How to Visit and What to Do
61
them, and better characteristics will come in. We want cheerfulness in
our work.—
Manuscript 10, 1888
.
[90]
Power of Courtesy—The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a
willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us, would
annihilate half the ills of life. The spirit of self-aggrandizement is the
spirit of Satan; but the heart in which the love of Christ is cherished,
will possess that charity which seeketh not her own.—
Patriarchs and
Prophets, 133
.
Proper Attitude Toward Poor—You don’t want to hold your-
selves as though it were a condescension to come in contact with poor
families. Talk as though they were as good a piece of humanity as you
are. They have little enough light and joy, and why not carry additional
joy and light to shine in upon them and fill their hearts. What we
want is the tender sympathy of Jesus Christ, and then we can melt
our way right into their hearts. We want to clothe ourselves, not with
pomposity, but with plain simple dress, so that they will feel that we
are an equal with them and as though we considered that they were
worth saving, and we can melt our way into their hearts.
Now, brethren and sisters, we want the iron taken out of our souls,
and we want it taken out of our manner of work. We can educate
workers in every church.—
Manuscript 10, 1888
.
Tactful as Was Christ—He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds,
and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through
the imagination He reached the heart.—
The Desire of Ages, 254
.
Talk Courage—Do not utter one despondent word, for such words
please Satan. Talk of Christ’s goodness and tell of His power. Words of
hope and trust and courage are as easily spoken as words of complaint.
[91]
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”—
The Review
and Herald, April 7, 1904
.
Come to the Point—Now, when we go into the house we should
not begin to talk of frivolous things, but come right to the point and
say, I want you to love Jesus, for He has first loved you.... Take along
the publications and ask them to read. When they see that you are
sincere they will not despise any of your efforts. There is a way to
reach the hardest hearts. Approach in the simplicity, and sincerity, and
humility that will help us to reach the souls of them for whom Christ
died.—
Manuscript 10, 1888
.