Courage and Perseverance in the Ministry
When Jesus sent his disciples forth to labor, he sent them two and
two, that they might be a help and strength to each other, and stand
more courageously in defense of truth. They did not feel as some do
now, that they would rather work alone than have any one with them
who did not labor just as they labored. Our Saviour understood what
ones to associate together. He did not connect with the mild, beloved
John one of the same temperament; but he connected with him the
ardent, impulsive Peter. These two men were not alike either in their
disposition or in their manner of labor. Peter was prompt and zealous
in action, bold and uncompromising, and would often wound; John
was ever calm, and considerate of others’ feelings, and would come
after to bind up and encourage. Thus the defects in one were partially
covered by the virtues in the other.
God never designed that, as a rule, his servants should go out singly
to labor. To illustrate: Here are two brothers. They are not of the same
temperament; their minds do not run in the same channel. One is in
danger of doing too much; the other fails to carry the burdens that he
should. If associated together, these might have a moulding influence
upon each other, so that the extremes in their characters would not
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stand out so prominent in their labors. It might not be necessary for
them to be together in every meeting; but they could labor in places
ten, fifteen, or even thirty miles apart,—near enough together, however,
so that if one came to a crisis in his labors, he could call on the other
for assistance. They should also come together as often as possible for
prayer and consultation. Although different in temperament, they are
one in faith, one in purpose, and can claim the promise of Christ to
his disciples, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
heaven.”
When one labors alone continually, he is apt to think that his way
is above criticism, and he feels no particular desire to have any one
labor with him. But it is Christ’s plan that some one should stand
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