Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers—No. 6

Danger of Undue Personal Responsibilities

Prussia,

1886

In another letter I have spoken in reference to your accumulating so many responsibilities in -----, when there is so little managing talent that is consecrated to the work of God to take care of these interests. I have spoken in disapproval of the enlargement of the -----, on the ground that so large a share of its responsibilities are resting upon one man. Dr. ----- has to be both physician and manager. Now, my brother, these things are not as God would have them. He is not pleased that so much means should be invested in one locality. Other men should be educated to share in the responsibility that Dr. ----- is burdened with, in order that if he fails, another will be prepared to carry the institution forward. We feel to thank God that Dr. ----- has the good health that he has; but he may not always have it, and the fact that he has it now, is no reason why our people should sleep till the last moment. They should manage this matter wisely. Great interests are at stake, and unless Dr. ----- has less responsibilities, he will not be able to stand the pressure for a great while. SpTA06 66.1

There is great need that some one should also stand at the side of Brother -----, in order to share the responsibility that he carries, so that if he should fail, another could go forward with the work without a disagreeable break. If he were relieved of some of his burdens, he would last longer. He should not have such great cares and heavy burdens to carry, and should not be obliged to work when he needs rest. The children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. Jesus said this, and we see that the world works on a different plan in these matters. Weighty responsibilities connected with the business of the world, are not placed wholly upon one man. In large business enterprises, responsible men choose others to share their burdens, and lift their responsibilities, so that in case one should fail, there is some one ready to step into his place. Some one should feel a burden over these matters, and a decided change should take place in the manner of our work. SpTA06 66.2

Mrs. E. G. White