Chapter 16—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
[186]
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.
* * * * *
170