For all the history and instruction, for all the words and facts, for all the years of gospel text, it was finally, the feelings of art that touched their hearts, tenderized their spirit, and brought them home to their heritage. They were commissioned by a prophet, conceived in accordance with his instruction, directed in accordance with his vision as we were able to understand it. Artistic talent is not named among the gifts of the spirit, but no one would deny that divine inspiration is the fountain from which the greatest masterpieces flow. It is the agency through which the Lord strives with men, through which he encourages them to forsake the world and come unto Christ, through which good desires and feelings are planted in the hearts of decent people. It is the medium of intelligence that guides inventors, scientists, artists, composers, poets, authors, statesmen, philosophers, generals, leaders, and influential men in general, when they set their hands to do that which is for the benefit and blessing of their fellow men.
Prophets understand with clarity.
The greatest artists have been humbled in acknowledgement of the source of their inspiration and the power behind their creation. No one can feast their eyes on the art of Michelangelo nor be consumed by the spirit of his master works, and not see the hand of God. The artist himself knew it. The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. A scoffing Raphael, or an irreverent Michelangelo, is not conceivable.