Choosing a Minister---A Legend of Olden Time.
In one of the cities of Asia during the first century, a company of disciples had met together to choose a minister. We need, said A., located as our church is, in the very heart of a city given to idolatry, a man not only distinguished for talents and attainments, but also for eloquence; I would therefore nominate Apollos, who is “an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures.” Apollos is undoubtedly eloquent, said B., and a good Biblical scholar, but we want a bold, energetic man, who will grapple with the giant evils of our day, and fearlessly “fight the good fight of faith.” Such a one is Cephas, whose very name suggests a firmness and strength. He is also ardent and zealous, and will “stir up our pure mind by way of remembrance.” We live among men of great learning and classical attainments, said D., and I would ask whether Cephas is sufficiently scholarly to meet the arguments and sophistries of men distinguished as philosophers and critics? If you want a highly educated man, said E., select Paul. His scholarship is undoubted, and his learning and his attainments will secure a prominent position among our most distinguished men. Besides, he has a wonderful power of attraction. Why, the Galatians loved him with such intense devotion that if it “had been possible they would have plucked out their own eyes, and given them unto him.” If Paul is such a great man, said F., it is a pity that he has not a juster appreciation of his abilities. He said himself when at Corinth, that he came among them “in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling.” Paul’s peculiar talent, said G., seems to consist in writing well. His letters are weighty and powerful “but,” and here the speaker’s manner was sarcastic, “his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” This attack upon Paul irritated his friends, and angry words might have followed had not H., a pale, sad looking man, commenced speaking. Brethren, said he, if our Master had seen fit to afflict you with the terrible evils that have befallen me, you would see the need of a minister who can “bind up the broken-hearted.” Such a one is Barnabas, who is eminently “a son of consolation.” Let him be our minister. Barnabas, said K., is a lovely Christian, and well qualified to comfort the afflicted, but I doubt whether in other respects he is equal to any of the candidates already named. I came here as a listener, said L., but you will allow me to make one remark. It seems to me that you expect every possible perfection to cluster around your chosen candidate. Can such a man be found? I think I have such a one in view, said M. It is not necessary for me to name him; enough for me to say he is “the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.” As they were about to discuss the merits of the nameless candidate a gentle knock was heard, and to the surprise of all Paul himself entered. My brethren, said Paul, you know that for a time I have had “the care of all the churches,” and I find that our Master has not given to any one minister every diversity of spiritual gift, but has distributed his gifts as he saw necessary for “the edifying of the body of Christ.” You will not, therefore, find perfection; but having chosen a minister, receive him as from the Lord, and “esteem him very highly in love for his work’s sake.” Like Epaphras, “labor fervently for him in your prayers, that he may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Pursue this course, and you will no longer say, “I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas,” but, we are all of Christ. The name of the successful candidate is not recorded, but the legend states that Paul’s advice was followed, and the church became eminently prosperous.—Cleveland Herald.