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Practical Character of Ellen White's Addresses EGWE 62

On the same day, Mrs. White had a practical address for the missionary workers. She opened her talk by telling of Nathanael's skepticism when he first heard of Jesus: EGWE 62.2

“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. EGWE 62.3

Again she stressed the importance of personal work, saying the work of the third angel's message must be accomplished largely by persevering, individual effort; by visiting the people in their homes. EGWE 62.4

But then she returned to a favorite theme: EGWE 63.1

“Present the truth as it is in Jesus; not for the sake of contention, not for the love of argument, but with meekness and fear.... That which makes the truth so objectionable to many is that it is not presented in the spirit of Christ.”—Ibid., 150. EGWE 63.2

This love would accomplish far more than the strongest arguments, she said. Then she gave some counsel on how to deal with the most difficult cases. She said that even if people slam the door in the missionary's face, he should not give up. This was the time for the “silent messengers of truth,” the printed page, to bear their testimony. EGWE 63.3