Binding Off Thoroughly
The Evangelist Must Finish His Instruction—A laborer should
never leave some portion of the work undone because it is not agreeable
to perform, thinking that the minister coming next will do it for him.
When this is the case, if a second minister follows the first, and presents
the claims that God has upon His people, some draw back, saying,
“The minister who brought us the truth did not mention these things.”
And they become offended because of the Word. Some refuse to accept
the tithing system; they turn away, and no longer walk with those who
believe and love the truth. When other lines are opened before them,
they answer, “It was not so taught us,” and they hesitate to move
forward. How much better it would have been if the first messenger of
truth had faithfully and thoroughly educated these converts in regard
to all essential matters, even if fewer had been added to the church
under his labors.—
Gospel Workers, 369, 370
(1915).
A Work That Will Not Ravel Out—Ministers should not feel
that their work is finished until those who have accepted the theory of
the truth realize indeed the influence of its sanctifying power, and are
truly converted. When the Word of God, as a sharp, two-edged sword,
cuts its way to the heart and arouses the conscience, many suppose
that this is enough; but the work is only begun. Good impressions
have been made, but unless these impressions are deepened by careful,
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prayerful effort, Satan will counteract them. Let not the laborers rest
content with what has been done. The plowshare of truth must go
deeper, and this it will surely do if thorough efforts are made to direct
the thoughts and establish the convictions of those who are studying
the truth.
Too often the work is left in an unfinished state, and in many such
cases it amounts to nothing. Sometimes, after a company of people
has accepted the truth, the minister thinks that he must immediately
go to a new field; and sometimes, without proper investigation, he is
authorized to go. This is wrong; he should finish the work begun; for
in leaving it incomplete, more harm than good is done. No field is so
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