As an interne developing field experience, I am more closely allied with the Bible work than any other line of work at the present time, and therefore read with special interest all that appears in "The Bible Workers' Exchange" section of The Ministry. In the December [1929] issue there was an article on "Notebooks for Our Readers," and while reading it the thought occurred to me that a suggestion concerning a plan which I have used might be of some value to others. The notebook idea is a good one, but it involves a great deal of time and trouble to make up such books as described in the article referred to. I find that it is a great saving of time to make use of the hectograph in preparing notebooks for my readers. For the information of those who may not be acquainted with this method, I will state that the hectograph costs only about $3, and consists of a flat, square mold holding a gelatine preparation. On this gelatin surface the typewritten or handwritten sheet is placed face down, hectograph ribbon or ink being used for the writing. When this original copy is removed from the gelatin, there remains an impression from which fifty to seventy-five clear copies may be transferred onto blank sheets of paper.
I use a loose-leaf notebook and the sheets to fit, as purchased at the Five and Ten Cent Stores, and this size book accommodates a folded copy of Present Truth, which can be inserted on any special subject needed. If need be, the cloth adhesive rings can be used to protect the holes in the paper from tearing out. Charts may be drawn with the hectograph ink, and added to the notebook to advantage. Many original ideas will suggest themselves to the worker in connection with the use of the hectograph, and I believe that the plan offers many advantages in the saving of time. It provides ample and appropriate material to make up the notebook, and is an aid in increasing and holding the interest in the Bible studies.
And may I add a word as to my personal experience in the Bible work. I realize more and more as the days go by that success lies in unbroken connection with Christ, who is the source of every phase of our spiritual life and power. I have been very happy while working with the people here in this place, and now six persons have asked to join the baptismal class, with the intention of taking a definite stand. I have been giving Bible studies to one group of people belonging to the Swedish Baptist Church. Their pastor became very much displeased, and told his members that they must either give up the Bible Studies or their church; and they chose to continue the Bible studies.
I know that God is blessing, and feel so encouraged to see evidences of His power. I know that in the near future we shall see a fine group of people standing firm in the third angel's message.
Meriden, Conn.
" To Bible Workers "
In reading the Review and Herald of March 29, 1887, a brief article under the above caption attracted my attention. The perusal of this article, written by Asa T. Robinson and G. B. Starr, who were then in charge of the mission training school, led to the conclusion that the suggestions of forty-two years ago are still timely, and would be read with interest by Bible workers of the present day, and therefore the following reprint:
"All are aware that great strides toward simplicity in Bible readings have been made since the work began, by reducing the number of questions from 150 or 175 to twenty-five or thirty-five. But experience, and God's providence, we believe, are teaching us that still further reformation is needed in this same direction. Those who hold the most simple, clear, forcible readings are awakening the deepest interest, doing the most work in the shortest time, and bringing the largest number into the truth, with the least wear upon themselves and their readers. We feel confident in saying that from ten to fifteen questions, with only the same number of clear texts to answer them, are much better than twice the number. When a point is clearly proved by one text, it seems to weaken it to multiply proofs. One Thus saith the Lord ' generally quite settles any point.
" The holding of short readings also enables all the workers to commit the texts or passages to memory, and thus lay aside their written formal questions, and become free, natural, and easy in their work. We believe the time has fully come for this step to be taken, and for each worker to drill his mind over and over again upon his ten or twelve proof texts, so that he can use them with nothing more than a small card before him, on which are the references and a word or two suggesting the leading thought in each. Each text should be studied until the worker knows exactly what it contains, and then the question should be so framed as to bring this point clearly before the mind. Do not expect people to see what the text teaches unless the question brings it out. Hundreds have read these texts in their Bibles for years, and have never seen the truth they contain. It is the light of present truth that enables us to see, and it is by this light that we are enabled to ask the questions so that others may also be able to see clearly."
The following grouping of texts is furnished as a sample of what we would consider quite sufficient to present clearly the subject of the new earth:
(See PDF for table on sample texts).
