The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-12-27
NOBODY NOTICED ME y

1t may be set down as law of human
nature that everybody likes personal atten-
tions. If the poor, the unfortunate, and the
neglected appreciate them the most, yet the
rich and the prosperous relish them likewise.
No one ever climbs so high that he is above
being gsatiied by word or act Of kindness
The most grateful note we ever received in
reply to complimentary tribute, came to US
from one of the most eminent ministers in
America. No one, either, can possibly sink
so low that he does not feel the better for q
friendly word or cordial hand grasp.
In our churches we do not make enough
of what may be called the gospel Of the hand
grip. And by this neglect the church often
palsies her own right hand of power. Every
Christian church is, or ought to be, a family.
Their sanctuary is not only Gods house, but
it is the Christians homestead. There the
utmost cordiality of personal intercourse
should be exhibited. After every prayer
meeting there should be cheerful mingling
of Gods people in conversation. Inquiries
should be made about each others "good
estate;" there should be DO Stiffness or stand
ing upon formal introductions. Especially
could strangers be welcomed by an immediate
approach to them. This same rule of Chris.
tian courtesy applies just as strongly to the
Sabbath services.
81 attend your church now, said good
hearted friend, "because when I came there
first your folks gave me a hearty welcome.
| concluded that they were sociable peo-
ple." The man was glad to be taken at his
own valuation He thought something of
himself and was pleased to have other people
think something of him too. On the other
hand, we have been exceedingly annoyed to
discover that some persons have been repelled
by being left unnotced. CT went to that
church few times, but nobody noticed me.
l concluded they did not want me there; so
| shall not go again" This is not uncom-
mon formula. and it is exceedingly provok-
ing to sensible pastor when he has to hear
it in regard to his own congregation; for q
prime consideration with such pastor is to
bring as many as he can under the hearing
Of the Word of life. 1t is very certain that
we cannot do man much good if he does
not like US, and none at all if he will not
come to hear US.
1t is not merely the pastors business to
attract all he can legitimately to the house
of God, it is the business of every Chris
tian in his congregation as well; not only
the business, but the duty. If our gospel is
mans only hope of salvation, then we are all
morally bound to bring under its power every
immortal being whom we can possibly reach.
1t is right, therefore, to extend hearty in
vitation to every non-church-goe We meet
an invitation to come to our place of worship.
If the invitation is accepted, we ought to be
on the lookout for them, and give them
cordial welcome, and introduce them to 9TH
ers in the congregation. This should be fol-
lowed up by call at the house, and as soon
as the way opens by call from the pastor.
Very often an unconverted person will
stroll into house of worship, either from
curiosity or from secret uneasiness of heart
that prompts him to seek word Of comfort.
In either case he deserves prompt recogni-
ton. He ought to be noticed, and with
cordial greeting. 1t may be the turning
point in his history. Every Christian is COM
manded to be " fisher of souls" But what
fool is that fisherman who refuses to draw
up his basket.n net when fish has already
swan into it's meshes 1t is sin for Christ's
followers to leave unnoticed the stranger
who comes into their family assembly,
whether on the Sabbath or during the week.
Scarcely severer condemnation can be pro.
nounced against any church than to have it
often said, 81 have gone there again and
again, and nobody notices me"