Periodicals and their Circulation
195
to steady the ark which belongs to God, and is under His special
supervision.—
Manuscript 29, 1890
.
Waste of Time to Combat Sophistries—I am instructed that we
are not to enter into any controversy over the spiritualistic representa-
tions that are fast coming in from every quarter. Further than this, I
am to give those in charge of our papers instruction not to publish in
the columns of the Review and Herald, the Signs of the Times, or any
other papers published by Seventh-day Adventists, articles attempting
to explain these sophistries. We are in danger whenever we discuss the
sophistries of the enemy. The publication of articles dealing with these
sophistries is a snare for souls. Let these theories alone, and warn all
not to read them. Your explanations will amount to nothing. Let the
[225]
theories alone. Do not try to show the inconsistency or fallacy of them.
Let them alone.
Do not perpetuate evil by talking of these theories in sermons,
or by publishing in our papers articles regarding them. The Lord
says, Let them be unexplained. Present the affirmative of truth plainly,
clearly, and decidedly. You cannot afford to study or combat these
false theories. Present the truth, It is written. The time spent in dealing
with these fallacies is so much time lost.—
Manuscript 20, 1906
.
Preparing Articles a Solemn Work [
See Counsels to Writers
and Editors for expanded treatment of this and related subjects.
]—I
would appeal to those who are responsible for the articles that are to
be inserted in the columns of the Review and Herald. I would urge
them to be men of caution, to be men whose spiritual eyes are anointed
with holy eyesalve, that they may discern clearly what will be for the
advancement, not the detriment, of the cause. If they do not walk and
commune with God, let them give place to others who will walk firmly
and fearfully before God in the solemn work of preparing matter for
publication, which should be as meat in due season to the household
of God.
Let them remember that the sentiments which appear in the Review
are as if they were proclaimed upon the housetop. The matter contained
in the paper is to strengthen the hands of the workers, and to teach
them how to fight the good fight courageously....
Our enemies will make the very most of every unguarded sug-
gestion, and will turn these statements against those who are doing