Spirit of the Ministry
551
and the sincerity of his profession. “Ye are witnesses, and God also,”
he says, “how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves
among you.”—
The Review and Herald, December 11, 1900
.
Avoid Business Entanglements—We are to be workers together
with Him. Those who are in His service need to separate from all
business entanglements that would tarnish their Christlikeness of char-
acter. The fishermen that the Saviour called, straightway left their
nets. Those who give themselves to the work of the ministry must not
entangle themselves in business lines that will bring a coarseness into
their lives and will be a detriment to their spiritual advancement in the
work of the Lord has given them to do.—
Letter 53, 1905
.
Insincerity Is Fatal—There must be no duplicity, no crookedness,
in the life of the worker. While error even when held in sincerity, is
dangerous to anyone, insincerity in the truth is fatal.—
The Medical
Missionary, January, 1891
.
Harsh Spirit Denies Christ—Men may speak fluently upon doc-
trines, and may express strong faith in theories, but do they possess
Christianlike meekness and love? If they reveal a harsh, critical spirit,
they are denying Christ. If they are not kind, tenderhearted, long-
suffering, they are not like Jesus; they are deceiving their own souls.
A spirit contrary to the love, humility, meekness, and gentleness of
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Christ, denies Him, whatever may be the profession.—
The Review
and Herald, February 9, 1892
.
Talk Faith and Encouragement—Let us take heed to our words.
Let us talk faith, and we shall have faith. Never give place to a thought
of discouragement in the work of God. Never utter a word of doubt. It
is as seed sown in the heart of both speaker and hearers, to produce a
harvest of discouragement and unbelief.—
Letter 77, 1895
.
Criticism of Fellow Workers Depresses—It is our privilege to
speak words that will encourage our associates and fellow laborers; it
is not our privilege to speak works that will depress. It is not wise for
us to compare ourselves with other workers, speaking of their failings,
and raising objections to their methods of labor. It would be no surprise
if those who are laboring under grave responsibilities, and who have
many trials to meet, should sometimes make mistakes....
Let us become familiar with the good that is being done by our
brethren, and talk of that.—
Letter 204, 1907
.