p. 12 | Music by Mrs. Flora E. Post

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 19, 1914

Music

By Mrs. Flora E. Post

MRS. FLORA E. POST

READING the book of Job, I find recorded that once the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Since that time there has come a great change; yet there are few persons, even now, who are not charmed by the proper kind of music. I say proper, for what is entrancing to one may not appeal so strongly to another; but when the right chord is sounded most hearts respond. Ezekiel tells us of Lucifer, perhaps the most noted of musicians, his tabrets and his pipes being prepared at his creation. Is it any wonder, then, that he now employs his agents to charm in this way those whom he would lure into sin? Through glitter and music many a soul has been thus led away, only to find, as did Solomon (Eccl. 2:8, 11), that these gifts, perverted, give little satisfaction.

Paul tells us that music properly rendered teaches and admonishes. Col. 3:16. And I sometimes wonder what the books will reveal when this talent is called in question, and our cases appear. In our unguarded moments, or when we feel overjoyed, we are prone to forget the admonition that psalms (not sentimental songs) are in place. James 5:13; Ps. 105:2. In the days of Samuel and Saul music was found beneficial for mental disorders, and it is employed in the asylums of our day. The invention of organs dates back to the days of Lamech (Gen. 4:21), while the number of instruments used in Nebuchadnezzar's orchestra seems to have been quite as complete as those used in modern orchestras. Anciently, also, a pretty custom of sending away friends with music was in vogue. Gen. 31:27. Music was also used in sacred processions. 2 Sam. 6:4, 5, 15.

In "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, pages 143, 144, I read: "We are not to oppose the use of instrumental music in our work." "Let singing be accompanied with musical instruments skillfully handled." "Let all take time to cultivate the voice, so that God's praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear. The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to his glory." "When human beings sing with the Spirit and the understanding, heavenly musicians take up the strain, and join in the song of thanksgiving."

The service at the Feast of Tabernacles was most impressive. "With sacred song and thanksgiving the worshippers celebrated this occasion. . . . O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever," rose triumphantly, while all kinds of music, mingled with shouts of hosanna, accompanied the united singing. . . . Ranged on either side of the white marble steps of the sacred building, the choir of Levites led the service of song. The multitude . . . took up the strain, and echoed the chorus; and again the melody was caught up by voices near and afar off, till the encircling hills were vocal with praise."—"Desire of Ages," pages 530, 531.

God has placed music everywhere in his creation, but man often fails to catch the sound. The feathered songsters are always in tune, the song of the brown thrush being rendered in three flats, and that of the meadow lark in two. In old age the voice of music leaves, but it will return to the faithful when even the tongue of the dumb shall sing. "As a youth, Jesus often 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 a heavenly home."

And just before his suffering, before leaving the upper chamber, he led his disciples in a song of praise. How often, when things go wrong, we get out of tune and get the pitch too high; but when the chorus of peace is sung by the redeemed, there will be no discordant notes. Heaven's arches will ring with the joyous refrain.