354
Evangelism
up against the truths that we present. Shall we not then feel excused
from making further efforts for them?” By no means. Even if they shut
the door in your face, do not hasten away in indignation, and make
no further effort to save them. Ask God in faith to give you access
to those very souls. Cease not your efforts, but study and plan until
you find some other means of reaching them. If you do not succeed by
personal visits, try sending them the silent messenger of truth. There
is so much pride of opinion in the human heart that our publications
often gain admittance where the living messenger cannot.
I have been shown how reading matter on present truth is some-
times treated by many people in Europe and in other countries. A
person receives a tract or paper. He reads a little in it, finds something
that does not agree with his former views, and throws it aside. But the
few words he did read are not forgotten. Unwelcome though they are,
they remain in the mind until an interest is awakened to read further on
the subject. Again the paper is taken up; again the reader finds some-
thing in it that is opposed to his long-cherished opinions and customs,
and he angrily flings it aside. But the rejected messenger says nothing
[412]
to increase his opposition or arouse his combativeness; and when the
force of his anger dies away, and the paper is again brought out, it
tells the same simple, straightforward story, and he finds in it precious
gems. Angels of God are near to impress the unspoken word upon his
heart; and, although loath to do so, he at last yields, and light takes pos-
session of his soul. Those who are thus unwillingly converted, often
prove to be among the most substantial believers; and their experience
teaches them to labor perseveringly for others.—
Historical Sketches
of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 150
(1886).
Open-Air and Tent Meetings—I was requested to speak in regard
to holding tent meetings in Europe. I told them according to the light
the Lord had given me, tents could be used to good advantage in some
places, and if conducted properly would result in great good. I did not
know at this time why they called me out on this, but learned that it
was because Brother _____ had previously spoken rather against tents
being the best for meetinghouse purposes.
I then presented my objections in regard to open-air meetings. It
was very wearing to our ministers, because taxing to the vocal organs.
The voice was strained to an unnatural pitch, and would be greatly
injured by this method of labor. Another objection was that discipline