"Thoughts on Music" by John Anderson Hunter

One of John Anderson Hunter's Singing Schools.  John is
in the back with the book.

John Anderson Hunter was my great grandfather.  He married Millie Francis Sandlin and they were blessed with eleven children.  The oldest child was Oscar Green Hunter, my grandfather.

Music is the language of the soul. It originates in the soul and its destiny lies in the soul.

As the whole life of the plant is manifest in a beautiful flower.

So the emotions of the soul are expressed in the music it produces.

Great musicians become so enraptured with the harmony of their instruments, while they draw from them their soothing vibrations that they are aware of nothing but the great emotions which swell in their bosoms, and the charming tones which express them. While great crowds of listeners are made to weep or rejoice as the masters either strike the sad, fretful chords or sound the merry melodies.

Say aye, then that music does not begin with the soul. As words express ideas and sentences express thoughts, so tones express emotions and strains of music express moods.

But any purpose is not to deal especially with music in general. But to deal with music in the church and the first question which confronts us is this.

Should there be music in the churches granting that music is the language of the soul and that the churches deal especially with the soul, which is the fundamental factor of the church’s existence; then it is axiomatic that the soul must not be deprived of its means of expression and it becomes absolutely necessary that there be music in the church. Paul says, “Be filled with the spirit, speaking to yourselves in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”

Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Second Samuel sixth chapter and fifth verse says, “And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and psalteries, and timbrels and on cornets, and cymbals”. And many other statements are made in the sacred Book in regard to the use of music in the worship of the Almighty God.

Therefore, we would say that music is not only desirable, but it is necessary in the church.

Many souls have been lured to the sanctuary of music and remained to pray for salvation.

Some have joined the choir and almost sung themselves into the Kingdom. And hosts of saints are indebted to the music for their tittle.

Then, what do you think of music? Is it the language of the soul? Does it express emotions and moods? Does God hear it with pleasure and does it lift souls up to God? If so, can there be too much music in religious worship?

Certainly the answer would be, let the musicians play and the singers sing, and let the whole congregation rejoice until the world shall resound with music and great joy; there shall we see the King coming in all Power and great glory and heaven and earth shall unite in praising his Holy name.

Letter From An 80 Year Old Woman To Her Children

This is a letter that was printed in Focus on the Family magazine several years ago. It is a great reminder to any of us who are blessed enough to have a mother, grandmother or great grandmother to love in their later years...

To all my children:

A few years ago, I saw a tee-shirt with the words "Live Long Enough to Be a Burden to Your Children." Back then, I thought it was funny, Today, I don't think it's funny at all, because I am afraid I'm doing just that. None of us want to be a burden to our family, but the older we get, the more we realize that age comes not only to the aging person, but to the family, as well. Both must accept old age and make the necessary adjustments.

Sometimes I wonder how the children of Methuselah felt about their father who lived to be 969 years old. Imagine, at more than 900 years old, did he have all of his faculties at that age? Or was he blind, deaf, and maybe so feeble that he couldn't walk? Did his children worry about whether he was eating right, getting enough exercise and dressing warmly enough? How did he accept his advancing years? These qustions came to mind because, as a parent, I hate having to rely on my children to do things for me that I could do for myself a few years ago.

You children are always so kind and generous about looking after me, but I want to be doing for myself. I long to drive my car again. I want to go alone to the grocery store to shop, and I want to drive myself there. I want...but you get the idea. What I really want is to be 70 again. The truth of it is, that our roles are reversed, and now I am your child needing you in a special way. I suppose my upcoming birthday started my thoughts along these lines. You never forget my birthday, or any other special day, without a gift. I realize the problems you must have in choosing a gift, because I have what I need in material possessions. This is a good time to tell you that what I truly want are things I can never get enough of, yet they are free. I want the intangibles. I want just a little more of your time, and that's selfish of me, I know, because you have your own children, and grandchildren, who want your time, and also you need time for yourselves. But all I want is just a few unhurried minutes. I would like for you to come and sit with me, and for you to be relaxed. It makes me so nervous when you sit on the edge of your chair and keep looking at your watch. We can talk, or we can be silent. I would just like for us to be together.

You children who live out of town are thoughtful to call me on the phone, but I would like it if you could just write once or twice a month. Then I could look forward to reading and rereading your letters. I don't always hear every word you say on the phone, and a letter or two would help me greatly.

I need your patience when I don't hear what you say the first time, so please don't be annoyed. I know how tiresome it is to always be repeating , but sometimes I must ask you to repeat. Now, you don't need to yell at me, just speak slowly. I need your patience when I think too much about the past. I need your patience with my slowness and my set ways. I want you to be tolerant with what the years have done to me physically.

Please be understanding about my personal care habits. I really can't see when my dress is dirty or the floor needs cleaning. I spill things. I lose things. I get unduly excited when I try to figure out my bank statements. I can't remember what time to take my medication, or if I took it already. I take too many naps, I know, because you have said, "Quit spending all of your time sleeping." Well, sometimes when I sleep in the daytime, it was because I was awake half the night. At other times, sleep helps to pass the day. When I have nothing but time on my hands, a 15-minute nap seems like an hour.

Well, there you have it: time, patience, and understanding. These are the priceless gifts that I want. Over and over again, I take my bible, (thank God that I can still read), and I read what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." But oh, how trying!

I know what it is to be in need, and what it is to have more than enough. I remember how your father and I struggled through the depression, and then how wonderful it was when we finally had a good nest egg, and had saved something for old age. I am thankful I can still care for myself financially (that is, unless I live to be 969!)

Finally, in his letter, Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." I know I can, too! Maybe I can't do all I want to, the way I used to, but how comforting it is to know His eye is on the sparrow and I know He cares for me. I guess being 80 isn't so bad after all! God has blessed me so much.

Love,

Mom Keltner