p. 137 | Utilizing the Press for Present Truth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1913

Utilizing the Press for Present Truth

By H. A. Weaver

WE came to Newark, Ohio, from Port Huron, Mich., early in November last. A series of evangelistic meetings of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle variety had just closed in Newark. The tabernacle was located opposite the Seventh-day Adventist church. The people of the city had evidently been aroused by the evangelist, a Dr. Lyon, of Chicago. As soon as we were settled, we arranged for holding a series of meetings in our church. The subject with which we led in the series announced was the Eastern question.

Newark is a city of thirty thousand inhabitants. There are two thriving newspapers here. Through the kindness of Brethren Montgomery and Kennedy, of the Newark Sanitarium, I was introduced to both editors. From the first, my reports were printed just as handed to the editors. I endeavored to prepare these articles carefully and to follow closely the instruction of the Press Bureau.

We held twenty meetings in the series. Two nights were devoted to the Eastern question. After that we followed the usual line of subjects. It was interesting to watch from evening to evening for the heading which the editors would place upon each report. One of the papers used especially attractive headings.

In each report I used my own sub-headings throughout the body of the article. On the subject “The 2300 Days,” for instance, I divided the article into five sections, using the following sub-heads: “The Vision,” “Interpretation of the Vision,” “The 2300 Days,” “Prophecy of the Messiah,” “Cleansing of the Sanctuary.”

In the entire series of twenty lectures there were printed and distributed throughout the city and county 22,700 words dealing with present truth, an average of 1,135 words for each sermon. We have reason to believe that many in different parts of the county read the reports regularly. The attendance at the meetings was good until near the last when the testing truths began to be set forth. Then only those who were in earnest remained. Five adults have decided to obey the call of the Lord, and a number of others are counting the cost. It can be stated that at least four of the five mentioned were attracted to the meetings through the reports given in the papers. Openings for Bible studies are more numerous than can be filled. We give the Lord all the praise for his providential openings and blessing.

H. A. WEAVER.