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Right Methods, Principles, and Motives
207
on our part, Satan’s hosts triumph. He has found a weak place in
the armor. By their mean course of action the agents of Satan try
to tempt the advocates of truth to say and do things that will not be
commendable.
Treatment of Opposition
Fine perceptions, nobility of soul, are to be cherished; the spirit
of truth and righteousness is to control our deportment, our words,
and our pens. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit
of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned.” If the minister when
before his congregation sees a disbelieving smile upon the faces
of opponents, let him be as one who sees not. If any should be
so impolite as to laugh and sneer, let not the minister, by voice
or attitude, reflect the same spirit. Show that you handle no such
weapons. The pen so often traces words that are sharp, and by
repeating the statements of the advocates of error, our brethren
sometimes give currency to the error. This is a mistake. Let your
pen trace advanced truth.
The Holy spirit does not work with men who love to be sharp and
critical. That spirit has been cherished in meeting debaters, and some
have formed the habit of squaring for combat. God is dishonored
in this. Keep back the sharp thrusts; do not learn in Satan’s school
his methods of warfare. The Holy Spirit does not inspire the words
of censure. A time of trouble is before us, and every honest soul
who has not had the light of truth will then take a stand for Christ.
Those who believe the truth are to be newly converted every day.
Then they will be vessels unto honor.
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Proper Manner of Meeting Opponents
Do not repeat the words of your opponents, or enter into con-
troversy with them. You meet not merely the men, but Satan and
his angels. Christ did not bring against Satan a railing accusation
concerning the body of Moses. If the world’s Redeemer, who under-
stood the crooked, deceptive arts of Satan, durst not bring against
him a railing accusation, but in holiness and humility said, “The Lord
rebuke thee, O Satan,” is it not wise for His servants to follow His