A Sign of the Times by E. A. Stillman

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 23, 1871

A Sign of the Times.

By E. A. Stillman

“WANTED, A PASTOR.

“He must be irreproachable in his dress, without being an exquisite; married, but without children; young, but with great experience; learned, but not dull; eloquent in prayer, without being colloquial or stilted; reverential, but not conventional; neither old nor common-place; a brilliant preacher, but not sensational; know every one, but have no favorites; settle all disputes, engage in none; be familiar with the children, but always dignified; be a careful writer, a good extempore speaker, and an assiduous and diligent pastor. Such a person, to whom salary is less an object than a ‘field of usefulness,’ may hear of an advantageous opening by addressing, etc.”

The above article, taken from “Pastor and People” of March, 1871, and there copied from the “Riverside Echo,” clearly indicates to my mind that we have fully entered upon the “time” spoken of by the inspired apostle, “when they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” For a pastor or minister of God to comply with certain requirements from the people simply to please the ears, as the above article seems to imply, is not only an erroneous idea, but really detrimental to the cause of true religion, and sinful. A minister must have to look about him pretty often to see if he is really learned, and a brilliant preacher, and to become such, what is requisite? Is it not to become just what the prophecy above quoted says, “having itching ears”?

It seems to me this is a fair conclusion, and one which every one would admit. And if so, let us turn to the prophecy again and read: “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Now, what are the indications which arise from comparing the above advertisement with the Scriptures of divine truth? I think they are such as warrant us in the belief that we are living in what holy writ describes as “perilous times,” because the above shows plainly that men are lovers of themselves more than lovers of God, having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.

And the Scripture injunction to the followers of Jesus when they behold such things is, “From such turn away.” 2 Tim. 3: 5. Truly, if there ever was a time since the foundation of the world that looked perilous, it is now. People and pastors running riot in everything but the cause of Christ, and teaching everything but the pure doctrines of Christ. And yet how often are Adventists sneered and jeered at, because they make these doctrines prominent in their preaching.

To this, I would simply quote the language of the apostle again to Timothy: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Tim. 4: 15, 16.

E. A. STILLMAN.

Westerly, R. I., May 14, 1871.