Loud Voices and Hollow Echoes – Sunday, August 31, 1941
There is something about the clamor of the day in which we live which reminds us that a quietly spoken truth is much more convincing than the shouted declaration of half truth or untruth. There is a technique peculiar to a well-known type of individual who believes that if he shouts loud enough and long enough, no matter what he says, some of it will be believed. But he who is the bearer of truth has no need to shout.
The verity of His message carries its own conviction, and penetrates all barriers—ultimately, even the barrier of man’s unwillingness to believe it. But he who is trying to establish that which is less than truth has no power except the sheer physical force of his own voice—and the hollow echoes begotten by it. The great example of quiet and penetrating speech was the Savior of mankind.
Of one multitude to whom He spoke, it is said: “And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about…and it was not a harsh voice; neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice, it pierced them that did hear to the center, in so much that there was no part of their frame it did not cause to quake, yea, it did piece them to the very soul and it caused their hearts to burn.” (Book of Mormon 3rd Nephi 11:3)
Because truth ultimately carries its own conviction there is no point, by loud and overhearing displays of speech to attempt to drown out the quiet voice of that which cannot be denied. There is no point, even for an earnest crusader, to make a loud noise about his views, no matter how strongly he may feel them, for it is written: “And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:41) If it is truth, and you feel that you know it to be so, speak it quietly, and often, and on all proper occasions, tolerantly, sincerely, understandingly, and fear not for its ultimate establishment.
August 31, 1941
Broadcast Number 0,628