180
Evangelism
because Christ is drawing them. Conscience tells them that what they
hear is true, for it has the Bible for its foundation. The greatest care is
needed in dealing with these souls.
Do not at the outset press before the people the most objectionable
features of our faith, lest you close their ears to which these things
come as a new revelation. Let such portions of truth be dealt out to
them as they may be able to grasp and appreciate; though it should
appear strange and startling, many will recognize with joy the new
light that is shed on the Word of God, whereas if truth were presented
in so large a measure that they could not receive it, some would go
away, and never come again. More than this, they would misrepresent
the truth.—
The General Conference Bulletin, February 25, 1895
.
Here a Little, and There a Little—Those who have been edu-
cated in the truth by precept and example should make great allowance
for others who have had no knowledge of the Scriptures except through
the interpretations given by ministers and church members, and who
have received traditions and fables as Bible truth. They are surprised
by the presentation of truth; it is as a new revelation to them, and
they cannot bear to have all the truth, in its most striking character,
presented to them at the outset. All is new and strange and wholly
unlike that which they have heard from their ministers, and they are
inclined to believe what the ministers have told them, that Seventh-day
Adventists are infidels and do not believe the Bible. Let the truth be
presented as it is in Jesus, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a
little, and there a little.—
Undated Manuscript 79
.
Take One Point at a Time—Teachers of the Word of God are
not to keep back any part of the counsel of God, lest the people shall
[202]
be ignorant of their duty and not understand what is the will of God
concerning them, and stumble and fall into perdition. But while the
teacher of truth should be faithful in presenting the gospel, let him
never pour out a mass of matter which the people cannot comprehend
because it is new to them and hard to understand. Take one point at a
time, and make that one point plain, speaking slowly and in a distinct
voice. Speak in such a way that the people shall see what is the relation
of that one point to other truths of vital importance.... It will be difficult
to create prejudice in the hearts of those who are seeking for truth as
for hidden treasure, if the speaker will hide himself in Christ; for he
will then reveal Christ, not himself.—
Manuscript 39, 1895
.