The Need for Personal Work
Public Effort and Personal Work—Of equal importance with
public effort is house-to-house work in the homes of the people. As
the result of the presentation of truth in large congregations, a spirit
of inquiry is awakened, and it is especially important that this interest
be followed by personal labor. Those who desire to investigate the
truth need to be taught to study diligently the Word of God. Someone
must help them to build on a sure foundation. At this critical time
in their religious experience, how important it is that wisely directed
Bible workers come to their help, and open to their understanding the
treasure house of God’s Word!—
Gospel Workers, 364
(1915).
Cultivate the Soil—When a discourse is given, precious seed is
sown. But if personal effort is not made to cultivate the soil, the seed
does not take root. Unless the heart is softened and subdued by the
Spirit of God, much of the discourse is lost. Observe those in the
congregation who seem to be interested, and speak to them after the
service. A few words spoken in private will often do more good than
the whole discourse has done. Inquire how the subjects presented
appear to the hearers, whether the matter is clear to their minds. By
kindness and courtesy show that you have a real interest in them and a
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care for their souls.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:68
(1900).
Come Close to Individuals—In Christlike sympathy the minister
should come close to men individually, and seek to awaken their
interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard
as the beaten highway, and apparently it may be a useless effort to
present the Saviour to them; but while logic may fail to move, and
argument be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in
personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so that the seed of truth
can take root.—
Gospel Workers, 185
(1915).
Places to Be Worked, Not Just Preached To—The cities are to
be worked, not merely preached to; there must be house-to-house labor.
After the warning has been given, after the truth has been presented
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