Evangelism of the Highest Type
63
There has been much lost through following the mistaken ideas
of our good brethren whose plans were narrow, and they lowered
the work to their peculiar ways and ideas, so that the higher classes
were not reached. The appearance of the work impressed the minds
of unbelievers as being of very little worth—some stray offshoot of
religious theory, that was beneath their attention. Much has been lost
for want of wise methods of labor.
Every effort should be made to give dignity and character to the
work. Special efforts should be made to secure the good will of men
in responsible positions, without sacrificing one principle of truth
or righteousness, but by sacrificing our own ways and manner of
approaching the people. Much more would be effected by using more
[69]
tact and discretion in the presentation of the truth.—
Letter 12, 1887
.
Doctrine Must Bear Scrutiny of Great Men—“Search the Scrip-
tures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” Every position of truth
taken by our people will bear the criticism of the greatest minds; the
highest of the world’s great men will be brought in contact with truth,
and therefore every position we take should be critically examined
and tested by the Scriptures. Now we seem to be unnoticed, but this
will not always be. Movements are at work to bring us to the front,
and if our theories of truth can be picked to pieces by historians or the
world’s greatest men, it will be done.
We must individually know for ourselves what is truth, and be
prepared to give a reason of the hope that we have with meekness
and fear, not in a proud, boasting, self-sufficiency, but with the spirit
of Christ. We are nearing the time when we shall stand individually
alone to answer for our belief. Religious errors are multiplying and
entwining themselves with Satanic power about the people. There is
scarcely a doctrine of the Bible that has not been denied.—
Letter 6,
1886
.