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Gospel Workers 1915
We read in the prophecy of Zechariah that when Satan with all his
synagogue stood up to resist the prayers of Joshua, the high priest, and
to resist Christ, who was about to show decided favor to Joshua, the
Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord
that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out
of the fire?” [
Zechariah 3:2
.]
The course of Christ in dealing with even the adversary of souls
should be an example to us in all our intercourse with others,—never
to bring a railing accusation against any; much less should we employ
harshness or severity toward those who may be as anxious to know the
right way as we are ourselves.
Making Allowance for Others
Those who have been educated in the truth by precept and example,
should make great allowance for others who have had no knowledge
of the Scriptures except through the interpretations given by ministers
and church-members, and who have received traditions and fables as
Bible truth. They are surprised by the presentation of truth; it is as a
new revelation to them, and they cannot bear to have all the truth, in
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its most striking character, presented to them at the outset. All is new
and strange, and wholly unlike that which they have heard from their
ministers; and they are inclined to believe what the ministers have told
them,—that Seventh-day Adventists are infidels, and do not believe
the Bible. Let the truth be presented as it is in Jesus, line upon line,
precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.
Not to Hedge Up the Way
Let not those who write for our papers make unkind thrusts and
allusions that will certainly do harm, and that will hedge up the way,
and hinder us from doing the work that we should do in order to reach
all classes, the Catholics included. It is our work to speak the truth in
love, and not to mix in with the truth the unsanctified elements of the
natural heart, and speak things that savor of the same spirit possessed
by our enemies. All sharp thrusts will come back upon us in double
measure when the power is in the hands of those who can exercise it
for our injury.