Seite 111 - Christian Education (1894)

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Necessity of Doing Our Best
107
in a hesitating, muffled manner. One half the interest in a meeting is
killed when the participants take their parts in this indifferent, spiritless
fashion. They should train and discipline themselves in such a way
that they may edify those who listen. Let every one connected with
the missionary work qualify himself to speak in a clear, attractive
way, enunciating his words in a perfect manner. The proper use of
the vocal organs will bring benefit to the physical health, and increase
your usefulness and influence. It is through falling into bad habits
that persons become tedious readers and speakers; but those who are
looked upon as intelligent enough to become missionary workers, or
to transact business, ought to have intelligence enough to reform in
the manner of speaking. They can give attention to the cultivation
of the voice, and by judicious exercise, may expand the chest, and
strengthen the muscles. Let the abdominal muscles have full play. Do
not bind the waist with bands and corsets, but taking in full breath,
let the burden of your words come from this foundation, supported
by abdominal breathing, and let the throat be the channel for the tone.
By giving heed to proper instruction, by following health principles in
regard to the expansion of the lungs and the culture of the voice, our
young men and women may become speakers that can be heard, and
the exercise necessary to this accomplishment will prolong life.
[133]
If you gain correct ideas on this subject, you will see the necessity
of educating and training yourselves so that you may do justice to
yourselves, may honor God, and bless others. Put yourselves under
patient, efficient teachers, and learn to read in a way that will preserve
the melody of the voice. Having an eye single to the glory of God,
make the most of the natural capabilities that God has given you, and
your intellectual efficiency will increase, and commanding your own
powers, you will not become embarrassed by your defects of speech,
and your usefulness in the cause of God will be increased. There is
need that among our ministers careful attention should be given to the
culture of the voice, or many will lie down in untimely graves. The
Lord is not glorified by the reflections that are cast upon him, when
men attribute to him their sufferings; for the Lord has no pleasure in
the suffering and death of his people. He would have them pursue a
right course of action, carefully looking after their bodies that they
may be in health, and know how to keep the habitation in order. If
we neglect to heed the simple laws by which we may preserve health,