Seite 436 - Evangelism (1946)

Das ist die SEO-Version von Evangelism (1946). Klicken Sie hier, um volle Version zu sehen

« Vorherige Seite Inhalt Nächste Seite »
The Ministry of Song
A Soul-saving Instrumentality—The melody of song, poured
forth from many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is one of God’s
instrumentalities in the work of saving souls.—
Testimonies For The
Church 5:493
(1889).
The Power of Song—As the children of Israel, journeying through
the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God
bids His children today gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means
more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them
in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue
rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken
sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and
foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.
It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with
spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to despair,
memory recalls some word of God’s—the long forgotten burden of a
childhood song—and temptations lose their power, life takes on new
meaning and new purpose, and courage and gladness are imparted to
other souls!—
Education, 167, 168
(1903).
A Continual Sermon—These words [song of Moses] were re-
peated unto all Israel, and formed a song which was often sung, poured
forth in exalted strains of melody. This was the wisdom of Moses to
[497]
present the truth to them in song, that in strains of melody they should
become familiar with them, and be impressed upon the minds of the
whole nation, young and old. It was important for the children to learn
the song; for this would speak to them, to warn, to restrain, to reprove,
and encourage. It was a continual sermon.—
Manuscript 71, 1897
.
Far-reaching Influence—The service of song was made a regular
part of religious worship, and David composed psalms, not only for the
use of the priests in the sanctuary service, but also to be sung by the
people in their journeys to the national altar at the annual feasts. The
influence thus exerted was far-reaching, and it resulted in freeing the
nation from idolatry. Many of the surrounding peoples, beholding the
432