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been faithfully bound off, but has been left in an unfinished state. And
this is the more grievous because the failure is not wholly chargeable
to worldliness and want of love for Jesus and the truth on the part
of the people; but much of it lies at the door of the ministers, who,
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while laboring among them, have signally failed in their duty. They
have not had the missionary spirit; they have not felt the great need
of thoroughly educating the people in all branches of the work, in
all places where the truth has gained a foothold. The work done
thoroughly for one soul is done for many. But the ministers have
not realized this and have failed to educate persons who in their turn
should stand steadfast in defense of the truth and educate others. This
loose, slack, halfway manner of working is displeasing to God.
A minister may enjoy sermonizing, for it is the pleasant part of the
work and is comparatively easy; but no minister should be measured by
his ability as a speaker. The harder part comes after he leaves the desk,
in watering the seed sown. The interest awakened should be followed
up by personal labor,—visiting, holding Bible readings, teaching how
to search the Scriptures, praying with families and interested ones,
seeking to deepen the impression made upon hearts and consciences.
There are many who have no desire to become acquainted with
their unbelieving neighbors and those with whom they come in contact,
and they do not feel it their duty to overcome this reluctance. The
truth they teach and the love of Jesus should have great power to help
them to overcome this feeling. They should remember that they must
meet these very men and women in the judgment. Have they left
words unsaid that should have been spoken? Have they felt interest
enough for souls, to warn, to entreat, to pray for them, to make every
effort to win them to Christ? Have they united discrimination with
zeal, heeding the direction of the apostle: “Of some have compassion,
making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the
fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh”?
There is earnest work to be done by all who would be successful in
their ministry. I entreat you, dear brethren, ministers of Christ, not to
fail in your appointed duty to educate the people to work intelligently
to sustain the cause of God in all its varied interests. Christ was an
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educator, and His ministers, who represent Him, should be educators.
When they neglect to teach the people their obligation to God in tithes
and offerings, they neglect one important part of the work which their