In our opposition to error it behooves us to be both just and merciful. Most of the errors held in Christendom have been maliciously fabricated, but oftener represent an effort at grasping and stating some truth taught in the Bible. The doctrine of "unconditional election" did not originate in a willful intent to deceive, but rather in a one-sided effort to do justice to a certain class of passages. The doctrine of "justification by faith only" was not hatched by servants of Satan with a view to destroying souls, but rather stands for an uncomprehensive attempt to set forth certain inspired doctrines of Paul and John. So with most other false doctrines. Worse than the error is the partisan and sectarian zeal which, accepting the partial or distorted view (which under other circumstances might have been balanced and corrected) and holding it as a party tenet, becomes blind to all further reason and scripture. This we must remove with gentleness and by fairness; and the error we must combat on its own ground, rather than by impugning the motives and characters of those who teach them! [131]

      Is is astonishing how much a little bluster will accomplish in some quarters. Big assertions often carry the day over proof and truth. A doctrine is called "diabolical" or "soul-destroying and God-dishonoring" or branded as "the worst kind of sectarianism," or as "fearful! awful! terrible!" and straightway the people turn from it in dismay--especially if they have some confidence in the preacher who uses these lurid terms. But this is not right. The cause of truth is served best by examining and judging sanely and fairly whatever comes our way, and every verdict should be based upon sound reason and the word of God. The leader who plays upon the prejudices and ignorant fears of the people abuses his position.

[TAG 131-132]