MEASURING THE MINISTER.
By A. Sloane
Not long since a circumstance occurred forcibly illustrating the fact that we do not always realize how closely we are watched, nor the strength of our influence over those with whom we associate. Preliminary steps had been taken to secure the pastoral labors of a certain revivalist for the benefit of one of the churches in a flourishing village. As the time drew near for him to enter upon his new charge, he wrote to the committee wishing to be excused. Unwilling to comply with the request, and wishing to know more than could be learned by letter, of the minister's ability, his style of preaching, and his spirituality, one of the committee drove into another county where the revivalist was reported to be having great success in winning souls to Christ. Two evenings and one day the watchful eye of the examining committee was upon the unconscious preacher. Here he measured the man. He weighed the moral worth of one engaged in the most solemn calling. He tested his spirituality. He was satisfied. Returning to his home he wrote to the preacher that the committee had concluded to release him. Though this minister furnished the reasons for this decision he may never know what they were. So we may never know why some around us do not receive the truths we profess to love, and yet we may furnish the very reasons ourselves. Solemn fact, if indeed so! And more solemn by far to meet in the Judgment. God has committed to our charge truths more precious than all earthly treasures. Honored and obeyed, they secure to us a crown of life. Refused and rejected, we bring upon ourselves the displeasure of the Lord and utter destruction. The choice we make, and the course we pursue with reference to the religion of Jesus, may have a greater influence upon others than we are aware. We are all creatures of influence. If we honor our profession with lives of holiness and devotion to God we may win souls to Christ. If we dishonor our profession by a violation of the very principles we indorse and profess to love, men may overlook them, however true and valuable, and seeing our inconsistencies turn from the truth in disgust. Before me lies a communication from one whose heart is burdened and sad. Through some well-directed and kindly-continued efforts, a young man seemed about ready to commit himself on the truths of the third angel's message. He began to see reasons why the Sabbath of the fourth commandment should be kept. His heart was tender and he was inclining toward the remnant church. But unfortunately at this time he witnessed such marked inconsistencies in the course of one who professed to keep the Sabbath that he turned away, perhaps to be reached no more. Speaking of the excitement he witnessed and the language he heard, even violating the third commandment, he said, “My religion would not allow me to fly into such a passion, nor use such language to my beasts, therefore I conclude my religion is better than his.” Dear reader, the voice of inspiration speaks to us, saying: “Thou, therefore, teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that teachest that a man should not steal, dost thou steal? thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God?” Shall we, like the Jew, become guilty before God of a violation of a part of that law which is holy, and just, and good, while we respect and hallow another part? One token of respect for God's law is obedience to the Sabbath commandment. But this is not enough. We believe and teach that Bible conversion is necessary to salvation. The heart must be renewed by divine grace; be cleansed from sin, be washed in the blood of Christ, or delusive is the hope of eternal life. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.” “Without me ye can do nothing.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.”—A. SLOANE, in SIGNS OF THE TIMES.