162
The Voice in Speech and Song
Needless Expenditure of Vitality—Some pray too long and too
loud, which greatly exhausts their feeble strength and needlessly ex-
pends their vitality; others frequently make their discourses one-third
or one-half longer than they should. In so doing they become exces-
sively weary, the interest of the people decreases before the discourse
closes, and much is lost to them, for they cannot retain it. One-half that
was said would have been better than more. Although all the matter
may be important, the success would be much greater were the praying
and talking less lengthy. The result would be reached without so great
weariness. They are needlessly using up their strength and vitality,
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which, for the good of the cause, it is so necessary to retain. It is the
long-protracted effort, after laboring to the point of weariness, which
wears and breaks.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:116, 117
.
Long Prayers Not a Part of the Gospel—The long prayers made
by some ministers have been a great failure. Praying to great length,
as some do, is all out of place. They injure the throat and vocal
organs, and then they talk of breaking down by their hard labor. They
injure themselves when it is not called for. Many feel that praying
injures their vocal organs more than talking. This is in consequence
of the unnatural position of the body, and the manner of holding the
head. They can stand and talk, and not feel injured. The position in
prayer should be perfectly natural. Long praying wearies, and is not in
accordance with the gospel of Christ. Half or even quarter of an hour
is altogether too long. A few minutes’ time is long enough to bring
your case before God and tell Him what you want; and you can take
the people with you and not weary them out and lessen their interest in
devotion and prayer. They may be refreshed and strengthened, instead
of exhausted.
A mistake has been made by many in their religious exercises
in long praying and long preaching, upon a high key, with a forced
voice, in an unnatural strain and an unnatural tone. The minister has
needlessly wearied himself and really distressed the people by hard,
labored exercise, which is all unnecessary. Ministers should speak in a
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manner to reach and impress the people. The teachings of Christ were
impressive and solemn; His voice was melodious. And should not we,
as well as Christ, study to have melody in our voices?—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:617
.