Defective Methods
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There are in the ministry men who gain apparent success by sway-
ing minds through human influence. They play upon the feelings at
will, making their hearers weep, and in a few minutes laugh. Under
labor of this kind, many are moved by impulse to profess Christ, and
there is thought to be a wonderful revival; but when the test comes,
the work does not endure. Feelings are stirred, and many are borne
along by the tide that seems to be setting heavenward; but in the strong
current of temptation they quickly float back as driftwood. The laborer
is self-deceived, and he misleads his hearers.
* * * * *
Ministers should be guarded, lest they thwart the purposes of God
by plans of their own. Many are in danger of narrowing down the
work of God, and confining their labor to certain localities, and not
cultivating a special interest for the cause in all its various departments.
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There are some who concentrate their minds upon one subject, to
the exclusion of others which may be of equal importance. They are
one-idea men. All the strength of their being is concentrated upon the
subject on which the mind is exercised for the time. This one favorite
theme is the burden of their thoughts and conversation. Every other
consideration is lost sight of. All the evidence that has a bearing upon
that subject is eagerly appropriated, and dwelt upon at so great length
that minds are wearied in following them.
* * * * *
Some ministers make the mistake of supposing that success de-
pends on drawing a large congregation by outward display, and then
delivering the message of truth in a theatrical style. But this is using
common fire instead of the sacred fire of God’s kindling. The Lord
is not glorified by this manner of working. Not by startling notices
and expensive display is His work to be carried to completion, but by
following Christlike methods. “Not by might, nor by power, but by
My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” [
Zechariah 4:6
.] It is the naked
truth which, like a sharp, two-edged sword, cuts both ways, arousing
to spiritual life those who are dead in trespasses and sins. Men will
recognize the gospel when it is brought to them in a way that is in
harmony with God’s purposes.
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