Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]

MR No. 497—Cutting Thrusts in Discussions are Wrong

Some in discussion think [that] if they create a laugh against their opponent and place his views in a comical light they have done a nice thing. They divert the minds in a wrong channel; they befog the truth of God; they do not show reverence for the Word of God; they do not evidence that their own human spirit is under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God. They place the truth on a level with common things. A sharp, cutting application is frequently made by the men who claim to be teaching the truth. It is not the truth that does the cutting, but ... the words of the speaker. 7MR 331.1

All this is unsanctified, and unholy. If every speaker of the truth will bring his soul under the discipline of the Spirit of God in living connection with the author of truth, then he will not only teach the truth acceptably, but living the truth he will become a channel of light. Heaven's mysteries will be revealed to him that he can reveal them to others.—Manuscript 27, 1888, 10. (Untitled, circa 1888.) 7MR 331.2

Released April 28, 1976.