Effect of Discussions
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frequently the discussions have not been successful, and the result has
been an injury to their own souls and to the souls of others.
I was shown that some of our young ministers are getting a passion
for debating, and that, unless they see their danger, this will prove a
snare to them. I was shown that Brother L is in great danger. He is
training his mind in the wrong direction. He is in danger of getting
above the simplicity of the work. When he gets on Saul’s armor, if,
like David, he has wisdom to lay it off because he has not proved it,
he may recover himself before he goes too far. These young preachers
should study the practical teachings of Christ as well as the theoretical,
and learn of Jesus, that they may have His grace, His meekness, His
humility and lowliness of mind. If they, like David, are brought
into a position where God’s cause really calls for them to meet a
defier of Israel, and if they go forth in the strength of God, relying
wholly upon Him, He will carry them through and cause His truth to
triumph gloriously. Christ has given us an example. “Yet Michael
the Archangel, when contending with the devil He disputed about the
body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but
said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
As soon as a preacher comes down from the position a minister
should ever occupy, and descends to the comical to create a laugh over
his opponent, or when he is sarcastic and sharp, and rails upon him,
he does that which the Saviour of the world did not dare to do; for
he places himself upon the enemy’s ground. Ministers who contend
with opposers of the truth of God do not have to meet men merely,
but Satan and his host of evil angels. Satan watches for a chance to
get the advantage of ministers who are advocating the truth, and when
they cease to put their entire trust in God, and their words are not
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in the spirit and love of Christ, the angels of God cannot strengthen
and enlighten them. They leave them to their own strength, and evil
angels press in their darkness; for this reason the opponents of the
truth sometimes seem to have the advantage, and the discussion does
more harm than real good.
God’s servants should come nearer to Him. Brethren K, L, M, and
N should be seeking to cultivate personal piety, rather than to encour-
age a love of debate. They should be seeking to become shepherds to
the flock, rather than to be fitting themselves to create an excitement
by swaying the feelings of the people. These brethren are in danger