A Well-directed Song Program—A minister should not give out hymns to be sung until it has first been ascertained that they are familiar to those who sing. A proper person should be appointed to take charge of this exercise, and it should be his duty to see that such hymns are selected as can be sung with the spirit and with the understanding also.
(Ev 506.1)
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VC
Singing is a part of the worship of God, but in the bungling manner in which it is often conducted, it is no credit to the truth, and no honor to God. There should be system and order in this as well as every other part of the Lord’s work. Organize a company of the best singers, whose voices can lead the congregation, and then let all who will, unite with them. Those who sing should make an effort to sing in harmony; they should devote some time to practice, that they may employ this talent to the glory of God.
(Ev 506.2)
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VC
But singing should not be allowed to divert the mind from the hours of devotion. If one must be neglected, let it be the singing.—The Review and Herald, July 24, 1883.
(Ev 506.3)
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VC
Attractiveness of the Human Voice—The human voice that sings the music of God from a heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving is far more pleasing to Him than the melody of all the musical instruments ever invented by human hands.—Letter 2c, 1892.
(Ev 506.4)
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VC
Those who make singing a part of divine worship should select hymns with music appropriate to the occasion, not funeral notes, but cheerful, yet solemn melodies. The voice can and should be modulated, softened, and subdued.—The Signs of the Times, June 22, 1882.
(Ev 508.1)
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With Heart and Understanding—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.—Testimonies For The Church 1:146 (1857).
(Ev 508.2)
MC
VC
Without Spirit and Understanding—Many are singing beautiful songs in the meetings, songs of what they will do, and what they mean to do; but some do not do these things; they do not sing with the spirit and the understanding also. So in the reading of the Word of God, some are not benefited, because they do not take it into their very life, they do not practice it.—The Review and Herald, September 27, 1892.
(Ev 508.3)
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VC
Those Whose Hearts Are in the Effort—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. How can those who have no interest in the Word of God, who have never read His Word with a sincere desire to understand its truths, be expected to sing with the spirit and the understanding? How can their hearts be in harmony with the words of sacred song? How can the heavenly choir join in music that is only a form?—Testimonies For The Church 9:143 (1909).
(Ev 508.4)
MC
VC