268
The Voice in Speech and Song
Songs to Make Angels Weep—There has been a class of social
gatherings in of an entirely different character, parties of pleasure that
have been a disgrace to our institutions and to the church. They encour-
age pride of dress, pride of appearance, self-gratification, hilarity, and
trifling. Satan is entertained as an honored guest, and takes possession
of those who patronize these gatherings.
A view of one such company was presented to me, where were
assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One was seated at
the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made
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the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter,
there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of inspiration; but the
joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and
infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares
the participants for unholy thought and action. I have reason to think
that some who were engaged in that scene heartily repented of the
shameful performance.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
339
.
Frivolous Songs and Popular Sheet Music—I feel alarmed as
I witness everywhere the frivolity of young men and young women
who profess to believe the truth. God does not seem to be in their
thoughts. Their minds are filled with nonsense. Their conversation
is only empty, vain talk. They have a keen ear for music, and Satan
knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind
so that Christ is not desired. The spiritual longings of the soul for
divine knowledge, for a growth in grace, are wanting.
I was shown that the youth must take a higher stand and make
the Word of God the man of their counsel and their guide. Solemn
responsibilities rest upon the young, which they lightly regard. The
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.
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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 strength to be fortified against the powerful