14
The Retirement Years
spared to the cause. Let the younger men realize that, in having such
laborers among them, they are highly favored. Let them show great
respect for the men of gray hairs, who have had long experience in
the development of the work. Let them give them an honored place in
their councils. God desires those who have come into the truth in later
[16]
years to take heed to these words.
May the Lord bless and sustain our old and tried laborers. May He
help them to be wise in regard to the preservation of their physical,
mental, and spiritual powers. I have been instructed by the Lord to say
to those who bore their testimony in the early days of the message:
“God has endowed you with the power of reason, and He desires you
to understand and obey the laws that have to do with the health of
the being. Do not be imprudent. Do not overwork. Take time to rest.
God desires you to stand in your lot and place, doing your part to save
men and women from being swept downward by the mighty current
of evil. He desires you to keep the armor on till He bids you lay it off.
Not long hence you will receive your reward.”—
Testimonies for the
Church 7:286-289
.
Vivid Memories of the Past
We arrived on the campground at Syracuse, New York, August 20.
The next day, Thursday, we were glad to greet Elder U. Smith and
wife. Here we met Elder Wheeler, with whom we became acquainted
in New Hampshire thirty years ago. Here was Elder Cottrell, whom we
have known for thirty years; Elder Taylor, for more than twenty-five
years; Brother Robinson, for thirty-five years. My heart was touched
as I looked upon these brethren who had long stood in defense of the
faith.
More than a score of years have passed into eternity with their
burden of record since these men became soldiers of the cross; but
their experience in the early history of the cause of God has never
[17]
grown dim. As their thoughts linger about the past, the fires of love
and faith kindle anew in their hearts. They can say with John, “That
which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have
handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard
declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.”