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Pastoral Ministry
supposed to be defective, because he does not see what they suppose
are their personal merits. He reproves wrongs which really exist, and
this is counted an indignity, and his authority and instruction are cast
[210]
aside and trodden under foot of men. These extremes in the way the
people look upon ministers are found among the professed children of
God; and who will now examine their hearts, and tenderly, earnestly
and faithfully set these things in order?—
The Review and Herald, July
25, 1893
.
Character deficiencies of members should burden pastors—
Here we have presented before us the work of him who shall open the
Scriptures to others. It is a most solemn work, and all who engage in it
should be men of prayer. It is not enough for the minister to stand up
in the desk and give an exposition of the Scriptures. His work has but
just begun. There is pastoral work to do, and this means to reprove and
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine; that is, he should present
the Word of God, to show wherein there is a deficiency. If there is
anything in the character of the professed followers of Christ, the
burden should certainly be felt by the minister, and not that he should
lord it over God’s heritage. To deal with human minds is the nicest job
that was ever committed to mortal man.—
Sermons and Talks, 1:61
.
God will not acknowledge as His shepherds those who speak
smooth things—In this fearful time, just before Christ is to come the
second time, God’s faithful preachers will have to bear a still more
pointed testimony than was borne by John the Baptist. A responsible,
important work is before them; and those who speak smooth things,
God will not acknowledge as His shepherds. A fearful woe is upon
them.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:321
.
Church discipline is a disagreeable but necessary part of min-
istry—Paul charged Timothy to “preach the Word,” but there was yet
another part to be done,—“to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-
suffering and doctrine.” This work cannot be neglected with safety.
Ministers must be instant in season and out of season, watching for
souls as they that must give an account. They must exercise great care-
fulness. Watch in all things, watch for the devices of Satan, lest you
be beguiled from doing the disagreeable part of the work. Difficulties
must not intimidate or discourage you. Having well-balanced minds
and established characters, meet the difficulties, and in overcoming