Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

Chapter 65
Danger of Applause
I have been shown that great caution should be used, even when it is
necessary to lift a burden of oppression from men and women, lest they lean
to their own wisdom and fail to make God their only dependence. It is not
safe to speak in praise of persons or to exalt the ability of a minister of
Christ. In the day of God, very many will be weighed in the balance and
found wanting because of exaltation. I would warn my brethren and sisters
never to flatter persons because of their ability, for they cannot bear it. Self is
easily exalted, and, in consequence, persons lose their balance.
I say again to my brethren and sisters: If you would have your souls
clean from the blood of all men, never flatter, never praise the efforts of poor
mortals; for it may prove their ruin. It is unsafe, by our words and actions, to
exalt a brother or sister, however apparently humble may be his or her
deportment. If they really possess the meek and lowly spirit which God so
highly esteems, help them to retain it. This will not be done by censuring
them nor by neglecting to properly appreciate their true worth. But there are
few who can bear praise without being injured.
Some ministers of ability who are now preaching present truth, love
approbation. Applause stimulates them, as the glass of wine does the
inebriate. Place these ministers where they have a small congregation which
promises no special excitement and which provokes no decided opposition,
and they will lose their interest and zeal, and appear as languid in the work as
the inebriate when he is deprived of his dram. These men will fail to make
real, practical laborers until they learn to labor without the excitement of
applause.
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