p. 18 | Slang in the Lord’s Work by N. Z. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

Slang in the Lord’s Work

By N. Z. T.

Here in the United States one has continually to learn a new phraseology, if he wishes to express himself in the current vernacular. Such expressions as, “It’s up to you,” “Make good,” “Fall down,” “Keep on sawing wood,” “That is good horse sense,” are heard on all sides.

We are such imitative creatures that very few of us are able to avoid adopting these phrases into our vocabulary. Many of them may be all right in their place, although it hardly seems fitting for a leader in this work to use such expressions from the platform in a religious gathering. Other purely slang phrases and cheap expressions, which we often hear, should find no place in the vocabulary or the writings of Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

There is probably no place where such language is more likely to be used than in the canvassing work. “The vernacular of the road” among a large number of worldly salesmen is made up principally of “smart,” slangy sayings. But the best salesmen, even in the world, are learning a better way. One writer on salesmanship says: “The purest of king’s English will secure an audience and hold attention for the salesman anywhere, while slang and short cuts of speech often excite distrust, and offend the ears of the truly refined.”

This is doubly true in our work. In the “Manual for Canvassers,” page 21, we read: “The work is a good one, the object noble and elevating; and there should be a corresponding dignity of deportment.”

Again, on page 24, we read: “Canvassers should remember that they are working with the Lord to save souls, and that they are to bring no commonness nor cheapness into his sacred service.”

Let us bear in mind this good instruction, and exclude all cheapness from the Missionary and Publishing department.

N. Z. T.