Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

has thought himself equal to any of the laborers in Vermont, and has felt that he shouldbe ranked with them and should be consulted in business matters of the church, when hehas not earned a reputation nor proved himself worthy. What self-sacrifice or devotionhas he manifested for the church? What perils or hardships has he endured, that thebrethren can have their confidence established in him as a laborer whom they cantrust, whose influence will be good wherever he goes? Until he possesses an entirelydifferent spirit and acts from unselfish principles, he would better give up the idea ofpreaching.Brethren in Vermont have overlooked the moral worth of men like the BrethrenBourdeau, Pierce, and Stone, who have a depth of experience and whose influence hasbeen such as to gain the confidence of the community. Their industrious and consistentlives have made them daily, living preachers, and their labors have removed a greatamount of prejudice and have gathered and built up. Yet brethren have not appreciatedthe labor of these men, while they have been pleased with that of some who will notbear to be tested and proved, and who can show but little fruit of their labor.*****Chap. 81 - The Minister’s WifeJune 5, 1863, I was shown that Satan is ever at work to dishearten and lead astrayministers whom God has chosen to preach the truth. The most effectual way in whichhe can work is through home influences, through unconsecrated companions. If he cancontrol their minds, he can through them the more readily gain access to the husband,who is laboring in word and doctrine to save souls. I was referred to the warnings whichGod has repeatedly given, and to the duties which have been pointed out as belongingto the wife of a minister; yet these warnings have not had a lasting influence. The449