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dispirited and divided countrymen.—
The Southern Watchman, March
22, 1904
.
Although Nehemiah bore a royal commission requiring the inhabi-
tants to co-operate with him in rebuilding the walls of the city, he chose
not to depend upon the mere exercise of authority. He sought rather to
gain the confidence and sympathy of the people, well knowing that a
union of hearts as well as hands was essential to success in the great
work which he had undertaken.
When he called the people together on the morrow, he presented
such arguments as were calculated to arouse their dormant energies
and to unite their scattered numbers.... And having laid the matter
fully before them, showing that he was sustained by the combined
authority of the Persian king and the God of Israel, Nehemiah put to
the people directly the question whether they would take advantage of
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this favorable occasion, and arise with him and build the wall. This
appeal went straight to their hearts; the manifestation of the favor of
Heaven toward them put their fears to shame. With new courage they
cried out with one voice, “Let us rise up and build.”—
The Southern
Watchman, March 29, 1904
.
The holy energy and high hope of Nehemiah were communicated
to the people. As they caught the spirit, they rose for a time to the
moral level of their leader. Each, in his own sphere, was a sort of
Nehemiah; and each strengthened and upheld his brother in the work.—
The Southern Watchman, March 29, 1904
.
The Priests of Israel Among the First to Respond—Among the first
to catch Nehemiah’s spirit of zeal and earnestness were the priests of
Israel. From the position of influence which they occupied, these men
could do much to hinder or advance the work. Their ready co-operation
at the very outset contributed not a little to its success. Thus should it
be in every holy enterprise. Those who occupy positions of influence
and responsibility in the church, should be foremost in the work of God.
If they move reluctantly, others will not move at all. But “their zeal
will provoke very many.” When their light burns brightly, a thousand
torches will be kindled at the flame.—
The Southern Watchman, April
5, 1904
.
Nehemiah as an Organizer—The people in general were animated
with one heart and one soul of patriotism and cheerful activity. Men
of ability and influence organized the various classes of citizens into