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Testimonies for the Church Volume 7
There are times when words of reproof and rebuke are called for.
Those who are out of the right way must be aroused to see their peril.
A message must be given that shall startle them from the lethargy
which enchains their senses. Moral renovation must take place, else
souls will perish in their sins. Let the message of truth, like a sharp,
two-edged sword, cut its way to the heart. Make appeals that will
arouse the careless and bring foolish, wandering minds back to God.
The attention of the people must be arrested. Our message is a
savor of life unto life or of death unto death. The destinies of souls are
balancing. Multitudes are in the valley of decision. A voice should
be heard crying: “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then
follow him.”
1 Kings 18:21
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At the same time nothing savoring of a harsh, denunciatory spirit is,
under any circumstances, to be indulged. Let our periodicals contain
no sharp thrusts, no bitter criticisms or cutting sarcasm. Satan has
almost succeeded in expelling from the world the truth of God, and he
is delighted when its professed advocates show that they are not under
the influence of truth which subdues and sanctifies the soul.
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Let the writers for our periodicals dwell as little as possible upon
the objections or arguments of opponents. In all our work we are
to meet falsehood with truth. Put truth against all personal hints,
references, or insults. Deal only in the currency of heaven. Make use
only of that which bears God’s image and superscription. Press in
truth, new and convincing, to undermine and cut away error.
God wants us to be always calm and forbearing. Whatever course
others may pursue, we are to represent Christ, doing as He would do
under similar circumstances. Our Saviour’s power lay not in a strong
array of sharp words. It was His gentleness, His unselfish, unassuming
spirit, that made Him a conqueror of hearts. The secret of our success
lies in revealing the same spirit.
Unity
Those who speak to the people through our periodicals should
preserve unity among themselves. Nothing that savors of dissension
should be found in our publications. Satan is always seeking to cause
dissension, for well he knows that by this means he can most effectually
counteract the work of God. We should not give place to his devices.