Chapter 64—The Power of Song
A Means of Education—The history of the songs of the Bible is
full of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music
is often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of
the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a
precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble
themes, to inspire and elevate the soul.
As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness,
cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His chil-
dren today gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more
effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in
song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue
rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken
sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and
foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.
It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with
spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to despair,
memory recalls some word of God’s—the long-forgotten burden of a
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childhood song—and temptations lose their power, life takes on new
meaning and new purpose, and courage and gladness are imparted to
other souls!
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.—
Education, 167, 168
.
Talent of Singing—One night I seemed to be in a council meet-
ing where these matters [the place to give messages of warning and
instruction] were being talked over. And a very grave, dignified man
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