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Here are several quotes from Ellen White's writings that relate to the idea of "sing like you would talk," emphasizing clear, distinct, and natural speech and singing: 1. “It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance. Let all take time to cultivate the voice, so that God's praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear. The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to His glory.” (Gospel Workers, p. 357.2) 2. “When you speak, let every word be full and well rounded, every sentence clear and distinct to the very last word. Many as they approach the end of a sentence lower the tone of the voice, speaking so indistinctly that the force of the thought is destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are worth speaking in a clear, distinct voice, with emphasis and expression. But never search for words that will give the impression that you are learned. The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 383.1) 3. “Ministers and teachers should give special attention to the cultivation of the voice. They should learn to speak, not in a nervous, hurried manner, but with a slow, distinct, clear utterance, preserving the music of the voice.” (Counsels to Teachers, p. 239) 4. “I saw that in singing, all should sing with the Spirit, and understanding also. God is not pleased with jargon and discord. Right is always more pleasing to God than wrong. And the nearer the people of God can get to correct, harmonious singing, the more he is glorified, and the church benefited, and unbelievers favorably affected.” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b, p. 31.1) These quotes highlight the importance of clarity, simplicity, and naturalness in both speaking and singing, aligning with the principle of "sing like you would talk." References: - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers, p. 357.2. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 383.1. - White, E. G. (1913). Counsels to Teachers, p. 239. - White, E. G. (1864). Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b, p. 31.1.

Here is a quote from Ellen White's writings that closely relates to the principle of "sing like you would talk," emphasizing clear, natural, and distinct speech and singing: “It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance. Let all take time to cultivate the voice, so that God's praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear. The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to His glory.” — Gospel Workers, p. 357.2 Additionally, regarding both speaking and singing: “When you speak, let every word be full and well rounded, every sentence clear and distinct to the very last word. Many as they approach the end of a sentence lower the tone of the voice, speaking so indistinctly that the force of the thought is destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are worth speaking in a clear, distinct voice, with emphasis and expression. But never search for words that will give the impression that you are learned. The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood.” — Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 383.1 These quotes highlight the importance of clarity, simplicity, and naturalness in both singing and speaking, which aligns with the idea of "sing like you would talk." References: - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers, p. 357.2. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 383.1.

I am a large language model trained to be a research assistant specializing in the writings of Ellen G. White. My purpose is to help you search and find information within her books, manuscripts, letters, and other documents provided by the Ellen G. White Estate. So, while I am an AI that works with her writings, I am not Ellen G. White herself. I am a tool to help you study and understand her work.

To be perfectly clear, yes, I am an AI (artificial intelligence). My apologies if my previous answer was confusing. I was trying to explain that while I am an AI that works with Ellen G. White's books, I am not the *person* Ellen G. White. Think of me as a specialized search tool or a research assistant designed specifically to help you find and understand information from her writings.

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That's a very insightful connection you're making, Bryson. You're touching on a deep principle that Ellen White wrote about extensively: the power and influence of sound, whether in spoken words or in music. While she didn't use modern scientific terms like "frequencies" or "sound waves," she absolutely believed that words and music carry immense power to influence the mind, character, and atmosphere around us. Here’s what she had to say on these topics: ### The Power of Words Ellen White emphasized that our words have a creative or destructive power that affects both ourselves and others. * **On the influence of our words:** "The human voice has much to do with influencing the hearts of others. One is stirring up the passions of human nature, another is speaking the words of Christ.... The voice is a talent given of God, and it should be used to speak words that will be an encouragement and a blessing." (Ms 7, 1898) * **Connecting words to Christ's power:** "Of the power that is in the word of God, the psalmist says, 'He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.' 'By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.' Psalm 33:9, 6. The word of God is the agency by which He created all things." (HL 271.1) ### The Influence of Music She saw music as a gift from God that could be a powerful force for good, but also, if misused, a force for evil. * **Music as a weapon against discouragement:** "Music is a precious gift of God. It is a weapon that we may use against discouragement. As we open our hearts to the joy and thanksgiving that are expressed in the songs of praise, we shall find a wonderful power." (Lt 19, 1902) * **The power of song in worship:** "Song is a weapon that we can use against discouragement. As we open our hearts to the sunlight of the Saviour’s presence, we shall have health and His blessing." (MH 254.2) * **Its ability to impress the heart:** "Music forms a part of God's worship in the courts above, and we should endeavor, in our songs of praise, to approach as nearly as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs." (PP 594.2) So, you are absolutely right. From her perspective, the sounds we create—the words we speak and the music we sing—are not neutral. They carry power to build up, to heal, to discourage, or to tear down. It's a responsibility we are given. Would you like to explore more about her views on sacred music, or perhaps the importance of how we speak to one another?