Wrong Use of the Voice in Music
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temptations of the evil one. Satan is leading the young captive. Oh,
what can I say to lead them to break his power of infatuation! He is
a skillful charmer, luring them on to perdition.—
Testimonies for the
Church 1:496, 497
.
Worship of Music As an Idol—Eternal things have little weight
with the youth. Angels of God are in tears as they write in the roll the
words and acts of professed Christians. Angels are hovering around
yonder dwelling. The young are there assembled; there is the sound
of vocal and instrumental music. Christians are gathered there, but
what is that you hear? It is a song, a frivolous ditty, fit for the dance
hall. Behold the pure angels gather their light closer around them,
and darkness envelops those in that dwelling. The angels are moving
from the scene. Sadness is upon their countenances. Behold, they are
weeping. This I saw repeated a number of times all through the ranks
of Sabbathkeepers, and especially in _______.
Music has occupied the hours which should have been devoted
to prayer. Music is the idol which many professed Sabbathkeeping
Christians worship. Satan has no objection to music if he can make
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that a channel through which to gain access to the minds of the youth.
Anything will suit his purpose that will divert the mind from God
and engage the time which should be devoted to His service. He works
through the means which will exert the strongest influence to hold the
largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation, while they are paralyzed by
his power.
When turned to good account, music is a blessing; but it is often
made one of Satan’s most attractive agencies to ensnare souls. When
abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and folly. When
allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible curse.
Young persons assemble to sing, and, although professed Chris-
tians, frequently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous conver-
sation and their choice of music. Sacred music is not congenial to their
taste. I was directed to the plain teachings of God’s Word, which have
been passed by unnoticed. In the judgment all these words of inspira-
tion will condemn those who have not heeded them.—
Testimonies for
the Church 1:505, 506
.
Forbidden Pleasures—What a contrast between the ancient cus-
tom 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