302
Evangelism
minds is the nicest job that was ever committed to mortal man.—
Manuscript 13, 1888
.
Often Make Sabbath Meeting a Bible Class—It has often been
presented to me that there should be less sermonizing by ministers
acting merely as local pastors of churches, and that greater personal
efforts should be put forth. Our people should not be made to think
that they need to listen to a sermon every Sabbath. Many who listen
frequently to sermons, even though the truth be presented in clear
lines, learn but little. Often it would be more profitable if the Sabbath
meetings were of the nature of a Bible class study. Bible truth should
be presented in such a simple, interesting manner that all can easily
understand and grasp the principles of salvation.—
Letter 192, 1906
.
More Than Sermons Needed—A minister is one who ministers.
If you confine your work to sermonizing, the flock of God will suffer;
for they need personal effort. Let your discourses be short. Long
sermons wear out both you and the people. If ministers would make
their sermons only half as long, they would do more good and would
have strength left for personal work. Visit families, pray with them,
converse with them, search the Scriptures with them, and you will do
them good. Give them evidence that you seek their prosperity, and
want them to be healthy Christians.—
Manuscript 8a, 1888
.
Bearing the Censer of Fragrant Love—The Lord’s workers
need the melting love of Jesus in their hearts. Let every minister live
[349]
as a man among men. Let him, in well-regulated methods, go from
house to house, bearing ever the censer of heaven’s fragrant atmo-
sphere of love. Anticipate the sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of
others. Enter into the joys and cares of both high and low, rich and
poor.—
Letter 50, 1897
.
Preaching for Children—At every suitable opportunity let the
story of Jesus’ love be repeated to the children. In every sermon let a
little corner be left for their benefit. The servant of Christ may make
lasting friends of these little ones. Then let him lose no opportunity
of helping them to become more intelligent in a knowledge of the
Scriptures. This will do more than we realize to bar the way against
Satan’s devices. If children early become familiar with the truths of
God’s Word, a barrier against ungodliness will be erected, and they
will be able to meet the foe with the words, “It is written.”—
Gospel
Workers, 208
(1915).