Ministers and Business Matters
I have been instructed in regard to the importance of our minis-
ters’ keeping free from responsibilities that should be largely borne by
businessmen. In the night season I was in an assembly consisting of a
number of our brethren who bear the burden of the work. They were
deeply perplexed over financial affairs and were consulting as to how
the work could be managed most successfully. Some thought that the
number of workers might be limited and yet all the results essential be
realized. One of the brethren occupying a position of responsibility
was explaining his plans and stating what he desired to see accom-
plished. Several others presented matters for consideration. Then One
of dignity and authority arose, and proceeded to state principles for
our guidance.
To several ministers the Speaker said: “Your work is not the man-
agement of financial matters. It is not wise for you to undertake this.
God has burdens for you to bear, but if you carry lines of work for
which you are not adapted, your efforts in presenting the word will
prove unsuccessful. This will bring upon you discouragement that
will disqualify you for the very work you should do, a work requiring
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careful discrimination and sound, unselfish judgment.”
Those who are employed to write and to speak the word should
attend fewer committee meetings. They should entrust many minor
matters to men of business ability and thus avoid being kept on a
constant strain that robs the mind of its natural vigor. They should
give far more attention to the preservation of physical health, for vigor
of mind depends largely upon vigor of body. Proper periods of sleep
and rest and an abundance of physical exercise are essential to health
of body and mind. To rob nature of her hours for rest and recuperation
by allowing one man to do the work of four, or of three, or even of
two, will result in irreparable loss.
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