The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-06-23
The Call for Pulpit Strength.


"They want a giant for their minister" :"
Not long since l received letter from a
Christian brother, in which this sentence
was used, concerning church that had no
pastor. We read of little giants, but do
not learn that they are, or ever have been,
peculiarly fitted for the Chistian ministry
because they were giants. 1t is true that a
good physical development, strong consti-
tuition and sound health, are quite impor-
tant for the minister; but they are not yet
considered indispensable. 1t was not in this
sense, that the phrase was used. Webster
was, as it used to be said, ga man of giant
intellect" but | suppose that no one ever
thought that that fitted him to preach Christ
to the people. His natural and acquired
mental power was not a sufficient qualifca-
ton for so high and holy calling. Some
men are masters of oratory and rhetoric;
they have great power over congregation
whenever they speak, and may be called
gaints in oratory, but it is certain that they
would not be "giants in the pulpit" If
the excellence Of the power be of God and
not of man, these desirable qualifications
are not all that is essential to ministerial
success. Perhaps all that was intended by
the description at the head of this article,
might be expressed in the shorter phrase,
ga smart young man"
This term "smart' is very ambiguous
one; for what one would call smart another
would think extremely weak and puerile,
so different are the judgments and tastes Of
mankind. What is desired by many, is a
minister that unites every qualification for
the ministry in its highest degree. He must
be deep and profound thinker, close rea-
soner, an eloquent and fluent speaker, a
good singer, and remarkable for his social
qualities. With such minister, they ex
pect to see great things done for God and
his Church.
Now if any church is looking for such a
minister and waiting to find him, they may
have to wait long time, and die OitAOu1
the sight. Such men are like "ike angels
visits, few and far between" All the quail
iGcations above named are of great value to
the minister, but few possess them all in an
eminent degree. Deep thinkers are not al
ways eloquent speakers; fluent speakers are
not always close reasoners, and men of deer
thought are not always social and easy il
conversation. Some are great in one re
spect some in another, and few if any, r
all. These qualifications would make q
pleasing and popular minister, of whom
many would be proud; but he might have
but few souls as seals of his ministry. HI
that combines the most of these qualifca
tions in fair proportions is better prepared
for the manifold cares and labors of the
Christian pastor than he who is remark
able in one respect and really deficient ii
others. Every minister should know him
self, and cultivate and strive to improve
those gifts and graces in which he is mos
deficient. Churches should not seek for &
"giant' in all or in any one of the depart
ments of ministerial labor, but for one whose
powers are evenly balanced and fairly de
veloped.
But there is an element in pulpit great
ness above all that have mentioned, tina
is open to all; this is deep conviction o
the truth which the minister is sent tc pro
claim, clear view of the terrible conse
quences of sin, and an overwhelming sens
of the goodness of God in providing, a
such cost, Saviour "mighty to save,
even "to the uttermost all that come unit
God by him." This will make him eloquent
This will clothe his words with power Thi
will enable him to speak to the heart ant
reach the heart. This can only be enjoye
by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in
heart fully consecrated to God. Such
minister, if not giant in the pulpit" wit
an appreciative and cooperating church, vii
be successful and useful minister Tn
church will prosper, and souls be gathere