Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

440 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[473]had discernment to know that they were bringing sacred things downupon a level with common. The burden of selling our publicationsshould not rest upon ministers who labor in word and doctrine. Theirtime and strength should be held in reserve, that their efforts may bethorough in a series of meetings. Their time and strength should notbe drawn upon to sell our books when they can be properly broughtbefore the public by those who have not the burden of preaching theword. In entering new fields it may be necessary for the minister totake publications with him to offer for sale to the people, and it may benecessary in some other circumstances also to sell books and transactbusiness for the office of publication. But such work should be avoidedwhenever it can be done by others.Ministers have all that they ought to do to preach the word, and afterthey have urged solemn truth upon the people they should maintain ahumble dignity as the preachers of exalted truth and as representativesof the truth presented to the people. After their labored effort theyneed rest. Even selling books upon present truth is a care, a tax to themind, and a weariness to the body. If there are those who still have areserve force and can be taxed without injury to themselves, there isimportant work for them to do, and it has but just commenced whenthey have spoken the truth to the people. Then come the exemplarypreaching, the watchful care, the seeking to do good to others, theconversation, and visiting at the fireside from house to house, enteringinto the condition of mind and the spiritual state of those who listenedto the discourse from their lips; exhorting this one, reproving thatone, rebuking another, and comforting the afflicted, suffering, anddesponding. The mind should be as free from weariness as possiblethat they may be minutemen, “instant in season, out of season.” Theyshould obey the injunction given by Paul to Timothy: “Meditate uponthese things; give thyself wholly to them.”The responsibility of the work rests very lightly upon some. Theyfeel that after they leave the desk their work is done. It is a burdento visit, a burden to talk; and the people who are really desirous ofgetting all the good there is for them, and who wish to hear and learnthat they may see all things clearly, are not benefited and satisfied.Ministers excuse themselves because they are weary, and yet someexhaust their precious strength and spend their time in work whichanother could do just as well as they. They should preserve moral