The Minister’s Wife by Jos. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 20, 1866

The Minister’s Wife.

By Jos. Clarke

THE minister is an under Shepherd, who goes out to gather in and feed the flock of God; and this he does himself, under the supervision of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who is over all the flock of God.

The shepherds understand how to feed the flock so that all get their wants supplied; and all feel that they are happy in the care of the true shepherd.

Sometimes the minister is so fortunate as to have a companion who is so thoroughly imbued with a missionary spirit, that she leaves all and goes out with her husband, and by her assiduous care, and wise counsel, and studious, devoted life, doubles his usefulness and courage; and adds her own efforts. Other ministers, having large families at home, are wholly relieved of home cares, by the faithful wife.

Go, says the noble-minded woman, into the wide harvest field, and gather in the sheaves. Go, gather the sheep and lambs into the fold. Feed the flock of God. Give yourself no uneasiness about us at home. And although our home seems desolate in your absence, yet the Lord is our stay; and our present pain of separation is more than repaid in the satisfaction we have in the thought that we are doing our duty.

To the children, in your absence, I will redouble my care and devotion; and to our secular affairs I will be a faithful steward. Never shall it be said that your wife has, by her selfish feelings in wishing you to remain at home, undermined your courage, and by degrees ruined your usefulness. On the contrary, your usefulness is to me more precious than my dearest earthly hopes. Jos. CLARKE.