A RESPONSE by E. R. Jones

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 5, 1878

A RESPONSE.

By E. R. Jones

I have carefully read for the second time Sr. White’s article, “An Appeal to the Ministers,” and I receive it as a personal testimony from the Spirit of the Lord through his servant. It most fully sets forth my faults, and causes me to see my sins as never before. So high, and so sacred, and so holy is the standard to which the minister of Christ and his truth must come, as now appears to me, and so far below it I now am, that my heart almost sinks in despair of ever attaining unto it. Yet the assurance that God is anxious to have me come near to him, and that he will help, gives me some courage and bids me not despair.

The words: “Ministers of Christ, your coldness, your lack of prayer, of fervor, and of heavenly wisdom, may turn the balance with a soul and send it to perdition,” sent a shudder through my soul. I quickly asked myself the question: “Have souls been lost through my lack of fervor and prayer and careful walk as a minister of the most solemn truths ever committed to mortal hands?” The thought troubles me.

The words: “Come very near to God in supplication, and you will be like a tree planted by the river of waters, whose leaf is always green, and whose fruit appears in due season,” help me much. I take courage. I thank God for the lesson and pray that the impressions made on my mind may never be effaced.

And may this most solemn appeal be blessed to the good of all the dear ministers of present truth. E. R. JONES.