Usefulness of Older Workers
29
Our camp meetings are not held for the purpose of putting men
on exhibition, of showing off their capabilities. The people come
together to receive spiritual good. There are among them those who
are thirsting for the water of life. Give them opportunity to drink until
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their thirst is quenched. Let them hear a message fraught with the love
of God. Let them have opportunity of listening to men of ripe talent,
men whom God has been educating and training. The minds of these
men are filled with truth that the people need. Do not bring in men
who have not been proved, while men sit by in silence who have the
word of God burning in their souls, and who may never again have
opportunity to bear the message given them. Give these tried warriors
all the opportunities to speak that they can improve without overtaxing
themselves; for they can present the truths that are the very pillars of
our faith.
The younger ministers are not to think, because they are not called
to speak to the large congregation, that there is nothing for them to
do. There is work for all to do. Let them hold meetings in the smaller
tents. Let the occupants of several tents meet in one tent for prayer
and social meeting. In such meetings as these the younger ministers
can do good service. Let them speak a few words right to the point,
and then give those present an opportunity to speak. All our people
should learn to bear witness for God in social meeting.
Let the younger ministers work for the children and youth, holding
special meetings for them, and also putting forth personal efforts for
them.
Let the old standard-bearers go from place to place, from meeting
to meeting. Let our people have the benefit of their long experience.
Let them speak the truth in all its force, but let them be sure that their
feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Let them
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present the truth, not in a way that will arouse the worst feelings of
the human heart, but in love and tenderness and compassion. “If there
be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, ... fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded,
having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing
be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves.”
To our people as a whole, and to our younger and less experienced
workers, I am instructed to say, “Let it be plainly seen that you respect