Appeal and Suggestions to Conference Officers - Pamphlet
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Appeal and Suggestions to Conference Officers - Pamphlet
Ellen G. White
1892 · Adelaide, SA, Australia · 1892
APPEAL AND SUGGESTIONS TO CONFERENCE OFFICERS
IN REGARD TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND ELEVATION OF THE GOSPEL MINISTRY.
It seems proper and necessary at this time to call the particular attention of Conference presidents and committees and others interested, to the action of the late General Conference in reference to the improvement of the work and standard of our ministry. The report of the committee appointed to devise and recommend a plan for accomplishing this work was as follows: —
“Your Committee to whom was assigned the duty of devising and reporting a plan for promoting the intellectual and spiritual improvement of our ministry, and the elevation of the standard thereof in our various Conferences, would respectfully submit the following:—
“In regard to adopting a plan for this work, your Committee is unanimously of the opinion that it would not be the part of wisdom to outline any formal or technical scheme of study or examination to be applied indiscriminately to all candidates for the ministry.
“We earnestly call the attention of Conference officers and Committees on Credentials and Licenses to the urgent need of exercising great care in the matter of licensing young or inexperienced persons to enter the work of the ministry. In addition to what their observations have taught them of this necessity, we especially refer them to what the Testimonies of God’s Spirit have repeatedly said upon this point. Therefore, in harmony with these suggestions, be it,—
1. Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that the work devolving on the Conference Committees on Credentials and Licenses requires it to be done in a much more careful and painstaking manner than has2hitherto generally characterized it. And that in the appointment of these committees, men of discretion and deep spiritual experience should be selected.
“2. Resolved, That in the cases of young or inexperienced persons who are candidates for ministerial licenses, they be required to give satisfactory evidence on the following points:—
“a. Their Christian experience and personal knowledge of Christ.
“b. Their evidence of the call of God to the work before them.
c. Their knowledge of and harmony with our message in all its parts.
d. Their educational acquirements, and the advantages they have had for fitting themselves for the work of proclaiming the gospel message.
c. Their prospective relations to the work in devoting their time exclusively or in part to it.
f. Their conception of what constitutes successful ministerial work.
3. Resolved, That if the evidence on these points or any part of them be unsatisfactory it shall be the duty of the Committee to withhold the license applied for, until the defect be rectified. And in cases where there is a deficiency shown upon any point, admonition and advice be kindly and faithfully administered, that the weak points may be strengthened by cultivation and prayer.
4. Resolved, That in applications for the renewal of licenses, evidence be required on the following points:—
“a. The proportion of time that has been devoted to the work in the preceding year, and the probabilities for the future.
b. Character and results of past year’s work.
c. Satisfactory growth and development in spiritual and intellectual attainments.
“5. Resolved, That candidates for ordination and first credentials be required to furnish to the committee satisfactory evidence on —
“a. Their standing upon various points of present truth, especially in regard to spiritual gifts, tithing, health reform, or any other distinctive feature of our faith or of our work.”
“b. Proof of their ministry.
c. Their own convictions of the call of God upon them to the sacred work of the ministry.”
This report was unanimously adopted by the Conference, and we believe that it received the hearty sanction of each member of that body. Not only so, but we believe that this movement is in harmony with the mind of the Spirit of God. Indeed, there can be no doubt upon this point; for he has spoken repeatedly in language too plain to be misunderstood, and too forcible to be longer slighted.
Another consideration which renders this action imperative upon our part, is the evident necessity for it, in order to save our ministry from degeneracy, and many of our laborers from actual inefficiency. However unwilling we may be to recognize these unwelcome facts, it is better to meet them with a calm determination to do our duty, than to ignore them at the peril of losing God’s blessing. It is not pleasant to rehearse the painful evidences of neglect and inefficiency to be seen by those who have the cause of God at heart, and perhaps it is not necessary. We will gladly spare ourselves the task, but we earnestly call your attention to what the Testimonies of God’s Spirit have said upon this point.
To a great extent, the condition of the ministry, its efficiency or its weakness, depends upon the Conference and those who administer its affairs and direct its work. This responsibility we are exceedingly anxious you should feel and faithfully discharge. There are two points upon which this responsibility rests with great weight on our Conferences and their executive officers: First, the selection of candidates for the ministry; secondly, the training and disciplining of those they have selected and appointed for this most sacred work.
SELECTION OF CANDIDATES.
In regard to the selection of candidates for the ministry, the preamble of the report referred to, and here given, says: —
“We earnestly call the attention of Conference officers and Committees on Credentials and Licenses to the urgent need of exercising great care in the matter of licensing young or inexperienced persons to enter the work of the ministry.”
Repeatedly have we been warned and admonished upon this point. The reading of “Gospel Workers” will call up some of these admonitions, and show us the folly and danger of sending those out to work in this message who have not a thorough understanding of the truth they are to teach, a practical experience in the truths of saving grace, a general conversion from self and sin to Christ and holiness of heart, an intimate knowledge of Christ by personal acquaintance, and a daily experience in the things of God. Those who send out men without these qualifications must bear the responsibility of their negligence, and of the worse than failure that must follow such a course. This is a solemn matter for your consideration. Shall we continue this slack, half-hearted work? We cannot afford to do so.
We will indicate some ways in which we apprehend mistakes have been made in the past. It is not necessarily an evidence of the call of God that an individual is impressed that he wants to, or ought to, preach. It is true that the Spirit of the Lord often urges this duty upon men, and they feel impelled to make their sense of duty known, but it is generally the case that some one else is also impressed, unless the individual be isolated from those who fear God and are jealous for his cause. The judgment of the church to which the candidate belongs,5the influence of his life and experience, are the ways in which the Lord generally speaks to the church of the man’s fitness for this work. The churches have a duty in this matter. It frequently happens that those who are best qualified to enter into the sacred calling, are not conscious of their qualifications; they have a poor estimate of their fitness; they feel as Moses felt when he was called of God to enter his work. The church that is deeply imbued with the spirit of the message will seek out such, make their cases a subject of prayer, and if it seems to be the mind of the Spirit of God, will bring them before the Conference or its representatives with proper recommendation. And our churches should be made to feel that they have a duty in this matter. We do not wish to discourage those who feel truly impressed with a call of God from presenting their cases before the Conference if others do not; indeed, it is very proper that they should do so. Many noble men have thus come to the work of God, but such cases require care, and those who are indeed called of God will not resent any judicious inquiry which it may be thought best to institute.
Another tendency in the matter of selecting candidates for the ministry has been fruitful of wrong in many cases. Because a certain brother is fluent in speaking, glib in tongue, it is thought that he certainly ought to be in the ministry. That may be a recommendation: it may be otherwise. It can only be a favorable sign when there is an extra degree of divine grace to accompany it. Even then, it is only one of the least and last qualifications to be considered, instead of the first; and without the special grace of God, it will surely be a snare, both to the speaker and to the people. By these remarks we do not intend to convey the idea that the gift or acquirement of correct habits of speech is a6matter to be ignored. On the contrary, they are of very great importance, and must be attained by every successful worker. The knowledge and right use of language should be insisted upon in the cases of all who go out as teachers of the word. These may be acquired by study and careful observation. But the point upon which we desire to express a caution is in accepting the natural gift of eloquence as the sole or principal ground upon which persons are recommended for the sacred office of the ministry of Christ.
And another motive sometimes actuates the giving of licenses and credentials, and that is in the case of the ineffectual and unprofitable worker. The Committee does not see how the man is to get a living unless he preaches, or in other words, unless the Conference supports him. We suggest that if the Conference ought to support any such men, they be supported in some other work not so sacred as the ministry. Let them work on a farm, or at some other manual labor. Greater care needs to be exercised in many instances, not to place a mercenary motive before those who contemplate entering upon this work. It is too evident that an unfortunate change in this respect is taking place among us. Not many years ago, it was more commonly understood that he who entered this work did so with the financial responsibility of his success or failure resting principally upon himself. It was understood that the question of wages was to be left entirely with the auditing committee at the end of the year. If the president saw fit, under special circumstances, to advance a small sum upon his own judgment, it might be done, but in no case was it considered that the licenciate had any claims upon the Conference until his labor had been accepted by that body, and he must trust their judgment as to what that claim was to be. In this way the responsibility of success7or failure was divided, and a portion of it lay where it belongs, with him who undertook the work. We still believe that this is the better way. Our State Conferences are very desirous of encouraging proper persons to enter the ministry, and this is right; but one thing is certain, our Conferences cannot afford to take all the risks involved in what has often proved to be uncertain experiments. Not only that, but the effect of such a course upon a beginner is very unwholesome. In some instances it has come to the point where a young man asks what wages he can expect before he will consent to enter upon the work, thus making the matter of his hire the main condition of his taking up the work of God. We utter an earnest protest against such a spirit and such proceedings. Already our Conferences are burdened with those whose chief interest in the work they follow, is the fact that the indulgent Conference hands out their regular salaries, asking no questions for feelings’ sake.
We recommend a return to the old paths. In most cases where young men have not the money to carry them through the first year of trial, it will be better to kindly advise them to go out and earn it in some useful occupation, and then start out in a way that will be an honor and blessing to themselves, and a relief instead of a burden to the cause. Upon this point a word of caution may be necessary, for while the evils pointed out should be guarded against, care must be exercised not to block the way of those who should enter the ministry, and who should receive proper encouragement in doing so. It is the loose way in which such matters have been treated that we protest against.
A novice should not be set at the work of God “lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Tim. 3:6. Those who are deeply8involved in debt should not be selected, nor those who are encumbered with other interests which will entrammel them in their work. We shall not undertake the task of telling who should be chosen for this work. Much is said in the word of God and the Testimonies upon this point, to which we ask all to take heed. But the selection of workers for God’s cause should not be allowed to drift in its own way; for the enemy will manage that work for us unless we manage it in God’s way.
TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE.
Means for the education and training of workers for the Lord’s work have been provided in the providence of God, and are being greatly increased. It is for our Conferences to see that those who labor in the cause have, so far as is consistent, availed themselves of these means. It may be safely laid down under all ordinary circumstances, that no person of middle age, or under, should be encouraged to enter the work of publicly laboring in the gospel until he has availed himself of the benefits of these means of education and training. Even in the cases of those who have been educated, and have gained an experience in connection with another work, there is still imperative need that the mould and influence of our approved institutions of training should be given. The plea that time is short should not be accepted as an excuse for an inadequate preparation for the work.
When the license has been granted and the work entered upon, the responsibility of the laborer’s career must still rest largely with the Conference. It is incumbent upon the Conference to see that the work of improvement goes on from year to year. Everything in nature develops and grows to a certain point, and when9that point is reached, decay and deterioration at once begin. So with the mental and spiritual faculties; when they cease to grow, they cease to live. The Conference should place proper encouragement and opportunities for improvement before its laborers, and then by competent examinations determine how they are being utilized.
The work of examination of candidates for the ministry, both of those who for the first time take out license, and of those who have been gaining an experience, is one that requires much careful and prayerful thought. It needs to be done with a large degree of sanctified good sense; with a proper regard for the circumstances, and a keen sense of faithfulness to God. The General Conference wisely refrained from stating any definite scheme for the inflexible guidance of examining committees. And yet the suggestions are sufficiently definite to be of assistance in this work. The Conference Committee can do very much to assist the Committee on Credentials and Licenses by keeping the details well worked up through the year, by becoming acquainted with those whose names are brought up, and being prepared to recommend those, who, through modesty, would not act for themselves, and by stirring up the churches to a lively interest in seeking out proper candidates.
It will also be well, where it can be consistently done, to have the Committee on Credentials and Licenses appointed sufficiently early so that they can prepare for their work. If a workers’ meeting precede the Conference, the work of this committee can then be profitably carried on. In many cases—in so many that we might say in all—considerable time will be required for prayer, and conversation between the committee and the candidates individually. For this purpose it will be10necessary for the committee to have a quiet place set apart for their use, and just as much time and consideration should be given to the work as is necessary to do it thoroughly and well. For the committees, it will be necessary to select men of good spiritual understanding and experience. It is an inexcusable confession of weakness for such committees to shrink from their duty through a sense of their inability to do their work to their own satisfaction. We may all well exclaim with Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?” And we may by faith reply to our own misgiving, “Our sufficiency is of God.” This is the Lord’s work, and he will help his own servants in every duty they are called upon to perform.
OBJECTS THAT NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION.
It is not only essential that the intellectual training and spiritual experience of candidates for the ministry, should receive more attention, but there is another feature of ministerial efficiency that demands careful consideration. This is the methods of labor adopted, or to be adopted by those in the employ of the Conference. Whatever other qualifications and advantages the laborer may possess, his success in his work will still depend upon his taking such a course in his labors as will render that work most effectual. The questioning as to the candidate’s conception of his work will doubtless be an aid in giving instruction upon that point, but this will not be sufficient. It will be necessary to place right principles of a general and specific character before the beginner, and to inquire carefully into the labors of those whose license or credentials are to be reconsidered. Whatever difficulties are discovered should be kindly and faithfully pointed out. Those features of our work which are apt to be less favorably received11by half-converted people, should be strongly impressed upon the mind of the laborer. He should not be allowed to shun to declare the whole counsel of God. Those points of truth which are most disagreeable to the carnal mind are nevertheless particularly essential in the genuine work of Christ, and those who cannot accept them have no place among God’s people; they will not find such company congenial for any length of time, and those ministers who cannot judiciously teach these things are seriously defective.
We would call your special attention to the very great importance of well directed, personal labor. Upon this branch of his work, the ministerial laborer must be proficient, if he works acceptably to God and to the Conference. And yet, it is altogether too apparent that this feature is often sadly neglected. In many cases the puerile excuse that the worker sets forth, that he is not adapted or inclined to do the work of visiting, is accepted, and he is permitted to go on from year to year, drawing his pay and wasting his time, because he chooses to follow his own inclinations instead of doing faithfully the work of God, whose servant he claims to be. Such things should not be permitted to exist. Read what the Spirit of God has said to us upon this subject of visiting and personal labor. How often has the testimony of Christ come to us upon this point! We must arouse as Conference officers, and infuse into the minds of our workers the importance of this branch of labor now so sadly neglected. The word in the desk is futile unless it be supported out of the desk. The spirituality of the minister always declines in the neglect of his duty. It is by actual contact with the people that we are able to help them, and to come into close sympathy with them. This kind of labor not only blesses others, but it is a means of grace for the minister, which he cannot fail12to avail himself of, except at the peril of his Christian experience. In another place we quote from the writings of Sister White upon this subject, and here refer you to this, and other things that have been said.
But we must repeat, that the condition into which many are falling, of slack, half-hearted work, and utter neglect of this most vital part of the gospel work, demands serious attention. In some cases this has been brought about by sending out with the minister a corps of workers, who have been required to do the visiting, while the minister sat at his table and received the reports of the workers as they came in. It is far better not to have helpers, than to have them used in such a manner. And in many cases it might be demonstrated that the sending out of such companies has been a failure, and worse than a failure. It certainly is such, when it becomes an excuse behind which men hide their indolence, and take refuge from the call of solemn but disagreeable duty. This is plain talk, dear brethren, but the exigencies of the case demand it, and may God help you to do your duty to your workers with care and faithfulness. In this connection we would cite to you the instruction found in Col. 1: 28: “Whom we preach, warning every man . . . that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Also see Acts 20: 19, 20, 26, 27.) The minister who permits himself to shun or neglect personal, house-to-house work, is guilty of sore neglect, and the matter should receive careful and prompt attention, lest such a course be continued, to the great injury of the work of saving souls.
O. A. OLSEN.
Selections from “Gospel Workers.”
“There are but few preachers among us. And because the cause of God seemed to need help so much, some have been led to think that almost any one claiming to be a minister would be acceptable. Some have thought that because persons could pray and exhort with a degree of freedom in meeting, they were qualified to go forth as laborers. And before they were proved, or could show any good fruit of their labors, men whom God has not sent have been encouraged and flattered by some brethren lacking experience. But their work shows the character of the workman. They scatter and confuse, but do not gather in and build up. A few may receive the truth as the fruit of their labors; but these generally rise no higher than those from whom they learned the truth. The same lack which marked their own course is seen in their converts.
“The success of this cause does not depend upon our having a large number of ministers; but it is of the highest importance that those who do labor in connection with the cause of God should be men who really feel the burden and sacredness of the work to which he has called them. A few self-sacrificing, godly men, small in their own estimation, can do a greater amount of good than a much larger number, if a part of these are unqualified for the work, yet self-confident and boastful of their own talents.”—Page 141.
“Some ministers fail of success because they do not give their undivided interest to the work, when very much depends upon persistent, well-directed labor.14Many are not laborers; they do not pursue their work outside of the pulpit. They shirk the duty of going from house to house, and laboring wisely in the home circle. They need to cultivate that rare Christian courtesy which would render them kind and considerate toward the souls under their care, working for them with true earnestness and faith, teaching them the way of life.” — P. 72.
“The duties of a pastor are often shamefully neglected because the minister lacks strength to sacrifice his personal inclinations for seclusion and study. The pastor should visit from house to house among his flock, teaching, conversing, and praying with each family, and looking out for the welfare of their souls. Those who have manifested a desire to become acquainted with the principles of our faith should not be neglected, but thoroughly instructed in the truth. No opportunity to do good should be lost by the watchful and zealous minister of God.”
“Certain ministers who have been invited to houses by the heads of families, have spent the few hours of their visit in secluding themselves in an unoccupied room to indulge their inclination for reading and writing. The family that entertained them derived no benefit from their visit. The ministers accepted the hospitality extended them without giving an equivalent in the labor that was so much needed.
“People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle. But many ministers dread the task of visiting; they have not cultivated social qualities, have not acquired that genial spirit that wins its way to the hearts of the people. It is highly important that a pastor should mingle much with his people, that he may become acquainted with the different phases of human15nature, readily understand the workings of the mind, adapt his teachings to the intellect of his people, and learn that grand charity, possessed only by those who closely study the nature and needs of man.
“Those who seclude themselves from the people are in no condition to help them. A skillful physician must understand the nature of various diseases, and must have a thorough knowledge of the human structure. He must be prompt in attending to the patients. He knows that delays are dangerous. When his experienced hand is laid upon the pulse of the sufferer, and he carefully notes the peculiar indication of the malady, his previous knowledge enables him to determine concerning the nature of the disease and the treatment necessary to arrest its progress. As the physician deals with physical disease, so does the pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is as much more important than that of the former, as eternal life is more valuable than temporal existence. The pastor meets with an endless variety of temperaments; and it is his duty to become acquainted with the members of families that listen to his teachings, in order to determine what means will best influence them in the right direction.” — P. 76.
Those who have been most successful in winning souls, were men and women who did not pride themselves in their ability, but who went in humility and faith, and the power of God worked with their efforts in convicting and converting the hearts of those to whom they appealed. Jesus did this very work. He came close to those whom he desired to benefit. How often, with a few gathered about him, he began the precious lessons, and one by one the passers-by paused to listen, until a great multitude heard with wonder and awe the words of God through the heaven-sent Teacher. He16did not wait for congregations to assemble. The grandest truths were spoken to single individuals. The woman at the well in Samaria heard the wonderful words, ‘Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’” — P. 337.
“While in the midst of a religious interest, some neglect the most important part of the work. They fail to visit and become acquainted with those who have shown an interest to present themselves night after night to listen to the explanation of the Scriptures. Conversation upon religious subjects, and earnest prayer with such at the right time, might balance many souls in the right direction. Ministers who neglect their duty in this respect are not true shepherds of the flock. At the very time when they should be the most active in visiting, conversing, and praying with these interested ones, some are employed in writing unnecessarily long letters to persons at a distance. O, what are we doing for the Master! When probation shall end, how many will see the opportunities they have neglected to render service to their dear Lord who died for them. And even those who were accounted most faithful will see much more that they might have done, had not their minds been diverted by worldly surroundings.” — P. 38.
Preaching not Sufficient. Personal Work of Utmost Importance.
“He preaches to the people, but makes no after effort to follow up the sermons given. He said he could not visit families, that he just despised that kind of labor.” You can imagine the condition of a flock unvisited by the shepherd. I have repeatedly had this matter presented before me, that the men who are ordained to preach the word should be educated to make full proof of their ministry in their personal labors in families, talking with the members of the family, understanding their spiritual condition, encouraging, reproving with all long-suffering and doctrine, praying with them, binding up his interest with their hearts and souls. This is the work of a faithful shepherd.
But there have been solemn duties neglected in accepting ministers to labor in word and doctrine who can only preach. They do not watch for souls as they that shall give an account. They sermonize; but the work is left undone which the sheep and lambs need to have done for them. And this half-hearted kind of work has been done all through America, and money paid to men employed, when they should have been dismissed to find work less responsible and care taking. In sending men to foreign fields, let there be great caution used. Those who have been accepted as preachers, and have not been educated to watch for souls as they that must give an account, are not the men to enter new fields as missionaries. If there is any corner of the world where churches can be built up and kept in a prosperous condition by sermonizing, while they neglect personal labor, I have yet to learn of this.18Those who are accepted to preach, and not to minister, should not go into foreign countries. Better have one thorough shepherd who will care for the flock as a faithful shepherd should, than to have twenty sermonizers who will excuse themselves, saying, “It is not in my line to visit; I cannot visit the church in their families.” Then let there not be a moment’s hesitation in telling them, “We do not propose to accept you and give you credentials. You cannot labor. But educate yourself to do a shepherd’s work, to care for the sheep and lambs, and you will not be like Ephraim, ‘a cake unturned.’ You will give full proof of your ministry.” Those who can only preach, are not missionaries, and never can be, until they learn the skill, the watchful, tender compassion of a shepherd. The flock of God have a right to expect to be visited by their pastor, to be instructed, advised, counseled, in their own homes. And if a man fails to do this part of the work, he can not be a minister after God’s order. The churches that have such labor are disorganized, weak, and sickly, and ready to die. The sermons are not vitalized by the Spirit of God, because the blessing of God will not rest upon any man who is neglecting the flock of God.
It is in the labor out of the pulpit, among families, that the richest and most valuable experience is gained, and that the minister learns how he can feed the flock of God, giving to each his portion of meat in due season. If there is a backslider, the shepherd knows how to present the truth in such a manner that the soul will be convicted. He will leave the ninety and nine, and seek the lost sheep. But if the shepherd does not visit his flock, he knows not their condition, he knows not what truths to set before them, nor what is appropriate to their case. And more than this, as the preacher manifests so little interest in the souls under his19charge, he cannot set an example to the flock to hold an interest and love and watch-care for souls. Everything is at loose ends; his work is strongly mixed with self, and is not bound off, but left to ravel out; and because of those neglects, you often hear, “I do not have success in bringing souls into the church.” The Lord cannot work for those who are unfaithful, who neglect their manifest duty, the most important part of a shepherd’s duty. Should the Lord move upon the hearts of the sinners, and they become converted, who will watch for them as one who must give an account? Who will visit them? Who will strengthen the diseased and the feeble ones? The truth, if presented to those of our faith and outsiders, should be as it is in Jesus. See with what love, tender sympathy, and perseverance he labored. “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” This spirit should be with all the laborers. Better, far better, have fewer preachers and far more earnest, humble, God-fearing workers. We are laborers together with God. Now it is highly essential that men be the right kind of laborers, for they are moulding the churches to do as the preacher does; they feel that it is the right way to have just as little interest in the prosperity of their brethren and sisters in the church as the minister has given them an example in their way of laboring. They may raise up churches; but they will always be weak, and inefficient, and unreliable. Such kind of work at such an expense will not pay.
After they have become dyed in the wool, it is not easy to transform such men. A slack, shiftless, irresponsible shepherd will lose more sheep than he will gather in. It will require more earnest labor to counteract the mould given such people organized into a church than to raise up new churches; for the members seem to have no right and just ideas of doing anything,20did not bear any responsibilities in building up a healthful, growing church. If there are good, sensible men who can speak the word of life, and then follow up their labor with personal instruction, they are needed everywhere.— Mrs. E. G. White, Melbourne, Aus., March 12, 1892.
The Need of Thoroughness and Growth of the Ministry.
While some ministers carry but little burden, and go light-loaded, others are pressed as a cart beneath sheaves, because they realize the responsibility of the work. While these are wearing, there are others who are not expanding, whose souls are not enlarged by the Spirit of God, and who are not growing at all. They are simply drifting. They do not lack capability, but they are not willing to train their ability to do the highest service for the Master. Thus some laborers are worked nearly to death, while others are weak in moral power and feeble in experience, because they do not feel the importance of growing in grace.
I have been shown that the presidents of our Conferences are not doing all their duty. They are not all becoming more and more efficient. Their experience is cheapened, and as they do not exercise their powers by taxing them, trusting in God to give them efficiency, their work is defective in every respect. The mere possession of qualifications is not enough; the ability must be diligently used.
Can nothing be devised to arouse presidents of Conferences to a sense of their obligations? Would they could see that their position of trust only increases and21intensifies their responsibility. If each president would feel the necessity of diligent improvement of his talents in devising ways and means for arousing ministers to work as they should, what a change would take place in every Conference. Do these men realize that the solemn scrutiny of every man’s work is soon to begin in heaven? When the Master went away, he gave to every man in every age and in every generation, his work; and he says to us all, “Occupy till I come.” Have ministers thought how much is comprehended in these words? Verily there may be but a step between them and death. How stands the record of sacred trusts committed for wise improvement? Misused talents, wasted hours, neglected opportunities, duties left undone, sickly churches, the flock of God not strengthened by having their portion of meat in due season.
What is to be done? Shall the president of the General Conference carry the burden of the neglects of presidents and ministers, and weep between the porch and the altar, crying, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach”? Shall he feel that he is responsible for the deep sleep, the paralysis that is upon the people of God? If he works as he has done to arouse the careless and set in order the things that others have neglected, he will become unable to labor, and will go down to an untimely grave. Will the presidents of Conferences and the ministers of the people seek the Lord earnestly, put away their sins, empty their souls of their idols? or will they continue to go on half-hearted, neglecting solemn duties, while Satan triumphs, whispering to his evil angels, and to his human confederacy in evil, “Hopeless, irredeemable bankruptcy”? Let there be no more wasted hours, neglected duties, despised privileges. Open your eyes to what is taking place around you in the signs of the times. The warnings22of God have been given; why not heed them? Do not abandon yourself to despair, but heed the words of Christ, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” When the eyesalve is applied, many will see as never before, their life of unfulfilled duties, and will be conscience-stricken. But the words of the inspired apostle present, now, just now, hope to those who have been lagging behind and now are trembling for the future. He says, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Remember all depends on the use you make henceforth of your intrusted talents. If you refuse to use your powers, they will surely become weak, and decay. God has given to every man his work.
We have been granted a long time of solemn privilege and sacred trust, and now the crisis is opening upon us,—anxious, solemn moments in our experience. As a people we have only touched the missionary work with the tip ends of our fingers. Many are unwarned, and ensnared in Satan’s devices. Apparent success in some lines of our work has led many to retreat, self-satisfied, instead of pressing the battle to the gate.
The whole church needs to be aroused and brought to their knees before God. Pride must be expelled; for it has been the cherished idol. Selfishness and ambition and self-esteem have made men to walk proudly in their own imaginings.
Great is the mercy of the Lord toward those who have departed from him. He says: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as the Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me; my repentings are kindled together.” — Mrs. E. G. White, Australia, 1892.