Dangers and Duty of Ministers
111
be more pleasing to God, while in their weak, tottering condition, for
them to cease their efforts to help others, and labor with their hands
until they are converted. Then could they strengthen their brethren.
Ministers must arouse. They profess to be generals in the army
of the great King, and at the same time are sympathizers with the
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 to their deadliest foes their weakest
points! How unlike the course pursued by Luther. He was willing to
sacrifice his life, 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?”
I was shown that God was not dependent upon any man for the
advancement of his cause. He is raising up and qualifying men to
bear the message to souls. He can make his strength perfect in the
weakness of men. The power is of God. Ready speech, eloquence, and
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
[126]
giveth the increase. The power is of God, and godly men, faithful,
holy men, who carry out that which they preach in their every day life,
will exert a saving influence. A powerful discourse may be delivered
from the desk, which 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 every time, 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 very much upon his deportment out of the desk. When they
cease preaching, and leave the desk, their work is not finished. It is