Most of my readers use a little notebook, and I have them write down the lesson outline as we proceed. Usually I read most of the texts, but have the readers take their Bibles and look up the references. I always take time for all to do this. If they read well, we sometimes take turns; I read one verse and some one else the next, or if several are in the room, we read in rotation. Then, when the text has been read, I bring out the particular thought I wish them to observe. Some workers, I know, use as many texts as they can crowd into a study. On the contrary I try to use but few—just enough to make the subject connected and conclusive, but brief and to the point.
Then I supplement the study with reading matter. I leave Present Truth, a tract, or some other piece of literature. Of course, if a person is interested and enjoys reading, I may leave a little book, such as, "The Bible Made Plain." I try to ascertain whether the person is a "reader," and just how much he will read. In this it is necessary to use tact and judgment. Some need material that is rather brief, while others will do a great deal of reading and studying. However, I ask all to read the material I leave, and the next time I come, I inquire if they have done so. I ask this in such a way that I can tell whether or not the literature has been read. Sometimes a reader will say, "I have not read all of it." Then I inquire about some little point. If this has not been read, I ask that it be done during the next week, in order that we may intelligently discuss the subject.
Washington, D. C.
