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194
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Christ’s Method
Ministers and teachers should give special attention to the cul-
tivation of the voice. They should learn to speak, not in a nervous,
hurried manner, but with a slow, distinct, clear utterance, preserving
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the music of the voice.
The Saviour’s voice was as music to the ears of those who had
been accustomed to the monotonous, spiritless preaching of the
scribes and Pharisees. He spoke slowly and impressively, emphasiz-
ing those words to which He wished His hearers to give special heed.
Old and young, ignorant and learned, could catch the full meaning
of His words. This would have been impossible had He spoken in
a hurried way and rushed sentence upon sentence without a pause.
The people were very attentive to Him, and it was said of Him that
He spoke not as the scribes and Pharisees, for His word was as of
one who had authority....
Christ’s manner of teaching was beautiful and attractive, and it
was ever characterized by simplicity. He unfolded the mysteries
of the kingdom of heaven through the use of figures and symbols
with which His hearers were familiar; and the common people heard
Him gladly, for they could comprehend His words. There were no
high-sounding words used, to understand which it was necessary to
consult a dictionary.
Jesus illustrated the glories of the kingdom of God by the use of
the experiences and occurrences of earth. In compassionate love and
tenderness He cheered and comforted and instructed all who heard
Him; for grace was poured upon His lips that He might convey to
men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth.
This is the way in which He would have us present His truth
to others. The power of speech is of great value, and the voice
should be cultivated for the blessing of those with whom we come
in contact.
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In Prayer
I am pained as I see how little the gift of speech is appreciated.
In reading the Bible, in engaging in prayer, in bearing testimony
in meeting, how necessary is clear, distinct utterance! And how