Recently we concluded a series of meetings which continued for three months, seven nights in the week, without a break. We began the meetings in the usual way, with some of the second-coming prophecies, and specialized in presenting the doctrinal truths in a strong way. About one sermon a week on some practical subject was given. We sought to keep before the people the thought that Bible truth, apart from personal fellowship with Christ, means nothing; and on the other hand there is no salvation in professing to trust in Christ while at the same time rejecting the truths for which He stood.
Our talks averaged forty-five minutes in length, and we tried to make every sentence and text apply directly to the subject under discussion. As we went along with the talk, the people knew exactly what we were proving, and the points stood out clearly in their minds. It is a mistake to advertise a subject, and then talk about everything in general and nothing in particular, allowing the people to go away with no definite, lasting conviction concerning the subject advertised. Often I find it helpful to tell the audience at the beginning of a talk just what we are going to try to prove, then get right at it, and in closing briefly sum up the points made.
We find it an advantage to have a tract or a copy of Present Truth on the subject presented to hand out at the close of the meeting, urging those interested to read this through before the next service. That helps to impress the truths heard, and to cause the facts to remain in the mind and heart.
Those interested were frequently visited, and this house-to-house work was deeply appreciated. At these times we would ask if they understood the subjects we had passed over. If there were questions, we found it a good plan to have them read a few texts on the subjects from their own Bibles. Often we would go over a few of the strongest texts on a number of subjects that had been presented, rather than give a long study on one subject. We always prayed with those visited before leaving them. Such prayers should be short, spiritual, and personal. It is often a good plan to mention the person by name, and other members of the family indirectly. Each worker also spent time in secret prayer for those interested, as we, as for spiritual preparation to deal with them effectively.
When it came to the organization of the church, no concessions to principle were made. We were not so anxious for numbers as for strong, well-instructed, converted Seventh-day Adventists, and we tried to work in such a way that if there was to be any "giving up," it would be before they took the step of joining the church. In all our Bible talks we felt that the important thing was to make the message so plain that there would be no misunderstanding as to the teaching of the Scriptures on the subject under consideration. A preacher who uses many words, preaches a long time, and does not "clinch" his points as he goes along, is at a disadvantage in these days of quick thinking.
Panama City, Fla.
