48
The Retirement Years
Comfort for Stephen Belden’s Widow
I know that poor Stephen must have suffered severely, but let us be
thankful that the end came quietly. Of him the words apply: “Here is
the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments
of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying
unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from
henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors:
and their works do follow them. And I looked, and behold a white
cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having
on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And
another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him
that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is
come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe” (
Revelation
14:12-15
).
These scenes will soon transpire, and then we shall better under-
[63]
stand the words, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.”
You may now rejoice in the thought that Stephen is free from all
pain. There need be no more worry or anxiety on his account.
I am glad to know that our brethren in Australia do not forget
you, that they have promised that you shall be cared for, whether you
remain on the island, or whether you go to friends elsewhere. May
the Lord bless and strengthen you and help you to recover from the
long strain that has been upon you. Please continue to write to me
by every mail that leaves Norfolk Island.—
Letter 393, 1906
(To Mrs.
Vina Belden, December 16, 1906).
Fund for the Older Workers
[
In 1911, nine years after this counsel was published, a fund was
created to care for the aged, sick, and infirm ministers. This pension
program has expanded through the years to include financial assistance
to a broad spectrum of retired church employees.
]
Some provision should be made for the care of ministers and others
of God’s faithful servants who through exposure or overwork in His
cause have become ill and need rest and restoration, or who through
age or loss of health are no longer able to bear the burden and heat
of the day. Ministers are often appointed to a field of labor that they