Role of Teachers
25
precept, here a little, and there a little. Give minds time to digest the
truths you feed them. Children must be drawn toward heaven, not
rashly, but very gently.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:420
.
Every Word Distinctly Spoken—The teacher of truth is to take
heed how he presents the truth. He is to speak every word plainly
and distinctly, with that earnest conviction which carries conviction
to hearts. If the words spoken are crowded upon each other, the
impression that should be made is lost. The talent of speech needs
to be cultivated, that the truth be spoken not excitedly, but slowly
and distinctly, that not a syllable may be lost.—
The Southern Work,
October 27, 1903
.
Correct Use of Language—One of the most essential qualifica-
tions of a teacher is the ability to speak and read distinctly and forcibly.
He who knows how to use the English language fluently and correctly
can exert a far greater influence than one who is unable to express
his thoughts readily and clearly.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 216
.
[40]
Intelligent Articulation—The teacher should cultivate his pow-
ers, cultivate his speech so as to speak distinctly, giving intelligent
articulation.—
Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 97
.
Simplicity of Christ’s Words—The Pharisees scoffed at Christ;
they criticized the simplicity of His language, which was so plain that
the child, the aged, the common people heard Him gladly, and were
charmed by His words. The Sadducees also derided Him because
His discourses were so unlike anything delivered by their rulers and
scribes. Those Jewish teachers spoke in monotonous tones, and the
plainest and most precious scriptures were made uninteresting and
unintelligible, buried under such a mass of tradition and learned lore
that after the rabbis had spoken, the people knew less of the meaning
of the Scriptures than before they listened. There were many souls
starving for the Bread of Life, and Jesus fed them with pure, simple
truth. In His teaching He drew illustrations from the things of nature
and the common transactions of life, with which they were familiar.
Thus the truth became to them a living reality; the scenes of nature
and the affairs of daily life were ever repeating to them the Saviour’s
precious teachings. Christ’s manner of teaching was just what He
desires His servants to follow.—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
242, 243
.