"From the beginning, both vocal and instrumental music has been a vital and important part of divine worship," Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote in Mormon Doctrine. "Great songs and psalms have come from the pens of inspired poet-prophets in every age to memorialize the mighty works of God in leading and preserving His people. Religious music is by far the greatest music of the ages. What is there to compare - in rhythmic beauty, poetic sublimity, and inspired teachings - with the Psalms of David?
" Praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving,' is the divine command. (D&C 136:28.)For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart,' the Lord says, yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.' (D&C 25:12.) One of the great promises of the restoration is:The righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.' " (D&C 45:71; 66:11; 101:18; 109:39; 133:33.)Music is eternal, Elder McConkie declared. "Angelic choirs brightened the pre-existent heavens with their hymns of praise. Who can conceive of the heavenly melodies heard in the courts above, When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy'? (Job 38:7.) Or whose souls would not have been mellowed by the celestial strains announcing the birth of our Lord,Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men'? (Luke 2:14.) And what saint is there who does not look forward to the day when his `immortal spirit may join the choirs above in singing the praises of a just God'? (Mosiah 2:28; Morm. 7:7; Rev. 14:2-3.)
"Music is given of God to further His purposes. Sweet melodies mellow the souls of men and help them prepare for the gospel. After men receive the truth, songs of praise to Deity help to sanctify and cleanse their souls. It follows that the best and greatest music is that in which, by both note and word, God is praised and His truths are extolled. On the other hand, music can be used for sensuous and carnal purposes. To accomplish the Lord's aims both word and melody must be edifying and lead to wholesome thoughts and emotion. There is vulgar as well as virtuous music."
Elder McConkie explained that there is a time and place for music designed primarily to entertain and for heavy classical presentations, but in meetings set apart to worship the Lord, members should sing hymns that teach the gospel and enhance faith. "Beautiful melodies alone do not suffice; the word-message must also conform to the principles," he wrote. "Truths taught in the hymns should be as accurately presented as they are in the scriptures themselves."
