Reaching Catholics
503
to say to our people: Be guarded. In bearing the message, make
no personal thrusts at other churches, not even the Roman Catholic
Church. Angels of God see in the different denominations many
who can be reached only by the greatest caution. Therefore let us be
careful of our words. Let not our ministers follow their own impulses
in denouncing and exposing the “mysteries of iniquity.” Upon these
themes silence is eloquence. Many are deceived. Speak the truth in
tones and words of love. Let Christ Jesus be exalted. Keep to the
affirmative of truth. Never leave the straight path God has marked out,
for the purpose of giving someone a thrust. That thrust may do much
harm and no good. It may quench conviction in many minds. Let the
Word of God, which is the truth, tell the story of the inconsistency of
those in error.
People cannot be expected to see at once the advantage of the truth
[577]
over the error they have cherished. The best way to expose the fallacy
of error is to present the evidences of truth. This is the greatest rebuke
that can be given to error. Dispel the cloud of darkness resting on
minds by reflecting the bright light of the Sun of Righteousness.—
Manuscript 6, 1902
.
We May Have Less to Say—There is need of a much closer study
of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have
attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less
to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the Papacy,
but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have
written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit
has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy, and in the
events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of
sight, hid in Christ, and the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be
exalted.—Counsels to Editors, pp. 45, 46. (1896).
Pictured Truth Appeals to Catholics—Elder S is arousing a
good interest by his meetings. People of all classes come out to hear,
and to see the life-size images that he has of the beasts of Revelation.
A great many Catholics come to hear him. Much of his preaching is in
the words of the Bible. He uses as few of his own words as possible.
So if his hearers war against what he says, they war against the Word
of God.—
Letter 352, 1906
.
None need to feel that the Catholics are beyond their reach.—
Manuscript 14, 1887
.