170
The Voice in Speech and Song
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
.
Mouthpiece for God—He who accepts the position of being a
mouthpiece for God should consider it highly essential that he presents
the truth with all the grace and intelligence that he can acquire through
discipline of the mind and in such a manner that the truth shall lose
nothing by his presentation. Let no one consider it a little thing to
speak in a thick voice and clumsy manner, or to pitch the voice in a
high, unnatural key, and talk loud and long and thus abuse the organs of
speech given of God, and make himself unacceptable to the people.—
Manuscript 67, 1895
.
Defective Utterance of Truth—The ability to speak plainly and
clearly, in full, round tones, is invaluable in any line of work. This
qualification is indispensable in those who desire to become ministers,
evangelists, Bible workers, or canvassers. Those who are planning
to enter these lines of work should be taught to use the voice in such
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a way that when they speak to people about the truth, a decided im-
pression for good will be made. The truth must not be marred by
being communicated through defective utterance.—
Testimonies for
the Church 6:380
.
Manner of Speaking for All Workers—All the workers, whether
they speak from the pulpit or give Bible readings, are to be taught to
speak in a clear, expressive manner.—
Evangelism, 665
.
Holy Boldness in Prayer—I am pained as I see how little the
gift of speech is appreciated. In reading the Bible, in engaging in
prayer, in bearing testimony in meeting, how necessary is clear, distinct
utterance! And how much is lost in family worship when the one
offering prayer bows the face down and speaks in a low, feeble voice!
But as soon as family worship is over, those who could not speak loud
enough to be heard in prayer, can usually speak in clear, distinct tones,
and there is no difficulty in hearing what they say. Prayer that is thus
uttered is appropriate for the closet, but not edifying in family or public
worship; for unless those assembled can hear what is said, they cannot
say Amen. Nearly all can speak loud enough to be heard in ordinary