Young converts should be proved before they are employed and advanced to responsible public positions . . . There are laws in civilized countries requiring that in testing an anchor-chain or a wire cable it shall be subjected to a strain greater than will be required in after use before precious treasure and more precious lives are trusted to it. Ordinary prudence, aside from Scripture command, would dictate the still greater necessity of testing the character of a man who is to be used in matters affecting the temporal and spiritual interests, immediately and prospectively, of perhaps thousands. In the zeal and glow of first converts thev are apt, and that unwittingly, to deceive not only us but themselves. By all means let them be proved. How can this be done without leaving them to meet the difficulties and trials incident to the condition in which they are found, and that for a considerable length of time? We have further authoritative teaching from our Saviour himself on this point, especially designed to guard against the dangers resulting from the influence of false teachers. ” By their fruits ye shall know them.” The outward appearance of a tree may give promise of its being everything we could desire, but we cannot be sure of its character until it bears fruit: for this we may have to wait for years, and even then find ourselves disappointed.

John L. Nevius, The Planting and Developing of Missionary Churches, 27.