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Gospel Workers 1915
educator, and that if in manner and speech he is coarse and unrefined,
those who have less knowledge and experience will follow in his steps.
Superficial Knowledge
Never should a young minister rest satisfied with a superficial
knowledge of the truth, for he knows not where he may be required to
bear witness for God. Many will have to stand before Kings and before
the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith. Those who have
only a superficial understanding of the truth have failed to become
workmen that need not be ashamed. They will be confused, and will
not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures.
It is a lamentable fact that the advancement of the cause is hindered
by the dearth of educated laborers. Many are wanting in moral and
intellectual qualifications. They do not tax the mind, they do not dig
for the hidden treasure. Because they only skim the surface, they gain
only that knowledge which is to be found upon the surface.
Do men think that they will be able, under pressure of circum-
stances, to step into an important position, when they have neglected
to train and discipline themselves for the work? Do they imagine that
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they can be polished instruments in the hands of God for the salva-
tion of souls, if they have not used the opportunities placed at their
command for obtaining a fitness for the work? The cause of God calls
for all-round men, who can devise, plan, build up, and organize. And
those who appreciate the probabilities and possibilities of the work for
this time, will seek by earnest study to obtain all the knowledge they
can from the Word, to use in ministering to needy, sin-sick souls.
A minister should never think that he has learned enough, and
may now relax his efforts. His education should continue throughout
his lifetime; every day he should be learning, and putting to use the
knowledge gained.
Let those who are in training for the ministry never forget that the
preparation of the heart is of all the most important. No amount of
mental culture or theological training can take the place of this. The
bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness must shine into the heart of
the worker and purify his life, before light from the throne of God can
shine through him to those in darkness.