Music
The word music in our day has a wide connotation to its introduction. The wide spread of the jungle beat has certainly taken over the world and far out sounds the triumph and serenity of heavenly melody that we long for. Why is this? Because Satan is still alive he is marching against heaven with armies of heathenism and the spiritualism that he has engulfed the world with. Please do not think that all this loud noise and banging is from the loving heavenly Father. Most do not think it matters what we fill our minds with. This kind of noise is hypnotic and the demons take control of the life and body. So much so is this done that the person does not have the reasoning power to discern right from wrong and will do things he ordinarily would not do. This is a very deep study and we have only mentioned a bit of the surface.
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“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. 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 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.”
A.H. P 407
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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. . . .
C G
P 523
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I was taken into some of your singing exercises, and was made to read the feelings that existed in the company, you being the prominent one. There were petty jealousies, envy, evil surmisings, and evil speaking. . . . The heart service is what God requires; the forms and lip service are as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Your singing is for display, not to praise God with the spirit and understanding. The state of the heart reveals the quality of the religion of the professor of godliness.
The Voice in Speech and Song P 422
