Dangers and Duty of Ministers
357
great rebel leader and his host. Some have exposed the cause of God,
and the sacred truths of His word, to the reproaches of the rebel host.
They have removed a portion of their armor, and Satan has hurled in
his poisoned arrows. They have strengthened the hands of the rebel
leaders, and weakened themselves, and caused Satan and his hellish
clan to rear their heads in triumph, and exult on account of the victory
they have let him gain. Oh, what a lack of wisdom! What blindness!
What foolish generalship, to open their weakest points to their deadliest
foes! How unlike the course pursued by Luther! He was willing to
[380]
sacrifice his life, if need be, but the truth, never. His words are: “Let
us only take care that the gospel be not exposed to the insults of the
ungodly, and let us shed our blood in its defense, rather than allow
them to triumph. Who will say whether my life or my death would
contribute most to the salvation of my brethren?”
God is not dependent upon any man for the advancement of His
cause. He is raising up and qualifying men to bear the message to
the world. He can make His strength perfect in the weakness of men.
The power is of God. Ready speech, eloquence, great talents, will
not convert a single soul. The efforts in the pulpit may stir up minds,
the plain arguments may be convincing, but God giveth the increase.
Godly men, faithful, holy men, who carry out in their everyday life that
which they preach, will exert a saving influence. A powerful discourse
delivered from the desk may affect minds; but a little imprudence upon
the part of the minister out of the pulpit, a lack of gravity of speech
and true godliness, will counteract his influence, and do away the good
impressions made by him. The converts will be his; in many instances
they will seek to rise no higher than their preacher. There will be in
them no thorough heart work. They are not converted to God. The
work is superficial, and their influence will be an injury to those who
are really seeking the Lord.
The success of a minister depends much upon his deportment out
of the desk. When he ceases preaching and leaves the desk, his work is
not finished; it is only commenced. He must then carry out what he has
preached. He should not move heedlessly, but set a watch over himself,
lest something that he may do and say be taken advantage of by the
enemy, and a reproach be brought upon the cause of Christ. Ministers
cannot be too guarded, especially before the young. They should use
no lightness of speech, jesting or joking, but should remember that
[381]