Melody in the Heart, August 24

Day by Day Religion

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19.FLB 242.1

The melody of praise is the atmosphere of heaven; and when heaven comes in touch with the earth, there is music and song....FLB 242.2

Above the new-created earth, as it lay, fair and unblemished, under the smile of God, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. So human hearts, in sympathy with heaven, have responded to God's goodness in notes of praise.^{117Education, 161.}FLB 242.3

Young men and women ... 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.... 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.... Satan is leading the young captive.... He is a skillful charmer, luring them on to perdition.^{118Testimonies for the Church 1:497.}FLB 242.4

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.^{119Letter 6a, 1890.}FLB 242.5

Let all take time to cultivate the voice so that God's praise can be sung in clear, soft tones.... The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to His glory.^{120Testimonies for the Church 9:144.}FLB 242.6

Let us remember that our praises are supplemented by the choirs of the angelic hosts above.^{121Testimonies for the Church 6:367.}FLB 242.7

Those who in heaven join with the angelic choir in their anthem of praise must learn on earth the song of heaven, the keynote of which is thanksgiving.^{122Testimonies for the Church 7:244.}FLB 242.8