A Model Leader by Theodore Ledyard Cuyler

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 11, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 35.

A Model Leader.

By Theodore Ledyard Cuyler

TWENTY-THREE centuries ago a sagacious leader of God's people—and a model for all ministers—came to Jerusalem and made a thorough exploration of his field of labor. He mounted his mule and made a reconnaissance of the ruined city of his fathers, and found "its walls broken down and the gates thereof consumed with fire." Nehemiah was an Oliver Cromwell in rugged prowess, and a John Wesley in organizing capacity. He summons the rulers, priests, and men of influence, points out to them the desolations, and then sounds out his trumpet appeal, "Let us build up the walls!" The people echo the appeal with a prompt, "Amen," and strengthen their hands for the sacred enterprise. Nehemiah's plan of action was a very simple, but a very thorough one; it was the subdivision of labor, and it embodied also the admirable idea that, in order to make the work complete, certain citizens should repair the ruins that laid nearest to their own residences. "Every one over against his own house," was the principle adopted by the new Puritan governor. Here is the key-note to spiritual success in our churches. That there is a crying need of spiritual upbuilding in every congregation and community goes without saying. Even the most effective churches have plenty of backsliders and unconverted sinners among the Sunday attendants, as well as no small degree of moral wastes to be repaired on every side. To recognize the need of upbuilding is the first essential, we admit. No pastor, no church, will be "worth a bawbee" to the Lord's cause this year who are entirely satisfied with themselves. On the other hand, scolding in the pulpit, and a certain style of groaning and grumbling in the prayer-meeting, will come to less than nothing. Nehemiah would soon silence such croakings and censoriousness. Genuine contrition and genuine concern for the Lord's work are indispensable, but they do not waste themselves in "railing accusations."—Cuyler.