Chapter 17—Labor for the Erring
Brethren C and D failed in some respects in their management of
church matters at Battle Creek. They moved too much in their own
spirit and did not make God their whole dependence. They failed of
doing their duty by not leading the church to God, the Fountain of
living waters, at which they could supply their want and satisfy their
soul hunger. The renewing, sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit,
which would give peace and hope to the troubled conscience, and
restore health and happiness to the soul, was not made of the highest
importance. The good object they had in view was not attained. These
brethren had too much of a spirit of cold criticism in the examination
of individuals who presented themselves for church membership. The
spirit of weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who
rejoice was not in the hearts of these ministering brethren as it should
have been.
Christ identified Himself with the necessities of His people. Their
needs and their sufferings were His. He says: “I was an hungered,
and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a
stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick,
and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.” God’s
servants should have hearts of tender affection and sincere love for
the followers of Christ. They should manifest that deep interest that
Christ brings to view in the care of the shepherd for the lost sheep;
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they should follow the example given by Christ and exercise the same
compassion and gentleness, and the same tender, pitying love that He
has exercised toward us.
The great moral powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love. If
these are inactive, a minister may be ever so earnest and zealous, but
his labor will not be accepted of God and cannot be productive of good
to the church. A minister of Christ who bears the solemn message
from God to the people should ever deal justly, love mercy, and walk
humbly before God. The spirit of Christ in the heart will incline every
power of the soul to nourish and protect the sheep of His pasture, like a
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