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Evangelism
God has not left it with men to say who shall present themselves on
these occasions. For who can read the heart? Who can distinguish the
tares from the wheat?—
The Desire of Ages, 656
(1898).
There may come in among you those who are not in heart united
with truth and holiness, but who may wish to take part in these services.
Forbid them not.—
Manuscript 47, 1897
.
With Reverence—Everything connected with it should suggest as
perfect a preparation as possible. Every ordinance of the church should
be uplifting. They should not be made common or cheap, or placed
on a level with common things.... Our churches need to be educated
to a higher order of reverence and respect for the sacred service of
God.—
Manuscript 76, 1900
.
[278]
This ceremony is not to be performed listlessly, but earnestly,
keeping in view its purpose and object.—
Manuscript 8, 1897
.
A Blessed Meeting—This day has been a most precious season of
refreshment to my soul. The little company here are organized into a
church, and I met with them to celebrate the ordinances. I spoke from
John 13
, and precious ideas were impressed upon my mind in regard
to the ordinance of humility.... There is much in this simple rite that is
not seen and appreciated. I was blessed in partaking of the symbols
of the broken body and spilled blood of our precious Saviour, who
became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in
Him. He was our sin bearer.
The meeting today was a very solemn occasion for all present. The
testimony meeting was excellent. Everyone whose name was called
responded willingly. I know that the Lord Jesus was in the midst of
us, and all heaven was pleased as we followed the example of Christ.
On these occasions the Lord manifests Himself in a special manner to
so soften and subdue the soul, to expel selfishness, to imbue with His
Holy Spirit, and to bring love and grace and peace into hearts that are
contrite.
As the meeting closed, and we turned to our tents in the woods,
a soft, sweet, holy influence pervaded our hearts. My soul was filled
with sweet peace.—
Manuscript 14, 1895
.
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