Appeal to Ministers
247
Many of them have suffered from severe mental taxation, unre-
lieved by physical exercise. The result is a deterioration of their powers
and a tendency to shirk responsibilities. What they need is more active
labor. This is not alone confined to those whose heads are white with
the frost of time, but men young in years have fallen into the same
state and have become mentally feeble. They have a list of set dis-
courses, but if they get beyond the boundaries of these they lose their
soundings.
The old-fashioned pastor, who traveled on horseback and spent
much time in visiting his flock, enjoyed much better health, notwith-
standing his hardships and exposures, than our ministers of today, who
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avoid all physical exertion as far as possible and confine themselves to
their books.
Ministers of age and experience should feel it their duty, as God’s
hired servants, to go forward, progressing every day, continually be-
coming more efficient in their work, and constantly gathering fresh
matter to set before the people. Each effort to expound the gospel
should be an improvement upon that which preceded it. Each year
they should develop a deeper piety, a tenderer spirit, a greater spiri-
tuality, and a more thorough knowledge of Bible truth. The greater
their age and experience, the nearer should they be able to approach
the hearts of the people, having a more perfect knowledge of them.
Men are needed for this time who are not afraid to lift their voices
for the right, whoever may oppose them. They should be of strong
integrity and tried courage. The church calls for them, and God will
work with their efforts to uphold all branches of the gospel ministry.
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