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A Commendable Example

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 21, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 34.

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A Commendable Example

By F. D. Starr

IN the valuable instruction to ministers that has appeared in the columns of the REVIEW, reference has several times been made to the writings of Bishop Matthew Simpson. It was once my privilege to listen to that noted man, and some quite lasting impressions were made on my mind. I had already read his book on "Preaching," and consequently was quite desirous of hearing him, as I had received much benefit from reading his printed lectures.
An opportunity of this kind was afforded me in 1882, two years before Mr. Simpson's death. It was at the occasion of a great meeting at one of the leading theological colleges of the country, in the interest of education. Hundreds of clergymen were present. Bishop Simpson and Bishop Merrill were the prominent speakers. During a business session, there seemed to be a great rivalry among the many eloquent and witty orators to see who could say the smartest thing, exciting much laughter. Some of the retorts were so mirth-provoking as to compel nearly every one to join the universal outbursts of hilarity and glee. But Bishop Simpson, seated with others upon the rostrum, maintained his calm dignity without the slightest appearance of emotion, not even a smile appearing upon his countenance, entirely unaffected by the prevailing waves of laughter that filled the house. Even Bishop Merrill could not refrain from showing that his sense of humor was touched, though it was very evident he tried to do so. Bishop Simpson evidently did not consider it in keeping with the high calling of so many men,
chosen to minister in sacred things, to vie with one another in showing who was the sharpest joker, and so took no part whatever in this clerical pastime.
He was one of the most pleasant-appearing persons I ever met, with no semblance of a frown or haughty bearing, and yet a demeanor as far removed from the comical as from the sad or morose attitude. His look seemed to be a blending of dignity, kindness, and joy. His example showed that a person does not need to be a hilarious joker in order to be happy or to make those around him happy.
When, at some gatherings of Christian workers who have a more solemn message to bear than even the celebrated bishop had, I have seen the tendency, in some degree at least, to drift into the humorous channel that that great convention of thirty years ago was taking. I have thought of the silent rebuke administered by the exemplary attitude of that eminent preacher, and have felt that we might all take a lesson from his example.
"Things that are wrong often transpire in the sacred desk. One minister conversing with another in the desk before the congregation, laughing and appearing to have no burden of the work, or lacking a solemn sense of their sacred calling, dishonors the truth, and brings the sacred down upon the low level of common things."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. II, page 612. "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity." Titus 2:6, 7.
Forest, Idaho.