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and methods and plans must correspond to the importance of their
message. If you are presenting the word in Christ’s way, your audience
will be deeply impressed with the truths you teach. The conviction
will come to them that this is the word of the living God.
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Formality in Worship
In their efforts to reach the people, the Lord’s messengers are not
to follow the ways of the world. In the meetings that are held, they are
not to depend on worldly singers and theatrical display to awaken an
interest. How can those who have no interest in the word of God, who
have never read His word with a sincere desire to understand 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 understanding, heav-
enly musicians take up the strain, and join in the song of thanksgiving.
He who has bestowed upon us all the gifts that 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
skilfully handled. We are not to oppose the use of instruments of music
in our work. This part of the service is to be carefully conducted; for
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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....
Holding to the Affirmative
Often, as you seek to present the truth, opposition will be aroused;
but if you seek to meet the opposition with argument, you will only