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Importance Of Simplicity
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said. “I thought you were going to speak, and I asked several of my
companions to come. Will you please ask the minister to speak easy
words that we can understand? Will you please tell him that we do
not understand large words, like ‘justification’ and ‘sanctification’?
We do not know what these words mean.”
The little girl’s complaint contains a lesson worthy of consid-
eration by teachers and ministers. Are there not many who would
do well to heed the request, “Speak easy words, that we may know
what you mean”?
Make your explanations clear, for I know that there are many
who do not understand many of the things said to them. Let the
Holy Spirit mold and fashion your speech, cleansing it from all
dross. Speak as little children, remembering that there are many
well advanced in years who are but little children in understanding.
By earnest prayer and diligent effort we are to obtain a fitness
for speaking. This fitness includes uttering every syllable clearly,
placing the force and emphasis where it belongs. Speak slowly.
Many speak rapidly, hurrying one word after another so fast that the
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effect of what they say is lost. Into what you say put the spirit and
life of Christ.
On a certain occasion, when Betterton, the celebrated actor, was
dining with Dr. Sheldon, archbishop of Canterbury, the archbishop
said to him, “Pray, Mr. Betterton, tell me why it is that you actors af-
fect your audiences so powerfully by speaking of things imaginary.”
“My lord,” replied Betterton, “with due submission to Your Grace,
permit me to say that the reason is plain: It all lies in the power of
enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of things imaginary as if they
were real, and you in the pulpit speak of things real as if they were
imaginary.”
“Feed My lambs;” “feed My sheep,” was the commission given
to Peter. “And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
John 21:15, 16
;
Luke 22:32
. To those who hear, the gospel is made
the power of God unto salvation. Present the gospel in its simplicity.
Follow Christ’s example, and you will have the reward of seeing
your students won to Him.
Sanitarium, California,
July 6, 1902