Preach the Word by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1914

Preach the Word

By F. M. W.

Avoid the Speculative and Sensational

NEVER perhaps in the history of mankind were the nations of men so deeply stirred as they are today. Intensity has taken possession of their hearts. An almost frenzied madness possesses the multitude. Startling events are taking place in rapid succession. No man knows what a day or an hour may bring forth. Thousands are looking into the future with trepidation. They wonder what will be the outcome of the conditions which exist. How will this great European conflict end? What is the portent and meaning of the present situation?

To Seventh-day Adventists, as the professed expositors of the prophecies of the Word, many are looking for an answer to these questions. There is afforded us today an unprecedented opportunity of giving to our fellows a knowledge of the special truths for this time. We shall be recreant to our trust if we fail to step into the doors of opportunity opening before us.

But associated with these opportunities is great danger to us as Christian workers,—danger that we shall be carried away with the spirit of speculation so rife in the world at the present time, and go beyond that which the teaching of the Scripture warrants. We may teach with assurance that the soon coming of the Lord is clearly indicated by the signs which are fulfilling on every hand. We know what will be the final outcome of the great controversy between truth and error. However, there are very many details relating to individual nations about which the Word is silent. It ill becomes us as ministers of that Word to mingle our own theories and ideas with what the Scriptures teach. No man can forecast the outcome of the present conflict. No one knows whether victory will turn on the side of the Dual Alliance or on the side of the Triple Entente, and it will not help the cause of the gospel for us to speculate over these questions. Wild, thoughtless, sensational statements may create a stir; they may catch the popular ear for the time being, but they will not commend this message to the serious consideration of sober, thinking men and women.

Let us be conservative in our estimates, guarded in our statements. Let us neither rush into print with sensational statements nor express from the pulpit any sentiments which are not clearly and fully warranted by the Scriptures of Truth. Hundreds of religious teachers will do this. We cannot afford to adopt their tactics. We cannot afford to assume knowledge which we do not possess. We should content ourselves with preaching the Word, and going no farther than that Word warrants in forecasting the future. Let us act the part of sane, sensible, sober-minded men and women, appreciating fully the responsibility which is thrown upon us in presenting in the true spirit of the Master the message for this time.

And let us pray God to eliminate from our hearts all partisanship. We are debtors to all men. To the high and the low, to the rich and the poor, to the learned and the illiterate, to the Jew and the Gentile, to the Greek and the barbarian, this message is to go today.

The banner of Prince Immanuel is to be unfurled in the land of every flag and every nationality. God has committed to us the gospel of peace. Let us exemplify this gospel in our lives, and proclaim to the inhabitants of all the earth the message of peace and good will in Christ Jesus.

F. M. W.