Thoroughness
A solemn responsibility rests upon the ministers of Christ to do
their work with thoroughness. They should lead young disciples along
wisely and judiciously, step by step, onward and upward, until every
essential point has been brought before them. Nothing should be
kept back. But not all points of truth should be given in the first few
meetings. Gradually, cautiously, his own heart imbued with the Spirit
of God, the teacher should give his hearers meat in due season.
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, 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
[368]
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
unpromising as one that has been cultivated just enough to give the
weeds a more luxuriant growth. By this method of labor many souls
have been left to the buffeting of Satan and the opposition of members
of other churches who have rejected the truth; and many are driven
where they can never again be reached. A minister might better not
engage in the work unless he can bind it off thoroughly.
Upon all new converts should be impressed the truth that abiding
knowledge can be gained only by earnest labor and persevering study.
315