Truth-Teaching Devices
183
His strong arguments are the words of the Old and the New Testaments.
He does not seek for words that would merely impress the people with
his learning, but he endeavors to let the Word of God speak to them
directly in clear, distinct utterance. If any refuse to accept the message,
they must reject the Word.
Brother S dwells especially upon the prophecies in the books of
Daniel and the Revelation. He has large representations of the beasts
spoken of in these books. These beasts are made of papier-mache,
and by an ingenious invention, they may be brought at the proper time
before the congregation. Thus he holds the attention of the people,
while he preaches the truth to them. Through this effort hundreds will
be led to a better understanding of the Bible than they ever had before,
and we trust that there will be many conversions.—
Letter 326, 1906
.
A Sound Pedagogical Principle—The labors of Elder S remind
me of the labors put forth in 1842 to 1844. He uses the Bible, and the
Bible alone, to prove the truth of his arguments. He presents a plain
“Thus saith the Lord.” Then if any oppose his words, he makes it plain
that they must have their controversy not with him.
[205]
He has large lifelike representations of the beasts and symbols
in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the
proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary
word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of
his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature.
They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon
them.—
Letter 350, 1906
.
Catholics Attracted by Symbols—Elder S is arousing a good
interest by his meetings. People of all classes come out to hear, and
to see the life-size images that he has of the beasts of Revelation. A
great many Catholics come to hear him.—
Letter 352, 1906
.
Methods to Be Used in Closing Work—I am pleased with the
manner in which our brother [Elder S] has used his ingenuity and
tact in providing suitable illustrations for the subjects presented—
representations that have a convincing power. Such methods will be
used more and more in this closing work.—
Manuscript 105, 1906
.
Young Men Study How to Present Symbolic Truth—The Lord
has been working with Elder S, teaching him how to give to the people
this last warning message. His method of making the words of the
Bible prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented