Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Unconsecrated Ministers 413number of ministers, but it is of the highest importance that those whodo labor in connection with the cause of God should be men who reallyfeel the burden and sacredness of the work to which He has calledthem. A few self-sacrificing godly men, small in their own estimation,can do a greater amount of good than a much larger number if a partof these are unqualified for the work, yet self-confident and boastful oftheir own talents. A number of these in the field, who would better fillsome calling at home, would make it necessary that nearly all the timeof the faithful ministers be spent in following after them to correct theirwrong influence. The future usefulness of young preachers dependsmuch upon the manner in which they enter upon their labors. Brethrenwho have the cause of God at heart are so anxious to see the truthadvance that they are in danger of doing too much for ministers whohave not been proved, by helping them liberally to means and givingthem influence. Those who enter the gospel field should be left to earnthemselves a reputation, even if it must be through trials and privations.They should first give full proof of their ministry.Brethren of experience should be guarded; and instead of expectingthese young preachers to help and lead them, should feel a responsibilityupon them to take charge of these young preachers, to instruct,advise, and lead them, to have a fatherly care for them. Young ministersshould have system, a firm purpose, and a mind to work, thatthey may eat no man’s bread for nought. They should not go fromplace to place, and introduce some points of our faith calculated tostir up prejudice, and leave before the evidences of present truth arehalf presented. Young men who think that they have a duty to do inconnection with the work should not take the responsibility of teachingthe truth until they have availed themselves of the privilege of beingunder the influence of some experienced preacher who is systematicin his work; they should learn of him as a pupil at school would learn [444]of his teacher. They should not go hither and thither, with no definiteobject or matured plans to carry out in their labor.Some who have but little experience, and are least qualified to teachthe truth, are the last to ask advice and counsel of their experiencedbrethren. They put on the minister, and place themselves on a levelwith those of long and tried experience, and are not satisfied unlessthey can lead, thinking that because they are ministers, they know allthat is worth knowing. Such preachers certainly lack a true knowledge