Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

The Need of Counselors.--Oh, for generals, wise and considerate, well-balanced
men, who will be safe advisers, who have some insight into human nature, who know
how to direct and counsel in the fear of God.--Lt 45, 1893. (2SM 362.) {2MCP 763.1}
An Ear That Can Listen With Sympathy.--There is need of shepherds who, under
the direction of the Chief Shepherd, will seek for the lost and straying. This means the
bearing of physical discomfort and the sacrifice of ease. It means a tender solicitude for
the erring, a divine compassion and forbearance. It means an ear that can listen with
sympathy to heartbreaking recitals of wrong, of degradation, of despair and
misery.--GW 184 (1915). {2MCP 763.2}
The Importance of the Work of the Pastor-Counselor. --As the physician deals
with physical disease, so does the pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is
as much more important than that of the physician as eternal life is more valuable than
temporal existence. The pastor meets with an endless variety of temperaments, and it
is his duty to become acquainted with the members of the families that listen to his
teachings in
764
order to determine what means will best influence them in the right direction.--GW 388
(1915). {2MCP 763.3}
Take People Where They Are.--To take people right where they are, whatever their
position, whatever their condition, and help them in every way possible--this is gospel
ministry. It may be necessary for ministers to go into the homes of the sick and say, "I
am ready to help you, and I will do the best I can. I am not a physician, but I am a
minister, and I like to minister to the sick and afflicted." Those who are sick in body are
nearly always sick in soul, and when the soul is sick, the body is made sick.--MS 62,
1900. (MM 238.) {2MCP 764.1}
Anticipating Sorrows.--The Lord's workers need the melting love of Jesus in their
hearts. Let every minister live as a man among men. Let him, in well-regulated
methods, go from house to house, bearing ever the censer of heaven's fragrant
atmosphere of love. Anticipate the sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of others. Enter
into the joys and cares of both high and low, rich and poor.-- Lt 50, 1897. (Ev 348, 349.)
{2MCP 764.2}
Counsel Is Needed.--The inexperienced need to be guided by wise counsel when in
trial and assailed with temptation; they must be taught that attainments in spiritual
things will cost them steadfast, well-directed effort. We must repeat it often to those
newly come to the faith, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all
men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). These words
are to be presented in the spirit of the Master who gave them, for they are of more
value than gold or silver or precious stones. {2MCP 764.3}
Teach the young disciples to put their hands in the hand of Christ, saying, "Lead me,
guide me." What comfort and hope and blessing will the needy, perplexed souls receive