60
Last Day Events
We are not to use harsh and cutting words. Keep them out of every
article written, drop them out of every address given. Let the Word of
God do the cutting, the rebuking; let finite men hide and abide in Jesus
Christ.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:240, 241, 244
(1909).
We should weed out each expression in our writings, our utter-
ances, that, if taken by itself, could be misinterpreted so as to make
it seem antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be carefully
considered lest we place ourselves on record as uttering things that
will make us appear disloyal to our country and its laws.—
Letter 36,
1895
.
Christianity is not manifested in pugilistic accusations and
condemnations.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:397
(1900).
Beware of Side Issues
God has not passed His people by and chosen one solitary man
[91]
here and another there as the only ones worthy to be entrusted with His
truth. He does not give one man new light contrary to the established
faith of the body. In every reform men have arisen making this claim....
Let none be self-confident, as though God had given them special light
above their brethren....
One accepts some new and original idea which does not seem to
conflict with the truth. He ... dwells upon it until it seems to him to be
clothed with beauty and importance, for Satan has power to give this
false appearance. At last it becomes the all-absorbing theme, the one
great point around which everything centers, and the truth is uprooted
from the heart....
I warn you to beware of these side issues, whose tendency is to
divert the mind from the truth. Error is never harmless. It never
sanctifies, but always brings confusion and dissension.—
Testimonies
for the Church 5:291, 292
(1885).
Emphasize Unity, Not Differences
There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those
who have the light of truth, and the only safety for any of us is in
receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures,
without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them
in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer, and if they see no