Let our periodicals be devoted to the publication
of living, earnest matter. Let every article be full of practical,
elevating, ennobling thoughts, thoughts that will give to the
reader help and light and strength. Family religion, family holiness,
is now to be honored as never before. If ever a people needed
to walk before God as did Enoch, Seventh-day Adventists need
to do so now, showing their sincerity by pure words, clean words,
words full of sympathy, tenderness, and love.
There are times when words of reproof and
rebuke are called for. Those who are out of the right way must
be aroused to see their peril. A message must be given that shall
startle them from the lethargy which enchains their senses. Moral
renovation must take place, else souls will perish in their sins.
Let the message of truth, like a sharp, two-edged sword, cut
its way to the heart. Make appeals that will arouse the careless
and bring foolish, wandering minds back to God.
The attention of the people must be arrested.
Our message is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.
The destinies of souls are balancing. Multitudes are in the valley
of decision. A voice should be heard crying: "If the Lord
be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." 1 Kings
18:21.
At the same time nothing savoring of a
harsh, denunciatory spirit is, under any circumstances, to be
indulged. Let our periodicals contain no sharp thrusts, no bitter
criticisms or cutting sarcasm. Satan has almost succeeded in
expelling from the world the truth of God, and he is delighted
when its professed advocates show that they are not under the
influence of truth which subdues and sanctifies the soul.
Let the writers for our periodicals dwell
as little as possible upon the objections or arguments of opponents.
In all our work we are to meet falsehood with truth. Put truth
against all personal hints, references, or insults. Deal only
in the currency of heaven. Make use only of that which bears
God's image and superscription. Press in truth, new and convincing,
to undermine and cut away error.
God wants us to be always calm and forbearing.
Whatever course others may pursue, we are to represent Christ,
doing as He would do under similar circumstances. Our Saviour's
power lay not in a strong array of sharp words. It was His gentleness,
His unselfish, unassuming spirit, that made Him a conqueror of
hearts. The secret of our success lies in revealing the same
spirit.