From Elder John Thurber:
ANGELS AND MUSIC
"Let us all bear in mind that in every assembly of the saints below are angels of God, listening to the testimonies, songs, and prayers. Let us remember that our praises are supplemented by the choirs of the angelic host above .... Let the love of God be the burden of the speaker's utterance. Let it be expressed in simple language in every song of praise." (6T p. 366)
"When human beings sing with the spirit and understanding heavenly musicians take up the strain and join in the song of thanksgiving." (9T p.143)
Covered with His Life 412
"The spiritual ear alone can hear the harmony of heavenly voices .... And as the Lords army of workers here below sing their songs of praise, the choir above joins with them in ascribing praise to God and His Son." (AA, p. 153-154)
"All the inhabitants of heaven unite in praising God. Let us learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shining ranks." ( PP, p.289) "As the Redeemer leads us to the threshold of the infinite, flushed with the glory of God, we can 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 to hear the keynote of its praise." (Ed, p.168)
What a privilege to be able to learn the music of heaven. It seems to tell us that there is heavenly music, and it is different then the music of the world.
Selfishness and our own interest will keep us from participating with the angel choir.
"Let none suppose that they can live a life of selfishness, and then, having served
their own interest, enter into the joy of their Lord. In the joy of unselfish love they could not participate. They would not be fitted for the heavenly courts. They could not appreciate the pure atmosphere of love that pervades heaven. The voices of the angels and the music of their harps would not satisfy them. to their minds the science of heaven would be an enigma." (COL, p. 364-365)
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ANGELS WARN US OF MUSIC THAT IS NOT BLESSED BY GOD.
"Christians are gathered there, but what is that you hear? It is song, a frivolous
ditty, fit for the dance hall. Behold the pure angels gather their light closer around them, and darkness envelops those in that dwelling, The angels are moving from that dwelling. The angels are moving from the scene. Sadness is upon their countenances. Behold they are weeping. This I saw repeated a number of times all through the ranks of Sabbath keepers" (1T p. 506)
Music forms a part of god's worship in the courts above. We should endeavor in our songs of praise approach as nearly as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs. I have often been pained to hear untrained voices, pitched to the highest key, literally shrieking the sacred words of some hymn of praise. How inappropriate those sharp rasping voices for the solemn, joyous worship of God. I long to stop my ears, and flee from the place, and I rejoice when the painful exercise is ended." (Ev, p. 507-508)
"In some churches I have heard solos that were altogether unsuitable for the service of the Lord's house. The long drawn out notes and peculiar sounds common in operatic singing are not pleasing to the angels. They delight to hear the simple songs of praise sung in a natural tone. The songs in which every word is uttered clearly, in a musical tone, are the songs that they join us in singing. They take up the refrain that is sung from the heart with the spirit and understanding." (Ev, p. 510)
"Your singing is far from pleasing to the angel choir. Imagine yourself standing in the angel band elevating your shoulders, emphasizing the words, motioning your body and putting in the full volume of your voice. What kind of concert and harmony would there be with such an exhibition before the angels?" The Voice of Speech and Song , p. 424)
The question we need to answer is are we willing to search the truth out for ourselves, and "Prove what is acceptable unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10 NAS)
