188
Evangelism
life, the word that liveth and abideth forever. What is the chaff to the
wheat?—
Letter 61, 1896
.
Burden of Conviction Lost by Cheap Nonsense—After a good
work has been done, the ones who have been awakened to a sense
of sin should be taught how to take hold of the arm of the Lord. But
if the good impressions made are not followed up with true, earnest
efforts, no permanent good is accomplished. The result might be very
different, did not a desire for amusement divert the mind from the
[211]
contemplation of serious things....
Amusement is not to be interwoven with instruction in the Scrip-
tures. When this is done, the hearers, amused by some cheap nonsense,
lose the burden of conviction. The opportunity passes away, and no
one is drawn by the cords of love to the Saviour.—
Manuscript 83,
1901
.
Free From Cheap, Common Expressions—The messages of
truth are to be kept entirely free from cheap, common words of human
devising. Thus forcible impressions will be made upon hearts. Let
not our ministers cherish the idea that they must bring forth something
new and strange, or that cheap, common expressions will give them
influence. Ministers are to be the mouthpiece of God, and they must
eradicate from their speech every expression that is cheap or common.
Let them be careful lest by attempting during their discourse to cause
laughter, they dishonor God.
Our message is a solemn and sacred one, and we must watch unto
prayer. The words uttered must be of such a character that through
them God can make an impression on heart and mind. Let the ministers
of the gospel be sanctified through the truth.—
Letter 356, 1906
.