Unconsecrated Ministers
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number of ministers, but it is of the highest importance that those who
do labor in connection with the cause of God should be men who really
feel the burden and sacredness of the work to which He has called
them. A few self-sacrificing godly men, small in their own estimation,
can do a greater amount of good than a much larger number if a part
of these are unqualified for the work, yet self-confident and boastful of
their own talents. A number of these in the field, who would better fill
some calling at home, would make it necessary that nearly all the time
of the faithful ministers be spent in following after them to correct their
wrong influence. The future usefulness of young preachers depends
much upon the manner in which they enter upon their labors. Brethren
who have the cause of God at heart are so anxious to see the truth
advance that they are in danger of doing too much for ministers who
have not been proved, by helping them liberally to means and giving
them influence. Those who enter the gospel field should be left to earn
themselves a reputation, even if it must be through trials and privations.
They should first give full proof of their ministry.
Brethren of experience should be guarded; and instead of expecting
these young preachers to help and lead them, should feel a responsi-
bility upon them to take charge of these young preachers, to instruct,
advise, and lead them, to have a fatherly care for them. Young min-
isters should have system, a firm purpose, and a mind to work, that
they may eat no man’s bread for nought. They should not go from
place to place, and introduce some points of our faith calculated to
stir up prejudice, and leave before the evidences of present truth are
half presented. Young men who think that they have a duty to do in
connection with the work should not take the responsibility of teaching
the truth until they have availed themselves of the privilege of being
under the influence of some experienced preacher who is systematic
in his work; they should learn of him as a pupil at school would learn
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of his teacher. They should not go hither and thither, with no definite
object or matured plans to carry out in their labor.
Some who have but little experience, and are least qualified to teach
the truth, are the last to ask advice and counsel of their experienced
brethren. They put on the minister, and place themselves on a level
with those of long and tried experience, and are not satisfied unless
they can lead, thinking that because they are ministers, they know all
that is worth knowing. Such preachers certainly lack a true knowledge