Chapter 2—Usefulness of Older Workers
Aged Workers Not Released From Service
I hope that none of those who have been long in the work will think
that because they are growing old, they are incapacitated for service.
I hope that they will stand up to bear their message as long as they
have the evidence that the Lord is helping them. Edson [Ellen White’s
second son], encourage the men who have long borne burdens in our
work. Even though in their old age their memory may fail somewhat,
yet respect them, and the Lord will surely bless you. And let no aged
worker, although he is old and gray, think that he is released from
service. Let the work be carried on in simplicity. Surely we have the
Lord on whom to depend.—
Letter 102, 1910
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Older Workers Needed in Crises
God never leaves the world without men who can discern between
good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness. God has men whom
He has appointed to stand in the forefront of the battle in times of
emergency. In a crisis, He will raise up men as He did in ancient
times. Young men will be bidden to link up with the aged standard-
bearers, that they may be strengthened and taught by the experience of
these faithful ones, who have passed through so many conflicts, and to
whom, through the testimonies of His Spirit, God has so often spoken,
pointing out the right way and condemning the wrong way. When
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perils arise, which try the faith of God’s people, these pioneer workers
are to recount the experiences of the past, when just such crises came,
when the truth was questioned, when strange sentiments, proceeding
not from God, were brought in.
The experience of those aged workers is needed now; for Satan is
watching every opportunity to make of no account the old waymarks—
the monuments that have been raised up along the way. We need
the experience of the men who through evil report as well as through
good report have been steadfast to the truth; men who have not built
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