440
Evangelism
singing is generally done from impulse or to meet special cases, and
at other times those who sing are left to blunder along, and the music
loses its proper effect upon the minds of those present. Music should
have beauty, pathos, and power. Let the voices be lifted in songs
of praise and devotion. Call to your aid, if practicable, instrumental
music, and let the glorious harmony ascend to God, an acceptable
offering.
But it is sometimes more difficult to discipline the singers and
keep them in working order, than to improve the habits of praying and
exhorting. Many want to do things after their own style; they object to
consultation, and are impatient under leadership. Well-matured plans
are needed in the service of God. Common sense is an excellent thing
in the worship of the Lord.—
Gospel Workers, 325
(1892).
The Heavenly Song Director—I have been shown the order, the
perfect order, of heaven, and have been enraptured as I listened to
the perfect music there. After coming out of vision, the singing here
has sounded very harsh and discordant. I have seen companies of
angels, who stood in a hollow square, every one having a harp of
[506]
gold.... There is one angel who always leads, who first touches the
harp and strikes the note, then all join in the rich, perfect music of
heaven. It cannot be described. It is melody, heavenly, divine, while
from every countenance beams the image of Jesus, shining with glory
unspeakable.—
Testimonies For The Church 1:146
(1857).
A Well-directed Song Program—A minister should not give out
hymns to be sung until it has first been ascertained that they are familiar
to those who sing. A proper person should be appointed to take charge
of this exercise, and it should be his duty to see that such hymns are
selected as can be sung with the spirit and with the understanding also.
Singing is a part of the worship of God, but in the bungling manner
in which it is often conducted, it is no credit to the truth, and no honor
to God. There should be system and order in this as well as every
other part of the Lord’s work. Organize a company of the best singers,
whose voices can lead the congregation, and then let all who will, unite
with them. Those who sing should make an effort to sing in harmony;
they should devote some time to practice, that they may employ this
talent to the glory of God.