A Model Example
Elder Simpson was a Canadian man who built life-like replicas of the beasts in Daniel and Revelation to use in his evangelistic seminars in the early 1900’s.
His work was highly endorsed by Ellen White saying that God specifically taught him how to give the messages and that his ways and teachings should be replicated by others.
Methods to Be Used in Closing Work—I am pleased with the manner in which our brother [Elder S] has used his ingenuity and tact in providing suitable illustrations for the subjects presented—representations that have a convincing power. Such methods will be used more and more in this closing work.
Manuscript 105, 1906. EV 205.3-4,(Also see: (Letter 352, 1906, 15MR 314.2)
She also went on to say that his methods reminded her of how the messages were presented in the early Advent Movement of 1844. How was that? By use of life-like images and carvings.
A Sound Pedagogical Principle—The labors of Elder S remind me of the labors put forth in 1842 to 1844. He uses the Bible, and the Bible alone, to prove the truth of his arguments. He presents a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Then if any oppose his words, he makes it plain that they must have their controversy not with him.
Ellen G White, EV 204.4
He has large lifelike representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature. They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon them.
Letter 350, 1906. (Ellen G. White, EV 205.1) (Also see HST May 29, 1844, p. 135.12).
After reading this, it was clear to us that we must use the same methods used in our past history. Ellen White said that this history would be repeated to the very letter (RH Aug 19, 1890), just as prophecy foretold.
The first building blocks have been put in place for a new approach to sharing truth with the world. AD has a strong message, including all the prophecies that make up the Three Angels’ Messages, the country living message—calling people out of the cities—and the medical missionary work—the right arm of the gospel. But now, it’s time to take it to the world.
We are taking our inspiration from the amazing success of Advent pioneers such as Fitch and Simpson, who not only used a carved image with removable parts for demonstration purposes during their evangelistic meetings, but also life-like beasts that illustrated the prophecies. See how we are incorporating beasts in our Big Vision.
Join the call. Reach the cities. Help bring truth to searching hearts.