- Introduction
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- Chapter 1—A Heavenly Talent
- Chapter 2—Design for Communication
- Chapter 3—A Tool for Evangelism
- Chapter 4—Importance of Speech Education
- Chapter 5—The Role of Parents
- Chapter 6—The Role of Teachers
- Chapter 7—Students and Speech
- Chapter 8—The Influence of Words
- Chapter 9—Persuasion Through Speech
- Chapter 10—Misuse of the Gift
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- Chapter 11—Nature of His Voice
- Chapter 12—Effectiveness of Presentation
- Chapter 13—Love, Sympathy, and Kindness
- Chapter 14—Patient Calmness
- Chapter 15—Simplicity
- Chapter 16—Power, Authority, and Earnestness
- Chapter 17—Words of Truth
- Chapter 18—No Complicated Reasoning nor Argument
- Chapter 19—Christ's Study of Countenances
- Chapter 20—Adaptation to His Listeners
- Chapter 21—Illustrations, Symbols, and Figures of Speech
- Chapter 22—The Worker's Model
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- Chapter 23—Revelation of Christ
- Chapter 24—Modesty, Truthfulness, and Discretion
- Chapter 25—Kinds of Negative Speaking
- Chapter 26—Love and Kindness
- Chapter 27—Effect of Words on Oneself
- Chapter 28—Discernment in Reproof
- Chapter 29—Praise and Thanksgiving
- Chapter 30—Care in Speaking of Others
- Chapter 31—Hope and Encouragement
- Chapter 32—Faith a Topic of Conversation
- Chapter 33—Simplicity in Our Speech
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- Chapter 38—Love and Kindness
- Chapter 39—Simplicity and Clarity
- Chapter 40—Pure Language
- Chapter 41—Earnestness and Assurance
- Chapter 42—Conversational Manner
- Chapter 43—No Harsh Words nor Debating Spirit
- Chapter 44—Brevity
- Chapter 45—Speed and Tone
- Chapter 46—Anecdotes and Humor
- Chapter 47—Illustrations and Visual Aids
- Chapter 48—Oratorical and Theatrical Display
- Chapter 49—Danger of Excessive Emotion
- Chapter 50—Being Heard, but Not by Shouting
- Chapter 51—Refinement and Solemnity of Demeanor
- Chapter 52—Every Person an Original
- Chapter 53—The Real Proof of Preaching
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- Chapter 64—The Power of Song
- Chapter 65—Christ's Singing
- Chapter 66—Voice Culture and Song
- Chapter 67—Wrong Use of the Voice in Music
- Chapter 68—Singing That Is to God's Glory
- Chapter 69—Song a Part of Worship
- Chapter 70—Singing a Means of Witness
- Chapter 71—Singing in Israel's Experience
- Chapter 72—Song at Christ's Resurrection and Ascension
- Chapter 73—Song in the Last Great Crisis
- Chapter 74—Songs of the Redeemed
Chapter 29—Praise and Thanksgiving
Expression of Praise to God—Brethren and sisters, the Lord is our God. If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, we have a hope in God that it is impossible for us to keep to ourselves. We will praise Him. We do not praise Him as much as we should. Whoso offers praise glorifies God. Now instead of speaking doleful words, and telling of our trials and afflictions, let us thank God that we can speak at all, and resolve that we will endeavor to glorify His name.—Manuscript 39, 1908.VSS 148.1
Continual Praise—Our voices should be oftener heard in praise and thanksgiving to God. His praise should continually be in our hearts and upon our lips.—The Review and Herald, May 22, 1900.VSS 148.2
Precious Chapters in Our Experience—Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. After a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, our joy in the Lord and our efficiency in His service would be greatly increased by recounting His goodness and His wonderful works in behalf of His children.—Christ's Object Lessons, 299, 300.VSS 148.3
Rejoicing in Heaven—“They that feared the Lord,” writes the prophet Malachi, “spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.” Were the words spoken, words of complaint, of faultfinding, of self-sympathy? No; in contrast to those who speak against God, those who fear Him speak words of courage, of thankfulness, and of praise.... Such words make all heaven rejoice. Those who utter them may be poor in worldly possessions, but by faithfully giving to God the portion He claims, they acknowledge their indebtedness to Him. Self-serving does not make up the chapters of their life history. In love and gratitude, with songs of joy upon their lips, they bring their offerings to God, saying as did David, “Of Thine own we freely give Thee.”—The Review and Herald, January 5, 1897.VSS 149.1
From the Treasure of Our Heart—If we enjoy the love of God in our hearts, we will have something to say. From the treasure of our heart we will bring forth good things. We will render to God the fruit of our lips. Our words will be words of praise and thanksgiving.—Manuscript 74, 1897.VSS 149.2
God's Mercy and Truth—I saw that God has been merciful in giving us the power of speech. He has given us a tongue, and we are accountable to Him for its use. We should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honor of the truth and of His unbounded mercy, and overcome by the word of our testimony through the blood of the Lamb.—Early Writings, 114.VSS 149.3
Praise Better Than Complaint—It is better to praise the Lord than to complain. Let not our tongues utter words of which we shall be ashamed when Christ shall come in His glory with all the holy angels with Him. We must be clean in lips and in heart; we must be sanctified and refined, even as Christ was.—Manuscript 95, 1909.VSS 150.1