NEW FIELDS by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 14, 1859

NEW FIELDS

By James White

From our observation for a few years past we have been led to the following conclusions in regard to Tent Meetings in new fields, which we wish to suggest to those who take an interest in the spread of Bible truth.

1. A Tent pitched in a new field of labor, where the people have not heard our views, and where the prejudice and ire of the opposition has not been aroused, generally excites curiosity, and attracts the people to hear. The Spirit attends the preaching of the word, and the entire community is convicted, and for a time, with few exceptions, favorably impressed.

2. A Tent pitched in a place where there has been a few lectures given in the vicinity—enough to stir up the people

some, and set the ministers to fortifying and preaching against us—the conviction has worn off, and prejudice exists—will not be likely to excite the public mind, so as to get a good hearing. Such efforts, at present, will be nearly lost.

3. When the Message is proclaimed in the right place, and in the right manner, God's Spirit moves upon that community, and holy angels are present to do their work. How powerful these unseen agencies! Ministers of the word are mighty when supported by them. But how feeble when these agencies are withdrawn. How important then that those who give the Message move in the order of God—in the right field of labor, in the power of Christ, the holy Spirit and good angels—and remain in a community as long as good angels and the holy Spirit move upon the community—till they decide.

Some regard it of the highest importance to close up meetings on the highest pitch of interest. What a painful mistake! Hold on, brethen until the work is finished up—till the people have received or rejected your message, and the community at large have lost their interest and you have gathered the precious ones into the order of the Church of God.

J. W.