Courage
79
have been lost because of delay. The one who should have acted
promptly felt that he must first consult with some one who was far
away and who was unacquainted with the true conditions. Much time
has thus been lost in asking advice and counsel from men who were
not in a position to give wise counsel. Let all God’s workers be guided
by the word of truth which points out their duty, following implicitly
the directions Christ has given.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, 497, 498
.
Leader Must Have Courage To Do Battle—God calls upon the
individual members of the churches in these two Conferences to arouse
and be converted. Brethren, your worldliness, your distrust, your mur-
murings, have placed you in such a position that it will be exceedingly
difficult for any one to labor among you. While your president ne-
glected his work and failed in his duty, your attitude was not such as
to give him any encouragement. The one in authority should have
acquitted himself as a man of God, reproving, exhorting, encouraging,
as the case demanded, whether you would receive or reject his testi-
mony. But he was easily discouraged, and left you without the help
that a faithful minister of Christ should have given. He failed in not
keeping up with the opening providence of God, and in not showing
you your duty and educating you up to the demands of the time; but the
minister’s neglect should not dishearten you, and lead you to excuse
yourselves for neglecting duty. There is the more need of energy and
fidelity on your part.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:281
.
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