254
Messages to Young People
The value of song as a means of education should never be lost
sight of. Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet
and pure, and there will be fewer words of censure, and more of
cheerfulness and hope and joy. Let there be singing in the school, and
the pupils will be drawn closer to God, to their teachers, and to one
another.
As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship
as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer. If the child is taught to
realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings,
and will be more susceptible to their power.
As our Redeemer leads us to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed
with the glory of God, we may catch the themes of praise and thanks-
giving from the heavenly choir round about the throne; and as the echo
of the angels’ song is awakened in our earthly homes, hearts will be
drawn closer to the heavenly singers. Heaven’s communion begins on
earth. We learn here the keynote of its praise.—
Education, 161-168
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