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Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
In our devotional meetings, our voices should express by prayer
and praise our adoration of the heavenly Father, that all may know
that we worship God in simplicity and truth, and in the beauty of
holiness. Precious indeed in this world of sin and ignorance is the
gift of speech, the melody of the human voice, when devoted to the
praise of Him who hath loved us and given Himself for us.
Consecration of the Voice
The gift of speech has been greatly abused and widely perverted
from its intended purpose; but let those who claim to be children
of the heavenly King awake to their responsibility, and make the
most of this talent. Let no one say, “It is of no use for me to try to
pray; for others do not hear me.” Rather let him say, “I will make
earnest effort to overcome this God-dishonoring habit of speaking
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in a low, indistinct tone. I will put myself under discipline until my
voice shall be audible even to those who are dull of hearing.”
Let the voices of the followers of Christ be so trained that instead
of crowding words together in a thick, indistinct way, their utterance
may be clear, forcible, and edifying. Do not let the voice fall after
each word, but keep it up so that each sentence will be full and
complete. Will it be worth disciplining yourself, if by so doing
you are able to add interest to the service of God and to edify His
children? The voice of thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing is heard
in heaven. The voices of the angels in heaven unite with the voices
of the children of God on earth as they ascribe honor and glory and
praise to God and to the Lamb for the great salvation provided.
Let everyone seek to do his best. Let those who have enlisted
under the banner of Prince Immanuel grow daily in grace and effi-
ciency. Let the teachers in our institutions endeavor so to train their
students in all lines of education that they may come forth properly
disciplined to bless mankind and to glorify God.
It is essential that students be trained to read in a clear, distinct
tone. We have been pained as we have attended conference meetings,
tract society meetings, and meetings of various kinds, where reports
were read in an almost inaudible voice or in a hesitating manner or
a muffled tone. One half the interest in a meeting is killed when the
participants do their part in an indifferent, spiritless fashion. They
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