The Lord be with you
WHAT LUTHER SAYS: A Practical In-Home Anthology for the Active Christian is a book compiled by Ewald M. Plass and published by Concordia Publishing House. Originally published as a three-volume series in 1959, it is now available in a single volume (1667 pages). Plass combed the works of Martin Luther, selecting quotes (well over 5,000) ranging from Absolution through Zeal (close to 200 topics in all) connecting the quotes with bridging comments. The introduction materials, as well as the appendixes, are excellent, especially if the reader’s understanding of Luther’s biography and times is not all that strong. The quotes are from just a few sentences to over a page in length. They range from the profound to the humorous
One of the useful features of the book is that one is not expected to read it straight through (though you certainly can). Most skip through, reading the quotes under the specific topic of interest. What follows are the opening quotes under the topic “Music.” This will give you a good feel for how the book presents Luther’s thoughts.
MUSIC
AFTER ENJOYING some singing in the home of a friend, Luther expressed his warm appreciation of music. (From the Tagebuch of A. Lauterbach, April 5. 1583.)
3090 Music Next to Theology Music is an outstanding gift of God and next to theology. I would not want to give up my slight knowledge of music for a great consideration. And youth should be taught this art; for it makes fine, skillful people. (W – T 3, No. 3815)
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IN ANOTHER COLLECTION of Luther’s sayings we hear him call music a divine gift. (From a collection of J. Aurifaber of several years.)
3091 Music a gift of God I am not satisfied with him who despises music, as all fanatics do; for music is an endowment and a gift of God, not a gift of men. It also drives away the devil and makes people cheerful; one forgets all anger, unchasteness, pride, and other vices. I place music next to theology and give it the highest praise. And we see how David and all saints put their pious thoughts into verse, rhyme, and songs, because music reigns in times of peace. (W – T 6, No. 7034 –also in SL 22, 1541, No. 5)
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ANOTHER COPYIST records a remark the Doctor made concerning the teaching of this art. (From a collection of Lauterbach of several years.)
3092 Music Must Be in Schools Music I have always loved. He who knows music has a good nature. Necessity demands that music be kept in the schools. A schoolmaster must know how to sing; otherwise I do not look at him. And before a youth is ordained into the ministry, he should practice music in school. (W – T 5, No. 6248)
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ONE DAY the Reformer remarked that music deserves to be supported and must be supported by men of means, including the heads of states. (From C. Cordatus, March 24—28, 1532.)
3092 This Art Worthy of (Public) Support Music is a very fine art. The notes can make the words come alive. It puts to flight every spirit of sadness, as is written of Saul (1 Sam. 16:23). … Princes and kings must support music and the other arts too; for although private people love them, they cannot support them. (W – T 2, No. 2545 a-b – SL 22, 1537, No. 1)