SPREADING THE TRUTH by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1879

SPREADING THE TRUTH.

By Eliza H. Morton

Having become established in any opinion ourselves, it is quite natural for us to desire to bring others to embrace the same sentiment. In religious matters the motives that prompt missionary labor are not always praiseworthy. Some people take pride in exerting an influence upon the judgment of men. Some labor for pecuniary reward. Some take pleasure in surpassing other workers in the amount of labor performed, and some work from a natural activity, while others have a deep principle of love and a sense of duty rooted in the heart. Missionary workers should examine their motives. Disinterested benevolence should be the main-spring of every act, and love to God and man the motive power.

The manner of performing missionary labor is important. The truths intrusted to the latter-day church are sacred, and unconsecrated hands mar their beauty. Individuals often bring a reproach upon the cause by want of forethought and prayer. In their zeal for the truth they approach others on unsuitable occasions, and in a rough, blunt way accuse them of error. Some are imprudent enough to enter meetings appointed and held by other denominations, and there undertake to explain doctrinal points. Prayer-meetings have often been spoiled because the presence of outsiders caused some brother to feel that he must give a doctrinal exhortation (or rather discourse). The influence of such things is against the truth. The prayer-meeting is no place for sermonizing.

In approaching individuals with an unpopular truth, the most favorable opportunity should be selected, and the greatest friendship manifested. Christ taught us to be gentle in our address to others. We can do this, and still declare with meekness the “whole counsel of God.” Ridicule and sarcasm are dangerous weapons, and should never be employed. Individuals should be led to investigate truth for themselves, and to arrive at conclusions from their own reasoning. Human nature dislikes to have anything forced upon it. Old theories are not easily overthrown, and time must be given for the mind to enter a new channel of thought.

Much depends upon an obliging manner; and even when a point is yielded by an opponent, no triumph should be expressed by voice or act. Kindness should ever be shown toward the one enlightened, and an overbearing spirit should be avoided.

In nearly every church there are members who have a “zeal not according to knowledge.” These impetuous and often ignorant men hurl the truth at the heads of their neighbors, and fill communities with prejudice. We should “let our light shine,” and not blow it out with bluster. An upright, godly life is better far than mere words. The world notices the consistent Christian, and says, “There is an honest man. His views of the Bible are somewhat peculiar; but his life is consistent, and he may be correct in his theology. We will investigate the matter when we have a chance.” A tract given, or a word spoken at the proper time, under such circumstances, may prove a light in a dark place. “Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

ELIZA H. MORTON.

Allen’s Corner, Maine.