John the Baptist
Pure, Native Eloquence—The voice of John was lifted up like a trumpet. His commission was, “Show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1. He had obtained no human scholarship. God and nature had been his teachers. But one was needed to prepare the way before Christ who was bold enough to make his voice heard like the prophets of old, summoning the degenerate nation to repentance.
VSS 357.2
And all went forth into the wilderness to hear him. Unlearned fishermen and peasants came from the surrounding countries and from regions nigh and afar off. The Roman soldiers from the barracks of Herod came to hear. Chieftains came with their swords girded by their sides, to put down anything that savored of riot or rebellion. The avaricious tax gatherers came from the regions round about; and from the Sanhedrin came forth the phylacteried priests. All listened as if spellbound; and all came away, even the Pharisee, the Sadducee, and the cold, unimpressionable scoffer of the age, with the sneer gone, and cut to the heart with a sense of their sin. There were no long arguments, no finely cut theories, elaborately delivered in their “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly.” But pure native eloquence was revealed in the short sentences, every word carrying with it the certainty and truth of the weighty warnings given....
VSS 357.3
John the Baptist met sin with open rebuke in men of humble occupation and in men of high degree. He declared the truth to kings and nobles, whether they would hear or reject it.—Selected Messages 2:148, 149.
VSS 358.1
The Power of His Words—It was the purpose of John to startle and arouse the people, and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. In simplicity and plainness, he pointed out the errors and crimes of men. A power attended his words, and, reluctant as the people were to hear the denunciation of their unholy lives, they could not resist his words. He flattered none; neither would he receive flattery of any. The people, as if with common consent, came to him repenting, and confessing their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan.
VSS 358.2
Kings and rulers came to the wilderness to hear the prophet, and were interested and deeply convicted as he fearlessly pointed out their particular sins. His discernment of character and spiritual sight read the purposes and hearts of those who came to him, and he fearlessly told both rich and poor, the honorable and the lowly, that without repentance of their sins and a thorough conversion, although they might claim to be righteous, they could not enjoy the favor of God and have part in the kingdom of the Messiah, whose coming he announced.
VSS 359.1
In the spirit and with the power of Elijah, John denounced the corruptions of the Jews, and raised his voice in reproving their prevailing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing.—The Review and Herald, January 7, 1873.
VSS 359.2
Voice Startling and Stern—With no elaborate arguments or fine-spun theories did John declare his message. Startling and stern, yet full of hope, his voice was heard from the wilderness: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2. With a new, strange power it moved the people. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.—Testimonies for the Church 8:332.
VSS 359.3
Burden of His Mission—With vision illuminated by the divine Spirit he studied the characters of men, that he might understand how to reach their hearts with the message of heaven. The burden of his mission was upon him. In solitude, by meditation and prayer, he sought to gird up his soul for the lifework before him—The Desire of Ages, 102.
VSS 359.4
Trumpet Tones—John had preached the coming of the Messiah. In trumpet tones the words of the forerunner of Christ had rung in their ears.—The Review and Herald, February 13, 1900.
VSS 360.1
One of the Greatest of Prophets—Christ declared John the Baptist to be one of the greatest of the prophets, and He showed His hearers that they had had sufficient evidence that John was a messenger from God. The words of the preacher in the wilderness were with power. He bore his message unflinchingly, rebuking the sins of priests and rulers, and enjoining upon them the works of the kingdom of heaven.—Christ's Object Lessons, 278.
VSS 360.2
148
VSS
The Voice in Speech and Song
[{"para_id":"148.4","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0002_eng_f_introduction_148_7.mp3#duration=136&size=1465941"},{"para_id":"148.27","title":"Chapter 1\u2014A Heavenly Talent","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0005_eng_f_chapter_1_a_heavenly_talent_148_28.mp3#duration=320&size=3307547"},{"para_id":"148.45","title":"Chapter 2\u2014Design for Communication","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0006_eng_f_chapter_2_design_for_communication_148_45.mp3#duration=598&size=6089295"},{"para_id":"148.74","title":"Chapter 3\u2014A Tool for Evangelism","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0007_eng_f_chapter_3_a_tool_for_evangelism_148_74.mp3#duration=672&size=6829770"},{"para_id":"148.111","title":"Chapter 4\u2014Importance of Speech Education","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0008_eng_f_chapter_4_importance_of_speech_education_148_111.mp3#duration=233&size=2439797"},{"para_id":"148.123","title":"Chapter 5\u2014The Role of Parents","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0009_eng_f_chapter_5_the_role_of_parents_148_123.mp3#duration=220&size=2305110"},{"para_id":"148.135","title":"Chapter 6\u2014The Role of Teachers","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0010_eng_f_chapter_6_the_role_of_teachers_148_135.mp3#duration=543&size=5534198"},{"para_id":"148.162","title":"Chapter 7\u2014Students and Speech","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0011_eng_f_chapter_7_students_and_speech_148_162.mp3#duration=557&size=5680999"},{"para_id":"148.188","title":"Chapter 8\u2014The Influence of Words","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0012_eng_f_chapter_8_the_influence_of_words_148_188.mp3#duration=1040&size=10508260"},{"para_id":"148.242","title":"Chapter 9\u2014Persuasion Through Speech","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0013_eng_f_chapter_9_persuasion_through_speech_148_242.mp3#duration=437&size=4476966"},{"para_id":"148.265","title":"Chapter 10\u2014Misuse of the Gift","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0014_eng_f_chapter_10_misuse_of_the_gift_148_265.mp3#duration=393&size=4035468"},{"para_id":"148.286","title":"Chapter 11\u2014Nature of His Voice","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0016_eng_f_chapter_11_nature_of_his_voice_148_287.mp3#duration=333&size=3436568"},{"para_id":"148.306","title":"Chapter 12\u2014Effectiveness of Presentation","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0017_eng_f_chapter_12_effectiveness_of_presentation_148_306.mp3#duration=338&size=3487473"},{"para_id":"148.326","title":"Chapter 13\u2014Love, Sympathy, and Kindness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0018_eng_f_chapter_13_love_sympathy_and_kindness_148_326.mp3#duration=209&size=2197542"},{"para_id":"148.337","title":"Chapter 14\u2014Patient Calmness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0019_eng_f_chapter_14_patient_calmness_148_337.mp3#duration=111&size=1215032"},{"para_id":"148.344","title":"Chapter 15\u2014Simplicity","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0020_eng_f_chapter_15_simplicity_148_344.mp3#duration=417&size=4281724"},{"para_id":"148.367","title":"Chapter 16\u2014Power, Authority, and Earnestness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0021_eng_f_chapter_16_power_authority_and_earnestness_148_367.mp3#duration=509&size=5194130"},{"para_id":"148.395","title":"Chapter 17\u2014Words of Truth","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0022_eng_f_chapter_17_words_of_truth_148_395.mp3#duration=197&size=2081644"},{"para_id":"148.403","title":"Chapter 18\u2014No Complicated Reasoning nor Argument","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0023_eng_f_chapter_18_no_complicated_reasoning_nor_argument_148_403.mp3#duration=124&size=1348210"},{"para_id":"148.411","title":"Chapter 19\u2014Christ's Study of Countenances","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0024_eng_f_chapter_19_christ_s_study_of_countenances_148_411.mp3#duration=162&size=1726914"},{"para_id":"148.419","title":"Chapter 20\u2014Adaptation to His Listeners","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0025_eng_f_chapter_20_adaptation_to_his_listeners_148_419.mp3#duration=209&size=2202594"},{"para_id":"148.432","title":"Chapter 21\u2014Illustrations, Symbols, and Figures of Speech","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0026_eng_f_chapter_21_illustrations_symbols_and_figures_of_speech_148_432.mp3#duration=402&size=4132065"},{"para_id":"148.452","title":"Chapter 22\u2014The Worker's Model","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0027_eng_f_chapter_22_the_worker_s_model_148_452.mp3#duration=229&size=2398857"},{"para_id":"148.468","title":"Chapter 23\u2014Revelation of Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0029_eng_f_chapter_23_revelation_of_christ_148_469.mp3#duration=432&size=4431120"},{"para_id":"148.493","title":"Chapter 24\u2014Modesty, Truthfulness, and Discretion","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0030_eng_f_chapter_24_modesty_truthfulness_and_discretion_148_493.mp3#duration=249&size=2603072"},{"para_id":"148.508","title":"Chapter 25\u2014Kinds of Negative Speaking","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0031_eng_f_chapter_25_kinds_of_negative_speaking_148_508.mp3#duration=765&size=7763214"},{"para_id":"148.546","title":"Chapter 26\u2014Love and Kindness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0032_eng_f_chapter_26_love_and_kindness_148_546.mp3#duration=438&size=4483792"},{"para_id":"148.569","title":"Chapter 27\u2014Effect of Words on Oneself","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0033_eng_f_chapter_27_effect_of_words_on_oneself_148_569.mp3#duration=410&size=4211176"},{"para_id":"148.587","title":"Chapter 28\u2014Discernment in Reproof","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0034_eng_f_chapter_28_discernment_in_reproof_148_587.mp3#duration=759&size=7699787"},{"para_id":"148.627","title":"Chapter 29\u2014Praise and Thanksgiving","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0035_eng_f_chapter_29_praise_and_thanksgiving_148_627.mp3#duration=220&size=2303597"},{"para_id":"148.639","title":"Chapter 30\u2014Care in Speaking of Others","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0036_eng_f_chapter_30_care_in_speaking_of_others_148_639.mp3#duration=317&size=3281400"},{"para_id":"148.656","title":"Chapter 31\u2014Hope and Encouragement","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0037_eng_f_chapter_31_hope_and_encouragement_148_656.mp3#duration=624&size=6353100"},{"para_id":"148.689","title":"Chapter 32\u2014Faith a Topic of Conversation","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0038_eng_f_chapter_32_faith_a_topic_of_conversation_148_689.mp3#duration=264&size=2753092"},{"para_id":"148.702","title":"Chapter 33\u2014Simplicity in Our Speech","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0039_eng_f_chapter_33_simplicity_in_our_speech_148_702.mp3#duration=546&size=5567351"},{"para_id":"148.733","title":"Chapter 34\u2014Importance of the Subject","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0041_eng_f_chapter_34_importance_of_the_subject_148_734.mp3#duration=765&size=7760342"},{"para_id":"148.773","title":"Chapter 35\u2014Clarity and Purity of Utterance","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0042_eng_f_chapter_35_clarity_and_purity_of_utterance_148_773.mp3#duration=997&size=10083958"},{"para_id":"148.817","title":"Chapter 36\u2014Importance of General Health","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0043_eng_f_chapter_36_importance_of_general_health_148_817.mp3#duration=330&size=3407371"},{"para_id":"148.831","title":"Chapter 37\u2014Proper Use of the Voice","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0044_eng_f_chapter_37_proper_use_of_the_voice_148_831.mp3#duration=847&size=8576607"},{"para_id":"148.872","title":"Chapter 38\u2014Love and Kindness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0046_eng_f_chapter_38_love_and_kindness_148_873.mp3#duration=611&size=6220935"},{"para_id":"148.904","title":"Chapter 39\u2014Simplicity and Clarity","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0047_eng_f_chapter_39_simplicity_and_clarity_148_904.mp3#duration=753&size=7635581"},{"para_id":"148.943","title":"Chapter 40\u2014Pure Language","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0048_eng_f_chapter_40_pure_language_148_943.mp3#duration=283&size=2941304"},{"para_id":"148.958","title":"Chapter 41\u2014Earnestness and Assurance","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0049_eng_f_chapter_41_earnestness_and_assurance_148_958.mp3#duration=739&size=7496711"},{"para_id":"148.989","title":"Chapter 42\u2014Conversational Manner","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0050_eng_f_chapter_42_conversational_manner_148_989.mp3#duration=517&size=5281222"},{"para_id":"148.1015","title":"Chapter 43\u2014No Harsh Words nor Debating Spirit","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0051_eng_f_chapter_43_no_harsh_words_nor_debating_spirit_148_1015.mp3#duration=895&size=9055619"},{"para_id":"148.1053","title":"Chapter 44\u2014Brevity","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0052_eng_f_chapter_44_brevity_148_1053.mp3#duration=1096&size=11068613"},{"para_id":"148.1102","title":"Chapter 45\u2014Speed and Tone","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0053_eng_f_chapter_45_speed_and_tone_148_1102.mp3#duration=1155&size=11662345"},{"para_id":"148.1153","title":"Chapter 46\u2014Anecdotes and Humor","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0054_eng_f_chapter_46_anecdotes_and_humor_148_1153.mp3#duration=649&size=6594846"},{"para_id":"148.1187","title":"Chapter 47\u2014Illustrations and Visual Aids","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0055_eng_f_chapter_47_illustrations_and_visual_aids_148_1187.mp3#duration=652&size=6626276"},{"para_id":"148.1222","title":"Chapter 48\u2014Oratorical and Theatrical Display","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0056_eng_f_chapter_48_oratorical_and_theatrical_display_148_1222.mp3#duration=745&size=7562709"},{"para_id":"148.1252","title":"Chapter 49\u2014Danger of Excessive Emotion","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0057_eng_f_chapter_49_danger_of_excessive_emotion_148_1252.mp3#duration=315&size=3253715"},{"para_id":"148.1268","title":"Chapter 50\u2014Being Heard, but Not by Shouting","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0058_eng_f_chapter_50_being_heard_but_not_by_shouting_148_1268.mp3#duration=386&size=3966500"},{"para_id":"148.1288","title":"Chapter 51\u2014Refinement and Solemnity of Demeanor","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0059_eng_f_chapter_51_refinement_and_solemnity_of_demeanor_148_1288.mp3#duration=84&size=948011"},{"para_id":"148.1292","title":"Chapter 52\u2014Every Person an Original","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0060_eng_f_chapter_52_every_person_an_original_148_1292.mp3#duration=110&size=1211609"},{"para_id":"148.1298","title":"Chapter 53\u2014The Real Proof of Preaching","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0061_eng_f_chapter_53_the_real_proof_of_preaching_148_1298.mp3#duration=797&size=8081821"},{"para_id":"148.1336","title":"Chapter 54\u2014Christ the Sum and Substance","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0063_eng_f_chapter_54_christ_the_sum_and_substance_148_1337.mp3#duration=527&size=5375896"},{"para_id":"148.1361","title":"Chapter 55\u2014Promise of the Holy Spirit","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0064_eng_f_chapter_55_promise_of_the_holy_spirit_148_1361.mp3#duration=164&size=1751148"},{"para_id":"148.1368","title":"Chapter 56\u2014Eternal Truth","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0065_eng_f_chapter_56_eternal_truth_148_1368.mp3#duration=627&size=6383491"},{"para_id":"148.1395","title":"Chapter 57\u2014Testing Truths","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0066_eng_f_chapter_57_testing_truths_148_1395.mp3#duration=1037&size=10483247"},{"para_id":"148.1443","title":"Chapter 58\u2014Soon Coming of Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0067_eng_f_chapter_58_soon_coming_of_christ_148_1443.mp3#duration=167&size=1782252"},{"para_id":"148.1451","title":"Chapter 59\u2014The Way of Salvation","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0068_eng_f_chapter_59_the_way_of_salvation_148_1451.mp3#duration=672&size=6831163"},{"para_id":"148.1482","title":"Chapter 60\u2014Practical Godliness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0069_eng_f_chapter_60_practical_godliness_148_1482.mp3#duration=431&size=4413580"},{"para_id":"148.1505","title":"Chapter 61\u2014Men and Women of the Bible","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0071_eng_f_chapter_61_men_and_women_of_the_bible_148_1506.mp3#duration=2781&size=27922772"},{"para_id":"148.1662","title":"Chapter 62\u2014Medieval Reformers","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0087_eng_f_chapter_62_medieval_reformers_148_1662.mp3#duration=764&size=7753552"},{"para_id":"148.1708","title":"Chapter 63\u2014Adventist Pioneers","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0094_eng_f_chapter_63_adventist_pioneers_148_1708.mp3#duration=1791&size=18022542"},{"para_id":"148.1800","title":"Chapter 64\u2014The Power of Song","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0100_eng_f_chapter_64_the_power_of_song_148_1801.mp3#duration=493&size=5043310"},{"para_id":"148.1827","title":"Chapter 65\u2014Christ's Singing","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0101_eng_f_chapter_65_christ_s_singing_148_1827.mp3#duration=190&size=2012760"},{"para_id":"148.1836","title":"Chapter 66\u2014Voice Culture and Song","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0102_eng_f_chapter_66_voice_culture_and_song_148_1836.mp3#duration=301&size=3122427"},{"para_id":"148.1849","title":"Chapter 67\u2014Wrong Use of the Voice in Music","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0103_eng_f_chapter_67_wrong_use_of_the_voice_in_music_148_1849.mp3#duration=1052&size=10628430"},{"para_id":"148.1898","title":"Chapter 68\u2014Singing That Is to God's Glory","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0104_eng_f_chapter_68_singing_that_is_to_god_s_glory_148_1898.mp3#duration=490&size=5006944"},{"para_id":"148.1921","title":"Chapter 69\u2014Song a Part of Worship","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0105_eng_f_chapter_69_song_a_part_of_worship_148_1921.mp3#duration=825&size=8356488"},{"para_id":"148.1961","title":"Chapter 70\u2014Singing a Means of Witness","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0106_eng_f_chapter_70_singing_a_means_of_witness_148_1961.mp3#duration=248&size=2589047"},{"para_id":"148.1977","title":"Chapter 71\u2014Singing in Israel's Experience","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0107_eng_f_chapter_71_singing_in_israel_s_experience_148_1977.mp3#duration=1398&size=14088645"},{"para_id":"148.2044","title":"Chapter 72\u2014Song at Christ's Resurrection and Ascension","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0108_eng_f_chapter_72_song_at_christ_s_resurrection_and_ascension_148_2044.mp3#duration=222&size=2328586"},{"para_id":"148.2060","title":"Chapter 73\u2014Song in the Last Great Crisis","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0109_eng_f_chapter_73_song_in_the_last_great_crisis_148_2060.mp3#duration=205&size=2156584"},{"para_id":"148.2069","title":"Chapter 74\u2014Songs of the Redeemed","mp3":"\/mp3\/148\/0110_eng_f_chapter_74_songs_of_the_redeemed_148_2069.mp3#duration=686&size=6973459"}]