Music is an important means to the education and development
of humanity, but the only true way is through the Teachings of God. Music is
like this glass, which is perfectly pure and polished. It is precisely like
this pure chalice before us, and the Teachings of God, the utterances of God,
are like the water. When the glass or chalice is absolutely pure and clear, and
the water is perfectly fresh and limpid, then it will confer Life; wherefore,
the Teachings of God, whether they be in the form of anthems or communes or
prayers, when they are melodiously sung, are most impressive. It was for this
reason that His Holiness David sang the psalms in the Holy of Holies at
Jerusalem with sweet melodies. In this Cause the art of music is of paramount
importance. The Blessed Perfection, when He first came to the barracks (Acca)
repeated this statement: "If among the immediate followers there had been
those who could have played some musical instrument, i.e., flute or harp, or
could have sung, it would have charmed every one." In short, musical
melodies form an important role in the associations, or outward and inward
characteristics, or qualities of man, for it is the inspirer or motive power of
both the material and spiritual susceptibilities. What a motive power it is in
all feelings of love! When man is attached to the Love of God, music has a
great effect upon him.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Table Talk’ Acca, July 1909, quoted in
"Herald of the South" (January 13, 1933), pp. 2-3; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. II, Music)
