QUESTION AND ANSWER by Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 13, 1900

QUESTION AND ANSWER.

By Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin.

Having received so much help from the Woman's page, I venture to bring a point to your notice that so far I have not seen touched, and, if rightly solved, I believe it would be a blessing to many isolated Sabbath-keepers. The point in question relates to the entertainment of friends and neighbors, especially with music. Before I knew the Third Angel's Message, I sang those songs that exalt people, and played those tunes that captivate the worldling. My brother is a lover of violin music, and greatly enjoys having some one play the organ with his dance music. Now, what should be done? I believe the Lord intends music to lead wandering souls to him, but how shall I use it? Is there a medium music, between the devotional and the dance music, that we may use to win and lead to Christ? What do you regard the right position with reference to such music as “Captain Jinks,” “Yankee Doodle,” and the many comical songs that are now flooding the country because of the presidential campaign?

I have been searching the Testimonies to find information concerning the question that you raise, but I have not been able to find anything about intermediate music. We must be very careful not to take extreme views on anything. While I can not recommend the popular songs of the present day, such songs as Nellie Gray; Lillie Dale; Home, Sweet Home; My Mother's Bible, etc., while not strictly devotional, have a pure sentiment, and might be used with pleasure and profit with a certain class. If your brother is a lover of music, and sometimes asks you to play a piece of music on the organ to his accompaniment on the violin, do not refuse, although it might be something you would not select yourself. But give him to understand your preference in music. If you play his selections, perhaps he will in turn favor you with his accompaniments to yours, and in that way he may be led to see the beauty of sacred music, and will not wish to play the cheap fast music.

We must be very careful indeed about how we deal with children, young persons, and unbelievers. If a child should ask you to play a song or a quick instrumental piece, I do not think it would be wise to offend by refusing to do so, as you might close the door of the heart to things more real and satisfactory. We should do everything possible to keep the ears of the people, and not arouse prejudice. We must not, however, do evil that good may come. Each one must decide these things according to the leading of the Spirit of God.

The following from the Spirit of Prophecy in regard to music may be of some help to you in deciding what is right: “Solemn responsibilities rest upon the young, which they lightly regard. The introduction of music into their homes, instead of inciting to holiness and spirituality, has been the means of diverting their minds from the truth. 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.”

MRS. GEO. A. IRWIN.