Author Topic: 27 Principles of Music (Read 80239 times)

Tim2 · « **Reply #80 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:06:53 PM »

The One who created us with emotions and intellect; the One who's plan calls for a variety and diversity of personalities to reach the multitudes, may be wondering how that is going to get done if we allow our minds to get any more narrow about God's ways of working.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #81 on:** February 17, 2011, 06:51:55 AM »

It is true that God has a millions ways to accomplish the work that we know nothing of, but it is also true that the church has been back-slidden for many years and the world has come into the church. There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Not all of Babylon's ways are wrong, but when we see the fallen churches doing things that are very very wrong, it is a warning to us to not go to them looking for a new and diverse way of worshiping God. The new General Conference president has made this perfectly clear in his call for reform. We are not to bring into our church the things of the fallen churches in the name of diversity.

The music in the fallen churches is such example. There is great danger in broadening our minds to encompass the the things of the world. We are not attempting to please and entertain the world, we are wanting to worship God in a manner pleasing to Him and that will draw us closer to Him. In our search for this we need to understand the principles of music so that we do not err when we sing in His church.

Narrow minds reject the principles found in Scripture. This we do not want to do. We want to be obedient to all that has been revealed. This is the reason for our study.

Tim2 · « **Reply #82 on:** February 17, 2011, 08:33:46 AM »

There appears to me a very large distance between what the world is doing in their churches and what is being said here. You know I am not arguing for what the world is doing. I think if we let the principles speak for themselves, we'll be fine. One principle talks about Israel using instrumental music and chanting -- about the joyous use of emotions in song. A few responses later, we are wanting to control the emotions and only use simple church hymns. I didn't read that into brother Johns principles but some did. That is the difference I am speaking to.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #83 on:** February 17, 2011, 04:51:54 PM »

There is a line to be drawn. Some have no idea where that line is. The principles being presented are more than one. As we move forward, there will more to learn. I am happy to learn. I feel inadequate to set a standard for the church. But, there must be one in light of what is happening in many churches. The world has come into the churches.

My comment was that simple music is not appreciated by many today as witnessed by the music in the Christian book stores and what we see online. Most of it is garbage. I am not speaking from my taste, and not from a highly educated knowledge of the principles of music, but from a knowledge of what can easily be seen to be worldly music. Some of the principles so far expressed are my guide in expressing my thoughts on what is now being produced under the title CCM. Like the contemporary gospel, we have contemporary music. Some is good, some is questionable and a lot of it is not Christian at all.

I don't seek an argument, but rather enlightenment on the true principles of music. The youth are being led away from God by music. It is one of the main snares he uses to entrap young people....and I would have to say those not so young. Music to many has become their God.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #84 on:** February 17, 2011, 05:06:39 PM »

Quote from: John Thurber on February 08, 2011, 03:12:17 PM

Principle # 14 God’s music can be very effective in helping us to encourage others, resist temptation, and memorize Scripture.

"The commandments as given from Sinai, with promises of God’s favor and records of His wonderful works for the deliverance, were by divine direction expressed in song, and were chanted to the sound of instrumental music, the people keeping step as their voices united in praise.”

Can you picture this? With emotion and praise for God's deliverance? By "divine direction" expressed in song. Now they were victorious and they had reason to celebrate. What kind of music did this victory party play? Was it upbeat? Well, they were certainly upbeat about their deliverance from slavery and death! So, let us read about the beat of the music. They "chanted" with the music and they also "kept step with the music." Have you ever marched? Have you ever kept step with upbeat music? Can you with your imagination see Israel marching, keeping step with upbeat music as they recounted their deliverance? Tell me what you see as you attempt to pull up this vision of keeping step with the music.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #85 on:** February 20, 2011, 06:19:02 AM »

Principle #16: It is not loud singing that is needed, but soft silvery tones. We should train our voices to sing in this heavenly manner.

   “Great improvement can be made in singing. Some think that the louder thy sing the more music they make; but noise is not music. Good singing is like the music of the birds, subdued and melodious.” (Evangelism page 510)
   “ I have often been pained to hear untrained voices, pitched to the highest key, literally shrieking the sacred words of some hymn of praise. How inappropriate those sharp, reasping voices for the solemn, joy ous worship of God. I long to stop my ears, or flee from the place, and I rejoice and I rejoice when the painful exercise is ended.”
(Evangelism page 507)
   “…It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation and distinct utterance. Let all take time to cultivate the voice, so that God’s praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear…”
(Testimonies Volume 9 page 144)
   “Your voice has been heard in church so loud, so harsh, accompanied or set off with your gesticulations not the most graceful, that the softer and more silvery strains, more like angel music, could not be heard. You have sung more to men then to God. As your voice has been elevated in loud strains above all the congregation, you have been thoughtful of the admiration you were exciting. You have really had such high ideas of your singing, that you had some thoughts that you should be remembered for the exercise of this gift.” (Selected Messages Volume 3 page 335)
   “This bodily exercise and the harsh, loud voice makes no melody to those who hear on earth and those who listen in heaven. This singing is defective and not acceptable to God as perfect, Softened sweet strains of music. There are no such exhibitions among the angels as I have sometimes seen in our meetings. Such harsh notes and gesticulations are not exhibited among the angel choir. Their singing does not grate upon the ear. It is soft and melodious and come without this great effort I have witnessed. It is not forced and strained, requiring physical exercise.” (Selected Messages Volume 3 page 333)

Mimi · « **Reply #86 on:** February 20, 2011, 06:57:01 AM »

A few things, Elder Thurber, this points out that has been growing through the years:

Loud singing - ... untrained voices, pitched to the highest key, literally shrieking, sharp, rasping voices. I long to stop my ears, or flee from the place, and I rejoice and I rejoice when the painful exercise is ended
Performance
Pride
Vanity (could be included in pride as they are much the same)

I have observed CCM singers from time to time to see what is considered popular these days coming from Worship Leaders and am always reminded of the SOP you have cited.

Tim2 · « **Reply #87 on:** March 02, 2011, 09:08:51 AM »

This question is for Elder Thurber --

These are wonderful principles and many of these quotes needed updating in my mind. I like the reference to birds, to sounds in nature. I notice that nature does not exclude the use of dynamics. Even the song of a bird will use pathos, have emphasis on some notes and grow softer on others. Many times, I've even heard a change in natural rhythm -- sometimes a calling and answering will be used that almost sounds syncopated. How do we use these principles in a heavenly manner, so it will not abuse to the point of being worldly? And... is some of this "variety of sound" in the eye of the beholder, as it were, to appreciate? My local church is really striving to come to grips with some of these things because if we simplify to the point of non-creativity, a few will be thrilled and most will not. We do not use but the most basic of instruments in worship and some are still not happy. As one of the choristers, it has become quite discouraging to try to please everyone.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #88 on:** March 07, 2011, 12:47:28 PM »

Tim 2 Thanks for the reply you sent in to me. I believe you are having a struggle with music standards.
1. "Quotes need updating." Tim I would be playing God to upgrade the quotes because they are not my words. They are God's words for our learning.
2. "You asked about Syncopated music." It is not part of the music of heaven. The angels would not sing it, and so it is with us. It's even hard to walk with a syncopated beat with out stubbing your toe.
3. "You can't please everyone." Yes, you're right but our goal to do the will of Jesus and learn the music of Heaven, and that's available to us as we worship the King of Kings. Tim Ps. 40:1-3 I'll be praying for you and please pray for me, and let's be singing the music of heaven together for eternity. Friend John

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #89 on:** March 07, 2011, 03:07:38 PM »

Principle #17: God wants us to sing with the spirit and understanding, and when we do, the angels will join our song.

   “Singing with the spirit and understanding also is a great addition to devotional services in the house of the Lord. ( selected Messages Volume 3 page 335)

   “I saw that all should sing with Spirit and understanding also.” (Testimonies Volume 1 page 146)

   “Many are singing beautiful songs in the meetings, songs of what they will do, and what they mean to do; but some do not do these things; they do not sing with the spirit and understanding also. So in the reading of the word of God, some are not benefited, because they do not take it into the very life, and they do not practice it.” (Review and Herald, Sept. 27, 1892)

   “…no words can properly set forth the deep blessedness of genuine worship. When human beings sing with the Spirit and understanding, heavenly musicians take up the strains, and join in song of thanksgiving…” (Testimonies Volume 9 page 143)

A good example is hymn 412 in the hymnal. Read all the verses and think them through.
Verse 4. It speaks of, Reconciled; Justified; Sanctified, and last Glorified when returneth our Lord.

Mimi · « **Reply #90 on:** March 07, 2011, 04:16:53 PM »

412 - Cover With His Life
Words and music by F. E. Belden, 1899 (1858-1945)
MIDI MP3

1
Look upon Jesus, sinless is He;
Father, impute His life unto me.
My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
Cover with His life, whiter than snow.

Refrain
Cover with His life, whiter than snow;
Fullness of His life then shall I know;
My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
Cover with His life, whither than snow.

2
Deep are the wounds transgression has made;
Red are the stains; my soul is afraid.
O to be covered, Jesus, with Thee,
Safe from the law that now judgeth me!

3
Longing the joy of pardon to know;
Jesus holds out a robe white as snow;
"Lord, I accept it! Leaving my own,
Gladly I wear Thy pure life alone."

4
Reconciled by His death for my sin,
Justified by His life pure and clean,
Sanctified by obeying His word,
Glorified when returneth my Lord.

http://www.richardlemay.com/MID/CAN/SAH/MP3/S412.mp3

Richard Myers · « **Reply #91 on:** March 07, 2011, 10:14:23 PM »

Amen! Sing with the Spirit and with understanding. How many times have I been moved to tears or thrilled with joy when the message comes home to my heart! This is the purpose of heavenly music. May we learn here on this earth that we may enjoy a piece of heaven on earth!

Thank you, Friend John for sharing these most beautiful and precious principles of music.

Tim2 · « **Reply #92 on:** March 08, 2011, 10:06:49 AM »

Quote from: John Thurber on March 07, 2011, 12:47:28 PM

Tim 2 Thanks for the reply you sent in to me. I believe you are having a struggle with music standards.
1. "Quotes need updating." Tim I would be playing God to upgrade the quotes because they are not my words. They are God's words for our learning.
2. "You asked about Syncopated music." It is not part of the music of heaven. The angels would not sing it, and so it is with us. It's even hard to walk with a syncopated beat with out stubbing your toe.
3. "You can't please everyone." Yes, you're right but our goal to do the will of Jesus and learn the music of Heaven, and that's available to us as we worship the King of Kings. Tim Ps. 40:1-3 I'll be praying for you and please pray for me, and let's be singing the music of heaven together for eternity. Friend John

Thank you so much for your response. No, I am personally not having a struggle with music standards. I apologize for not being specific enough in my question. I was really speaking of momentary creative expression within a particular song -- a change or transition, if you will, in the mood of one piece. I do not believe in extenuating the syncopated beat for a whole song, this would create the driving rhythm of the worlds music.

Thank you for praying for me, I appreciate these principles. No need to answer further.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #93 on:** March 16, 2011, 08:39:06 AM »

Principle #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.

   “…God is not pleased with jargon and discord. Right is always more pleasing to Him than wrong, and the nearer the people of God can approach to correct, harmonious singing the more is He glorified, and the church benefited, and unbelievers affected.”
(Testimonies Volume 1 page 146)
   Gorgeous apparel, fine singing, and instrumental music in the church do not call forth the songs of the angel choir. In the sight of God these things are like the branches of the unfruitful fig tree which bore nothing but pretentious leaves. Christ looks for fruit, for principles of goodness and sympathy and love. These are the principles of heaven, and when they are revealed in the lives of human beings, we may know that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. A congregation may be the poorest in the land, without music or outward show,but if it possesses these principles, the members can sing, for the joy of Christ is in their souls, and this they can offer as a sweet oblation to God”
(Manuscript 123, 1899)
   “The Lord has revealed to me that when the heart is cleansed and sanctified, and the members of the church are partakers of the divine nature, a power will go forth from the truth, that will cause melody in the heart. Men and women will not then depend upon their instrumental music but on the power and grace of God which will give fullness of joy. There is a work to be done in clearing away the rubbish into the church…”
(Evangelism page 512)
   The voice is the greatest instrument God created. And I have had the privilege of hearing at general conference the congregation sing without any instruments a beautiful simple hymn. My what will heaven be like.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #94 on:** March 16, 2011, 12:23:07 PM »

Amen!!! The light is shining brightly upon God's church. Thank you for sharing such important truths, dear Friend John! They are for a time such as this!

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #95 on:** March 21, 2011, 11:57:12 AM »

Principle #19: In many cases congregational singing will bring more of a blessing than the choir, regardless of how skilled the choir may be.

“In the meetings held the singing should not be neglected. God can be glorified by this part of the service. And when singers offer their services, they should be accepted. But money should not be used to to hire singers. Often the singing of simple hymns by the congregation has a charm that is not possessed by the singing of a choir, regardless how skilled it may be.” (Letter 49, 1902)

“God is glorified by songs of praise from a pure heart filled with love and devotion to Him” (Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 509. 1867)

There are many singers to day who will come for a price, and the privilege of selling CD’S with no questions asked about the content of the songs. This plan supports many soloist and groups, They come knowing you have no idea how much they make or the message of their songs. They are never audited.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #96 on:** March 21, 2011, 01:30:56 PM »

Amen. God is pleased when we sing simple hymns from a heart devoted to Him.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #97 on:** March 27, 2011, 08:31:16 AM »

Principle #20: Music should have beauty, pathos, and power.

   “ Music is of heavenly origin. There is great power in music. It was music from the angelic throng that thrilled the hearts of the shepherds on Bethlehem’s plains and swept round the world. It is in music that our praises rise to Him who is the embodiment of purity and harmony. It is with music and songs of victory that the redeemed shall finally enter upon the immortal reward.” (Selected Messages Vol. 3, p. 334,335)
   “There is something peculiarly sacred in the human voice. Its harmony and its subdued and heaven inspired pathos exceeds every musical instrument. Vocal music is one of God’s gifts to men, an instrument that cannot be surpassed or equaled when God’s love abounds in the soul. Singing with the spirit and understanding also is a great addition to devotional services in the house of God.
   Lets pause here a look at an example of a hymn that we can sing about prophecy. Hymn No. 596 in the church hymnal.

Look For The Waymarks

1. Look for the way marks as you journey on,
Look for the way marks passing one by one;
Down throught the ages, pass the kingdoms four,
Where are we standing? Look the way marks o’er.

2. First, the Assyrian kingdom ruled the world,
Then Medo Persias banners were unfurled;
And after Greece held universal sway.
Rome seized the scepter. Where are we today?

3. Down in the feet of iron and of clay,
Week and divided, soon to pass away;
What will the next great, glorious drama be?
Christ and His coming, And eternity.

Refrain
Look for the way marks, the great prophetic way marks,
Down through the ages, past the kingdoms four.
Look for the way marks, the great prophetic way marks
The journey’s almost o’er.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #98 on:** March 28, 2011, 02:06:40 PM »

When I sang with the quartet back in 61-67 Wayne Hooper arr. "Look for the waymarks" and elder Richards Sr. recorded it with us. What a thrill to hear him sing with us. One of his respones after we would sing was "Sing it again"
He read the N. T. through every month, and could repeat it for menory as He would do when he was preaching.

Mimi · « **Reply #99 on:** March 28, 2011, 03:16:00 PM »

What a blessing! I love that song! "The great prophetic waymarks!"