Untitled article by M. D. Amason

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 5, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 21

CARE FOR THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST.

By M. D. Amason

For several months past I have been an eye witness of some of the arduous labors of the servants of God, and it would be impossible in words to describe the toil and weary care attending these labors. It is not extravagant to say that their only hours for rest are when passing from one place of meeting to another; and often this time is occupied with anxious thought pertaining to the cause of God. They do not think of themselves, but their care is how can we advance the cause of Christ; how labor for the good of souls? Strength and time are not spared, till worn and weary they fail and would not have power to go farther, but by faith in God they again pursue their way, doing the bidding of the Lord, performing well the work he has given them to do. It may be said of them truly, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Dear brethren and sisters, these servants of Christ should be tenderly cared for. There is not danger of doing too much. Passing from place to place, very feeble often, and we might say always weary, they need the best of care. As I have looked into the pale faces of some and heard the hoarse articulation of others, I have thought, not long will they be with us to labor and aid in the great work of preparing a people for Christ’s coming, unless God especially sustains them. But how can we spare them? The harvest is great and the laborers are few. Men of God, with long years of experience, God would have them live to serve him and his people. But will they be sustained and upheld by the prayer and faith of God’s people? They may be; but Satan would triumph to see them taken away from the cause of God; but a stronger than he can spoil his goods.

As the servants of God come into your midst, care for them. Paul wrote to Philemon, “But withal prepare me a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” If essential then, why not now, that special care be taken of the worn servants of God? Perhaps sleeping one night in a damp bed, very common in this season of the year, would unfit them for weeks of labor in the cause of God. Then how necessary that every care be used and every precaution taken.

Another care should be good hygienic food. Not any rich cakes, pies, and sauce. But good, wholesome bread, plain pies, and nicely-cooked vegetables; special care is necessary in providing for those who labor so earnestly for the good of souls. They are not notional in these things, but they need the very best to nourish their strength in order to perform the work of God. Labor and expense are nothing, if they but reap the benefit of it.

Then another care should be not to breathe into their ears troubles that it is our lot to bear. Often trials rise by reason of a lack of consecration to God. Perhaps reproofs are given, and a long train of trials the result, or something seems dark and obscure. Instead of going before God and letting the trial have a purifying effect, it is dwelt upon and at last God’s servants must be burdened with it, who know nothing of the circumstances and hear but one side of the story.

I have had a little chance to see the effect of this, unnerving the mind for repose, and causing sleepless nights. They need no such variation in the work assigned them. Spare, oh! spare the servants of God, and instead of adding to their labors and burdens, let them have all of our heartiest sympathies, prayers and watchful care to aid them on in their great and peculiar work.

We all love to have them come among us. We love their plain testimonies and fervent prayers; we love to see souls coming to Christ as the result; then care for them in return. May God help us and forgive any failure on the part of his people, and we with them share a reward in Heaven at last.

M. D. AMASON.

Battle Creek, Mich.