Comforting, Powerful Preaching—You should have a clear apprehension of the gospel. The religious life is not one of gloom and of sadness but of peace and joy coupled with Christlike dignity and holy solemnity. We are not encouraged by our Saviour to cherish doubts and fears and distressing forebodings; these bring no relief to the soul and should be rebuked rather than praised. We may have joy unspeakable and full of glory. Let us put away our indolence and study God’s Word more constantly. If we ever needed the Holy Ghost to be with us, if we ever needed to preach in the demonstration of the Spirit, it is at this very time.—Manuscript 6, 1888. (Ev 180.1) MC VC

A Cheerful Present-Truth Message—Now, just now, we are to proclaim present truth, with assurance and with power. Do not strike one dolorous note; do not sing funeral hymns.—Letter 311, 1905. (Ev 180.2) MC VC

How to Preach on Calamities—Uplift those who are cast down. Treat of calamities as disguised blessings, of woes as mercies. Work in a way that will cause hope to spring up in the place of despair.—Testimonies For The Church 7:272 (1902). (Ev 180.3) MC VC

Hurry Produces Tame Discourses—When you hurry from one thing to another, when you have so much to do that you cannot take time to talk with God, how can you expect power in your work? The reason so many of our ministers preach tame, lifeless discourses is that they allow a variety of things of a worldly nature to take their time and attention.—Testimonies For The Church 7:251 (1902). (Ev 180.4) MC VC