Words to Those in Advanced Years
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life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that
which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you,
that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have
heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no
darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk
in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as
he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood
of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (
1 John 1:1-7
).
This was the spirit and life of the message that John bore to all in
his old age, when he was nearly one hundred years old. The standard-
bearers are holding fast their banners. They are not loosening their
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hands on the banner of truth until they lay off the armor. One by one the
old warriors’ voices become silent. Their place is vacant. We see them
no more, but they being dead yet speak, for their works do follow them.
Let us treat very tenderly the few aged pilgrims remaining, esteeming
them highly for their works’ sake. As their powers are becoming worn
and enfeebled, what they do say is of value. As precious testimony
let their words be treasured. Let not the young men and the new
workers discard or in any respect show indifference to the men of
hoary hairs, but let them rise up and call them blessed. They should
consider that they have themselves entered into these men’s labors.
We wish that there was much more of the love of Christ in the hearts
of our believers for those who were first in the proclamation of the
message.—
Manuscript 33, 1890
.
Counsel to Those Who Have Grown Gray in Service
A Caution to Elder S. N. Haskell
While you are anxious to do all that you possibly can, remember,
Elder Haskell, that it is only by the great mercy and grace of God that
you have been spared these many years to bear your testimony. Do not
take upon yourself loads that others who are younger can carry.
It is your duty to be careful in your habits of life. You are to be
wise in the use of your physical, mental, and spiritual strength. We
who have passed through so many and such varied experiences are to
do all that it is possible for us to do to preserve our powers, that we