We often speak of having a song in our hearts, but the song in our hearts must find expression in the song of our lips, in order to make our inner experience fully effective. Rightly employed, singing "is a precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul."—Education, p. 167.
Music also can serve in many practical ways, such as assisting the memory, cultivating our natures, subduing our rude ways, quickening our thoughts, awakening our sympathy, promoting harmony of action, and banishing the gloom and foreboding that so often destroy courage and weaken effort. It thus becomes a wonderful stimulant for right living, and has been provided by God for this very purpose. One cannot sing and be gloomy, and yet how many fail in using this balm. In Messages to Young People this counsel is given:
"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."--page 292.
In speaking of Jesus, Mrs. E. G. White says:
"With a song, Jesus in His earthly life met temptation. Often when sharp, stinging words were spoken, often when the atmosphere about Him was heavy with gloom, with dissatisfaction, distrust, or oppressive fear, was heard His song of faith and holy cheer."—.Education, p. 166.
What a wonderful example of victory! And it, too, is within our reach by the use of song. Israel of old took advantage of the power of song as they journeyed through the wilderness, and as they came up each year to the temple to worship.
"The people of Israel, as they journeyed through the wilderness, praised God in sacred song. The commandments and promises of the Lord were set to music, and all along the journey these were sung by the pilgrim travelers."—Christs Object Lessons, pp. 298, 299.
"The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April. . . All along the way were spots memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted to their children the won ders that God had wrought for His people in ages past. They beguiled their journey with song and music, and when at last the towers of Jerusalem came into view, every voice joined in the triumphant strain."—The Desire of Ages, P. 76.
Song is a means of saving souls, for we are told that "the melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is one of God's instrumentalities in the work of saving souls."—Testimonies, Vol. V., p. 493. Song unseals the springs of penitence and faith in the soul that oft-times would never come forth, and inspires hope and love and joy. "The song of praise, the prayer, the words spoken by Christ's representatives, are God's appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above."—Ibid., p. 491.
Music forms part of the atmosphere of heaven, and we can get a portion of that blessing here be low. It is while we are here below that we are to prepare ourselves to enjoy the pure and true worship of heaven.
"As our Redeemer leads us to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the glory of God, we may catch the themes of praise and thanksgiving from the heavenly choir round about the throne; and as the echo of the angels' song is awakened in our earthly homes, hearts will be drawn closer to the heavenly singers. Heaven's communion begins on earth. We learn here the keynote of its praise."—Messages to Young People, p. 292.
"There will be music there, and song, such music and song as, save in the visions of God, no mortal ear has heard or mind conceived."--Education, p. 307.
Singing is not merely some preliminary act prior to the worship of God. It is definitely part of the worship itself. Sometimes we may be unconscious of this and fail to be as reverent during that part of the service as we are during the other part. To help in understanding this point, I quote:
"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."—Ibid., p. 168.
"Music forms a part of God's worship in the courts above, and we should endeavor, in our sings 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. The heart must feel the spirit of the song, to give it right expression."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 594.
In the worship of Israel song had a definite part, and it served as a redeeming feature to save the people from idolatry. On page 715 of Patriarchs and Prophets we are told that David composed psalms for the sanctuary services, and also to he sung in the journeys to the annual feasts of the temple, and this resulted in freeing the nation from idolatry. Surely there must be power in song, but we are told that it must have "beauty, pathos, and power." It is also suggested, that if practicable, we should call to our aid instrumental music, that glorious harmony might ascend to God. (Testimonies, Vol. IV, p. 71.)
We are also given instruction on conducting worship in song. That which should lift our hearts to the throne of God, if not done aright, may do just the opposite. Therefore this part of the worship should be studied carefully. The following instruction has been given us:
"It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance. Let all take time to cultivate the voice, so that God's praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear. The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to His glory."—Ibid., Vol. IX, p. 144.
"I saw that all should sing with the spirit and with the understanding also. God is not pleased with jargon and' discord. Right is always more pleasing to Him than wrong. And the nearer the people of God can approach to correct, harmonious singing, the more is He glorified, the church benefited, and unbelievers favorably affected." Ibid., Vol. I, p. 146.
We too often feel that the height of worship in song is reached when soloists, duets, or quartets render some special selection. This may be very inspiring, but we do not need to feel that something like this is always necessary in order to have a worshipful service. Listen to these words from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White :
"There are those who have a special gift of song, and there are times when a special message is borne by one singing alone or by several uniting in song. But the singing is seldom to be done by a few. The ability to sing is a talent of influence, which God desires all to cultivate and use to His name's glory."—Messages to Young People, Q. 293.
"In the meetings held, let a number be chosen to take part in the song service. And let the singing be accompanied with musical instruments skillfully handled. We are not to oppose the use of instrumental music in our work. This part of the service is to be carefully con ducted; for it is the praise of God in song.
"The singing is not always to be done by a few. As often as possible, let the entire congregation join."—Testimonies, Vol. IX, p. 144.
There is danger in all this if we try to follow the customs of the world and feel that some form of display is necessary to impress the public with the effect of our special music. Unconsciously this tendency has urged upon us an overindulgence of display in singing. Against this very thing we have been warned:
"In their efforts to reach the people, the Lord's messengers are not to follow the ways of the world. In the meetings that are held, they are not to depend on worldly singers and theatrical display to awaken an interest. . . .
"The evil of formal worship cannot be too strongly depicted, but no words can properly set forth the deep blessedness of genuine worship."—Ibid., p. 143.
Again, in Fundamentals of Christian Education the same author urges us to advance in finding the best methods, "but it is not for the workers to seek for methods by which they can make a show, consuming time in theatrical performances and musical display, for this benefits no' one."—Page 253. The simple and sincere is always refreshing.
We shall soon be entering the Promised Land, the land of everlasting joy and thanksgiving. How fitting that we should be preparing in body, soul, and spirit to enjoy the blessings of that land. It will be a land of song, because happiness always overflows in song. "Those who in heaven join with the angelic choir in their anthem of praise must learn on earth the song of heaven, the key note of which is thanksgiving."—Testimonies, Vol, VII, p. 244.
Soon we shall be entering the last great crisis of earth, when God's people will be tested to the limit. But when God is with us and our hope and confidence in Him is steadfast anti unchanging, our hearts will be filled with a heavenly song. In Education we are told that "amidst the deepening shadows of earth's last great crisis, God's light will shine brightest, and the song of hope and trust will be heard in clearest and loftiest strains."—Page 166. How fitting it is, then, that we learn to sing and that we make it a true part of real worship according to God's plan and purpose.
