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at once upon the brethren for support. They are not entitled to this
until they can show good fruits of their labor. There is now danger of
injuring young preachers, and those who have but little experience, by
flattery, and by relieving them of burdens in life. When not preaching
they should be doing what they can for their own support. This is the
best way to test the nature of their call to preach. If they desire to
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preach only that they may be supported as ministers, and the church
pursue a judicious course, they will soon lose the burden and leave
preaching for more profitable business. Paul, a most eloquent preacher,
miraculously converted of God to do a special work, was not above
labor. He says: “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and
thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling
place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we
bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.”
1 Corinthians 4:11, 12
. “Neither
did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and
travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:8
.
I have been shown that many do not rightly estimate the talents
which are among them. Some brethren do not understand what preach-
ing talent would be the best for the advancement of the cause of truth,
but think only of the present gratification of their feelings. Without
reflection they will show preference for a speaker who manifests con-
siderable zeal in his preaching and relates anecdotes which please the
ear and animate the mind for a moment, but leave no lasting impres-
sion. At the same time they will put a low estimate upon a preacher
who has prayerfully studied that he may present before the people the
arguments of our position in a calm manner and in a connected form.
His labor is not appreciated, and he is often treated with indifference.
A man may preach in a spirited manner and please the ear, but
convey no new idea or real intelligence to the mind. The impressions
received through such preaching last no longer than while the speaker’s
voice is heard. When search is made for the fruit of such labor, there
is little to be found. These flashy gifts are not as beneficial, and well
calculated to advance the cause of truth, as a gift that can be trusted in
hard, difficult places. In the work of teaching the truth it is necessary
that the important points of our position be well fortified with Scripture
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evidences. Assertions may silence the unbeliever, but will not convince