Oratorical and Theatrical Display
183
was neglected—and paid their money and gave their precious time to
attend a school of elocution. When they came from this drill, devotion
and religion had parted company with them, and the burden of souls
[288]
was laid off, as they would lay aside a garment. They had accepted
Satan’s suggestions, and he had led them where he chose.
Some set themselves up as teachers of elocution, who had neither
discretion nor ability, and they made themselves disgusting to the
public, for they did not properly use what knowledge they had gained.
Their performances were void of dignity or good sense; and these
exploits on their part have closed the door, so far as they are known, to
any influence that they may have in future as men to carry the message
of truth to the world. This was Satan’s device. It was well to make
improvement in speaking; but to give time and money to this one
branch, and absorb the mind with it, was rushing into extremes and
showing great weakness.
Young men who call themselves Sabbathkeepers attach “professor”
to their names and abuse the community with that which they do not
understand. Many thus pervert the light which God has seen fit to give
them. They have not well-balanced minds. Elocution has become a
byword. It has caught up men to engage in a work that they cannot
do wisely, and spoiled them for doing a work which, had they been
humbly and modestly seeking to accomplish it in the fear of God,
they would have made a glorious success. These youth might have
been fitting for usefulness in the missionary field as canvassers and
colporteurs, or as licentiates proving themselves for ministerial labor,
doing work for time and for eternity. But they have been crazed with
the thought of becoming teachers of elocution, and Satan stands and
[289]
laughs that he has caught them in the net which he has laid for them.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:604-606
.
Eloquence Even of a Stammering Tongue—Most precious gems
of truth are often rendered powerless by the wisdom of words in which
they are clothed, while the power of the Spirit of God is lacking. Christ
presented the truth in its simplicity; and He reached not only the most
elevated, but the lowliest men of earth. The minister who is God’s
ambassador and Christ’s representative on the earth, who humbles
himself that God may be exalted, will possess the genuine quality of
eloquence. True piety, a close connection with God, and a daily, living