Vocal music a means of religious propaganda

Abstract

We have endeavored to show that man innately uses music in worship. The primitive African, Figian and American Indian uses each his type of this art to worship. We have looked into China, and Japan to find that in ancestor worship, Bonfucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism the worshiper sings. We can not picture the sentimental Hindoo speaking all of his prayers, nor the Arab not singing to Mohammed. Classic Greece knew and used the vocal art with her plastic. We have recalled the Old Testament's constant mention of music, have thought of those songs the Christ used to sing, have traced the use of song through the heresies and movements of the mediaeval church, and come to its modern use in Europe and America, including also the Orient where missions takes the art as one of her greatest aids. A list of sacred solos, duets, anthems and responses, Oratorios and Cantatas completes any possible contribution which has been made. These numbers are almost all favorites of those who sing at worship. They have, in part, been sung by the writer, who wishes to testify to their enormous worship value.