How to find POSITIVE statements in Spirit of Prophecy/EGW search advice

Linval London
Linval London Member Posts: 45
edited November 20 in Resources Forum

Howdy all, 

Just a question for all those clued in on search tactics.  After being on the recieving end of one too many brothers and sisters only telling me what our dear sister was against, I am trying to compile a list of statements/ counsel given by Ellen White on what she was FOR (positive action statements, encouraging counsel).  I have been going through each book bit by bit...but was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on a search criteria that would help me narrow things down and speed things up.  

Just thought I'd throw it out everyone to see if anyone has any ideas...

Thanks to everyone who takes up the challenge... :-)

Comments

  • DMB
    DMB Member Posts: 13,408 ✭✭✭

    I'm not familiar with her writing patterns. So, hopefully you'll get additional input with expertise.

    But I do a lot of similar searching.  I look for common word sequences or vocabulary the writer uses. And then use NEAR or WITHIN 5 WORDS (as an example).  The main type of words I watch for are 'helper' words ... should, do, make, are examples which are followed by what you're looking for.

    Usually I try varying combinations, and then add rejecting words I don't want. Rejecting is more tricky. If this is obvious, my apologies!

    "If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.

  • I look for common word sequences or vocabulary the writer uses. And then use NEAR

    Looked for three words NEAR each other in one resource followed by refining word choices with bias for Positive statements:

    (heaven,set,clean,inquire,trust,teach,written,live,Christ) NEAR (up,hearts,hands,duty,wholly,time,minds) NEAR (treasure,order,pure,God,need,act)

    Rearranged word sets into alphabetic order

    (Christ,clean,heaven,inquire,live,set,trust,teach,written) NEAR (duty,hearts,hands,minds,time,up,wholly) NEAR (act,God,need,order,pure,treasure)

    Search of Author:White Author:Ellen resources could be improved.

    Keep Smiling [:)]

  • Linval London
    Linval London Member Posts: 45

    Thanks for the tips folks... I'm already getting some hits and am trying refine things to maximise the results.  Much a obliged... 

    :-)