484
Evangelism
something of the character of the work, although they have not the
courage to lift the cross and to bear the reproach that attends unpopular
truth. First reach the high classes if possible, but there should be no
neglect of the lower classes.
But it has been the case that the plans and the efforts have been so
shaped in many fields that the lower classes only are the ones who can
be reached. But methods may be devised to reach the higher classes
who need the light of truth as well as the lower classes. These see
the truth, but they are, as it were, in the slavery of poverty, and see
starvation before them should they accept the truth. Plan to reach the
best classes, and you will not fail to reach the lower classes.
Letter 14,
1887
.
Converted Talent and Influence—God’s servants are not to ex-
haust their time and strength in work for those whose whole lifetime
has been devoted to the service of Satan till the entire being is cor-
rupted. As the outcasts come, and they will come, as they came to
[554]
Christ, we are to forbid them not. But God calls for workers to reach
those of the higher classes, who, if converted, could in turn work for
those of their own standing. He desires to see converted talent and con-
verted influence enlisted in His work. The Lord is working upon men
and women of talent and influence, leading them to connect with those
who are giving the last message of mercy to the world.—
Manuscript
6, 1902
.
Paul’s Methods Reached All Nations and People—Paul in his
journeys combined home and foreign missions. Now he is preaching
to the Jews in their own place of worship. Now he is preaching to the
Gentiles, before their own temple and in the very presence of their
gods. Nor does Paul proclaim to the Jews a Messiah whose work is to
destroy the old dispensation, but a Messiah who came to develop the
whole Jewish economy in accordance with the truth.
Those of the disciples who carried the word of truth the widest
were ready to stand the test of any interview with those who remained
close at home. Here Christianity obtained a decided victory, and the
high, elevated stand was taken by the converted Jews that Christianity
and salvation were for all nations, tongues, and peoples upon the face
of the earth.—
Letter 17, 1900
.