Christ As Our Pattern—The teachings of Christ were impressive and solemn; His voice was melodious. And should not we, as well as Christ, study to have melody in our voices? He had a mighty influence, for He was the Son of God. We are so far beneath Him and so far deficient, that, [even if we] do the very best we can, our efforts will be poor. We cannot gain and possess the influence that He had; but why should we not educate ourselves to come just as near to the Pattern as it is possible for us to do, that we may have the greatest possible influence upon the people?
Our words, our actions, our deportment, our dress, everything,
should preach. Not only with our words should we
speak to the people, but everything pertaining to our person
should be a sermon to them, that right impressions may be
made upon them, and that the truth spoken may be taken by
them to their homes. Thus our faith will stand in a better light
before the community.
Responsibility of Youth—Young men and women,
have you, as individuals, purchased at infinite cost, sought
to study to show yourselves approved unto God, workmen
which need not be ashamed? Have you brought to God the
precious talent of your voice, and put forth painstaking effort
to speak clearly, distinctly, and readily? However imperfect
may be your manner of utterance, you may correct your
faults, and refuse to allow yourself to have a nasal tone, or to
speak in a thick, indistinct way. If your articulation is distinct
and intelligible, your usefulness will be greatly increased.
Then do not leave one defective habit of speech uncorrected.
Correct Language and Cultivated Voice—The great educating
book is the Bible, and yet it is little read or practiced.
Oh, that every individual would seek to make of himself all
that he could, improving his opportunities to the very best
of his ability, purposing to use every power which God has
given him, not simply to advance his temporal affairs, but
to advance his spiritual interests. Oh, that all might search
diligently to know what is truth, to study earnestly that they
might have correct language and cultivated voices, that
they might present the truth in all its elevated and ennobling
beauty.
Co-workers With the Holy Spirit—Some reason that the
Lord will qualify a man by His Spirit to speak as He would
have him; but the Lord does not propose to do the work
which He has given man to do. He has given us reasoning
powers, and opportunities to educate the mind and manners.
And after we have done all we can for ourselves, making
the best use of the advantages within our reach, then we
may look to God with earnest prayer to do by His Spirit that
which we cannot do for ourselves.
This article is excerpted from the book The Voice in Speech and
Song, pp. 178-180, by Ellen G. White.
