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Gospel Workers 1915
As a rule, those who are converted to the truth we preach have not
previously been diligent students of the Scriptures; for in the popular
churches there is little real study of the word of God. The people look
to the ministers to search the Scriptures for them and to explain what
they teach.
Many accept the truth without digging down deep to understand
its foundation principles; and when it is opposed, they forget the
arguments and evidences that sustain it. They have been led to believe
the truth, but have not been fully instructed as to what truth is, or
carried forward from point to point in the knowledge of Christ. Too
often their piety degenerates into a form, and when the appeals that
first aroused them are no longer heard, they become spiritually dead.
Unless those who receive the truth are thoroughly converted, unless
there is a radical change in the life and character, unless the soul is
riveted to the eternal Rock, they will not endure the test of trial. After
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the minister leaves and the novelty has worn off, the truth loses its
power to charm, and they exert no holier influence than before.
God’s work is not to be done in a bungling, slip-shod manner.
When a minister enters a field, he should work that field thoroughly.
He should not be satisfied with his success until he can, through earnest
labor and the blessing of Heaven, present to the Lord converts who have
a true sense of their responsibility, and who will do their appointed
work. If he has properly instructed those under his care, when he
leaves for other fields of labor the work will not ravel out; it will be
bound off so firmly as to be secure.
The minister has no sanction for confining his labors to the pulpit,
leaving his hearers unhelped by personal effort. He should seek to
understand the nature of the difficulties in the minds of the people.
He should talk and pray with those who are interested, giving them
wise instruction, to the end that he “may present every man perfect in
Christ.” [
Colossians 1:28
.] His Bible teaching should have a directness
and force that will send conviction home to the conscience. The people
know so little of the Bible that practical, definite lessons should be
given concerning the nature of sin and its remedy.
A laborer should never leave some portion of the work undone be-
cause it is not agreeable to perform, thinking that the minister coming
next will do it for him. When this is the case, if a second minister
follows the first, and presents the claims that God has upon His people,