FIRST:  “Never should a sermon be preached, or Bible instruction in any line be given, without pointing the hearers to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29] Every true doctrine makes Christ the center, every precept receives force from His Words.”  6T:53.3.

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“Speak in such a way that the people shall see what is the relation of that one point to other truths of vital importance.”  1SAT:275.1.

 

“Voice culture is presented to me as of the greatest importance.  Students should receive a training that will prepare them to impart the knowledge they receive.  Unless they are taught to read and speak [214]

 

“slowly and distinctly, with clearness and force, placing the emphasis where it belongs, how can they teach with any good effect?  They should not be allowed to speak so fast that they cannot be clearly understood.  Every word, every syllable, should be plainly spoken. [2MR:213.4]

 

“Students should be taught not to speak from the throat, but to bring the abdominal muscles into action.  The throat is only the channel through which the voice is to pass.  If public speakers would learn to use the voice properly, there would not be so much throat trouble among them. [2MR:214.1]

 

“Those who are to go into the field as teachers and ministers should be trained to speak in a way that will arouse an interest in the precious truths which they present.  A man may not have so much knowledge, yet he can accomplish much if he has a voice so well trained that he can impart clearly that which he knows.  But if a man cannot tell in a forcible manner what he knows, of what benefit is his learning, even though his mind be stored with knowledge?”  2MR:213-214.2.

 

“Educate all to speak slowly.  Do not allow any hurried reading or rapid delivery.  Teach the students to inhale the God-given, vital air, and then in the exhalation clearly express their words.  Thus the vital properties of the air are utilized.”  2MR:224.5; Letter 161, 1901, pp. 2-4, (To P. T. Magan and E. A. Sutherland, Nov. 5, 1901).

 

“Some of our most talented ministers are doing themselves great injury by their defective manner of speaking.  While teaching the people their duty to obey God’s Moral Law, they should not be found violating the Laws of God in regard to health and life.  Ministers should stand erect and speak slowly, firmly, and distinctly, taking a full inspiration of air at every sentence and throwing out the words by exercising the abdominal muscles.  If they will observe this simple rule, giving attention to the laws of health in other respects, they may preserve their life and usefulness much longer than men in any other profession. [4T:404.1]

 

“The chest will become broader, and by educating the voice, the speaker need seldom become hoarse, even by constant speaking.  Instead of our ministers’ becoming consumptives by speaking, they may, by care, overcome all tendency to consumption.”  4T:404 (1880); Ev. 670.1.

 

“The Lord would have you improve in speech by placing the burden where it belongs, upon the muscles of the chest and abdomen.  The throat is only the channel for the words.  Speak slowly and breathe deeply.  This will enable you to throw out your words with distinctness and volume, while the throat and lungs, instead of being injured, will be strengthened to resist consumptive tendencies. [9MR:14.3]

 

“It is your privilege to take lessons in voice culture, if possible.  Voice culture is a study that should find a place in every institution for the education of the youth.  Especially is this study essential for those who are preparing themselves to labor as teachers or ministers.  In every study the importance of speaking slowly and distinctly, and of placing the burden upon the muscles of the abdomen, should be made prominent.  This line of work should be made a specialty in every school.  The students should be taught to stand straight, to breathe deep, and to give the proper emphasis to important words and sentences.”  9MR:14.3-4.

 

“Educate yourself to speak slowly, using the abdominal muscles.  Do not pitch your voice in a high key; for this strains the throat, and the Lord desires that you shall preserve your vocal organs.”  18MR:52.3.

 

“Voice culture is presented to me as of the greatest importance.  Students should receive a training that will prepare them to impart the knowledge they receive.  Unless they are taught to read and speak slowly and distinctly, with clearness and force, placing the emphasis where it belongs, how can they teach with any good effect?  They should not be allowed to speak so fast that they cannot be clearly understood.  Every word, every syllable, should be plainly spoken. [PH124:31.1]

 

“Students should be taught not to speak from the throat, but to bring the abdominal muscles into action.  The throat is only the channel through which the voice is to pass.  If public speakers would learn to use the voice properly, there would not be so much throat trouble among them. [PH124:31.2]

 

“Those who are to go into the field as teachers and ministers, should be trained to speak in a way that will arouse an interest in the precious truths which they present.  A man may not have so much knowledge, yet he can accomplish much if he has a voice so well trained that he can impart clearly that which he knows.”  Church School Manual, p. 74, ed. 1906; PH124:31.1-3.

 

“Speak slowly.  Many speak rapidly, hurrying [255] one word after another so fast that the effect of what they say is lost.”  CT:254-255; Ev. 175.2.

 

“While the teacher of truth should be faithful in presenting the gospel, let him never pour out a mass of matter which the people cannot comprehend because it is new to them and hard to understand.  Take one point at a time, and make that one point plain, speaking slowly and in a distinct voice.  Speak in such a way that the people shall see what is the relation of that one point to other truths of vital importance.”  Ev. 202; VSS:62.2.

 

“The Lord requires the human agent not to move by impulse in speaking, but to move calmly, speak slowly, and let the Holy Spirit give efficiency to the truth.  Never think that in working yourselves up to a passion of delivery, speaking by impulse, and suffering your feelings to raise your voice to an unnaturally high key, that you are giving evidence of the great power of God upon you.”  Ev. 668.1; VSS:186.3.

 

“To those who are planning to enter God’s service as ministers, I would say, Strive with determination to be perfect in speech.  Ask God to help you to accomplish this great object.  When in the congregation you offer prayer, remember that you are addressing God, and that He desires you to speak so that all who are present can hear and can blend their supplications with yours.  A prayer uttered so hurriedly that the words are jumbled together, is no honor to God and does the hearers no good.  Let ministers and all who offer public prayer learn to pray in such a way that God will be glorified and the hearers will be blessed.  Let them speak slowly and distinctly, and in tones loud enough to be heard by all, so that the people may [90] unite in saying Amen.”  GW:89-90; 6T:383.

 

“Some of our most talented ministers are doing themselves great injury by their defective manner of speaking.  While teaching the people their duty to obey God’s Moral Law, they should not be found violating his physical laws.  Ministers should stand erect, and speak slowly, firmly, and distinctly, taking a full inspiration of air at every sentence, and throwing out the words by exercising the abdominal muscles.  If they will observe this simple rule, giving attention to the laws of health in other respects, they may preserve their life and usefulness much longer than men in any other profession.”  GW:92:147.1.

 

“But while the teacher of truth should be faithful in presenting the gospel, let him never pour out a mass of matter which the people cannot comprehend because it is new to them and hard to understand.  Take one point at a time, and make that one point plain, speaking slowly and in a distinct voice.  Speak in such a way that the people shall see what is the relation of that one point to other truths of vital importance.”  Manuscript 39, 1895; Ev. 201.3.

 

“Ministers should stand erect, and speak slowly, firmly, and distinctly, letting the voice go down deep, taking a full inspiration of air at every sentence, and throwing out the words by exercising the abdominal muscles.  The chest will thus become broader, and by educating the voice, the speaker need seldom become hoarse, even by constant speaking. . .

 

“Ministers and teachers should discipline themselves to clear and distinct articulation, giving every word its full sound.  Those who talk rapidly, from the throat, and who jumble their words together and raise their voices to an unnaturally high pitch, soon become hoarse, and the words spoken lose half the force which they would have if spoken slowly, distinctly, and not so loud. . .

 

“It is no evidence that a man is having a zeal for God because he works himself up into a frenzy of excitement and gesticulation. . . Speakers and writers need much physical exercise, and abundance of pure air.  The lungs need food as much as the body.  The sleeping-rooms should be thoroughly ventilated, that the lungs may not be starved.  This is very important to speakers, teachers, and students, and should not be neglected.”  RH, February 5, 1880.

 

“Those who open the oracles of God to the people should improve in their manner of communicating the truth, that it may be presented to the world in an acceptable way.  Place proper emphasis upon the words that should be made impressive.  Speak slowly.  Let the voice be as musical as possible.”  RH, January 14, 1902 par. 5; VSS:184.2.

 

“By earnest prayer and diligent effort we are to obtain a fitness for speaking.  This fitness includes uttering every syllable clearly, placing the force and emphasis where it belongs.  Speak slowly.  Many speak rapidly, hurrying one word after another so fast that the effect of what they say is lost.”  RH, September 9, 1902 par. 7; VSS:181.1; CT:254- 255.

 

“Educate all to speak slowly.  Do not allow any hurried reading or rapid delivery.  Teach the student to inhale the God-given, vital [200] air, and then in the exhalation clearly express their words.  Thus the vital properties of the air are utilized. [SpM:199.9]

 

“Never allow an indistinct utterance to pass unnoticed.  Let the speech be as perfect as possible.  Accept nothing else.  By cultivating the voice a grand work will be done, not only in learning how to breathe, inhaling the pure, life-giving air and exhaling by speaking in loud, clear tones, but also in the preservation of life. [SpM:200.1]

 

“In speaking there need be no strain put upon the throat or the lungs.  The abdomen is the powerful engine from which the organs of speech are to receive the power which keeps them in perfect tone and expression.  There needs to be an economizing of nervous strength, in order that the voice may be perfected, thus enabling laborers to speak in such a way that the truth will lose none of its force and beauty by being bunglingly presented. [SpM:200.2]

 

“This subject of voice needs special attention.  May the Lord help you as teachers to see the bearing on which this subject sustains to the communication of the truth.  Workers should know how to use the voice in such a way that in speaking they will properly represent the grand subjects of present truth.”  SpM:199.9-200.3.

 

“The truth should be spoken clearly, slowly, forcibly, that it may impress the hearer.  When the truth in any line is presented, it is essential for it to be understood, that all its precious food, the bread of life, the manna from Heaven, may be received.  Let every fragment be gathered up, that nothing be lost.  In the presentation of the truth in preaching the Word, it is of consequence that nothing should be lost to the receptive hearer.  The Lord Jesus is represented by the Holy Spirit, and is seeking to secure admission to the mind; and conviction comes to the heart and conscience; but the overmuch matter that is given is detrimental in its effect; it effaces the impression previously made.  Speak short, and you will create an interest to hear again and again.”  SpTA05:8.2.

 

“Teachers of the Word of God are not to keep back any part of the counsel of God, lest the people shall be ignorant of their duty, and not understand what is the Will of God concerning them, and stumble and fall into perdition.  But while the teacher of truth should be faithful in presenting the gospel, let him never pour out a mass of matter which the people cannot comprehend because it is new to them and hard to understand.  Take one point at a time, and make that one point plain, speaking slowly and in a distinct voice.  Speak in such a way that the people shall see what is the relation of that one point to other truths of vital importance.”  ST. December 25. 1893, par. 8.

 

“The truth should be spoken clearly, slowly, forcibly, that it may impress the hearer.  When the truth in any line is presented it is essential for it to be understood, that all its precious food, the bread of life, the manna from Heaven, may be received.  Let every fragment be gathered up, that nothing be lost.  In the presentation of the truth in preaching the Word it is of consequence that nothing should be lost to the receptive hearer.  The Lord Jesus is represented by the Holy Spirit, and is seeking to secure admission [258]

 

“to the mind, and conviction comes to the heart and conscience; but the overmuch matter that is given is detrimental in its effect, it effaces the impression previously made.  Speak short, and you will create an interest to hear again and again.

 

“It is especially true that new and startling themes should not be presented to the people at too great length.  In every address given, let there be an application of truth to the heart that whosoever may hear shall understand, and that men, women, and youth may become alive unto God.”  TM:257-258.

 

“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.  Rapidity of speech can and should be corrected. [VSS:189.2]

 

“If the words of truth are of sufficient importance to be spoken before an audience, they are of sufficient importance to be spoken distinctly.  The guidance of the Spirit never leads to indistinctness of speech.  The Spirit takes the things of God and presents them through the human instrument to the people.  Then let them come from our lips in the most perfect manner possible. [SW, Oct. 27, 1903; VSS:189.3]

 

“Our Words a Channel for the Communication of Truth -- We should receive the education essential in the line of conversation that we may know how to speak right words and how to speak in a proper tone, that our words may be a power for good.”  VSS:189.2-3.

 

“I was taught this lesson when my throat and lungs were so much affected that I could not breathe without suffering.  No human friend gave me any hint of what to do in order to improve, but the great Medical Missionary, Whom I love and obey, told me what to do.  The directions given me, I give you.  The importance of voice culture was impressed upon me, and ever since I have tried to impress this upon others.  Let our ministers speak slowly, taking in full inspirations of air, and there will be a melody in their voices that is now heard in the voices of but few, because it is hard to change wrong habits for right ones. [VSS:261.3]

 

“God would have His workers treat their vocal organs with special care, as a precious gift from Him.  These organs are not to be abused by overtaxation. [262]

 

“Let great care be shown in their use.  Then the discourses given will be more impressive, and those who speak will be enabled to do more work for the Master.  There are men who have gone down to the grave because they did not take pains to be in harmony with nature’s laws in their use of the vocal organs. [VSS:261.4]

 

“The Lord would have His messengers guard sacredly their health and strength.  They are not to sacrifice their God-given organs by misusing them.  One organ is not to be overstrained, made to bear a burden of abuse that will bring disease and cut short the usefulness of the workers. [VSS:262.1]

 

“The Lord would have you improve in speech by placing the burden where it belongs, upon the muscles of the chest and abdomen.  The throat is only the channel for the words.  Speak slowly and breathe deeply.  This will enable you to throw out your words with distinctness and volume, while the throat and lungs, instead of being injured, will be strengthened to resist consumptive tendencies. [VSS:262.2]

 

“It is your privilege to take lessons in voice culture, if possible.  Voice culture is a study that should find a place in every institution for the education of the youth.  Especially is this study essential for those who are preparing themselves to labor as teachers or ministers.  In every study the importance of speaking slowly and distinctly, and of placing the burden upon the muscles of the abdomen, should be made prominent.  This line of work should be made a specialty in every school.  The students should be taught to stand straight, to breathe deeply, [263]

 

“and to give the proper emphasis to important words and sentences. [VSS:262.3] 

 

“Think of these suggestions.  Give them due attention, for the preservation of your life demands this.  The human agent is to do all in his power to preserve his health and strength.  The minister of the gospel should give the organs of speech special care, giving the throat every advantage, so that it shall not become irritated.  He must take time to rest.  Then his vocal organs will not be so overworked that they will become diseased beyond remedy. [VSS:263.1]

 

“I must urge you to exercise discretion.  You talk hurriedly, and the throat and lungs become wearied and irritated.”  VSS:261-263.