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The Retirement Years
Precious time has been occupied by those who did not themselves
know the true message for this time. Pioneers in the cause—men who
had the bread of life to give to the people, men whose hearts and minds
were filled with the vital truths needed by the hundreds and thousands
of people assembled—have sat and listened to young preachers who
could not do justice to the occasion. Not even half work was done in
the presentation of the gospel message.”
I am now called upon to present a similar message to our churches.
Our aged ministering brethren are not to be over-taxed, but when they
are at any of our churches, those in the church should remember that
it is always courteous to ask them to speak. It is only showing these
brethren the respect due them to say, “Brethren, you are older in the
faith than we are. Have you not the word of the Lord for us at this
time?”
The time of these workers is precious. They have words to speak
that the people need. When they come among you, give them all the
time that they can possibly fill. Make arrangements that will enable
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you to obtain all the help possible from them during their stay.
At our camp meetings, when large congregations assemble, the
time given to public speaking should be occupied, as far as possible, by
old, experienced workers, who have the word of the gospel to present.
Do not place before the large congregation a young man who has not
been proved. He may do his best, but his words will not have the
weight of the words of men of gray hairs, who have been long in active
service, and who, understanding the deep things of God, can present
them with clearness and power.
It would be doing a young man a great wrong to place him before
a large congregation before he had been proved. It would not leave the
best impression on the minds of the hearers.
In our camp meetings call to the front men of long experience and
of the very best talent—men who can impress hearts by bringing forth
clearly the strong reasons of our faith; men who obey the words, “Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith
ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God.”