A STIMULATING EXAMPLE

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 3, 1880

A STIMULATING EXAMPLE.

The Evangelist tells a story of a young minister in whom the true spirit of his calling is evidently present. He went from a Congregational seminary to a Missouri town about five years ago. His church was the feeblest one in the place, and soon men said “No Congregational element in this town.” He created one. His salary was about $700. Through many discouragements he remained at his post, never once complaining or “craning” his neck for a rich church, a larger field, or more conspicuous position. At last he began to get influence, and to use it aright. He had a call to a stronger church at $1,500 salary. He quietly refused. Then a call came from a great church east of the Alleghanies with an offer of $5,000 salary and moving expenses. None of these things stirred him. He never even told of it in his parish. The call was repeated. He said: “No, my work is here till God shuts the door.” And a goodly inheritance is his to-day. His salary is still less than $800. But he has influence over all the churches in his place greater than any other man in that section.