Dangers and Duty of Ministers
103
The people of God generally feel a united interest in the spread
of the truth. They cheerfully contribute to give to those who labor in
word and doctrine a liberal support. And I saw that it was the duty of
those who have the responsibility of distributing means, to see that the
liberalities of the church are not squandered. Some of these liberal
brethren have been laboring for years with shattered nerves and broken
down constitutions, caused through excessive hard labor in the past to
obtain possessions here, and now as they freely give a portion of their
substance, which has cost them so much, it is the duty of those who
labor in word and doctrine to manifest, at least, a corresponding zeal
and self-sacrifice equal to that shown by these brethren.
God’s servants must go out free. They must know their where-
abouts. There is power in Christ and his salvation to make them free
men, and unless they are free, they cannot build up his church and
gather in souls. Will God send a man out to rescue souls from the
snare of Satan, when his own feet are entangled in the net? God’s
servants must not be wavering. If their feet are sliding, how can they
say to those of a fearful heart, Be strong? God would have his servants
hold up the feeble hands, and strengthen the wavering. Those who are
not prepared to do this, had better first labor for themselves, and pray
until they be endued with power from on high.
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God is displeased with the lack of self-denial in some of his ser-
vants. They have not the burden of the work upon them. A death-like
stupor is upon them. Angels of God stand amazed, and ashamed of
this lack of self-denial and perseverance.
While the Author of our salvation was laboring and suffering for
us, he denied himself, and his whole life was one continued scene of
toil and privation. He could have passed his days on earth in ease and
plenty, and appropriated to himself the pleasures of this life; but he
considered not his own convenience. He lived to do others good. He
suffered to save others from suffering. He endured to the end. He
finished the work which was given him to do. All this was to save
us from ruin. And now, can it be that we, the unworthy objects of so
great love, will seek a better position in this life, than was given to
our Lord? Every moment of our lives we have been partakers of the
blessings of his great love, and for this very reason we cannot fully
realize the depths of ignorance and misery we have been saved from.
Can we look upon him whom our sins have pierced, and not be willing