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The Voice in Speech and Song
have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will
not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful
not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing
controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about
that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a
deeper knowledge of God’s Word.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:325
.
No Haphazard Words—God’s representatives upon earth should
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be in daily communion with Him. Their words should be select, their
speech sound. The haphazard words frequently used by ministers
who preach not the gospel in sincerity should be forever discarded.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:707
.
Sound Speech—It becomes every minister of Christ to use sound
speech, which cannot be condemned.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:709
.
Students’ Preparation as Public Speakers—Students should be
qualified to speak in an acceptable manner before congregations; and
they should therefore train themselves to use pure, simple language,
and to follow the best methods of speaking. Much attention should
be given to the practice of reading with full, clear voice and distinct
utterance, giving the proper emphasis to each word....
All can communicate, if they will, the grand yet simple truths
regarding the mission and work of Christ. If they seek the Lord daily
in earnest prayer, they will understand how to meet the people as Christ
met them, adapting the instruction to their varied circumstances and
understanding. The spiritual lessons regarding the kingdom of God,
they should illustrate by the natural things with which their hearers
are familiar. Then, as these natural objects are seen, day by day, the
lesson of truth will be repeated to the mind.—
The Review and Herald,
October 4, 1898
.
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