Meeting Prejudice and Opposition
[
See also pp. 445, 446, “Prejudice Broken Down.”
]
Opposition—Those who introduce the leaven of truth amid the
mass of false theories and doctrines may expect opposition. Satan’s
batteries will be opened upon those who advocate the truth, and the
standard bearers must expect to meet many sneers, and much reviling
that is hard to bear.—
The Review and Herald, October 14, 1902
.
Reformation Creates Opposition—Jesus and His disciples were
surrounded with bigotry, pride, prejudice, unbelief, and hatred. Men
were filled with false doctrines, and nothing but united, persistent
endeavor could be attended with any measure of success; but the
great work of saving souls could not be laid aside because there were
difficulties to surmount. It was written of the Son of God that He
should “not fail nor be discouraged.”
There is a great work before us. The work that engages the interest
and activity of heaven is committed to the church of Christ. Jesus said:
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
The work for our time is attended with the same difficulties that Jesus
had to meet, and that the reformers of every age have had to overcome;
and we must set our wills on the side of Christ, and move forward with
firm confidence in God.—
The Review and Herald, March 13, 1888
.
[302]
Prejudice Rejects Light—There is in the heart of man that which
is opposed to truth and righteousness.... Christ’s miraculous power
gave evidence that He was the Son of God. In the cities of Judah over-
whelming evidence was given of the divinity and mission of Christ....
But prejudice is hard to deal with, even by Him who is Light and Truth,
and the prejudice that filled the hearts of the Jews would not allow
them to accept the evidence given. With scorn they rejected the claims
of Christ.—
Manuscript 104, 1898
.
Holding to the Affirmative the Best Way—Often, as you seek
to present the truth, opposition will be aroused; but if you seek to
meet the opposition with argument, you will only multiply it, and
this you cannot afford to do. Hold to the affirmative. Angels of
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