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The Ministry of Music, August 29
My tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 51:14
, N.I.V.
Instruction in singing is greatly needed in every school. Much more interest
should be manifested.... Students who have learned to sing, with melodious voices,
sweet gospel songs in such a way that the words are easily understood can do
much good as singing evangelists. They will find many opportunities to use the
talent that God has given them, carrying melody and sunshine into many lonely
places darkened by sin and sorrow and affliction, by singing to those who seldom
have the privileges of any kind of gospel ministry.
Go out into the highways and the hedges. Endeavor to reach the higher as well
as the lower classes. Enter the homes of the rich and the poor. As you go from
house to house to sing, ask, “Would you be pleased to have us sing? We should
be glad to hold a song service with you, and to offer a few words of prayer to ask
God to keep us.” Not many will refuse you entrance—
Manuscript 67, 1903
.
A spirit of devotion was cherished in the schools of the prophets.... Students
... were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith
in Him, and how to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit. Sanctified
intellects brought forth from the treasure house of God things new and old, and
the Spirit of God was manifested in prophecy and sacred song.
Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is
pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to
God. What a contrast between the ancient custom and the uses to which music is
now too often devoted! How many employ this gift to exalt self, instead of using
it to glorify God! A love for music leads the unwary to unite with world lovers in
pleasure gatherings where God has forbidden His children to go. Thus that which
is a great blessing when rightly used, becomes one of the most successful agencies
by which Satan allures the mind from duty and from the contemplation of eternal
things.
Music forms a part of God’s worship in the courts above, and we should
endeavor, in our songs of praise, to approach as nearly as possible to the harmony
of the heavenly choirs. The proper training of the voice is an important feature in
education, and should not be neglected. Singing, as a part of religious service, is
as much an act of worship as is prayer.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 594
.
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