An Effective Interest-holding Program—There was given me another sight. Tents were taken to different places during camp meeting season. Camp meetings were held in different locations. These were conducted by able, God-fearing men, having suitable helpers. There were children’s meetings and revival meetings and an earnest effort to bring the people to a decision. A Paul may plant, an Apollos water, but God giveth the increase.... (Ev 150.1) MC VC

Let the talent of singing be brought into the work. The use of musical instruments is not at all objectionable. These were used in religious services in ancient times. The worshipers praised God upon the harp and cymbal, and music should have its place in our services. It will add to the interest. (Ev 150.2) MC VC

But hold the attention of the people by presenting before them the truth as it is in Jesus. Keep before them the cross of Calvary. What called for the death of Christ? The transgression of the law. Christ died to give men an opportunity to become loyal subjects of His kingdom. (Ev 150.3) MC VC

Let there be short discourses, short and fervent prayers. Educate, educate in regard to thorough, whole-souled service. Thorough consecration, much prayer, an intense earnestness, will make an impression; for angels of God will be present to move upon the hearts of the people.—Letter 132, 1898. (Ev 150.4) MC VC

Variety of Evangelistic Attractions—At these meetings are gathered high and low, rich and poor, sinners of all degrees, and all hear the message of mercy given by the Lord’s delegated servants. There is a variety of Bible subjects presented, and a variety of exercises during the meeting. (Ev 150.5) MC VC

Old and young are called, and the Lord impresses the hearts of the hearers. By this means the call to the supper, as presented in the parable, is given to all. Some who, according to their own confession, have not entered a church for twelve, fourteen, and even sixteen years, are convicted and converted. Church members are deeply stirred, and listen with astonishment to the sermons and Bible readings explaining the Scriptures; and in the social meetings there is found something appropriate for every case.—Manuscript 7, 1900. (Ev 150.6) MC VC

If it was essential for Moses to embody the commandments in sacred song, so that as they marched in the wilderness, the children could learn to sing the law verse by verse, how essential it is at this time to teach our children God’s Word! Let us come up to the help of the Lord, instructing our children to keep the commandments to the letter. Let us do everything in our power to make music in our homes, that God may come in.—The Review and Herald, September 8, 1904. (Ev 500.1) MC VC

All Heaven Echoes the Note of Joy—We must bear in mind the great joy manifested by the Shepherd at the recovery of the lost. He calls upon His neighbors, “Rejoice with Me; for I have found My sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6. And all heaven echoes the note of joy. The Father Himself joys over the rescued one with singing. What a holy ecstasy of joy is expressed in this parable! That joy it is your privilege to share.—Testimonies For The Church 6:125 (1900). (Ev 500.2) MC VC

Music in Evangelism VC

To Impress Spiritual Truth—Song is one of the most effective means of impressing spiritual truth upon the heart. Often by the words of sacred song, the springs of penitence and faith have been unsealed.—The Review and Herald, June 6, 1912. (Ev 500.3) MC VC

Musical Instruments—Let the talent of singing be brought into the work. The use of musical instruments is not at all objectionable. There were used in religious services in ancient times. The worshipers praised God upon the harp and cymbal, and music should have its place in our services. It will add to the interest.—Letter 132, 1898. (Ev 500.4) MC VC

Song Service Not a Concert—The presentation before me was that if Elder _____ would heed the counsel of his brethren, and not rush on in the way he does in making a great effort to secure large congregations, he would have more influence for good, and his work would have a more telling effect. He should cut off from his meetings everything that has a semblance of theatrical display; for such outward appearances give no strength to the message that he bears. When the Lord can co-operate with him, his work will not need to be done in so expensive a manner. He will not need then to go to so much expense in advertising his meetings. He will not place so much dependence on the musical program. This part of his services is conducted more after the order of a concert in a theater, than a song service in a religious meeting.—Letter 49, 1902. (Ev 501.1) MC VC

Longing for the Word—The hearts of many in the world as well as many church members are hungering for the bread of life and thirsting for the waters of salvation. They are interested in the service of song, but they are not longing for that or even prayer. They want to know the Scriptures. What saith the Word of God to me? The Holy Spirit is working on mind and heart, drawing them to the bread of life. They see everything round them changing. Human feelings, human ideas of what constitutes religion, change. They come to hear the Word just as it reads.—Manuscript 11, 1899. (Ev 501.2) MC VC