Clarity and Purity of Utterance
121
when conversing with others in regard to the truth, or when engaged
in public ministry, they may properly present the truths of heavenly
origin.—
Evangelism, 666
.
Distinctness in Every Word—When you speak, let every word
be full and well-rounded, every sentence clear and distinct to the very
last word. Many as they approach the end of a sentence lower the tone
of the voice, speaking so indistinctly that the force of the thought is
destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are worth speaking in
a clear, distinct voice, with emphasis and expression.—
Testimonies
for the Church 6:383
.
[188]
Angel Voices in Union With Human Voices—Let the voices of
the followers of Christ be so trained that instead of crowding words
together in a thick, indistinct way, their utterance may be clear, forcible,
and edifying. Do not let the voice fall after each word, but keep it up
so that each sentence will be full and complete. Will it not be worth
disciplining yourself, if by so doing you are able to add interest to the
service of God and to edify His children? The voice of thanksgiving,
praise, and rejoicing is heard in heaven. The voices of the angels
in heaven unite with the voices of the children of God on earth as
they ascribe honor and glory and praise to God and to the Lamb for
the great salvation provided.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 246
.
Uncomely Gestures, Uncouth Speech—The workman for God
should make earnest efforts to become a representative of Christ,
discarding all uncomely gestures and uncouth speech. He should
endeavor to use correct language. There is a large class who are
careless in the way they speak, yet by careful, painstaking attention
these may become representatives of the truth. Every day they should
make advancement. They should not detract from their usefulness
and influence by cherishing defects of manner, tone, or language.
Common, cheap expressions should be replaced by sound, pure words.
By constant watchfulness and earnest discipline the Christian youth
may keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.
[189]
We should be careful not to give an incorrect pronunciation of our
words. There are men among us who in theory know better than to
use incorrect language, yet who in practice make frequent mistakes.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 238
.