54 Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists
of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of
Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Notice how quickly prejudice arises.
Nathanael says, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
Philip knew the strong prejudice that existed in the minds of many
against Nazareth, and he did not try to argue with him, for fear of
raising his combativeness, but simply said, “Come and see.”
Here is a lesson for all our ministers, colporteurs, and missionary
workers. When you meet those, who, like Nathanael, are prejudiced
against the truth, do not urge your peculiar views too strongly. Talk
with them at first of subjects upon which you can agree. Bow with
them in prayer, and in humble faith present your petitions at the throne
of grace. Both you and they will be brought into a closer connection
with heaven, prejudice will be weakened, and it will be easier to reach
the heart.
There is a great work to be done here in Europe. From the light that
has been given me concerning the people in this part of the country,
and perhaps all through Europe, there is danger, in presenting the truth,
of arousing their combativeness. There is little harmony between
present truth and the doctrines of the church in which many of the
people have been born and brought up; and they are so filled with
prejudice, and so completely under the control of their ministers, that
in many cases they dare not even come to hear the truth presented. The
question then arises, How can these people be reached? How can the
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great work of the third angel’s message be accomplished? It must be
largely accomplished by persevering, individual effort; by visiting the
people at their homes.
In doing this kind of work, none should feel like the Pharisee when
he came to the temple to pray and said, “God, I thank thee that I am
not as other men.” Let it be kept in mind that Jesus died for all, and
that he loves others just as much as he loves you. Let the heart be
softened with the love of God; and then, with quivering lip and tearful
eye, open to the people the treasures of truth. Present the truth as it [is]
in Jesus; not for the sake of contention, not for the love of argument,
but with meekness and fear; and it will reach the hearts of the honest.
That which makes the truth so objectionable to many is that it is not
presented in the spirit of Christ.
There is with many a great lack of love in laboring for others.
Especially in this field, far more could be accomplished by manifesting