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

make the essential points of present truth as distinct
as mileposts so that the people will understand
them. They will then see the arguments you want
to present and the positions you want to sustain.
There is another class that address the people in
a whining tone. Their hearts are not softened by the
Spirit of God, and they think they must make an
impression by the appearance of humility. Such a
course does not exalt the gospel ministry, but
brings it down and degrades it. Ministers should
present the truth warm from glory. They should
speak in such a manner as rightly to represent
Christ and preserve the dignity becoming His
ministers.
The long prayers made by some ministers have
been a great failure. Praying to great length, as
some do, is all out of place. They injure the throat
and vocal organs, and then they talk of breaking
down by their hard labor. They injure themselves
when it is not called for. Many feel that praying
injures their vocal organs more than talking. This is
in consequence of the unnatural position of the
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