How does this hero of faith tower above the self-indulgent, ease-loving men who are today crowding the ranks of the ministry. When subjected to the ordinary difficulties and trials of life, many feel that their lot is hard. But what have they done or suffered for the cause of Christ? How does their record appear when compared with that of this great apostle? What burden of soul have they felt for the salvation of sinners? They know little of self-denial or sacrifice. They are indebted to the grace of Christ for all the excellences of character which they possess, for every blessing which they enjoy. All that they are, and all that they have, is the purchase of the blood of Christ. As the servants of Christ encounter opposition and persecution, they should not permit their faith to grow dim or their courage to fail. With Christ as a helper, they can resist every foe, and overcome every difficulty. The same obligation rests upon them which impelled the apostle to his unwearied labors. Only those who emulate his fidelity, will share with him the crown of life. {LP 148.3}

Hvordan hæver denne troshelt sig over de vellevende, og magelige mennesker som i dag fylder forkynderarbejdets rækker. Når man kommer ud for livets almindelige vanskeligheder og prøvelser, føler mange at deres lod er vanskelig. Men hvad har de gjort eller lidt for Kristi sag? Hvordan ser deres optegnelse ud, når den sammenlignes med denne store apostel? Hvilken sjælsbyrde har de følt for synderes frelse? De kender kun lidt til selvfornægtelse eller opofrelse. Den samme forpligtelse påhviler dem, som forpligtede apostlen til hans uforfærdede arbejde. Kun dem som kappes om hans trofasthed, vil dele livets krone med ham.