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The Retirement Years
you can. Your voices are to be heard in unity, and not in dissension.—
Evangelism, 106, 107
.
Aged Not to Labor In Cities
Feeble or aged men and women should not be sent to labor in
unhealthful, crowded cities. Let them labor where their lives will not
be needlessly sacrificed. Our brethren who bring the truth to the cities
must not be obliged to imperil their health in the noise and bustle and
confusion, if retired places can be secured.—
Evangelism, 71, 72
.
Avoid “Shut-in Religion”
Dear afflicted brother,
We assure you that we sympathize with you in your affliction and
in your sufferings....
The old soldier on the field of battle frequently in his zeal exposes
himself to danger and to death. He cannot do otherwise and have
the assurance that he is doing his whole duty. This is found to be
applicable in the service of the heavenly King. Wounds and bruises
are received because Christ’s soldiers, not willing to be in seclusion
and inactivity, will not forsake their post of duty and be satisfied with
a shut-in religion, [saying], “I am saved,” and leave the world, and
[75]
sinners in the world, to perish....
My brother I do not feel to give you one word of censure, saying
you were imprudent, overzealous. I would have done just as you did.
Had you foreseen all, you might have saved yourself much suffering;
but you did not see, and you acted out your zeal and devotion to the
cause of truth, and some others may be responsible for not doing their
duty. But I blame you not.—
Letter 5a, 1891
.
Childish Behavior in Senior Workers
The eye of the Lord has been upon you. He has desired to open
before you a way to do the work that you are capable of doing. Sister
S, the Lord will give you the power of comprehending that in your own
strength you cannot control yourself. You have the idea that everything
must be done in your way. When you see others in active service, you