Debate
151
Presenting Truth to Prejudiced Minds—God’s ministers should
not count the opportunity of engaging in discussion a great privilege.
All points of our faith are not to be borne to the front and presented
before the prejudiced crowds.... The truths that we hold in com-
mon should be dwelt upon first, and the confidence of the hearers
[165]
obtained.—
Testimonies For The Church 3:426
(1875).
In Debate We Meet Satan—Ministers who contend with op-
posers of the truth of God, do not have to meet men merely, but
Satan and his host of evil angels. Satan watches for a chance to get
the advantage of ministers who are advocating the truth, and when
they cease to put their entire trust in God, and their words are not in
the spirit and love of Christ, the angels of God cannot strengthen and
enlighten them. They leave them to their own strength, and evil angels
press in their darkness; for this reason, the opponents of the truth
sometimes seem to have the advantage, and the discussion does more
harm than real good.—
Testimonies For The Church 3:220, 221
(1872).
If Debate Cannot Be Avoided—Whenever it is necessary for
the advancement of the cause of truth and the glory of God, that an
opponent be met, how carefully, and with what humility should they
[the advocates of truth] go into the conflict. With heartsearching,
confession of sin, and earnest prayer, and often fasting for a time,
they should entreat that God would especially help them, and give His
saving, precious truth a glorious victory, that error might appear in its
true deformity, and its advocates be completely discomfited....
Never should you enter upon a discussion, where so much is at
stake, relying upon your aptness to handle strong arguments. If it
cannot be well avoided, enter the conflict, but enter upon it with firm
trust in God, and in the spirit of humility, in the spirit of Jesus, who has
bidden you learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart.—
Testimonies
For The Church 1:624, 626
(1867).
[166]
Present the Truth—The best way to deal with error is to present
the truth, and leave wild ideas to die for want of notice. Contrasted
with truth, the weakness of error is made apparent to every intelligent
mind. The more the erroneous assertions of opposers, and of those
who rise up among us to deceive souls, are repeated, the better the
cause of error is served. The more publicity is given to the suggestions
of Satan, the better pleased is his Satanic majesty.—
Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 165
(1892).