AN ADDRESS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 15, 1872

To the Licentiates of the Michigan Conference.

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16

DEAR BRETHREN: The burden and responsibility you have taken upon yourselves by, and with, the consent and counsel of your brethren are by no means light. It is of the utmost importance that a clear understanding be had of the length and breadth, the height and depth of the work and labor of a Christian minister. Its trials are more severe, its duties more pressing and perplexing, its temptations more varied and irresistible, than those of any other calling that may be followed. As proof of this, reference only need be made to the experience of all the most ardently zealous and true Christian workers who have already acted their part in the noble work of leading perishing souls to Christ.

It is doubtless the earnest desire of all who have accepted the call to the ministry, not only to please God (this should indeed be the primary object), but also to prove their service acceptable to men; and, as we can show by our love to our fellow-men how much we love God, so may it be known, in a degree at least, by the effectiveness of preaching, how much it is pleasing to Him in whose name labor is bestowed.

It is too much to expect that all who, by some means, obtain a license to improve their gift in publicly presenting the third angel’s message, and kindred truths, should make that work a success. Men in this, as well as other branches of labor, may mistake their calling, and those who have urged upon individuals their seemingly particular responsibility may not have weighed the matter as carefully as they ought. But, should this be the case, there is no need that a great length of time should elapse before the calling of each could be effectually proved. This assertion is therefore made and believed to be true, that there is no man who has a conscience void of offense toward God and man (and none other ought to apply), surrounding circumstances not being particularly against him, that cannot in one year make full proof of his ministry.

It is the desire of the Conference to know the real worth of every minister, who, under God, is in its employ. If there are time servers among us, or those who engage in this work merely as a means of gaining a livelihood, there should be some means by which it may be known. If there are others who, though they have tried to labor, yet have accomplished nothing, after repeated effort and long forbearance on the part of brethren, it is certainly evident that the energies of such should be turned in a different channel.

It is now proposed, as a means by which such knowledge may be obtained, to issue blanks which will be furnished to every minister to be filled by themselves, as to the time of commencement of labor, the place where bestowed, the aggregate of time spent in such labor and the results that followed; and if nothing is accomplished, the reasons that are apparent why the effort was fruitless. A number of such reports from the same individual would most clearly show the real value of the person so reporting to the Conference and to the work of the Lord.

It is also the design of the Conference, after such blanks shall have been furnished, to require of every one in its employ a full report as the blanks indicate; and should any fail through neglect alone, they will certainly be liable to censure.

It has been quite generally understood that no licentiate has any claims upon the Conference except in the event of successful labor. This is evidently a proper stipulation. If, therefore, there are any, and we fear that there are, who feel that they have just claims of a pecuniary nature for service, even though their labor has been almost, if not entirely, without result, it is far more than probable that they have too faint an appreciation of the worth of souls, too little regard for the sacrifice made by those whose hearts are in the work, by the poor widow and orphan whose mite has been consecrated by prayer, and, in many cases, doubtless, well wet down with tears. How great the responsibility of those to whom is committed so sacred a trust, and how careful should they be into whose hands has fallen this sanctified means to disburse. The testimonies are very explicit on this point, that God’s eye is upon the smallest sum that, at a sacrifice, is placed in his treasury. How blameworthy is it, then, that it should be put to an improper use.

It is believed that there has been no reason for complaint on the part of any who have labored within the precincts of the Conference; for its disbursements, where true merit has been shown, have not only been cheerfully made, but have also been extremely liberal, considering its resources. Let those who think otherwise show the galls made by the harness and the sheaves they have gathered, and their cases will be considered.

It will not be amiss now to say a few words that have a more immediate connection with the text at the head of this article. It must not be forgotten that associations must be formed with people, almost the whole current of whose thoughts is to be changed into a different channel if possible. Old and established beliefs will have to be attacked, undermined, and overthrown, prejudices worn away, and new truth, or old truth long hidden, brought out in all its comeliness and beauty, its perfection and glory. For the best manner of doing this work, it certainly requires the wisdom of the wisest to make known.

If, however, the eyes of the understanding are open, experience will prove to be the most apt teacher. It is questionable whether the human heart, entrenched as it is in tradition and long established usage, with its outworks of policy or prejudice, can be forced to yield by logic alone. The shaft that does the work must be shaped by the hand of faith and love, dipped in the blood of Christ, and sent by the Spirit of God.

How true are the words of an eminent Christian minister, that “there should be enough of Christ in every sermon to save any soul who will believe the testimony borne, and put their trust in him.” If it cannot be felt that the people are Judgment-bound and liable to suffer the pains of the second death, and that their blood will certainly be required at our hand, if the warning be not faithfully given, if the burden of soul is not apparently sufficient to sink poor humanity out of sight and cause it to exceedingly fear and tremble at the responsibility resting upon it, then there can be but little hope that real good will be accomplished. Watch the effect of the word spoken, even while speaking. By this means, it can be known upon what points to dwell. If meetings are held in the evening as the major part of them usually are, try, if possible, to have the house well lighted so that the faces of all can be seen. The expression of the countenance is the clearest indication of the state of the heart. But few have so schooled themselves that they will not, by this means, make apparent their true feelings. Notice the deeply drawn sigh, the tears, or the evidently troubled conscience, manifested in any way. Seek such out in the congregation. Meet them as they pass away, with a kind word, a friendly shake of the hand. Watch the very tones of your own voice, as you speak of the worth of the truth and the matchless love of the Saviour, and above all, be sure that your own heart is burning within you with the love of Christ. Then you can gently lead those who will trust to your integrity, and obtain hope through your words.

That is a happy faculty, which, however, few naturally possess, of combining the pulpit with the fireside in preaching. It is believed that much is gained by following with private conversation and personal appeal the interest that may have been raised in the desk. And, oh! how great is the wisdom needed here. As the wisest of men that have ever lived, has said, “There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” so may the minister keep the door of his mouth, and know when he can speak with profit.

In your visits at homes where friends may invite you, try to be never in the way. Render any assistance or service that you may be allowed to, with cheerfulness and grace, and be sure that you duly appreciate the favors received. Do not sit with the arms hanging over the back of your chair; it is an awkward position; or with the elbows on the knees with the head in the hands; it indicates laziness; or the feet on the back of the nearest chair; it savors too much of the bar-room.

Watch, then, the position, the words, and actions, in their general and particular bearing, seeking earnestly the help of the Lord.

And, finally, never leave your work until it is done. Much labor has been apparently entirely lost by leaving the work prematurely. Never leave a place until you know that it is God’s will; and as you would pray for the divine guidance to a productive field, just as earnestly pray that you may never go from it, until the work is finished.

If any need that second grace enumerated by the apostle Peter, that courage and fortitude which beareth ALL things, endureth all things, it is the minister of God. The Judgment day alone will reveal what has been lost by a lack of the cultivation of this virtue, and the ears that have been closed and prejudice built up by fruitless efforts, made so only by an injudicious haste in closing the work, or lack of energy and zeal in its performance. May God pity and forgive for this lack in the past, and grant that future endeavor be of such a character that it may be crowned with success.

How great the responsibility of those to whom it is committed to teach the oracles of God. “They watch for souls,” says the apostle, “as they that must give account.” How terrible the reckoning in its consequence, if sheaves are ungathered, or are wasting through negligence alone. How harrowing the thought that both shepherd and the people who might have been saved by faithfulness on his part, must all sink into irretrievable ruin because his orders have been set too lightly upon him!

May the burden press you, as a cart beneath the sheaves is pressed, and true consecration mark every act and word. Could this be attained, and it can be, how enrapturing the thought that God has promised to cause such to shine as the stars forever and ever!

When the sheaves are all gathered, the work all done, may your work abide, and you also find everlasting rest in the garner of the Lord.

“O brother, be faithful, eternity’s years Shall tell for thy faithfulness now, When bright smiles of gladness shall scatter thy tears, And a crown of glory be thine. O brother, be faithful, the promise is sure That waits for the faithful and tried, To reign with the ransomed immortal and pure, And ever with Jesus abide.”

MICH. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.