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Christian Education
and disciplined that in voluntary or involuntary action, the best of
health may result, and the brain be invigorated to sustain the taxation
of study.
In reading or in recitation the pronunciation should be clear, and a
nasal tone, or an ungainly attitude should at once be corrected. Every
sentence should be clear and distinct, and any lack of distinctness
should be marked as defective. Many have allowed themselves to
form the habit of speaking in a thick, indistinct way, as though their
tongue was too large for the mouth, and this habit has done great
injury to usefulness; but if those who have defects in their manner of
utterance will submit to criticism and correction, they may overcome
these defects. They should perseveringly practice speaking in a low,
distinct tone, exercising the abdominal muscles in deep breathing,
and making the throat the channel of communication. Many speak
in a rapid way and in a high, unnatural key, but if they continue such
a practice, they will injure the throat and lungs, and as a result of
continual abuse, the weak and inflamed organs will become diseased
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in a serious way, and they will fall into consumption.
Ministers and teachers should give especial attention to the voice,
and learn the art of speaking, not in a nervous, hurried manner, but in
a slow, clear, distinct manner, preserving the music of the voice. The
Saviour was the greatest teacher the world ever knew, and his voice
was as music to the ears of those who had been accustomed to hear
the monotonous, spiritless preaching of the Scribes and Pharisees. He
spoke slowly and impressively, emphasizing those words to which he
wished them to give special attention.
The old and young, the ignorant and the learned, could catch the
full meaning of his words, but this would have been impossible had he
spoken in a hurried way, and rushed sentence upon sentence without
pause. The people were very attentive to him, and it was said of him
that he spake not as the Scribes and Pharisees, for his word was as of
one who had authority. The people were astonished at his doctrine,
and after hearing him, the verdict was, “Never man spake like this
man.” [
John 7:46
.]
Jesus’ 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