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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
and especially in-----. Music has occupied the hours which should
have been devoted to prayer. Music is the idol which many professed
Sabbathkeeping Christians worship. Satan has no objection to music if
he can make that a channel through which to gain access to the minds
of the youth. Anything will suit his purpose that will divert the mind
from God and engage the time which should be devoted to His service.
He works through the means which will exert the strongest influence
to hold the largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation, while they are
paralyzed by his power. When turned to good account, music is a
blessing; but it is often made one of Satan’s most attractive agencies
to ensnare souls. When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride,
vanity, and folly. When allowed to take the place of devotion and
prayer, it is a terrible curse. Young persons assemble to sing, and,
although professed Christians, frequently dishonor God and their faith
by their frivolous conversation and their choice of music. Sacred music
is not congenial to their taste. I was directed to the plain teachings of
God’s word, which have been passed by unnoticed. In the judgment
all these words of inspiration will condemn those who have not heeded
them.
The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy “by the commandment of God
our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ”: “I will therefore that men pray
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everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like
manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls,
or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness)
with good works.”
Peter writes to the church: “Wherefore gird up the loins of your
mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought
unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not
fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
The inspired Paul directs Titus to give special instructions to the
church of Christ, “that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour
in all things.” He says: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appear-
ing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself