It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with
spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to
despair, memory recalls some word of God’s,—the long-forgotten burden of
a childhood song,—and temptations lose their power, life takes on new
meaning and new purpose, and courage and gladness are imparted to other
souls!
The value of song as a means of education should never be lost sight of.
Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet and pure, and
there will be fewer words of censure, and more of cheerfulness and hope
and joy. Let there be singing in the school, and the pupils will be
drawn closer to God, to their teachers, and to one another.
As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as
is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer. If the child is taught to
realize this, he will think more of the meaning of the words he sings,
and will be more susceptible to their power.
[Sidenote: _The Angels’ Song_]
As our Redeemer leads us to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with
the glory of God, we may catch the themes of praise and thanksgiving
from the heavenly choir round about the throne; and as the echo of the
angels’ song is awakened in our earthly homes, hearts will be drawn
closer to the heavenly singers. Heaven’s communion begins on earth. We
learn here the keynote of its praise.
_Mysteries of the Bible_
“CANST THOU BY SEARCHING
FIND OUT GOD?”
[Sidenote: “_Canst Thou Find Out God?_”]
No finite mind can fully comprehend the character or the works of the
Infinite One. We can not by searching find out God. To minds the
strongest and most highly cultured, as well as to the weakest and most
ignorant, that holy Being must remain clothed in mystery. But though
“clouds and darkness are round about Him, righteousness and judgment are
the foundation of His throne.”[273] We can so far comprehend His dealing
with us as to discern boundless mercy united to infinite power. We can
understand as much of His purposes as we are capable of comprehending;
beyond this we may still trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart
that is full of love.
[Sidenote: _Ground for Trust_]
The word of God, like the character of its Author, presents mysteries
that can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. But God has given
in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine authority. His own
existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are established
by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant.
True, He has not removed the possibility of doubt; faith must rest upon
evidence, not demonstration; those who wish to doubt have opportunity;
but those who desire to know the truth find ample ground for faith.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account