Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

worthily before the people in all their acts, in their
dress, in their speaking, and even in their manner
of speaking. They should speak with reverence.
Some destroy the solemn impression they may
have made upon the people, by raising their voices
to a very high pitch and hallooing and screaming
out the truth. When presented in this manner, truth
loses much of its sweetness, its force and
solemnity. But if the voice is toned right, if it has
solemnity, and is so modulated as to be even
pathetic, it will produce a much better impression.
This was the tone in which Christ taught His
disciples. He impressed them with solemnity; He
spoke in a pathetic manner. But this loud
hallooing—what does it do? It does not give the
people any more exalted views of the truth and
does not impress them any more deeply. It only
causes a disagreeable sensation to the hearers and
wears out the vocal organs of the speaker. The
tones of the voice have much to do in affecting the
hearts of those that hear.
Many who might be useful men are using up
their vital force and destroying their lungs and
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