Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-07-14
THE POWER OF MUSIC.
To the Editor;

~ hhN AaAANAi
Denver Colo. July lo.--"Explaln II as
you may a martial strain will urge a
man into the front rank OF battle soon
er than an argument and fine anthem
excite his devotion more certainly than
a logical discourse"
There is nothing, aside from the
scriptures, that will aid the young mis-
sionary IN the dissemination OF truth
more than a knowledge Of music. The
young man who comes into the mis-
sion field with a thorough training In
vocal and intrumental music. will ind
his labors materially lightened and he
is prepared 10 open up many avenues
for the spread Of the Gospel that could
be reached In no other way. He Is
viewed by the people with whom he
comes in contact, almost in the light Of
an angel OF mercy; for. Music Is a
discipline, and a mistress Of order and
good manners, she makes the people
mllder and gentler, more moral and
more reasonable" No community nor
family Is encountered, but likes music
and 10 some Il is meat and drink.
There seeut % be too much Of a ten
dency today, for the musical training
IN the education 10 be left 10 the female
part Of the family. OF course our young
girls must needs have an early ana
thorough knowledge OF music to NJ
them for the society Of the drawing
room, while the young men VINO are
called TO preach the Gospel TO the ma
lions OF the earth, and who could put
such knowledge 90 an everyday prac-
teal use. are neglected l have been In
houses where o few songs, or a Few
simple chords played upon the organ
or the guitar would make the inmates
our friends forever, and then a field
Tor the spread Of the Gospel Is opened,
and we are privileged 20 explain the
principles OF life and salvation unto
them. and we make an impress that Is
lasting.
Again. music refines our natures and
puts the polish upon the otherwise
rough diamond and We are better pre-
pared TO mould our lives and actions
10 the needs OF others and make our
selves congenlai companions IN any
society.
The ainuest heart can be penetrated
with the softening strains OF music.
Again We are greatly In need OF trained
singers 20 open up our larger cities and
proclaim the glad tldings upon the
street corners and allay the prejudice,
and overcome the erroneous ideas that
exist in various parts Of the world,
Singing Is one Of the most successful
p7ethods that can be adapted TO gather
tie people upon the street corners,
where we can have the chance 10 pro-
claim our testimonies 10 them and call
them 70 repentance.
Music Is n balm for every ill sOlace
for our melancholy hours. and a means
that win aid us IN gaining eternal life.
il sweetens our dispositions and rem
ders as more pliable and more suscept-
ible 20 the things Of God
Our quartet here, composed of Elders
Jas. +. GrgEs, Alfred W. Peterson,
Robert II, Siddoway and William r.
Petersen Is doing very efficient work,
and many are the friends who have
been made while We have been upon
the street corner Praises have been
sounded and an impression Is being
made FOR good God delights In sweet
singing, and 40 do His children; for
we are possessed, 20 some extent with
the same attributes.
Boys, study music, for We need you
TO spread the truths Of the Gospel. and
you will make your burdens lighter by
getting a thorough knowledge Of that
ennoblinG art.
God bless the singers Of Zion and help
them 70 realize their influence for good
In spreading the Gospel.
]. A. McRAE.