The Song of Praise—Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home.—The Desire of Ages, 73, 74.
(Ev 499.1)
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A Weapon Against Discouragement—If there was much more praising the Lord, and far less doleful recitation of discouragements, many more victories would be achieved.—Letter 53, 1896.
(Ev 499.2)
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Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God.
(Ev 499.3)
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Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour’s presence, we shall have health and His blessing.—The Ministry of Healing, 254 (1905).
(Ev 499.4)
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To Conserve Christian Experience—Evening and morning join with your children in God’s worship, reading His Word and singing His praise. Teach them to repeat God’s law. Concerning the commandments, the Israelites were instructed: “Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”Deuteronomy 6:7. Accordingly, Moses directed the Israelites to set the words of the law to music. While the older children played on instruments, the younger ones marched, singing in concert the song of God’s commandments. In later years they retained in their minds the words of the law which they learned during childhood.
(Ev 499.5)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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