Piety First

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 9, 1866

Piety First.— The most eloquent and powerful preaching will fail to convert souls unless it is accompanied by Divine influence; and for this, God will be inquired of. Hence, the successful preacher will be often at the throne of grace; and those who wish to be blessed through their minister will not merely seek for a “smart man,” but likewise a man of prayer. When Rev. Dr. Griffin was once asked relative to a candidate for the ministry, he remarked, “He is a man of talent, and a good speaker; but I have my doubts whether he will pray down the Holy Spirit while he preaches.”