The Social Relations
The usefulness of young ministers, married or unmarried, is often
destroyed by the attachment shown to them by young women. Such
women do not realize that other eyes are upon them, and that the course
pursued by them may have a tendency to injure the influence of the
minister to whom they give so much attention. If they would strictly
regard the rules of propriety, it would be much better for them and
much better for the minister. Their failure to do this places him in a
disagreeable position, and causes others to look upon him in a wrong
light.
But the burden of this matter rests upon the ministers themselves.
They should show a distaste for such attention; and if they take the
course which God would have them, they will not long be troubled.
They should shun every appearance of evil; and when young women
are very sociable, it is the ministers’ duty to let them know that this is
not pleasing. They must repulse forwardness, even if they are thought
to be rude, in order to save the cause from reproach. Young women
who have been converted to the truth and to God, will listen to reproof,
and will be reformed.
* * * * *
Jesting, joking, and worldly conversation belong to the world.
Christians who have the peace of God in their hearts, will be cheerful
and happy without indulging in lightness or frivolity. While watching
unto prayer, they will have a serenity and peace which will elevate
them above all superfluities.
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The mystery of godliness, opened to the mind of the minister of
Christ, will raise him above earthly and sensual enjoyments. He will
be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that
is in the world through lust. The communion opened between God
and his soul will make him fruitful in the knowledge of God’s will,
and open before him treasures of practical subjects that he can present
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