The Silent Messenger—“But,” says one, “suppose we cannot gain admittance to the homes of the people; and if we do, suppose they rise up against the truths that we present. Shall we not then feel excused from making further efforts for them?” By no means. Even if they shut the door in your face, do not hasten away in indignation, and make no further effort to save them. Ask God in faith to give you access to those very souls. Cease not your efforts, but study and plan until you find some other means of reaching them. If you do not succeed by personal visits, try sending them the silent messenger of truth. There is so much pride of opinion in the human heart that our publications often gain admittance where the living messenger cannot. (Ev 411.1) MC VC

I have been shown how reading matter on present truth is sometimes treated by many people in Europe and in other countries. A person receives a tract or paper. He reads a little in it, finds something that does not agree with his former views, and throws it aside. But the few words he did read are not forgotten. Unwelcome though they are, they remain in the mind until an interest is awakened to read further on the subject. Again the paper is taken up; again the reader finds something in it that is opposed to his long-cherished opinions and customs, and he angrily flings it aside. But the rejected messenger says nothing to increase his opposition or arouse his combativeness; and when the force of his anger dies away, and the paper is again brought out, it tells the same simple, straightforward story, and he finds in it precious gems. Angels of God are near to impress the unspoken word upon his heart; and, although loath to do so, he at last yields, and light takes possession of his soul. Those who are thus unwillingly converted, often prove to be among the most substantial believers; and their experience teaches them to labor perseveringly for others.—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 150 (1886). (Ev 411.2) MC VC

Open-Air and Tent Meetings—I was requested to speak in regard to holding tent meetings in Europe. I told them according to the light the Lord had given me, tents could be used to good advantage in some places, and if conducted properly would result in great good. I did not know at this time why they called me out on this, but learned that it was because Brother _____ had previously spoken rather against tents being the best for meetinghouse purposes. (Ev 412.1) MC VC

I then presented my objections in regard to open-air meetings. It was very wearing to our ministers, because taxing to the vocal organs. The voice was strained to an unnatural pitch, and would be greatly injured by this method of labor. Another objection was that discipline and order could not be preserved; such labor would not encourage studious habits in diligently searching the Scriptures to bring from God’s storehouse things both new and old.—Letter 2, 1885. (Ev 412.2) MC VC

God Will Work Mightily—There is a great work to be done in Europe. It may seem to move slowly and hard at first; but God will work mightily through you if you will only make an entire surrender to Him. Much of the time you will have to walk by faith, not by feeling.—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 128, 129 (1886). (Ev 412.3) MC VC