The best efforts of the meekest man upon the earth could not quell their insubordination. The unselfish interest of Moses was rewarded with jealousy, suspicion, and calumny. His humble shepherd’s life was far more peaceful and happy than his present position as pastor of that vast congregation of turbulent spirits. Their unreasonable jealousies were more difficult to manage than the fierce wolves of the wilderness. But Moses dared not choose his own course and do as best pleased himself. He had left the shepherd’s crook at God’s command and in its place had received a rod of power. He dared not lay down this scepter and resign his position till God should dismiss him. {3T 342.2}

Jordens sagtmodigste mands bedste anstrengelser kunne ikke undertrykke deres lydighedsnægtelse. Moses uselviske interesser blev belønnet med skinsyge, mistænksomhed og bagvaskelse. Hans ydmyge hyrdeliv var langt mere fredfuld og lykkeligt end hans nuværende stilling som ældre for denne umådelige oprørte menighed. Deres ufornuftige skinsyge var sværere at lede end ørkenes glubske ulve. (343) Men Moses vovede ikke at vælge sin egen vej og gøre som det bedst behagede ham. Hen havde forladt hyrdestaven på Guds befaling og i stedet havde fået magtens stav. Han vovede ikke at lægge sit scepter ned og træde tilbage før Gud afskedigede ham.