the church. It seems to me that when we look at the fruits of the life in the song writer, it ought to give reason for concern.

Mimi · « **Reply #126 on:** April 21, 2011, 09:34:51 AM »

We can look back to the reason the Levites were given the weighty responsibility of music for worship and draw some sound conclusions on how these things should be viewed. Ancient Words, music and lyrics, is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard but when put to the test, it becomes questionable.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #127 on:** April 21, 2011, 10:32:30 AM »

I saw the words and they appeared rather shallow to me, but I believe it may be that I had this lingering thought that the author was a Roman Catholic speaking of "ancient words", not the Word of God. Now, I may be wrong and the author is not Catholic and he was not speaking of his Catholic faith where the ancient words are far different from Scripture.

I have lived a rather sheltered Christian experience, until recently never having been exposed to other than holy music from the church hymnal. Having ventured into a "Christian bookstore only a few times, once looking for some sacred music, I vowed I would never do so again. Satan owns these stores and the music which is called Christian is far from it. Young people in the fallen churches are exposed to music that is designed to lead them to hell, not heaven. I have never heard the song. Is it online?

Mimi · « **Reply #128 on:** April 21, 2011, 10:53:32 AM »

Quote from: Sybil on April 20, 2011, 05:54:55 PM

Fountain View Academy orchestra and chorale - Ancient Words

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaZyYTa2p1Q&feature=related

Here it is.

Mimi · « **Reply #129 on:** April 21, 2011, 11:03:32 AM »

I have a recording of it as an instrumental, piano and violin. It is very pretty.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #130 on:** April 22, 2011, 09:26:55 AM »

Quote from: colporteur on April 20, 2011, 03:19:55 PM

John;

  Are you familiar with the song "Ancient Words" ?

It is a beautiful song. I believe it is a new song (could be wrong) but it sounds like a hymn. The message is beautiful.

Hmmm.... "Holy words long preserved
   for our walk in this world,
   They resound with God's own heart
   Oh let the ancient words impart

   Words of Life, wordfs of Hope
   Give me strength, help us cope
   In this world, where e'er we roam
   Ancient words will guide us home.

   Ancient words ever true
   Changing me and changing you,
   We have come with open hearts
   Oh let the ancient words impart

   Holy words of our faith
   Handed down to this age
   Came to us through Sacrifice
   Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

   Holy words long preserved
   For our walk in this world.
   They resound with God's own heart
   Oh let the ancient words impart.

I have listened to this song from several recordings and found M. Smiths to be very Catholic, the line "Changing me, changing you seems to conflict with, Christ never forcing anyone, but gives us free choice to ask Him to change us according to His well. I think of other songs that we hear sung in our churches Danny boy with religious words, Now is the hour with religious words. Lots of songs that are very subtle and angels flee from. What do you think?

JimB · « **Reply #131 on:** April 23, 2011, 10:35:05 AM »

Elder Thurber, I can see your concern but isn't the principle of changing by beholding a Biblical one? And you're correct God does not force anyone.

Mimi · « **Reply #132 on:** April 23, 2011, 10:39:01 AM »

Those were my thoughts, Jim. The Spirit, through reading the Word, changes us.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #133 on:** April 23, 2011, 12:26:54 PM »

Jim and Sybil, I believe you both are solid Adventist, and love the Lord with all your heart. I just gave my openion but would agree it is a beautiful song we all must make up our own mind concerning our choises we make. I believe we will all sing with the angels when we get to heaven, and that maybe sooner then we think. Praise the Lord.

Principle #25: God is not pleased with strange sounds and long drawn out notes that draw attention to the singer, for the music of heaven is beautiful, unselfish and harmonious.

   “In some churches I have heard solos that were altogether unsuitable for the service of the Lord’s house. The long drawn out notes and peculiar sounds common in operatic singing are not pleasing to the angels. They delight hear the simple songs of praise sung in a natural tone. The songs in which every word is uttered clearly, in a musical tone, are the songs that they join us in singing. They take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and understanding.” (Evangelism page 510)
   “Display is not religion nor sanctification. There is nothing more offensive in God’s sight than a display of instrumental music when those taking part are not consecrated, are not making melody in their hearts to the Lord. The offering most sweet and acceptable in God’s sight is a heart made humble by self-denial, by lifting the cross and following Jesus.” (Ibid page 510)
   I have had a struggle in my heart for many years concerning ‘Handles Messiah’ the words are right out of scripture, and very, very meaningful to all of us. I sang the tenor solos when in college, Two years ago I went to hear it, one of my grandsons was singing in the chorus. While waiting for it to begin, I read the program which told us about the conductor and her Degrees and where from, It also introduced all of the soloist’s and their history of when and where and what they have performed through the years.
   Soon the lights came on to high light the platform, then the choir walked in and was seated, then the orchestra was tuning up, Then came the introductions of the soloist for the evening. Then applause for them. Then the orchestra play the overture and as the concert continued I became more uncomfortable listening ‘to the long drawn out notes and peculiar sounds common in operatic singing are not pleasing to the angels.’ Who are we worshiping, The soloist? Who get a standing ovation. Or everyone taking part at the end with a standing ovation for the Hallelujah Chorus and everyone standing with laud applause. Please correct me if I am wrong, and give me reason to believe that it is alright to give Glory to men.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #134 on:** April 23, 2011, 02:42:17 PM »

You are right, dearest brother. The angels and our Saviour weep, not for the worldlings who know no better, but for professing Christians who have said they would dedicate their lives to God's glory, but are glorifying humanity. It is all so much vanity even if the music is inspiring, which often is not. We took our daughter out of that environment so she would not become infected with this worldly attitude. Self is to be hidden in Christ. The young are being led away from Christ, in the church, by making music entertainment rather than worship.

Thank you for sharing on such an important topic that is often ignored by many in the church.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #135 on:** May 02, 2011, 05:46:08 PM »

Principle # 26: God is not pleased when solos are filled with self.

   “Musical talent too often fosters pride and ambition for display and singers have but little thought of the worship of God. Instead of leading minds to remember God, it often causes them to forget Him.” (Letter 6a, 1890, pages 11-12)

   “Your singing is far from pleasing to the angel choir. Imagine yourself standing in the angel band elevating your shoulders, emphasizing the words, motioning your body and putting in the full volume of your voice. What kind of concert and harmony would there be with such an exhibition before the angels?” (The Voice in speech and song page 424)

Mimi · « **Reply #136 on:** May 02, 2011, 09:02:27 PM »

Pride and vainglory, Elder brother. Scripture is full of warnings against it.

Pro 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Pro 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pro 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

I really like the last verse: honor will uphold the humble in spirit. To hear a humble singer is a blessing of blessings.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #137 on:** May 02, 2011, 09:22:10 PM »

Amen! Music is designed to honor God. It is to remind us of His glory and sacrifice. The truth coupled with music moves the heart as nothing else can. On the other hand, nothing has made me so physically and emotionally sick as watching an unconverted "entertainer" glorify self from the platform in one of our churches. I have been sick to my stomach to the point that I wonder if I can make it until the end of the song. Listening to a preacher preach a lie is painful, but not nearly as much as when music is used to glorify self when coupled with words designed to glorify God.

Thank you, Elder Thurber for bringing this principle to our attention.

Mimi · « **Reply #138 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:24:35 AM »

There is one Principle remaining of the 27 Elder Thurber has offered us. Here is a synopsis thus far:

Principle No. 1 - “Not I but Christ, be honored loved exalted... ”Pride is one of the seven sins God hates.

Principle No. 2 - “Satan has a counterfeit for every one of God’s gifts, and that includes even Christian music.”

Principal No. 3 - When the beat overshadows the words, or the physical side of music takes precedence over the intellectual, the music is from beneath.

Principal No. 4 - We can trust God’s word and the Spirit of Prophecy to settle the music question for us.

Principle No. 5 - Just as a little poison spoils the stew, so a little error spoils the song. The question to answer is which side of Galatians 5 does our music fall on?

Principle No. 6 - As children of God, we need to be listening to His music as we grow into His image.

Principle #7 God is looking for Christians who will stand “on the Plain of Dura,” refusing to succumb to Satan’s temptations, bow down to his image, or listen to his music.
   If your God:
   * stands idly by while you cheat on your business
   * smiles benignly at teenage foolishness
   * laughs at your lurid remarks
   * makes excuses for x-rated movies
   * pats you on the back as you contemplate an affair
   * looks the other way when you indulge in destroying your body with alcohol, drugs or poor diet
   * allows you to abuse your wife
   * makes no demands, asks no favors, and closes no doors to worldly desires, then your god is a ‘designer god,’ a heathen god fabricated by your own feelings and conditioned by culture. The fact that you call him God or even Jesus, makes Him no different than a statue on the Plain of Dura.

Principle No. 8 - The music of Christ will not be the same as the world’s.

Principle No. 9 - If we come to Jesus and surrender to Him just as we are, He will change our tastes in music.

Principle No. 10 - Our job is to judge music, not people.

Principle No. 11 - We are not to give up on God’s children, for many who seem to have little or no spiritual potential will be truly converted and become ardent workers in God’s cause.

Principle No. 12 - While music is one of the greatest blessings given by God, it is also one of Satan’s primary tools to ensnare the young.

Principle No. 13 - Music can be a powerful witnessing tool in the hands of dedicated Christian youth.

Principle No. 14 - God’s music can be very effective in helping us to encourage others, resist temptation, and memorize Scripture.

Principle No. 15 - Even simple songs, when sung to the glory of God, may touch the hearts of others and win them to Christ.

Principle No. 16 - It is not loud singing that is needed, but soft silvery tones. We should train our voices to sing in this heavenly manner.

Principle No. 17 - God wants us to sing with the spirit and understanding, and when we do, the angels will join our song.

Principle No. 18 - The nearer Christ’s people come to correct, harmonious singing, the more God is glorified, the church is blessed, and unbelievers will be favorably impressed.

Principle No. 19 - In many cases congregational singing will bring more of a blessing than the choir, regardless of how skilled the choir may be.

Principle No. 20 - Music should have beauty, pathos, and power.

Principle No. 21 - Instrumental music, when lifted in glorious harmony, is an acceptable offering to God.

Principle No. 22 - Religious worship, and everything connected with it, should be dignified, solemn and impressive.

Principle No. 23 - The simplicity of Christ, rather than forms and ceremonies, should characterize all our worship.

Principle No. 24 - When the home is filled with singing that’s soft, sweet and pure, there will be fewer words of censure and more of cheerfulness and joy.

Principle No. 25 - God is not pleased with strange sounds and long drawn out notes that draw attention to the singer, for the music of heaven is beautiful, unselfish and harmonious.

Principle No. 26 - God is not pleased when solos are filled with self.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #139 on:** May 04, 2011, 06:22:53 PM »

What a blessing to see them all summarized!! So much truth about heavenly music! Thank you, Elder Thurber!!