208
Pastoral Ministry
full inspiration of air at every sentence, and throwing out the words
by exercising the abdominal muscles. If they will observe this simple
rule, giving attention to the laws of health in other respects, they may
preserve their life and usefulness much longer than men in any other
profession. The chest will become broader, and ... the speaker need
seldom become hoarse, even by constant speaking.—
Gospel Workers,
90
.
Train your voice in such a way that it may be used to its high-
est capacity—Let those who labor in word and doctrine strive to
perfect themselves in the use of language. The voice is a great power,
and yet many have not trained their voices in such a way that they may
be used to their highest capacity. Jesus is our example. His voice was
musical, and was never raised in high, strained notes while He was
speaking to the people. He did not speak so rapidly that His words
were crowded one upon another in such a way that it made it difficult
to understand Him. He distinctly enunciated every word, and those
who heard His voice bore the testimony that “never man spake like
this man.”—
The Review and Herald, March 5, 1895
.
Delivery—Length
Do not give the people more than they can remember—Let the
message for this time be presented, not in long, labored discourses,
but in short talks, right to the point. Lengthy sermons tax the strength
of the speaker and the patience of his hearers. If the speaker is one
who feels the importance of his message, he will need to be especially
careful lest he overtax his physical powers, and give the people more
than they can remember.—
Gospel Workers, 167, 168
.
When the discourse is too long, the last part detracts from
that which preceded it—Speak short. Your discourses are generally
double the length they should be. It is possible to handle a good thing
in such a manner that it loses its flavor. When a discourse is too long,
the last part of the preaching detracts from the force and interest of
that which has preceded it. Do not wander, but come right to the
point.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 311
.
That which is spoken in the first hour is of far more value if
the sermon closes then—Those who shall be mouthpieces for God
should know that their lips have been touched with a live coal from
[200]