Timely Cautions
Qualities of Good Music—Great improvement can be made in
singing. Some think that the louder they sing the more music they
make; but noise is not music. Good singing is like the music of the
birds—subdued and melodious.
In some of our churches I have heard solos that were altogether
unsuitable for the service of the Lord’s house. The long-drawn-out
notes and the peculiar sounds common in operatic singing are not
pleasing to the angels. They delight to hear the simple songs of praise
sung in a natural tone. The songs in which every word is uttered
clearly, in a musical tone, are the songs that they join us in singing.
They take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and
the understanding.—
Manuscript 91, 1903
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Proper Balance in Time Given to Singing—Improvements can
be made in our manner of conducting camp meetings, so that all who
attend may receive more direct labor. There are some social meetings
held in the large tent, where all assemble for worship; but these are so
large that only a small number can take part, and many speak so low
that but few can hear them.... In some instances much time was devoted
to singing. There was a long hymn before prayer, a long hymn after
prayer, and much singing interspersed all through the meeting. Thus
golden moments were used unwisely, and not one-half the good was
done that might have been realized had these precious seasons been
properly managed.—
The Review and Herald, November 27, 1883
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Ceremony and Display—Form and ceremony do not constitute
the kingdom of God. Ceremonies become multitudinous and extrava-
gant as the vital principles of the kingdom of God are lost. But it is not
form and ceremony that Christ requires. He hungers to receive from
His vineyard fruit in holiness and unselfishness, deeds of goodness,
mercy, and truth.
Gorgeous apparel, fine singing, and instrumental music in the
church do not call forth the songs of the angel choir. In the sight
of God these things are like the branches of the unfruitful fig tree
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