The Street Meeting
Reaching Some by Open-Air Meetings—The cities must have
more labor. There are places where the people can best be reached
by open-air meetings. There are many who can do this line of work,
but they must be clad with the whole armor of righteousness. We are
altogether too delicate in our work; yet propriety and sound sense are
needed.—
An Appeal for Missions, 15
, (1898).
Problems of the Moving Throng—These [open-air meetings]
may be held at times, and on special occasions will be the best means
of reaching the people; but to make this a regular manner of labor will
not at present secure the desired results. The laborer cannot make full
proof of his ministry. A chance speech or discourse may set minds
on a train of thought which will, through other influences that may be
brought to bear upon them, result in their conversion; but these cases
[587]
are rare.—
Gospel Workers, 339, 340
(1892).
In the open-air meetings there cannot be that complete work done
in binding off the work that he may present every man perfect in Christ
Jesus. Sometimes great good may be done by this manner of labor. But
as a practice it is better to reach the people in some other way.—
Letter
2, 1885
.
The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside, and in
small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in winning
souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving
throng, or even in halls or churches.—
Gospel Workers, 193
(1915).
Open-Air Temperance Meetings—We ought to be at work in the
dark corners of the earth.... I have frequently stood in the open air
to speak to companies gathered to hear me. I have seen women with
children in their arms standing for an hour to listen to me. There were
men and women all around me. I have asked them, “How many of you
have an intelligent faith in Jesus Christ? How many are Christians?
Those who are, hold up your hands.” Not a hand would be raised. Did
they not need Christ? Did they not need a knowledge of the truth? Did
they not need to learn lessons of temperance? Indeed they did.
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