16
The Retirement Years
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside.
They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can
say, [
1 John 1:1-7
quoted].
This was the spirit and life of the message that John bore to all in
his old age, when he was nearly one hundred years old. The standard-
bearers are holding fast their banners. They are not loosening their
hands on the banner of truth until they lay off the armor. One by one the
[19]
old warriors’ voices become silent. Their place is vacant. We see them
no more, but they being dead yet speak, for their works do follow them.
Let us treat very tenderly the few aged pilgrims remaining, esteeming
them highly for their works’ sake. As their powers are becoming worn
and enfeebled, what they do say is of value. As precious testimony let
their words be treasured. Let not the young men and the new workers
discard or in any respect show indifference to the men of hoary hairs,
but let them rise up and call them blessed. They should consider that
they have themselves entered into these men’s labors. We wish that
there was much more of the love of Christ in the hearts of our believers
for those who were first in the proclamation of the message.—
Selected
Messages 2:223, 224
.
Deep Appreciation for the First Burden-bearers
While you are anxious to do all that you possibly can, remember,
Elder Haskell, that it is only by the great mercy and grace of God that
you have been spared these many years to bear your testimony. Do not
take upon yourself loads that others who are younger can carry....
Many of the tried servants of God have fallen asleep in Jesus. We
greatly appreciate the help of those who are left alive to this day. We
value their testimony. Read the first chapter of First John, and then
praise the Lord that notwithstanding your many infirmities you can
still bear witness for Him....
We can easily count the first burden-bearers now alive [1902].
Elder [Uriah] Smith was connected with us at the beginning of the
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publishing work. He labored in connection with my husband. We
hope always to see his name in the Review and Herald at the head of
the list of editors; for thus it should be. Those who began the work,
who fought bravely when the battle went so hard, must not lose their