General Conference Bulletin By Ellen G. White, March 2, 1899.
“We are on the threshold of great and solemn events. The prophecies are being fulfilled. He last great conflict will be brief, but terrible. Old controversies will be revived. New controversies will arise. The last warnings must be given to the world. There is a special power in presenting truth in the present tense; but how long will it continue?—Just a little time. If ever there was a crisis, it is now.
Determined efforts must be made to bring the message for this time prominently before the people. The third angel must go forward with great power. Let no one ignore this work or treat it as of little importance. The truth must be proclaimed to the world, so that it may see the light. This is our work. The light we have on the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Everything about this matter has not yet been understood, and will not be understood until the scroll is unrolled; but in our world a very solemn work must be done. The Lord’s command to his servants is: ‘Cry out loud, do not stop; Lift up your voice like a trumpet, and announce to my people their rebellion, and to the house of Jacob their sin.’
There should be no change in the characteristics of our work. It must remain as clear and distinct as the prophecy has. We must not enter into any confederation with the world, supposing that by doing so we could accomplish more. If anyone stands in the way to prevent the progress of the work along the lines that God has appointed, they will displease God. No line of our faith that has made us what we are should be weakened. We have the ancient landmarks of truth, experience and duty, and we must stand firm in defending our principles, before the world. It is essential that men arise to open the living oracles of God to all nations, tongues and peoples. Men of all ranks and abilities, with diverse gifts, must stand in the armor God has given them and cooperate harmoniously to achieve a common result. They must unite in the work of bringing the truth to all nations and peoples, each worker fulfilling his own special position. There is a wide field of action, and in their plans and ideas, everyone must consider the result. Everything must move according to the divine plan. The whole body must be well united, so that each member promotes the designs of the One who gave his life for the life of the world. As the work progresses, dangers arise that must be safeguarded against. As new companies are started, there is a tendency to have some line absorb everything; what should come first becomes a secondary consideration. The church needs renewed power and vitality; but there is great danger of taking up new lines of work which will waste your energies instead of bringing life to the church.
In our efforts to reach people, there is a danger of adopting methods that will not produce the best results. Plans can be followed that seem to arouse a lot of interest for the time; but the effect proves that the work is not lasting… People will be attracted to the music and will listen to the speeches and appeals that are made. But the workers move quickly from one place to another and there is no time for people to establish themselves in the faith. Impressions made are soon erased. Little seed has been sown that sprouts and bears fruit. When the season ends, there will be few sheaves left to gather. Experience will show that the results are not proportional to the expense. The work is too similar to carrying a torch through a district at night. The places where the torchbearer goes are luminous; but not many candles are lit by his torch, and when he is gone, the darkness is almost as great as before. In contrast to the use of the gospel wagon, another work has been presented to me. The tents were moved to different locations during the appropriate seasons of the year. Camps were being held in many locations. These were led by capable and God-fearing men, assisted by suitable assistants. Children’s meetings and revival meetings were held to get people on the side of the truth. In many places it is almost impossible to find the entrance to a house of worship. Prejudices, envy, and jealousy are so strong that many times we do not find a place to speak the word of life to the people. If camps can be held in different places, those who wish to listen will have the opportunity. Souls that are hungry for the bread of life will be fed. Instead of holding huge camp meetings in a few locations, it would often be better to hold small camp meetings in many places. Let these be celebrated in cities and towns where the message of present truth has not been presented. Help those who are interested in attending, providing them with food and accommodation if necessary. And that the meeting lasts two or three weeks. In these meetings we should not present doctrinal topics at the beginning that the listeners do not understand. Keep people’s attention by presenting the truth as it is in Jesus. The first and most important thing is to soften and subdue the soul by presenting our Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior who forgives sins. Keep the cross of Calvary before the people. What caused the death of Christ? —The transgression of the law. Show that Christ died to give men the opportunity to become loyal subjects of his kingdom.”