No Harsh Words nor Debating Spirit
155
cannot afford to do. Hold to the affirmative.—
Testimonies for the
Church 9:147
.
Limitations of Debate—Never should you enter a discussion
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where so much is at stake, relying upon your aptness to handle strong
arguments. If it cannot be well avoided, enter the conflict, but enter
upon it with firm trust in God and in the spirit of humility, in the
spirit of Jesus, who has bidden you learn of Him, who is meek and
lowly in heart. And then in order to glorify God and exemplify the
character of Christ, you should never take unlawful advantage of your
opponent. Lay aside sarcasm and playing upon words. Remember
that you are in a combat with Satan and his angels, as well as with the
man.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:626
.
No Sign of Self-Sufficiency—Speak no word, do no deed, that
will confirm any in unbelief.
If anyone shall seek to draw the workers into debate or controversy
on political or other questions, take no heed to either persuasion or
challenge. Carry forward the work of God firmly and strongly, but
in the meekness of Christ and as quietly as possible. Let no human
boasting be heard. Let no sign of self-sufficiency be made. Let it be
seen that God has called us to handle sacred trusts; preach the Word,
be diligent, earnest, and fervent.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:122
.
Debating Ministers Not Good Shepherds—Some ministers who
have been long in the work of preaching present truth have made great
failures in their labors. They have educated themselves as combatants.
They have studied out argumentative subjects for the object of discus-
sion, and these subjects which they have prepared they love to use.
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The truth of God is plain, clear, and conclusive. It is harmonious and,
in contrast with error, shines with clearness and beauty. Its consistency
commends it to the judgment of every heart that is not filled with
prejudice. Our preachers present the arguments upon the truth, which
have been made ready for them, and, if there are no hindrances, the
truth bears away the victory. But I was shown that in many cases the
poor instrument takes the credit of the victory gained, and the people,
who are more earthly than spiritual, praise and honor the instrument,
while the truth of God is not exalted by the victory it gained.
Those who love to engage in discussion generally lose their spiri-
tuality. They do not trust in God as they should. They have the theory
of the truth prepared to whip an opponent. The feelings of their own