502
Evangelism
come back upon us in double measure when the power is in the hands
of those who can exercise it for our injury. Over and over the message
has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to publish
one sentence, especially by way of personalities, unless positively
essential in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against
us, and arouse their passions to a white heat....
It is true that we are commanded to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up
the voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and
the house of Jacob their sins.”
Isaiah 58:1
. This message must be
given, but while it must be given, we should be careful not to thrust
and crowd and condemn those who have not the light that we have.
We should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics.
Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious
Christians, and who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and
God will work in their behalf. Those who have had great privileges
and opportunities, and who have failed to improve their physical,
mental, and moral powers, but who have lived to please themselves,
and have refused to bear their responsibility, are in greater danger and
in greater condemnation before God than those who are in error upon
doctrinal points, yet who seek to live to do good to others. Do not
censure others; do not condemn them.—
Testimonies For The Church
9:241-244
(1909).
Shutting the Door in Their Faces—Preach the truth, but restrain
the words which show a harsh spirit; for such words cannot help or
enlighten anyone. The Echo is a paper that should be circulated largely.
[576]
Do not do anything that would hinder its sale. There is no reason why
it should not be as a light shining in a dark place. But for Christ’s
sake heed the admonitions which have been given in regard to making
scathing remarks about the Catholics. Many Catholics read the Echo,
and among the number there are honest souls who will accept the truth.
But there is such a thing as shutting the door in their faces as they are
about to enter. Put more cheering testimonies of thanksgiving into
the Echo. Do not hedge up its way, and prevent it from going to all
parts of the world by making it a medium for hard expressions. Satan
rejoices when one word of bitterness is found on its pages.—Counsels
to Editors, p. 45. (1896).
Expose Fallacy by Presenting Truth—Decided proclamations
are to be made. But in regard to this line of work, I am instructed