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T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
November, 1936
When Redeemed Hearts Make Melody By WALTER LEWIS WILSON Kansas City, Missouri
N o tribe of pagans in the world possesses harmony in its worship. The crude beating of tom-toms and bladders, of wood and iron instruments, and the weird cries of the worshipers constitute only a chaos of sounds. When the gospel comes into such a community, and with that gospel the songs of praise, harmony begins in the heart, and the voice echoes the song. The appeal of music to the heart and soul is universal. The one who touches music as a study and to whom leadership is given in Christian groups should be outstand ing in love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, for to him is given not only the privilege of telling forth the Word, but of using a powerful medium for the Word. It is with a note of distress that we often mark the lack of spirituality in those who are chosen for the leadership of the music of the church. They—the pianist, organist, or choir director—-too frequently have never experienced the new birth. This fact is evidenced by their inattention to the message and little concern for the Scripture. In many cases, their appointment and placement have been based entirely on their ability and talent. While their music may be faultless, judged by a technical standard, these musicians cannot share with their hearers that melody which springs only from a redeemed spirit. Because of this situation, I have often been impressed by the Lord to speak a personal word to the musicians with whom I have served in evangelistic meetings. And wher ever there has been a yielding to Christ on the part of men and women who had posed as Christian musicians, but who had never known regenerating grace, there has been an evident transformation—a new sweetness has come into the music, a depth of praise into the life. [Walter Lewis Wilson is well known as a prominent physician and as one whom God has graciously used in the winning of many precious souls. His love for and knowledge of the Word of God has made his ministry helpful to hundreds of distressed individ uals. He has written several books containing accounts of God’s dealings with men and women with whom he has been brought in contact through his profession, as well as through his services in connection with Bible conferences and radio addresses. The reading of these narratives cannot fail to stimulate faith. The accompanying article is unusual in at least two respects: it con cerns the salvation of several persons whose prominent positions in church leadership would have indicated that they were already saved; and it demonstrates the fact that, in many instances, the soul-winner need speak only a simple, friendly word that directs men and women to the Book, in order to help them into the light. The message should be, to every believer, both a challenge and an encouragement to fully trust God .— E ditor .] lllmtrgtiqns by Ransom Q. Mwvin.
There are given in this article accounts of the conversion of four musicians, whose names are other than the ones used, and whose locations are not revealed. The incidents are true, and the experiences reveal that prominence of position may be a mask, concealing a soul’s need of the Saviour. A D oubt T hat L ed to F aith Mrs. Johnson, the wife of a banker in a small city, a woman of about thirty years of age, very vivacious and attractive, had pursued musical training in some of the best schools of music and was an accomplished pianist. Because of her husband’s position, and because of her own friendli ness and affable manner, she was loved by all of the friends in the neighborhood and, occupied a place of leadership socially. Not desiring to be irreligious, she offered her services to the elderly pastor, who, delighted to have so outstanding a person ready to render such a valuable service, gladly accepted her, thereby allowing her to fill a large place in the church life of the community. Being engaged for a series of meetings, I was introduced to Mrs. Johnson the first evening. “I am happy indeed to know you,” I responded, “for we shall be working together throughput these two weeks of meetings. I wonder, Mrs. Johnson, have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb?” She colored a little, seemed a bit surprised and disturbed by the question, then answered, “Oh, yes, Doctor, I have been a member of this church and active in all of its work for a number of years.” “Thank you,” I said quietly, and turned from her to greet other friends. In Mrs. Johnson I saw a beautiful, attractive musician who possessed a quantity of religion, but who had not met the Saviour. I began asking God to touch her heart. As the meetings progressed, I noticed that my talented friend listened closely, bringing her Bible, after the third night, and turning to each passage, perusing it carefully. Her interest deepened with each service. Arriving at the church a little earlier than usual one evening, I found Mrs. Johnson waiting for me. Tears were in her eyes, evidenc ing strong emotion. Quickly speaking, she said, “I have been waiting for you to come in order that I might tell you that this evening before coming to the service, I trusted the Lord Jesus Christ with my soul, and He became my own Saviour.” W ith deep earnestness she continued, “You didn’t believe that I was a Christian when you spoke to me last Sunday night, did you?”
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