108
The Voice in Speech and Song
Too Much Proof—In this age, when pleasing fables are drifting
upon the surface and attracting the mind, truth presented in an easy
style, backed up with a few strong proofs, is better than to search
and bring forth an overwhelming array of evidence; for the point then
does not stand so distinct in many minds as before the objections and
evidences were brought before them. With many, assertions will go
further than long arguments. They take many things for granted. Proof
does not help the case in the minds of such.—
Testimonies for the
[167]
Church 3:36
.
Plain Mileposts—The world needs labor now. Calls are coming
in from every direction like the Macedonian cry: “Come over and
help us.” Plain, pointed arguments, standing out as mileposts, will do
more toward convincing minds generally than will a large array of
arguments which cover a great deal of ground, but which none but
investigating minds will have interest to follow.—
Testimonies for the
Church 3:39
.
A Few Forcible Remarks—A few forcible remarks upon some
point of doctrine will fasten it in the mind much more firmly than if
such a mass of matter were presented that nothing lies out clear and
distinct in the mind of those ignorant of our faith. There should be
interspersed with the prophecies practical lessons of the teachings of
Christ.—
Evangelism, 171, 172
.
Seeds of Truth Too Deep—Some have cultivated the habit of
too great concentrativeness. The power to fix the mind upon one
subject to the exclusion of all others, is good to a limited degree,
but those who put the whole strength of the mind into one line of
thought are frequently deficient on other points. In conversation these
become tedious, and weary the listener. Their writings lack a free,
easy style. When they speak in public, the subject before them holds
their attention, and they are led on and on, to go deeper and deeper
into the matter. They seem to see knowledge and light as they become
interested and absorbed, but there are few who can follow them.
[168]
There is danger that such men will plant the seed of truth so deep
that the tender blade will never find the surface. Even the most essen-
tial, manifest truths, those which are of themselves clear and plain, may
be so covered up with words as to be made cloudy and indistinct.—
Gospel Workers, 169
.