I have found that very satisfactory results are obtained by preparing notebooks, containing outlines of the Bible studies and appropriate illustrations, and presenting them to my readers at the opportune time. This is quite a task, and requires hours of time; and for this reason I do not supply each of my readers at first. But when I see people deeply interested, and earnestly endeavoring to take down all the references, I am only too glad to promise to bring them a notebook covering every study which we have had up to that time, with provision for adding each subsequent study. I find that these notebooks are always received with surprise and true appreciation, and I feel that it pays for all the time and effort required.
A large-sized five-cent note-book provides space for outlining an ordinary course of Bible readings. I usually buy ten or twenty books at a time, on which there is a small saving. Since the Present Truth series is very inexpensive and provides such good material, I make most of my clippings from these. The first thing is to read the entire publication carefully, and with a red pencil indicate the paragraphs or quotations to be used. This marked copy is then preserved for future use, as a quick guide in making clippings. I make up one notebook to be kept as a sample in assembling material for other books, as it is much quicker and easier to have a prearranged order to work by. This I call my " library copy," and make such improvements in it as seem best from time to time.
The make-up of this notebook usually runs about as follows: On the first page beneath the cover are several texts concerning prophecy and God's promise to reveal the future for a special purpose. For example, Isaiah 42: 9: " Before they spring forth; " Isaiah 48:3, 5: " Lest thou shouldst say; " Amos 3: 7: " Revealeth His secret; " John 14: 29: That " ye might believe."
Over the leaf, on the first double page, is the picture of the image of Daniel 2, under the printed title which has been clipped from the paper. The image is tinted with water colors to indicate the different metals, and If twenty or thirty pictures are tinted at one time, only a few minutes are required to do the work. On the opposite side of the page is pasted the poem, " Look for the Waymarks; " following this appear the names of the four universal empires, with dates; also the date when the division of Rome was completed.
On the second double page is the picture of the four beasts of Daniel 7, with the printed titles. The names of the ten kingdoms, with corresponding names of the modern kingdoms, are attached; there are also indicated the dates for the uprooting of the three kingdoms. At the bottom of the page appear the three symbols dealt with in the chapter, with the verses and terms of explanation.
The next double page presents a diagram of Matthew 24, indicating the dates called for in this chapter, with the explanation (in figures) of " time, times, and half a time," with other Bible references showing how the same period is indicated in the Bible by months and days. This outline is copied from a muslin chart which I use in giving my studies. The diagram serves to explain Matthew 24, also Daniel 7: 25, or wherever the 1260 days is referred to.
On the following double page is pasted the picture of the dark day of 1780, with the clippings of historical record. On the next double page appears the picture of the falling of the stars, with quotations concerning the event.
All the items mentioned can be arranged and pasted in the book when it is presented to the person for whom it is intended. At each subsequent study I call for the notebook, and copy in it the study as I give it. After each text, I give the leading thought in a few words.
The issue of Present Truth dealing with Daniel 7 contains valuable and very strong quotations concerning the Papacy, and these may be reserved until the subject is given in connection with the change of the Sabbath. Clippings from other copies of Present Truth, such as, " The Law of God as Changed by the Papacy," should be clipped and reserved until the proper time arrives for pasting in the book as the study is given. Usually all pictures used in Present Truth fill an appropriate place.
The arrangement as suggested is subject to adaptation as circumstances require. I am aware that not every Bible worker will approve of using the scissors on our valued publications in the manner indicated; but personally I think the quotations illustrating the fulfillment of prophecy will be of more value, and be more readily referred to by our readers, if segregated, and placed with the outline of studies, than if the papers themselves are left with the reader, and, as so often happens, become mislaid or forgotten.
Lompoc, Calif.
