Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

Some of our ministers are taking advantage of
the liberalities of our brethren to advantage
themselves; and in so doing they are gradually
losing their influence; their example in these things
is destroying the confidence of their brethren in
them. And they are effectually closing the door so
that those who really need help and are worthy of it
cannot obtain it. They also shut the door whereby
help may be expected to sustain the cause. Many of
the people are becoming disheartened as they see
some of the ministers they employ manifesting so
little interest for the prosperity of the cause of God.
They do not see a devotion to the work. The people
are neglected, and the cause is languishing, because
of the lack of well-directed and efficient labor
which they have a right to expect from their
ministers.
In their disappointment some of the brethren
give up to a feeling of impatience and desperation,
as they see the selfishness and covetousness
manifested by their teachers. The people are in
advance of many of their ministers. If the ministers
manifest a spirit of self-sacrifice and a love for
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