Timely Cautions
447
which bore nothing but pretentious leaves. Christ looks for fruit, for
principles of goodness and sympathy and love. These are the principles
of heaven, and when they are revealed in the lives of human beings,
we may know that Christ is formed within, the hope and glory. A
congregation may be the poorest in the land, without music or outward
show, but if it possesses these principles, the members can sing, for
the joy of Christ is in their souls, and this they can offer as a sweet
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oblation to God.—
Manuscript 123, 1899
.
Music Acceptable to God—The superfluities which have been
brought into the worship in _____ must be strenuously avoided....
Music is acceptable to God only when the heart is sanctified and made
soft and holy by its facilities. But many who delight in music know
nothing of making melody in their hearts to the Lord. Their heart is
gone “after their idols.”—
Letter 198, 1899
.
A Misuse of Music—When professing Christians reach the high
standard which it is their privilege to reach, the simplicity of Christ
will be maintained in all their worship. Forms and ceremonies and
musical accomplishments are not the strength of the church. Yet these
things have taken the place that God should have, even as they did in
the worship of the Jews.
The Lord has revealed to me that when the heart is cleansed and
sanctified, and the members of the church are partakers of the divine
nature, a power will go forth from the church, who believe the truth,
that will cause melody in the heart. Men and women will not then
depend upon their instrumental music but on the power and grace of
God, which will give fullness of joy. There is a work to be done in
clearing away the rubbish which has been brought into the church....
This message is not only for the church at _____, but for every
other church that has followed her example.—
Manuscript 157, 1899
.
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