Importance of the Camp-Meeting
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people because you love them, souls will be convicted, because the
Holy Spirit of God will impress their hearts.
“Arm yourselves with humility; pray that angels of God may come
close to your side to impress the mind; for it is not you that work the
Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit must work you. It is the Holy Spirit
that makes the truth impressive. Keep practical truth ever before the
people.”
Do not make prominent those features of the message which are a
condemnation of the customs and practices of the people, until they
have an opportunity to know that we are believers in Christ, that we
believe in His divinity and in His pre-existence. Let the testimony of
the world’s Redeemer be dwelt upon. He says, “I Jesus have sent Mine
angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.” [
Revelation
22:16
.] ...
Whenever practicable, every important discourse should be fol-
lowed by a Bible study. Here the points that have been presented can
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be applied, questions can be asked, and right ideas inculcated. More
time should be devoted to patiently educating the people, giving them
opportunity to express themselves. It is instruction that men need, line
upon line and precept upon precept.
Special meetings also should be held for those who are becoming
interested in the truths presented, and who need instruction. To these
meetings the people should be invited, and all, both believers and
unbelievers, should have an opportunity to ask questions on points not
fully understood. Give all an opportunity to speak of their perplexities,
for they will have them. In all the sermons and in all the Bible studies,
let the people see that on every point a plain “Thus saith the Lord” is
given for the faith and doctrines which we advocate.
This was the method of Christ’s teaching. As He spoke to the
people, they would question as to His meaning. To those who were
humbly seeking for light, He was always ready to explain His words.
But Christ did not encourage criticism or caviling, nor should we.
When men try to provoke a discussion of controverted points of doc-
trine, tell them that the meeting was not appointed for that purpose.
When you do answer a question, be sure to have the hearers see and
acknowledge that it is answered. Do not let a question drop, telling
them to ask it again. Feel your way step by step, and know how much
you have gained.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:31-69
.
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