HOW TO SPEAK by John Harvey Waggoner

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1856

HOW TO SPEAK.

By John Harvey Waggoner

At this time of strong delusions and general declension of piety we should “search the Scriptures” with all diligence, that all may know for themselves what is the will of God concerning us, and that we be not put to shame before the world by those who would turn us and others away from the truth. But there are many who have searched the word and are very ready to tell what is truth, who know not how to answer nor in what manner to speak according to the will of God.

Says Peter: “Be ready always to give an answer to every one that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Margin, reverence. 1 Pet. iii, 15.

Says Paul: “Speaking the truth in love.” Eph. iv. 15.

If all should follow these divine directions, then would God be glorified where now his truth is reproached. Too many speak the truth in a boasting manner, and sometimes with a tone of defiance, as though the speaker would dare some one to meet him. “This wisdom cometh not from above.” They that know the present truth should have compassion on the ignorant. “What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory?”

I have known a young man to attack one much older than himself, who had not considered the subject of the Sabbath, and because he could not successfully meet the argument, turn upon him with raillery, tell him he could not do it, &c., till the person so assailed became disgusted with such unbecoming conduct; and then, instead of being ashamed of his course, he would go away and boast of what he had done! Poor youth; he knew not the stain he had brought upon the cause of Christ, or the almost irreparable injury he had done to his fellow-man.

In some places it is almost impossible to get a hearing because of the influence of certain individuals who are always ready to talk, but whose talk and whose lives are alike a reproach to the cause.

To speak the truth in love, we must love both the truth spoken, and the person or persons spoken to. Many have lessons of discretion to learn on this subject, and it is high time they were learning them. Let this be our rule, to be always willing to bear the reproach of the cause of Christ, and always careful that we do not bring a reproach upon it.

J. H. W.