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Appeal to Ministers
305
The churches give of their means to sustain the ministers in their
labors. What have they to encourage them in their liberality? Some
ministers labor from month to month and accomplish so little that
the churches become disheartened; they cannot see that anything is
being done to convert souls to the truth nor to make those who are
church members more spiritual or fervent in their love to God and
His truth. Those who are handling sacred things should be wholly
consecrated to the work. They should possess an unselfish interest
in it and a fervent love for perishing souls. If they do not have this
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they have mistaken their mission and should cease their labor of
teaching others, for they do more harm than they can possibly do
good. Some ministers display themselves, but do not feed the flock
that are perishing for meat in due season.
There is a disposition with some to shrink from opposition. They
fear to go into new places because of the darkness and the conflicts
they expect to meet. This is cowardice. The people must be met
where they are. They need stirring appeals and practical, as well
as doctrinal, discourses. Precept backed up by example will have a
powerful influence.
A faithful shepherd will not study his own ease and convenience,
but will labor for the interest of the sheep. In this great work he will
forget self; in his search for the lost sheep he will not realize that he
himself is weary, cold, and hungry. He has but one object in view: to
save the lost and wandering sheep at whatever expense it may be to
himself. His wages will not influence him in his labor nor turn him
from his duty. He has received his commission from the Majesty of
heaven, and he expects his reward when the work entrusted to him
is done.
Those who engage in the business of schoolteaching prepare for
the work. They qualify themselves by attending school and interest-
ing their minds in study. They are not allowed to teach children and
youth in the sciences unless they are capable of instructing them.
Upon applying for a situation as teacher, they have to pass an ex-
amination before competent persons. It is an important work to
deal with young minds and instruct them correctly in the sciences.
But of how much greater importance is the work of the ministry!
Yet many engage in the important business of interesting men and
women to enter the school of Christ, where they are to learn how