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Christian Service
is branded with shame, and handed down as a warning to all future
generations.
In every religious movement there are some who, while they cannot
deny that it is the work of God, will keep themselves aloof, refusing
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to make any effort to advance it. But in enterprises to promote their
selfish interests, these men are often the most active and energetic
workers. It were well to remember that record kept on high, the book
of God, in which all our motives and our works are written,—that book
in which there are no omissions, no mistakes, and out of which we are
to be judged. There every neglected opportunity to do service for God
will be faithfully reported, and every deed of faith and love, however
humble, will be held in everlasting remembrance.—
The Southern
Watchman, April 5, 1904
.
The Call for Modern Nehemiahs
There is need of Nehemiahs in the church today,—not men who can
pray and preach only, but men whose prayers and sermons are braced
with firm and eager purpose. The course pursued by this Hebrew
patriot in the accomplishment of his plans is one that should still be
adopted by ministers and leading men. When they have laid their
plans, they should present them to the church in such a manner as
to win their interest and co-operation. Let the people understand the
plans and share in the work, and they will have a personal interest in
its prosperity. The success attending Nehemiah’s efforts shows what
prayer, faith, and wise, energetic action will accomplish. Living faith
will prompt to energetic action. The spirit manifested by the leader will
be, to a great extent, reflected by the people. If the leaders professing
to believe the solemn, important truths that are to test the world at
this time, manifest no ardent zeal to prepare a people to stand in the
day of God, we must expect the church to be careless, indolent, and
pleasure-loving.—
The Southern Watchman, March 29, 1904
.
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