Restraining Without Obscuring Truth
Strongest Meat Not for Babes—Let the truth be presented as it is
in Jesus, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a
little. Speak of the love of God in words easy to be understood. Bible
truth, presented in the meekness and love of Jesus will have a telling
influence upon many minds.
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Many souls are hungering for the bread of life. Their cry is, “Give
me bread; do not give me a stone. It is bread that I want.” Feed
these perishing, starving souls. Let our ministers bear in mind that
the strongest meat is not to be given to babes who know not the first
principles of the truth as we believe it. In every age the Lord has had
a special message for the people of that time; so we have a message
for the people in this age. But while we have many things to say,
we may be compelled to withhold some of them for a time, because
the people are not prepared to receive them now.—
The Review and
Herald, October 14, 1902
.
Prepare the Soil Before Sowing the Seed—In laboring in a new
field, do not think it your duty to say at once to the people, We are
Seventh-day Adventists; we believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath;
we believe in the nonimmortality of the soul. This would often erect a
formidable barrier between you and those you wish to reach. Speak to
them, as you have opportunity, upon points of doctrine on which you
can agree. Dwell on the necessity of practical godliness. Give them
evidence that you are a Christian, desiring peace, and that you love
their souls. Let them see that you are conscientious. Thus you will
gain their confidence; and there will be time enough for doctrines. Let
the heart be won, the soil prepared, and then sow the seed, presenting
in love the truth as it is in Jesus.—
Gospel Workers, 119, 120
(1915).
Guard Against Closing the Listeners’ Ears—Last night in my
sleeping hours I seemed to be in meeting with my brethren, listening
to One who spoke as having authority. He said: “Many souls will
attend this meeting who are honestly ignorant of the truths which will
be presented before them. They will listen and become interested,
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