What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Criteria for Sacred Music in Worship"
Answer
Sacred music in worship should be humble, melodic, and free from theatrical effects, in order to create a solemn atmosphere of worship. Criteria for a God‑pleasing song are clear intonation, distinct pronunciation, and gentle tones that reflect the spirit of the heavenly choirs. Music serves the holy purpose of ennobling thoughts, arousing gratitude, and should always be used for the glory of God rather than for self‑display.
Musical Quality and Spiritual Effect
»The same can be said of singing. You assume unworthy postures. You use all the power and volume of the voice that you can. You drown out the finer sounds and notes of voices that are more musical than your own. This physical exertion and the harsh, loud voice produce no melody for those who hear on earth, nor for those who listen in heaven. This singing is deficient and not as acceptable to God as perfect, gentle, sweet melodies. Among the angels there are no such performances as I have sometimes seen in our meetings. Such rough tones and gestures are not displayed in the angelic choir. The song does not hurt the ear. It is gentle and melodic and comes without the great effort I have witnessed. It is not forced or strained and requires no physical training.«
Avoidance of Self‑Display and Worldliness
»Brother Stockings has good musical knowledge, but his musical training was of a character that suited the stage more than a solemn worship service. Singing in a religious gathering is as much worship of God as speaking, and any cultivated peculiarity or uniqueness draws people's attention and destroys the serious, solemn impression that the result of holy music should be. All foreign and eccentric elements in singing distract from the seriousness and holiness of the worship service.«
Criteria for Singing and Voice Care
»The evil of formal worship cannot be described strongly enough, yet no words can adequately express the deep bliss of genuine worship. When people sing with spirit and mind, heavenly musicians take up the melody and join in the hymn of thanks. He who has given us all gifts that enable us to be God's co‑workers expects His servants to care for their voices so that they may speak and sing in a way that everyone can understand. It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct articulation. Let everyone take time to care for their voice so that God's praise can be sung in clear, gentle tones, not with a harshness and shrillness that offends the ear. The ability to sing is a gift from God; let it be used for His glory.«
The Holy Purpose of Music
»Music was created to serve a holy purpose, to lift thoughts to what is pure, noble, and uplifting, and to awaken devotion and gratitude toward God in the soul. What a contrast between the ancient practice and the purposes to which music is too often devoted today! How many use this gift to elevate themselves rather than to glorify God! A love of music leads the unwary to associate with world‑loving people at entertainment gatherings where God has forbidden His children to go. Thus, what, when used properly, is a great blessing becomes one of the most effective means by which Satan lures the spirit away from duty and the contemplation of eternal things.«
Singing as an Act of Worship
»Music forms a part of worship in the heavenly courts, and we should strive to bring our hymns as close as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs. Proper voice training is an important aspect of education and should not be neglected. Singing as part of religious service is just as much an act of worship as prayer. The heart must feel the spirit of the song in order to give it the proper expression.«
Requirements for Beauty and Harmony
»Music can be a great power for good, yet we do not fully develop this branch of worship. Singing generally occurs from an impulse or to meet special cases, and at other times those who sing are allowed to stumble, and the music loses its intended effect on the hearts of those present. Music should have beauty, pathos, and power. Let the voices be raised in hymns and devotion. Use instrumental music, when practical, and let the glorious harmony rise as an acceptable offering to God.«
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Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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