Keeping to the Affirmative by Mrs. M. E. Steward

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1913

Keeping to the Affirmative

By Mrs. M. E. Steward

MRS. M. E. STEWARD

The servant of the Lord has often said, “Keep to the affirmative.” The same counsel is found over and over in the writings of the spirit of prophecy. “Do not discuss an error, lest you give the hearer a thought he never had before. Present the truth.”

The Bible tells us what to do when an error presents itself: “To the law and to the testimony.” Isa. 8:20. In connection with this counsel is given an example. It is modern Spiritualism. The Scriptures plainly declare: “The dead know not anything.” Eccl. 9:5. This brief statement sweeps Spiritualism entirely and forever off the board; no need to examine its manifestations in order to understand this error. Let the Bible give its unperverted testimony, and it will detect every false doctrine. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

Isaiah gives us further counsel in connection with the above: “Bind up the testimony [some one has sought to unbind it, so there is danger of losing part of the Bible], seal the law.” We know the seal has been taken from the law by abolishing the fourth commandment of the decalogue. “As God is true,” his word is “not yea and nay;” “all the promises of God . . . are yea, and . . . Amen.” 2 Cor. 1:18, 20.

A speaker sees that he can make a point more forcible by contrasting it with error. But there may be some one in the congregation who believes that the view the speaker is holding up to contempt, is true. A person is apt to consider his opinions a part of himself; and when they are treated disrespectfully, he feels aggrieved, as if it were a personal insult. Very likely the truth can never have the weight with him that God designed it should have. We are warned against dealing harshly with human souls; on the contrary, they should be treated with the greatest delicacy and tenderness.

Is there not sufficient reason to keep to the affirmative? By beholding we are changed. 2 Cor. 3:18. By gazing at darkness, our eyes become contracted so that if light shines in the darkness, the darkness comprehends it not. John 1:5. Let us talk of the divine character, which is all light and love and excellence. Let us dwell on the nobility, the purity, the simplicity, the benevolence of Jesus, and we shall be charmed into loving him supremely, while we can find no time nor disposition to discuss error, or to think of it. And by so doing, we shall be best prepared to detect error when it appears.

Sanitarium, Cal.