Chapter 1—Personal Devotions
We must have a converted ministry—The efficiency and power
attending a truly converted minister would make the hypocrites in
Zion tremble and sinners afraid. The standard of truth and holiness is
trailing in the dust. If those who sound the solemn notes of warning
for this time could realize their accountability to God, they would
see the necessity for fervent prayer. When the cities were hushed
in midnight slumber, when every man had gone to his own house,
Christ, our example, would repair to the Mount of Olives, and there,
amid the overshadowing trees, would spend the entire night in prayer.
He who was Himself without the taint of sin,—a treasure-house of
blessing; whose voice was heard in the fourth watch of the night by
the terrified disciples upon the stormy sea, in heavenly benediction;
and whose word could summon the dead from their graves,—He it
was who made supplication with strong crying and tears. He prayed
not for Himself, but for those whom He came to save. As He became a
suppliant, seeking at the hand of His Father fresh supplies of strength,
and coming forth refreshed and invigorated as man’s substitute, He
identified Himself with suffering humanity, and gave them an example
of the necessity of prayer.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:528
.
Unless ministers are daily converted, they can never reveal the
truth as it is in Jesus—I am unable to describe to you the impression
made upon my mind when I realize that many, even among our brethren
who are teachers of the Word, are not daily converted. Christ stands
ready to impart wisdom and grace; but those in important positions of
responsibility can not guide others in the right paths unless they are
converted daily. If they rely upon their own supposed wisdom, they
will mislead others who look to them believing that these ministers
understand the sacred work entrusted to them. Those who accept
responsible charges need to be on their guard, and by humble prayer
to be sanctified, refined, and purified. Unless they sense their true
condition, and unless they become Christlike, they can never reveal
13