Institutional Evangelism
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human being may become a partaker of the divine nature, and learn
to co-operate with God in the work of salvation.—
Medical Ministry,
208
(1909).
Removing Prejudice—The instruction given to the patients in
our sanitariums is not to be presented in the form of laws that must
be obeyed. The word was spoken: “Everything that can be done
is to be done to bring the sick and afflicted to the way of truth and
righteousness. Medical missionary work is one means of doing this.
We do not know how much prejudice is removed as people are brought
in contact with true medical missionary workers. As physicians and
nurses strive to do for the suffering the work that Christ did when He
was upon this earth, the truth for this time will find access to minds
and hearts”....
The evening seasons of worship at our sanitariums should be con-
ducted in a way that will give opportunity for the asking of questions.—
Letter 213, 1902
.
Doctrinal Questions—The sanitarium parlor, where are gathered
a promiscuous crowd of patients, is not the place to talk upon doctrinal
subjects. Let our consistent lives win confidence and awaken a desire
to know why we believe as we do. Then invite those who inquire to
attend the Sabbath meetings.—
Manuscript 53, 1899
.
A Wise Restraint—You have an important work to do in the
sanitariums. In your work for the patients, do not allow them to receive
an impression that you are intensely anxious for them to understand
and to accept our faith. It is natural that there should be an intense
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fervency to this end. But often a wise restraint is necessary. In some
cases the words that might seem appropriate would do grave injury,
and close a door that might have opened wider.
Manifest tender love, and exercise judicious forbearance. If you
see a good opportunity to make a sharp point in argument, it is better
often to forbear. Do not on all occasions present the strongest proofs
you know; for this would arouse a suspicion that you were trying
merely to convert your hearer to the Seventh-day Adventist faith.
The simple Word of God has great power to convince of the truth.
Let the Word speak and do its work. Let there be wise restraint in
evangelistic effort. Do not force the presentation of a testing point.
Wait till inquiries are made. Let your example teach. Let the words and