Speed and Tone
169
Distraction by Physical Antics—There are also fanatical min-
isters, who, in attempting to preach Christ, storm, halloo, jump up
and down, and pound the desk before them, as if this bodily exercise
profited anything. Such antics lend no force to the truths uttered, but,
on the contrary, disgust men and women of calm judgment and ele-
vated views. It is the duty of men who give themselves to the ministry
to leave all coarseness and boisterous conduct outside the desk at
least.—
Evangelism, 640
.
Whining Tone Not Proof of Humility—There is another class
that address the people in a whining tone. Their hearts are not softened
by the Spirit of God, and they think they must make an impression by
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the appearance of humility. Such a course does not exalt the gospel
ministry, but brings it down and degrades it. Ministers should present
the truth warm from glory. They should speak in such a manner as
rightly to represent Christ and preserve the dignity becoming His
ministers.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:617
.
Inaudible Prayers a Joy to Satan—In the social meeting there
is special need of clear, distinct utterance, that all may hear the testi-
monies borne and be benefited by them. Difficulties are removed and
help is given as in social meeting God’s people relate their experiences.
But too often the testimonies are borne with faulty, indistinct utterance,
and it is impossible to gain a correct idea of what is said. Thus the
blessing is often lost.
Let those who pray and those who speak pronounce their words
properly and speak in clear, distinct, even tones. Prayer, if properly
offered, is a power for good. It is one of the means used by the Lord
to communicate to the people the precious treasures of truth. But
prayer is not what it should be, because of the defective voices of
those who utter it. Satan rejoices when the prayers offered to God are
almost inaudible. Let God’s people learn how to speak and pray in a
way that will properly represent the great truths they possess. Let the
testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct. Thus
God will be glorified.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:382
.
Clarity in Public Reading—It is essential that students be trained
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to read in a clear, distinct tone. 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