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Gospel Workers 1915
organized plans for the instruction and training of those who desire to
give themselves to the work of God. Our city missions afford favor-
able opportunities for education in missionary labor; but these are not
enough. There ought to be connected with our schools the best possi-
ble facilities for the preparation of laborers for both home and foreign
fields. There should also be in our larger churches special training-
schools for young men and women, to fit them to become workers for
God. And far more attention should be given by our ministers to the
matter of assisting and educating younger laborers.
[76]
When an effort is made to introduce the truth in an important
place, our ministers should give special attention to the instruction
and training of those who are to co-operate with them. Colporteurs
and canvassers are needed, and those who are fitted to give Bible-
readings in families, so that while the ministers are laboring in word
and doctrine, these can also be calling minds to the truth.
Our ministers who have gone to important places to hold tent-
meetings, have often made a serious mistake in devoting all their time
to sermonizing. There should be less preaching and more teaching,—
teaching the people, and also teaching young men how to labor suc-
cessfully. Ministers should become efficient in teaching others how to
study the Bible, and in training the minds and manners of those who
would become workers in the cause of God. And they should be ready
to counsel and instruct those who have newly come to the faithful, and
who give promise of possessing ability to work for the Master
All who would be efficient workers must give much time to prayer.
The communication between God and the soul must be kept open,
that the workers may recognize the voice of their Captain. The Bible
should be diligently studied. The truth of God, like gold, is not always
lying right on the surface; it is to be obtained only by earnest thought
and study. This study will not only store the mind with most valuable
knowledge, but will strengthen and expand the mental powers, and
will give a true estimate of eternal things. Let the divine precepts be
brought into the daily life; let the life be fashioned after God’s great
standard of righteousness, and the whole character will be strengthened
and ennobled.
[77]
He who is seeking to qualify himself for the sacred work of God
should be careful not to place himself on the enemy’s ground, but
should choose the society of those who will help him to obtain divine