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Right Methods, Principles, and Motives
213
and clearer, for God would have worked with them. Many have
gone into the grave in error, simply because those who professed
the truth have failed to communicate the precious knowledge they
have received. If the light that has shone in superabundance in Battle
Creek had been diffused we would have seen many raised up to
become laborers together with God.
* * * * *
The Evil of Long Sermons
[Special Testimonies, Series A 5:7-9 (1896).]
Dear Brother----,
Those who shall be mouthpieces for God should know that their
lips have been touched with a live coal from off the altar, and present
the truth in the demonstration of the Spirit. But lengthy discourses
are a taxation to the speaker and a taxation to the hearers who have to
sit so long. One half the matter presented would be of more benefit
to the hearer than the large mass poured forth by the speaker. That
which is spoken in the first hour is of far more value if the sermon
closes then than the words that are spoken in an added half hour.
There is a burying up of the matter that has been presented.
This subject has been opened to me again and again that our
ministers were making mistakes in talking so long as to wear away
the first forcible impression made upon the hearers. So large a mass
of matter is presented, which they cannot possibly retain and digest,
that all seems confused.
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I have kept this before our ministering brethren, and begged them
not to lengthen out their discourses. Some improvement has been
made on this ground with the very best results. But few discourses
have exceeded an hour.
While in America the light was given me in the night season
concerning yourself. You had been speaking at great length, and still
felt that you had not said all you wished to say, and were asking for
a little more time. One of dignity and authority stepped before you,
as you stood in the pulpit, and said: You have given the people a
large amount of matter to consider; one half of what you have given