Length of Effort and Closing The Campaign
Length of Effort Not to be Prescribed—Bear in mind that no
living man can tell the precise work, or bound the work of a man who
is in God’s service. No one can prescribe the days, the weeks, that one
should remain in a certain locality before pushing on to another place.
Circumstances must shape the labors of the minister of God, and if
he seeks God he will understand that his work embraces every part
of the Lord’s vineyard, both that which is nigh and that which is afar
off. The laborer is not to confine his work to a specified measurement.
He must have no circumscribed limits, but extend his labors wherever
necessity demands. God is his co-laborer; he should seek wisdom and
counsel of Him at every step and not depend upon human counsel.
[327]
The work has been greatly hindered in many fields because the
laborers ask counsel from those who are not working in the field and
who see not and feel not the demand, and therefore cannot understand
the situation as well as the one who is on the ground.—
Letter 8, 1895
.
Study Circumstances Carefully—When a minister is appointed
to a certain work, he is not to consider that he must ask the president
of the conference how many days he shall labor in a certain locality,
but he must seek wisdom from One who has appointed him his work,
One who promised to give wisdom and unerring judgment, who giveth
liberally and upbraideth not. He must carefully consider every part of
the vineyard apportioned to him, and discern by the grace given what
he shall do and what he shall not do. Circumstances will arise, which,
if carefully studied, with humility and faith, seeking wisdom of God,
will make you a wise and successful laborer.—
Letter 8, 1895
.
A Complete Work—The work in _____ must be carried forward
so long as the interest continues there. Some suitable place must be
provided where meetings can be held.... The work in _____ must not
be cut short. For years I have pleaded that an earnest effort be put forth
in this city, and now that this is being done, let us go straight forward
in right lines.—
Letter 380, 1906
.
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