THE PREACHER'S PERSONAL PIETY.
By Baptist Record
Do NOT understand me to mean a maudlin sentimentality, or the assumed and extreme saintliness of manner and tone observed in some preachers, for each of these are evidences of either hypocrisy or weak minds. I do refer, however, to that piety which emanates from the heart which has not only been made new by the power of the Holy Spirit, but is constantly under its influence. By piety is meant "obedient love of the will of God and zealous devotion to his service." This you must seek. 1. For your own good. You are to be a leader in spiritual growth and power. It is impossible to become such a leader unless your heart shall be abundantly furnished with a strong, healthy piety. It embraces daily thoughts and actions. "He must have a good report of them which are without," applies as much to the young preacher now as it did to Timothy at the time it was written, for a frivolous and insincere preacher will never retain the respect of any community. A life above suspicion is of more consequence than learning or oratory. 2. Then you must be pious, for the good of others. It is not possible to lift the people to a moral plane which you have not reached. The minister of Jesus Christ must keep in heart touch with him, and then if he have access to the hearts of the people, he will bring them and Jesus Christ together. In preaching and pastoral work nothing gives so much force to what the preacher says and does as the consciousness on his and their part that he is a living witness of the truths he proclaims. He is such a witness because of an abiding faith in God's promises and providences and love, fervent and constant, flowing out towards Jesus Christ and the souls of men.—Baptist Record.