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Chapter 63—Selfishness Rebuked
Dear Brother A,
Since the Illinois camp meeting, your case has pressed with
weight upon my mind. As I recall some things shown me in regard
to ministers, especially yourself, I am exceedingly distressed. At
the meeting in Illinois I spoke especially upon the qualifications
of a gospel minister. When I presented before the people the qual-
ifications of a minister bearing the solemn message for these last
days, much that I said applied to you, and I expected to hear some
acknowledgment from you. Previous to my speaking, your wife
talked with Sister Hall in regard to your discouragements. She said
you did not know as it was your duty to preach; you had been un-
settled in regard to your duty, and were discouraged, and did not
enter into the work as you would if you felt settled. Sister Hall
intimated to me that if I had a word of encouragement for you, your
wife would be glad to have me say it. I told Sister Hall that I had not
a word of encouragement to speak, and that if you were unsettled
you would better wait until you knew your duty for yourself. I then
spoke upon the qualifications of a minister of Christ; and, if I had
fully performed my duty, I should have spoken definitely to you
while in the stand. The presence of unbelievers was the only reason
which deterred me.
In Minnesota I was again burdened in regard to the course of our
ministers, by seeing Brother B and talking with him in regard to his
defects which stood right in the way of his work for the salvation of
souls. His course in caring for the things of this life again brought
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your case so distinctly before me that, had I been as well as usual,
I should have written to you before I left the campground. We had
no period of rest, but came directly to Wisconsin. I was sick, yet
God strengthened me to do my duty before the people. As I stood
before the public I recognized countenances that I had no knowledge
of ever having seen before. Again your case, in connection with
others, came distinctly before me. This was the vicinity where your
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