Language by Pearl D. Bascom

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

Language

By Pearl D. Bascom

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This applies to the use of language, as well as to the formation of character.

As language is the expression of thought, the child must first be trained to think properly, that is, his thoughts must run in the channel of the pure and beautiful. This is done, first, by placing him amid proper environments. There is no better place than amid the beauties of nature, where the sense of sight, through which impressions are first made, is attracted by the works of God, which are the expression of his thoughts.

Second, his associates, all who express thoughts to him or talk in his hearing, should be chosen from those whose language is pure and of good form. The little one is unconsciously using the words and echoing the tone of those about him, because hearing is the second channel through which impressions are made.

Next “it is the work of parents to train their children to proper habits of speech,” to speak respectfully and kindly to one another. No fretful or harsh words should be permitted. They should be taught that only words of gentleness, truth, and purity must pass their lips. One of the greatest and most responsible duties of parents is to teach their children, by precept and example, “sound speech, that can not be condemned.”

The teacher is to co-operate with the parents in this work. The first rule for language study, I find in “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 336: “We should accustom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and correct language, and words that are kind and courteous.”

“Thy gentleness hath made me great,” says the psalmist. O that there might be more of this greatness in the home life! “Let patience have her perfect work,” says James through inspiration. “Angels of God will flee from a house where there are unpleasant words, fretfulness, and strife.”—“Testimonies,” Vol. I, page 307.

All jangling and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his satanic majesty. May our children be trained to make their offering to God, by rendering unto him “the calves of their lips.”

Even in giving reproof, “let no harsh words mar the good we might do here.” We are told in “Desire of Ages” that when our Saviour uttered his scathing rebukes, “tears of sympathy were in his voice.”

“It is not so much what we say, As the manner in which we say it; It is not so much the language we use, As the tone in which we convey it. The words may be soft and mild, The tone may pierce like a dart; The words may be soft as summer air; The tone may break the heart.”

PEARL D. BASCOM.