162
Evangelism
sermon on doctrinal subjects alone. Practical Godliness should find a
place in every discourse.—
The Review and Herald, April 23, 1908
.
[179]
Preach Realties of the Message—On a certain occasion, when
Betterton, the celebrated actor, was dining with Dr. Sheldon, Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop said to him, “Pray, Mr. Betterton,
tell me why it is that you actors affect your audiences so powerfully
by speaking of things imaginary.” “My Lord,” replied Betterton, “with
due submission to Your Grace, permit me to say that the reason is
plain; it all lies in the power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of
things imaginary as if they were real; and you in the pulpit speak of
things real as if they were imaginary.”—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 255
(1913).
No Compromise—We are not to cringe and beg pardon of the
world for telling them the truth: we should scorn concealment. Unfurl
your colors to meet the cause of men and angels. Let it be understood
that Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise. In your opin-
ions and faith there must not be the least appearance of waverings: the
world has a right to know what to expect of us.—
Manuscript 16, 1890
.
Our World-wide Message—We are one in faith in the fundamen-
tal truths of God’s Word.... We have a world-wide message. The
commandments of God and the testimonies of Jesus Christ are the
burden of our work.—
Letter 37, 1887
.
Preaching for a Revival—Repent, repent, was the message rung
out by John the Baptist in the wilderness. Christ’s message to the
people was, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:5
.
And the apostles were commanded to preach everywhere that men
should repent.
The Lord desires His servants today to preach the old gospel
doctrine, sorrow for sin, repentance, and confession. We want old-
fashioned sermons, old-fashioned customs, old-fashioned fathers and
[180]
mothers in Israel. The sinner must be labored for, perseveringly,
earnestly, wisely, until he shall see that he is a transgressor of God’s
law, and shall exercise repentance toward God and faith toward the
Lord Jesus Christ.—
Undated Manuscript 111
.
Comforting, Powerful Preaching—You should have a clear ap-
prehension of the gospel. The religious life is not one of gloom and of
sadness but of peace and joy coupled with Christlike dignity and holy
solemnity. We are not encouraged by our Saviour to cherish doubts and