Jealousy and Faultfinding
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by remarks and hints, and have helped others to bring burdens upon
him. You must see this. You have had no special burden laid upon
you, but have had time for reflection and study, rest and sleep, while
my husband has been obliged to labor day after day, and often long
into the night, and sometimes when he did lie down to rest, he could
not sleep, but could only weep and groan for the cause of truth, and
the injustice of his brethren toward him, whose whole interest and life
was devoted to the cause.
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He has had the care and responsibility of the business in the office,
the care of the paper, and much care of the churches in different states.
And yet some of his ministering brethren have helped to perplex and
distress by their unwise course. You with some others have looked
upon Brother White as a business character, not enjoying much re-
ligion. Such do not know him. Satan deceives many in regard to
him. God has seen fit to lay the burden of His work upon him, to
choose him to lead out in different enterprises, and He has selected
one who is sensitive, and can sympathize with the unfortunate; who is
conscientious, and yet independent; who will not cover sin, but will be
quick to see and feel wrong, and to reprove it and give no place to it,
even if he has to stand alone in consequence. This is why he suffers so
keenly. His brethren generally know nothing of his burdens, and some
care nothing about them, but by their own unwise, crooked course
add to his cares and perplexities. Heaven marks these things. Men
who have no weight or burdens upon them, who can have hours of
ease, with nothing in particular to do, who can reflect, and study, and
improve their minds, can manifest great moderation. They see nothing
to urge them to manifest any special zeal, and are ready to spend hours
in private conversation. Some look upon such as being the best and
holiest men on earth. But God sees not as man sees. God looks at
the heart. Those who have such an easy position will be rewarded
according to their works.
The position occupied by my husband is not an enviable one. It
requires the closest attention, care, and mental labor. It requires the
exercise of sound judgment and wisdom. It requires self-denial, a
whole heart, and a firm will to push matters through. In that important
position God will have a man to venture, to risk something; to move
out firmly for the right, whatever may be the consequences; to battle
against obstacles, and waver not, even though life be at stake.
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