Expressions of dissatisfaction and regret are often uttered by readers of the current magazines because the story or serial which interests them does not reach conclusion. Intense interest has been aroused, and a train of thought has been set in motion which it is difficult to hold in check until the next issue of the magazine can be obtained.
Is there not in this prevailing situation a suggestion, which we may properly capitalize in our church work? Instead of announcing a definite topic for the prayer meeting or the Sabbath discourse, it is sometimes a decided advantage to begin a series of lessons on some particular theme, extending for several weeks, arranging for each study to end in such a manner as to create live interest in the study to follow.
On three different occasions, I have conducted a series of studies, arranged for both Sabbath sermon and the prayer meeting, and can testify to the success of the plan, apparent in both interest and attendance. A series of fourteen studies was based on the twenty-third psalm, and there was a steadily increasing interest from the start. Another series of eight studies was based on the Lord's prayer. The series of studies arranged for the Sabbath morning service was announced under the titles, "Experiences of Israel Leaving Egypt, With Lessons Applicable to Our Times" and "Lessons Drawn From the Lives of the Twelve Patriarchs."
While it was my earnest endeavor to make each lesson in the series as interesting and helpful as possible, yet I am convinced that there is decided advantage in having a definite starting point and leading on to definite conclusion.
Inglewood, Calif.
