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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
value to gospel ministers. Their work is more solemn and sacred than
ministers generally realize. They should carry with them a sanctified
influence. God requires that those who minister in sacred things should
be men who feel jealous for His cause. The burden of their work
should be the salvation of souls. Brother R, you have not felt as the
prophet Joel describes: “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord,
weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy
people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach.” “They that
sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing
precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his
sheaves with him.”
Brother R, I was shown in what marked contrast with the require-
ments of God’s word your course of labor has been. You have been
careless in your words and in your deportment. The sheep have had
the burden to care for the shepherd, to warn, reprove, exhort, and
weep over the reckless course of their shepherd, who, by accepting his
office, acknowledges that he is mouthpiece for God. Yet he cares far
more for himself than he does for the poor sheep. You have not felt a
burden for souls. You have not gone forth to your labors weeping and
praying for souls that sinners might be converted. Had you done this
you would be sowing seed which would spring up after many days and
bear fruit to the glory of God. When there is no work that you can do
by the fireside in conversation and prayer with families, you should
then show industry and economy of time, and train yourself to bear
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responsibilities by useful employment.
You and your wife might have saved yourselves many ill turns
and been more cheerful and happy had you sought your ease less and
combined physical labor with your study. Your muscles were made
for use, not to be inactive. God gave to Adam and Eve in Eden all
that their wants required; yet their heavenly Father knew that they
needed employment in order to retain their happiness. If you, Brother
R, would exercise your muscles in laboring with your hands some
portion of each day, combining labor with study, your mind would be
better balanced, your thoughts would be of a purer and more elevated
character, and your sleep would be more natural and healthful. Your
head would be less confused and stupid because of a congested brain.
Your thoughts upon sacred truth would be clearer, and your moral
powers more vigorous. You do not love labor; but it is for your good