WOODEN, OR GOLDEN? by Alexander Clark

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 11, 1880

WOODEN, OR GOLDEN?

By Alexander Clark

SOME one asked Boniface, the martyr, whether it were lawful to give sacramental wine in a wooden cup. "Time was," said he, "when there were wooden chalices and golden priests; but now there are golden chalices and wooden priests."

The remark has as keen significance this day, as then. In that olden time there were officials in the church who attempted to gain men's confidence and devotion by outward circumstances, by pomp, and profession, and bold ado about the

altars. Yet when wooden chalices were introduced, and services were conducted in a more unpretentious way, the ministry lost none of its dignity.

This calling is not designated by any uniformity of garb, or flashy furniture. The truth of the gospel is evermore better than its comeliest apparel. Poor and simple of address, many a minister of Christ Jesus stands in a lowly place, unseen and unknown by the masses, and yet the royal insignia of Heaven is upon him, and angels move in ministries about his humble mission. The Master himself was poor. The chosen apostles wore the everyday garb of toil. A large salary, and a towering spire, do not insure success or respect for the minister. He is esteemed, if really, for his works' sake, and for the sake of the cause he represents. Good livings, do not always command good hearings and true believings. Downright piety is more than highest promotion. The cross was wooden; but the crown is gold.—Alexander Clark.