“From that which God has shown me, a great number will be saved from among the Catholics. There has been but little done for them except to make them appear in the worst light.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 41.
The future will be much different than many have supposed, and the only way to understand what is really going to happen is to study inspired writings. Here is some of the counsel that we have received:
“First of all then, I urge that supplications and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men for kings and all who are in authority.” I Timothy 2:1, 2, first part.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority … Honor the king.” I Peter 2:13, 17.
It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions.
“The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged upon the whole body of Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such and such a day one of our responsible men said thus and so against the administration of the laws of this government. Many will be astonished to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they did not intend them to have. Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis which is to try men’s souls.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 69.
The less we make direct charges against authorities and powers, the greater work we shall be able to accomplish, both in America and in foreign countries.
Do not speak to them one word of censure. Do not blame and condemn them. “We have nothing whereof to boast. We grieve the Lord Jesus Christ by our harshness, by our unchristlike thrusts. We need to become complete in Him.” Ibid, 63.
The world is becoming more and more violent, and soon God’s people will have to endure suffering as a result, but we need to be sure that we do not unnecessarily increase the suffering of God’s people in the world by communicating even the truth in a spirit that will be interpreted as follows:
“We shall force them to the conclusion that the doctrine, we profess cannot be the Christian doctrine since it does not make us kind, courteous, and respectful.” Ibid,71.
How much has been said that has turned souls to bitterness and gall against the truth.
“Words that should have been a savor of life unto life have been made a savor of death unto death by the spirit which accompanied them.” Ibid., 66.