Tact Required to Break Down Prejudice—Nathanael was praying to know whether this was indeed the Christ of whom Moses and the prophets had spoken. While he continued to pray, one of those who had been brought to Christ, Philip by name, called to him and said, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45. Notice how quickly prejudice arises. Nathanael says, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46. Philip knew the strong prejudice that existed in the minds of many against Nazareth, and he did not try to argue with him, for fear of raising his combativeness, but simply said, “Come and see.” John 1:46. (Ev 446.1) MC VC

Here is a lesson for all our ministers, colporteurs, and missionary workers. When you meet those, who, like Nathanael, are prejudiced against the truth, do not urge your peculiar views too strongly. Talk with them at first of subjects upon which you can agree. Bow with them in prayer, and in humble faith present your petitions at the throne of grace. Both you and they will be brought into a closer connection with heaven, prejudice will be weakened, and it will be easier to reach the heart.—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 149 (1886). (Ev 446.2) MC VC

Working for the Aged VC

Waiting for the Truth—It is wonderful how many aged people the workers find who need but little labor to lead them to receive the truth, Sabbath and all. Why, they say, “this is what we have been praying for. We knew that the Scriptures had much to say upon subjects that the clergymen did not and could not explain to us.” These do little else but rejoice in the light and in the truth. Their joy seems to be full.—Letter 18, 1898. (Ev 446.3) MC VC