Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers - Ellen G. White

were dealing. More than this, they had no real
knowledge of bookmaking. They had had neither
study nor practice in the line of literary
productions. Men have sat in judgment upon books
and manuscripts unwisely placed in their hands
when they should have declined to serve in any
such capacity. It would have been only honest for
them to say: "I have had no experience in this line
of work, and should certainly do injustice to myself
and to others in giving my opinion. Excuse me,
brethren; instead of instructing others, I need that
someone should teach me." But this was far from
their thoughts. They expressed themselves freely in
regard to subjects of which they knew nothing.
Conclusions have been accepted as the opinions of
wise men, when they were simply the opinions of
novices.
The time has come when in the name and
strength of God the church must act for the good of
souls and for the honor of God. A lack of firm faith
and of discernment in sacred things should be
regarded as sufficient to debar any man from
connection with the work of God. So also the
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