Varied Gifts
The Lord does not apportion to any one man some special territory
in which he alone is to labor. This is contrary to His plan. He designs
that in every place where the truth is introduced, different minds,
different gifts, shall be brought in to exert an influence upon the work.
No one man has sufficient wisdom to manage an interest without
helpers, and no one should think himself competent to do so. The
fact that a person has ability in one direction, is no evidence that his
judgment on all other subjects is perfect, and that the wisdom of some
other mind does not need to be united with his.
Those who do labor together should seek to be in perfect harmony.
And yet no one should feel that he cannot labor with those who do not
see just as he sees, and who do not in their labors follow just his plans.
If all manifest a humble, teachable spirit, there need be no difficulty.
God has set in the church different gifts. These are precious in their
proper places, and all may act a part in the work of preparing a people
for Christ’s soon coming.
* * * * *
Our ministers in responsible places are men whom God has ac-
cepted. No matter what their origin, no matter what their former
position, whether they followed the plow, worked at the carpenter’s
trade, or enjoyed the discipline of a college; if God has accepted them,
let every man beware of casting the slightest reflection upon them.
Never speak disparagingly of any man; for he may be great in the sight
of the Lord, while those who feel great may be lightly esteemed of
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God because of the perversity of their hearts....
Not one moment of our precious time should be devoted to bringing
others to conform to our personal ideas and opinions. God would
educate men engaged as co-laborers in this great work, to the highest
exercise of faith, and the development of a harmonious character.
Men have varied gifts, and some are better adapted to one branch
of the work than another. What one man would fail to do, his brother
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