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Words of Counsel to Ministers
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its truths, be expected to sing with the spirit and the understanding?
How can their hearts be in harmony with the words of sacred song?
How can the heavenly choir join in music that is only a form?
The evil of formal worship cannot be too strongly depicted, but
no words can properly set forth the deep blessedness of genuine
worship. When human beings sing with the spirit and the under-
standing, heavenly musicians take up the strain and join in the song
of thanksgiving. He who has bestowed upon us all the gifts that
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enable us to be workers together with God, expects His servants to
cultivate their voices so that they can speak and sing in a way that
all can understand. It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear
intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance. Let all take
time to cultivate the voice so that God’s praise can be sung in clear,
soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear. The
ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to His glory.
In the meetings held let a number be chosen to take part in the
song service. And let the singing be accompanied with musical
instruments skillfully handled. We are not to oppose the use of
instrumental music in our work. This part of the service is to be
carefully conducted, for it is the praise of God in song.
The singing is not always to be done by a few. As often as
possible, let the entire congregation join.
Unity In Diversity
In our efforts in behalf of the multitudes dwelling in cities, we
must try to do thorough service. The work in a large center of
population is greater than one man can successfully handle. God has
different ways of working, and He has different workmen to whom
He entrusts varied gifts.
One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer;
another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another
the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the
word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for
God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word
of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to
work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity
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