Carefulness in Manners and Dress
The minister must remember that favorable or unfavorable impres-
sions are made upon his hearers by his deportment in the pulpit, his
attitude, his manner of speaking, his dress. He should cultivate cour-
tesy and refinement of manner, and should carry himself with a quiet
dignity becoming to his high calling. Solemnity and a certain godly
authority mingled with meekness, should characterize his demeanor.
Coarseness and rudeness are not to be tolerated in the common walks
of life, much less should they be permitted in the work of the ministry.
The minister’s attitude should be in harmony with the holy truths he
proclaims. His words should be in every respect earnest and well
chosen.
Ministers have no license to behave in the desk like theatrical per-
formers, assuming attitudes and making expressions merely for effect.
They are not actors, but teachers of truth. Undignified, boisterous
actions lend no force to the truth uttered; on the contrary, they disgust
men and women of calm judgment and right views.
The minister who has learned of Christ will ever be conscious
that he is a messenger of God, commissioned by Him to do a work
the influence of which is to endure throughout eternity. It should not
be any part of his object to call attention to himself, his learning, or
his ability. His whole aim should be to bring sinners to repentance,
pointing them, by both precept and example, to the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sin of the world. He should speak as one conscious of
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possessing power and authority from God. His discourses should have
an earnestness, a fervor, a power of persuasion, that will lead sinners
to take refuge in Christ.
Carefulness in dress is an important consideration. The minister
should be clothed in a manner befitting the dignity of his position.
Some ministers have failed in this respect. In some cases not only has
there been a lack of taste and of orderly arrangement in the dress, but
the clothing has been untidy and slovenly.
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