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

Chapter 61
Address to Ministers
Dear Brethren: October 25, 1868, I was shown
that not all who profess to be called to teach the
truth are qualified for this sacred work. Some are
far from meeting the mind and will of God. Some
indulge in slothfulness in temporal things, and their
religious life is marked with spiritual sloth. Where
there is a lack of persevering energy and close
application in temporal matters and business
transactions, the same deficiency will be apparent
in spiritual things.
Some of you are heads of families, and your
example and influence are molding the characters
of your children. Your example will be followed by
them in a greater or less degree, and your lack of
thoroughness is setting a bad example for others.
But your deficiencies are more sensibly felt, with
more weighty results, in the cause and work of
God. Your families have felt this deficiency and
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