Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers - Ellen G. White

taxation to the hearers who have to sit so long. One
half the matter presented would be of more benefit
to the hearer than the large mass poured forth by
the speaker. That which is spoken in the first hour
is of far more value if the sermon closes then than
the words that are spoken in an added half hour.
There is a burying up of the matter that has been
presented.
This subject has been opened to me again and
again that our ministers were making mistakes in
talking so long as to wear away the first forcible
impression made upon the hearers. So large a mass
of matter is presented, which they cannot possibly
retain and digest, that all seems confused.
I have kept this before our ministering brethren,
and begged them not to lengthen out their
discourses. Some improvement has been made on
this ground with the very best results. But few
discourses have exceeded an hour.
While in America the light was given me in the
night season concerning yourself. You had been
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