222
      
      
         Counsels for the Church
      
      
        introduction of music into their homes, instead of inciting to holiness
      
      
        and spirituality, has been the means of diverting their minds from the
      
      
        truth. Frivolous songs and the popular sheet music of the day seem
      
      
        congenial to their taste. The instruments of music have taken time
      
      
        which should have been devoted to prayer. Music, when not abused,
      
      
        is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse.
      
      
        It excites, but does not impart that strength and courage which the
      
      
        Christian can find only at the throne of grace while humbly making
      
      
        known his wants and, with strong cries and tears pleading for heavenly
      
      
         [173]
      
      
        strength to be fortified against the powerful temptations of the evil one.
      
      
        Satan is leading the young captive. Oh, what can I say to lead them to
      
      
        break his power of infatuation! He is a skillful charmer, luring them
      
      
        on to perdition
      
      
      
      
         [174]
      
      
        249
      
      
         Testimonies for the Church 1:496, 497