42
Counsels to Writers and Editors
their words, lest they place those not of our faith in deadly opposition
against us, and give Satan an opportunity to use the unadvised words
to hedge up our way.
There is to be a time of trouble such as never was since there
was a nation. Our work is to study to weed out of all our discourses
everything that savors of retaliation and defiance and making a drive
against churches and individuals, because this is not Christ’s way and
method.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:239-244
(1909).
Regarding the Catholics—Brethren, I feel hurt when I see that
so many decided thrusts are made against the Catholics. 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. 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
[65]
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.—
Letter 20, 1896
.
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.—
Letter 57, 1896
.
No Condemnatory Articles—The light which I have to give to
our people is, Let no condemnatory speeches be printed in our papers.
A large number of precious souls are groping in darkness, yet longing
and weeping and praying for light. Thus it is in churches everywhere.—
Manuscript 46, 1900
.