Evangelistic Sermon
165
some who ought to be seeking for oneness through sanctification of
the truth.—
Undated Manuscript 111
.
Preach Testing Truths—If we allow the mind to take its own
course, there will be countless points of difference which may be
debated by men who make Christ their hope, and who love the truth
in sincerity, and yet who hold opposite opinions upon subjects that
are not of real importance. These unsettled questions should not be
brought to the front, and urged publicly, but should, if held by any, be
done quietly and without controversy....
A noble, devoted, spiritual worker will see in the great testing
truths that constitute the solemn message to be given to the world,
sufficient reason for keeping all minor differences concealed, rather
than to bring them forth to become subjects of contention. Let the
mind dwell upon the great work of redemption, the soon coming of
Christ, and the commandments of God; and it will be found that there
is enough food for thought in these subjects to take up the entire
attention.—
The Review and Herald, September 11, 1888
.
Voice in Sermon Delivery—Preach short, govern your voice, [
See
also pp. 665-670, “The Voice of the Gospel Worker.”
] put all the pathos
and melody into it you can, and this terrible exhaustion that is liable to
come through long, protracted preaching will be avoided....
Much of the effect of discourses is lost because of the manner
in which they are delivered. The speaker frequently forgets that he
is God’s messenger, and that Christ and angels are in his audience
[184]
as listeners. His voice should not be raised to a high key, shouting
out the truth as through a trumpet; for this is more nervous power
than the calm spirit and power of the Holy Ghost. Jesus, the greatest
Teacher the world ever knew, was calm, earnest, and impressive in His
discourses. He is our example in all things.—
Letter 47, 1886
.
Violent Gesticulations—The Lord calls upon you to make de-
cided improvement in your manner of presenting the truth. You need
not to be sensational. Preach the Word, as Christ, the Son of God,
preached the Word. Violent gesticulations detract greatly from the
impressions the truth would make upon human hearts, and lessen the
force of the demonstrations of the Spirit of God. They efface the
solemn impressions regarding God’s Word that holy angels desire
shall be made upon minds....