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Christian Education
by what you say. If you have acquired the habit of speaking in a low,
indistinct way, you should regard it as a defect, and put forth earnest
effort to overcome, that you may honor God and edify his children.
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“How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of
you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath
an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” [
1 Corinthians
14:26
.] In our devotional social meetings, our voices should express
by prayer and praise our adoration of our 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, is the melody of the human voice, when devoted
to the praises of Him who hath loved us, and hath given himself for
us. 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 awaken to their responsibility, and make more of
this precious talent than ever they have done before. Let no one say,
“There is no use for me to try to pray, for others do not hear me.” Rather
say, “I will make earnest efforts to overcome this God-dishonoring
habit of speaking in a low, indistinct tone, and I will put myself under
discipline until my voice shall be audible, even to those who are hard
of hearing.” Will it not be worth disciplining yourself to be able to
add interest to the service of God, and to edify the children of God?
Let the voices of the followers of Christ be trained so that instead of
crowding words together in a thick, indistinct way, their words will be
clear, forcible, and edifying. Do not let the voice fall after each word,
but keep it up so that every sentence will be full and complete. The
voice of thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing is heard in heaven. The
voices of the children of God unite with the voices of the angels of
heaven, as they ascribe honor and glory and praise unto God and to
the Lamb for the great salvation he has provided.
Let every one seek to do his best. Let those who have enlisted under
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the banner of Prince Emmanuel grow daily in grace and efficiency.
Let the teachers in our institutions endeavor to train the students in all
lines of education, that they may come forth properly disciplined to
bless mankind and glorify God. It is essential that they be educated
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 tone, or