Musical talent too often fosters pride and ambition for display—Musical entertainments which, if conducted properly, will do no harm, are often a source of evil.... Musical talent too often fosters pride and ambition for display, and singers have but little thought of the worship of God.—The Voice in Speech and Song, 422. PaM 179.4
Musical accomplishments as well as forms and ceremonies can take the place of God in worship—When professing Christians reach the high standard which it is their privilege to reach, the simplicity of Christ will be maintained in all their worship. Forms and ceremonies and musical accomplishments are not the strength of the church. Yet these things have taken the place that God should have, even as they did in the worship of the Jews.—Evangelism, 512. PaM 179.5