186
The Voice in Speech and Song
Real Intelligence in Preaching—A man may preach in a spirited
manner and please the ear, but convey no new idea or real intelligence
to the mind. The impressions received through such preaching last no
longer than while the speaker’s voice is heard. When search is made
for the fruit of such labor, there is little to be found.—
Testimonies for
the Church 1:447
.
Unnatural Use of the Voice—Some raise their voices to an un-
natural key when they speak in the desk; others talk very rapidly, and
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the people cannot hear what is said. This works disaster to themselves,
as well as to others, for their unnatural use of the voice results in injury
to the vocal organs. They needlessly exhaust their strength, and make
their efforts painful to their congregation. They should exercise self-
control, that quality so essential for them as ambassadors of Christ,
and overcome their pernicious habits. If they would but do this, they
would be able to leave a pleasant impression on the minds of their
hearers, and the preaching of the truth would become attractive.—
The
Review and Herald, October 28, 1890
.
Intensity Without Emotionalism—God would have all move
calmly, considerately, choosing our words in harmony with the solid
truth for this time, which requires to be presented to the mind as free
from that which is emotional as possible, while still bearing the in-
tensity and solemnity that it is proper it should bear. We must guard
against creating extremes, guard against encouraging those who would
either be in the fire or in the water.
I beseech you to weed out of your teachings every extravagant
expression, everything that unbalanced minds and those who are in-
experienced will catch up, and from which they will make wild, im-
mature movements. It is necessary for you to cultivate caution in
every statement you make, lest you start some on a wrong track, and
make confusion that will require much sorrowful labor to set in order,
thus diverting the strength and work of the laborers into lines which
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God does not design shall be entered. One fanatical streak exhibited
among us will close many doors against the soundest principles of
truth.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 227, 228
.
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