Chapter 31—Burden Bearers
October 25, 1869, while at Adams Center, N. Y., I was shown that
some ministers among us fail to bear all the responsibility that God
would have them. This lack throws extra labor upon those who are
burden bearers. Some ministers fail to move out and venture something
in the cause and work of God. Important decisions are to be made,
but as mortal man cannot see the end from the beginning, some shrink
from venturing and advancing as the providence of God leads. Some
one must advance; some one must venture in the fear of God, trusting
the result with Him. Those ministers who shun this part of the labor
are losing much. They are failing to obtain that experience which God
designed they should have to make them strong, efficient men that can
be relied upon in any emergency.
During my husband’s affliction, the Lord tested and proved His
people, to reveal what was in their hearts; and in so doing He showed
to them what was undiscovered in themselves that was not according
to the Spirit of God. The Lord proved to His people that the wisdom
of man is foolishness, and that unless they possess firm trust and
reliance on God, their plans and calculations will prove a failure.
We are to learn from all these things. If errors are committed, they
should teach and instruct, but not lead to the shunning of burdens and
responsibilities. Where much is at stake, and where matters of vital
consequence are to be considered, and important questions settled,
God’s servants should take individual responsibility. They cannot lay
off the burden, and yet do the will of God.
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Some ministers are deficient in the qualifications necessary to build
up the churches, and they are not willing to wear in the cause of God.
They should have a disposition to give themselves wholly to the work,
with their interest undivided, their zeal unabated, their patience and
perseverance untiring. With these qualifications in lively exercise, the
churches would be kept in order.
God had cautioned and warned my husband in regard to the preser-
vation of his strength. I was shown that he had been raised up by
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