A Language Lesson by Ida M. Salton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

A Language Lesson

By Ida M. Salton

God has blessed us with the power of speech, a means by which we can communicate our thoughts to others. It is a divine privilege, and should be highly regarded.

“Early Writings,” page 39, says: “The disciples were noted for the purity of their language.” It also says that Peter resorted to cursing and swearing as a proof to those around him that he was not a disciple, and did not even know “the Man.”

We read in Mal. 3:6: “For I am the Lord, I change not.” As God does not change, neither can his divine principles change. And as his disciples of old were known by their purity of speech, so will his true disciples be known to-day.

While we are teaching the child the forms of the verb and the uses of the noun, in the language class, we can also instil in his mind many lessons of divine origin. Take, for instance, this sentence: “There you are, and I have been looking for you a long time.” After it has been disposed of as to its grammatical parts, let the child read it a number of times, changing the tone of voice and emphasis each time. Then ask him what effect each would have upon the one addressed, also upon the speakers; for the very tone we use affects our own life as well as those of others, and if we learn to speak cheerfully, even though we may feel irritable, we shall soon forget ourselves and be happy in cheering others. The sentence given, if spoken with a smile and a tone of surprise, is rather a pleasant one, while if the tone is sharp and the face rigid, the effect is far different. We could now turn to 1 Kings 19:12, and there read that the Lord used a “still small voice.” The child may read the sentence again, this time using the still small voice. The difference will be readily seen, and the lesson thus learned will not soon be forgotten.

While we have been spending our time in this way, perhaps we have not passed over as much ground in the text-book as we desired, but the Lord would have us teach these lessons along with the others. Read the first paragraph under “Results of Church-School Work,” on page 202, Vol. VI. of the “Testimonies,” and realize, if possible, the work placed before the child of this generation. Notice: “Children who have been rightly educated will in their simplicity speak words which will be an astonishment to men who now talk of ‘higher education.’” Again, “Children’s voices will be raised to give the last message of warning to a perishing world.”

Is not, then, the same work given to the child of to-day as was given to Christ when he astonished the wise men in the temple by his questions and answers? Then can we afford to let pass one opportunity of helping the child to become more Christlike?

As he partakes of Christ’s nature, his

words will indeed be pure, omitting the many slang phrases found in the corrupt language of to-day; his voice will be gentle and winning, and his face one that will portray a life that is in harmony with the purpose of God.

Let us as teachers not only teach by precept, but by example as well.

IDA M. SALTON.