220
Pastoral Ministry
neglected by one minister, and taken up by another, those who are
reproved, receive the impression that the minister who did not point out
their errors was a good minister. But this is not the case; he was merely
a preacher, not a worker together with God for the suppression of sin.
In the meekness of Jesus, you should do the work which will gave full
proof of your ministry. You should show a heartfelt sorrow for sin,
but manifest no unholy passion in reproving the error. All your efforts
must be made with long-suffering and doctrine; and if you see but
meager results of your work, do not be discouraged. This experience
will call for the manifestation of long-suffering and patience. Keep
working, be discreet, be discerning, understand when to speak and
when to keep silence.—
The Review and Herald, September 28, 1897
.
People having a perverted sympathy for those under discipline
are not helping them—I saw that some have been very jealous for
you, fearing that you would not be rightly dealt with, and not have
justice done you by your ministering brethren. Such should stand out
of the way, and be faithful to confess their own wrongs, and let all the
censure and weight of your wrongs rest upon your own head. God
designs that they shall rest there until you thoroughly remove them
by repentance and hearty confession. Those who have a perverted
sympathy for you cannot help you. Let them manifest zeal in repenting
[212]
of their own backslidings, and leave you to stand for yourself. You
have been altogether out of the way, and unless you make thorough
work, confess your wrongs without censuring your brethren, and are
willing to be instructed, you can have no part with God’s people.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:319
.
There is danger of doing too much to cure difficulties—The
sincere believers of truth are made sad, and their trials and sorrows
greatly increased, by the elements among them which annoy, dis-
hearten, and discourage them in their efforts. But the Lord would
teach His servants a lesson of great carefulness in all their moves. “Let
both grow together.” Do not forcibly pull up the tares, lest in rooting
them up the precious blades will become loosened. Both ministers
and church members should be very cautious, lest they get a zeal not
according to knowledge. There is danger of doing too much to cure
difficulties in the church, which, if let alone, will frequently work
their own cure. It is bad policy to take hold of matters in any church
prematurely. We shall have to exercise the greatest care, patience, and