Spirit and Manner of Presenting the Message
157
of Daniel. As we teach those in darkness to understand the truths that
have enlightened us, God will teach us to understand these truths still
better ourselves. He will give us apt words to speak, communicating
to us through the angel standing by our side.—
Manuscript 126, 1902
.
Less Controversy-More of Christ—We need far less controversy,
and far more presentation of Christ. Our Redeemer is the center of all
our faith and hope. Those who can present His matchless love, and
inspire hearts to give Him their best and holiest affections, are doing
work that is great and holy.—
The Colporteur Evangelist, 60, 61
(1902).
The many argumentative sermons preached seldom soften and
subdue the soul.—
Letter 15, 1892
.
Do Not Rail—Those who advocate the truth can afford to be fair
and pleasant. It does not need the human mixing in. It is not for you
to use the Holy Spirit of God, but it is for the Holy Spirit to use you....
Be careful that you do not rail once. We want the Holy Spirit of
God to be life and voice for us. Our tongue should be as the pen of a
ready writer, because the Spirit of God is speaking through the human
agent. When you use that twit and fling, you have stirred in some of
yourself, and we do not want anything of that mixture.—
Manuscript
7, 1894
.
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Do Not Attack Authorities—Our work is not to make a raid on
the Government but to prepare a people to stand in the great day of the
Lord. The fewer attacks we make on authorities and powers, the more
work will we do for God....
While the truth must be defended, this work is to be done in the
spirit of Jesus. If God’s people work without peace and love, they
work at a great loss, an irretrievable loss. Souls are driven from Christ
even after they have been connected with His work.
We are not to pass judgment on those who have not had the oppor-
tunities and privileges we have had. Some of these will go into heaven
before those who have had great light but have not lived up to the light.
If we wish to convince unbelievers that we have the truth that sanc-
tifies the soul and transforms the character, we must not vehemently
charge them with their errors. Thus we force them to the conclusion
that the truth does not make us kind and courteous, but coarse and
rough.