Guarding Proper Approaches
131
you will gain an experience which will be of value to you. Do not
take up subjects which are so deep that they require mind struggles
to comprehend. Pray and believe as you work. Awaken the people
to do something. In the name of the Lord work with persevering
intensity.—
Letter 189, 1899
.
Preparing the Soil for the Good Seed—Remember that great
care is to be exercised in regard to the presentation of truth. Carry the
minds along guardedly. Dwell upon practical godliness, weaving the
same into doctrinal discourses. The teachings and love of Christ will
soften and subdue the soil of the heart for the good seed of truth.—
Letter 14, 1887
.
Do Not Arouse Controversy and Opposition—Learn to meet
the people where they are. Do not present subjects that will arouse
controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the
[143]
mind.—
Testimonies For The Church 6:58
(1900).
Do not arouse opposition before the people have had opportunity
to hear the truth and know what they are opposing.—
Testimonies For
The Church 6:36
(1900).
Do Not Drive People From the Truth—Upon us there rests the
solemn responsibility of presenting the truth to unbelievers in the most
forcible manner. How careful we should be not to present the truth
in a way that will drive men and women from it. Religious teachers
stand where they can do great good or great evil....
The Lord calls upon us to come to the banquet of truth, and then
go out into the highways and hedges, and compel souls to come in, by
presenting the great and wonderful offering that Christ has made to
the world. We are to present the truth in the way that Christ told His
disciples to present it—in simplicity and love.—
Letter 177, 1903
.
Considering Pastors of Other Denominations—It should ever
be manifest that we are reformers, but not bigots. When our laborers
enter a new field, they should seek to become acquainted with the
pastors of the several churches in the place. [
See also pp. 562-564,
“Ministers of Other Denominations.”
] Much has been lost by neglect-
ing to do this. If our ministers show themselves friendly and sociable,
and do not act as if they were ashamed of the message they bear, it
will have an excellent effect, and may give these pastors and their
congregations favorable impressions of the truth. At any rate, it is right
to give them a chance to be kind and favorable if they will.