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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
truths which other minds, through wearing labor, have brought out
for them, and with diligent, persevering effort, prepared to their hand.
There are ministers who have been laboring for years, teaching the
truth to others, while they themselves are not familiar with the strong
points of our position. I beg of such to have done with their idleness.
It is a continual curse to them. God requires them to make every
moment fruitful of some good to themselves or to others. “Not
slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “He also
that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”
It is important for ministers of Christ to see the necessity of self-
culture, in order to adorn their profession and maintain a becoming
dignity. Without mental training they will certainly fail in everything
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they undertake. I have been shown that there is a decided lack with
some who preach the word. God is not pleased with their ways and
ideas. Their haphazard manner of quoting Scripture is a disgrace to
their profession. They claim to be teachers of the word, and yet fail
to repeat Scripture correctly. Those who give themselves wholly to
the preaching of the word should not be guilty of quoting one text
incorrectly. God requires thoroughness of all His servants.
The religion of Christ will be exemplified by its possessor in
the life, in the conversation, in the works. Its strong principles will
prove an anchor. Those who are teachers of the word should be pat-
terns of piety, ensamples to the flock. Their example should rebuke
idleness, slothfulness, lack of industry and economy. The principles
of religion exact diligence, industry, economy, and honesty. “Give
an account of thy stewardship” will soon be heard by all. Brethren,
what account could you render if the Master should now appear?
You are unready. You would as surely be reckoned with the slothful
servants as they exist. Precious moments are yet left you. I entreat
you to redeem the time.
Paul exhorted Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth.” “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing
that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not
strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness
instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that