PECULIAR PEOPLE by N. Y. Evangelist

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 2, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 34.

"PECULIAR PEOPLE."

By N. Y. Evangelist

WHAT every church needs to make it a spiritual power in this world, is at least a reasonably large proportion of members who are scripturally "peculiar," because they are always "zealous of good works." With these it can carry to the end of the earthly route those who insist upon an easy and quiet passage because they have paid their fare, and the other do-nothings who insist upon being "dead-headed."

But besides these, nearly every church is afflicted with numbers who are "peculiar" in very different and very disagreeable directions. They are peculiar by their constant and unsolicited advice to the pastor as to how he shall do his work and manage his family affairs. They are peculiar in the prayer-meetings, where, while their silence would be always heartily enjoyed, they are sure to talk or pray in a manner which gives an impression that an iceberg has in some way floated in through the door. Their talks are about the shortcomings of other people, and the sad lack of spirituality in the church; and when they pray, or rather profess to pray, they always throw such criminating talks into the form of a prayer, being careful not to hit themselves.

Many pastors have a firm conviction that a mysterious dispensation of providence has sent into their respective churches all the peculiarly zealous people that can be found within twenty miles of them. While they are not light afflictions, they should be borne patiently, and be made, as far as possible, a means of grace.—N. Y. Evangelist.