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

equired to be masters of their business. They are
closely examined to ascertain if children can
properly be trusted to their care. By investigation
the thoroughness of their qualifications is tested
according to the importance of the position which
they are required to occupy. I saw that God's work
is of as much more exalted character, and of as
much higher interest, as the eternal is above the
temporal. A mistake made here cannot be repaired.
It is of infinite importance that all who go forth to
teach the truth should be qualified for their work.
No less strict investigation should be instituted in
reference to their ability to teach the truth than in
the case of those who teach our schools. God's
work has been belittled by the slack, loose course
pursued by professed ministers of Christ.
I was shown that ministers must be sanctified
and holy, and must have a knowledge of the word
of God. They should be familiar with Bible
arguments and prepared to give a reason of their
hope, or they should cease their labors and engage
in a calling where deficiency will not involve such
tremendous consequences. Ministers of the popular
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