118
The Voice in Speech and Song
Soft, Persuasive Tones—Be pure in speech. Cultivate a soft and
persuasive, not a harsh and dictatorial, tone of voice. Give the children
lessons in voice culture. Train their habits of speech, until no coarse
or rough words will come spontaneously from their lips when any trial
comes to them.—
The Adventist Home, 435
.
Controlled Volume—They [ministers] should speak with rever-
ence. Some destroy the solemn impression they may have made upon
the people, by raising their voices to a very high pitch and halloowing
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and screaming out the truth. When presented in this manner, truth
loses much of its sweetness, its force and solemnity. But if the voice
is toned right, if it has solemnity, and is so modulated as to be even
pathetic, it will produce a much better impression.
This was the tone in which Christ taught His disciples. He im-
pressed them with solemnity; He spoke in a pathetic manner. But this
loud halloowing—what does it do? It does not give the people any
more exalted views of the truth, and does not impress them any more
deeply. It only causes a disagreeable sensation to the hearers, and
wears out the vocal organs of the speaker. The tones of the voice have
much to do in affecting the hearts of those that hear.—
Testimonies for
the Church 2:615
.
Spiritless Speech—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 voice or in a
hesitating manner or a muffled tone. One half the interest in a meeting
is killed when the participants do their part in an indifferent, spiritless
fashion. They should learn to speak in such a way that they can
edify those who listen. Let everyone connected with missionary work
qualify himself to speak in a clear, attractive way, enunciating his
words perfectly.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 246,
247
.
Home Instruction in Voice Culture—Instruction in vocal culture
should be given in the home. Parents should teach their children to
speak so plainly that the listeners can understand every word. They
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should teach them to read the Bible with clear, distinct utterance in
a way that will honor God. And let not those who kneel around the
family altar put their faces in their hands close down to the chair when
they address God. Let them lift up their heads and with holy awe speak
to their heavenly Father, uttering their words in tones that can be heard.