Cant (from cantus, singing), in an ecclesiastical sense, denotes properly the whining or nasal tone common with many persons in their religious exercises, akin to what has been called "the clerical tone" in the pulpit. The Quakers were once proverbial for this peculiarity, amounting to a decided " sing-song" utterance, and it is said, not without a measure of truth, that the denomination of a clergyman may very generally be distinguished by his intonation. In a wider sense the word cant has come to designate an affectation of piety by outward demonstration, and this is a fault into which Christians are very liable to fall. Set phrases are often used by them, and stereotyped expressions, especially in prayer, without any definite meaning or propriety. All this savors of hypocrisy, and is sure to degenerate into formalism. The best prevention is an earnest spirit of sincere devotion in the fear of God, and a resolute watchfulness and criticism of one's self in public utterances. Elocution itself is not a safeguard against such mannerisms, and a theatrical air in a minister is only another form of cant. Whatever is assumed for effect in religion, without being natural and spontaneous, may be classed under this head.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More