Basic HTML Version
Address to Ministers
439
their ministerial efforts, accomplished one tenth of the work which
they might have done had they seen the necessity of closely applying
their minds to the study of the word. They might have become so
familiar with the Scriptures, so fortified with Bible arguments, that
they could meet opponents and so present the reasons of our faith
that the truth would triumph and silence their opposition.
Those who minister in the word must have as thorough a knowl-
edge of that word as it is possible for them to obtain. They must
be continually searching, praying, and learning, or the people of
God will advance in the knowledge of His word and will, and leave
these professed teachers far behind. Who will instruct the people
when they are in advance of their teachers? All the efforts of such
ministers are fruitless. There is need that the people teach them the
word of God more perfectly before they are capable of instructing
others.
Some might now have been thorough workmen had they made
a good use of their time, feeling that they would have to give an
account to God for their misspent moments. They have displeased
God because they have not been industrious. Self-gratification, self-
love, and selfish love of ease have kept some from good, withheld
[500]
them from obtaining a knowledge of the Scriptures that they might
be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Some do not appreciate
the value of time and have idled away in bed the hours that might
have been employed in the study of the Bible. There are a few
subjects that they have dwelt upon the most, with which they are
familiar, and upon these they can speak with acceptance; but they
have in a great degree rested the matter here. They have not felt
altogether satisfied with themselves, and have at times realized their
deficiencies; yet they have not been sufficiently awakened to the
crime of neglecting to become acquainted with the word of God,
which they profess to teach. On account of their ignorance the
people are disappointed; they do not receive the intelligence which
they might obtain from them and which they expect to obtain from
ministers of Christ.
By rising early and economizing their moments, ministers can
find time for a close investigation of the Scriptures. They must have
perseverance, and not be thwarted in their object, but persistently
employ their time in a study of the word, bringing to their aid the