Cause in Iowa
403
“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” The sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God, pierces the heart of the sinner and
cuts it in pieces. When the theory of the truth is repeated without its
sacred influence being felt upon the soul of the speaker, it has no force
upon the hearers, but is rejected as error, the speaker making himself
responsible for the loss of souls. We must be sure that our ministers
are converted men, humble, meek, and lowly of heart.
[442]
There must be a decided change in the ministry. A more critical
examination is necessary in respect to the qualifications of a minister.
Moses was directed of God to obtain an experience in care-taking, in
thoughtfulness, in tender solicitude for his flock, that he might, as a
faithful shepherd, be ready when God should call him to take charge
of His people. A similar experience is essential for those who engage
in the great work of preaching the truth. In order to lead souls to
the life-giving fountain, the preacher must first drink at the fountain
himself. He must see the infinite sacrifice made by the Son of God to
save fallen men, and his own soul must be imbued with the spirit of
undying love. If God appoints us hard labor to perform, we must do it
without a murmur. If the path is difficult and dangerous, it is God’s
plan to have us follow in meekness and cry unto Him for strength. A
lesson is to be learned from the experience of some of our ministers
who have known nothing comparatively of difficulties and trials, yet
ever look upon themselves as martyrs. They have yet to learn to accept
with thankfulness the way of God’s choosing, remembering the Author
of our salvation. The work of the minister should be pursued with an
earnestness, energy, and zeal as much greater than that put forth in
business transactions as the labor is more sacred and the result more
momentous. Each day’s work should tell in the eternal records as
“well done;” so that if no other day should be granted in which to
labor, the work would be thoroughly finished. Our ministers, young
men especially, should realize the preparation necessary to fit them for
their solemn work and to prepare them for the society of pure angels.
In order to be at home in heaven, we must have heaven enshrined in
our hearts here. If this is not the case with us, it were better that we
had no part in the work of God.
The ministry is corrupted by unsanctified ministers. Unless there
shall be altogether a higher and more spiritual standard for the ministry,
the truth of the gospel will become more and more powerless. The