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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
Much prayer and wise labor are needed in new fields. Men of
God are wanted, not merely men who can talk, but those who have
an experimental knowledge of the mystery of godliness and who can
meet the urgent wants of the people, those who solemnly realize the
importance of their position as servants of Jesus and will cheerfully
take up the cross that He has taught them how to bear.
When the temptation comes to seclude themselves and indulge in
reading and writing at a time when other duties claim their immediate
attention, they should be strong enough to deny self and devote them-
selves to the work that lies directly before them. This is undoubtedly
one of the most trying tests that a studious mind is called to undergo.
The duties of a pastor are often shamefully neglected because the
minister lacks strength to sacrifice his personal inclinations for seclu-
sion and study. The pastor should visit from house to house among his
flock, teaching, conversing, and praying with each family, and looking
out for the welfare of their souls. Those who have manifested a desire
to become acquainted with the principles of our faith should not be
neglected, but thoroughly instructed in the truth. No opportunity to do
good should be lost by the watchful and zealous minister of God.
Certain ministers who have been invited to houses by the heads of
families have spent the few hours of their visit in secluding themselves
in an unoccupied room to indulge their inclination for reading and
writing. The family that entertained them derived no benefit from the
visit. The ministers accepted the hospitality extended them without
giving an equivalent in the labor that was so much needed.
People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.
But many ministers dread the task of visiting; they have not cultivated
social qualities, have not acquired that genial spirit that wins its way
to the hearts of the people. It is highly important that a pastor should
mingle much with his people, that he may become acquainted with
the different phases of human nature, readily understand the workings
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of the mind, adapt his teachings to the intellect of his people, and
learn that grand charity possessed only by those who closely study the
nature and needs of men.
Those who seclude themselves from the people are in no condi-
tion to help them. A skillful physician must understand the nature of
various diseases and must have a thorough knowledge of the human
structure. He must be prompt in attending to the patients. He knows