The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-01-21
A WORD TO MINISTERS.

Every year the work of the Christian
ministry seems to grow more difficult
and exacting. Perhaps few practical
hints, based upon personal observation,
may cheer or encourage some worker in
the Universalist vineyard.
Painstaking study is a requisite of
high success in the ministry. An eff
Gent sermonizer must use his eyes and
ears. He must be student of the hu-
man heart and of society, as well as of
the Bible. No doubt he should be well
grounded in Christian doctrines, one
who has caught the spirit as well as the
letter of the gospel, man able to give
reason for the faith that is in him, but
he should be more than this. 1t is his
duty to keep up with the times. He
must read, not everything published,
for in these days of prolific printing
that would be impossible but the
best books and periodical literature.
He should know the drift of modern
thought, and be able to discuss current
issues with vigor and intelligence. BY
a wise economy of time and a judicious
selection of reading matter, his mind
can thus be kept out Of ruts, and his
sermons be made always timely, sug-
gestive and helpful.
Many fail to attain the highest sue
cess from lack of persistence. A ia
nous general upon taking command of
an army which had often been defeated,
said: 1.-THE trouble with these troops is
that they have never fought their bat
ties through" Under his command
they gained tenacity of purpose, and so
went on to victory. We have known
ministers to suffer defeat because they
gave up at the time when energetic
work would have insured prosperity.
Difficulties and disappointments must
be expected; the best efforts to
help others may not be appreciated,
people who ought to help may hinder,
but let the minister press on in the
path of duty, and he shall not fail. AS
a man sows he shall also reap, and
consecrated labor, if persevered in,
will receive just reward. That
eminent Unitarian divine, DR.. W. G..
Elliot, began preaching in st. Louis
to fifty hearers. In six months how
many did he have? A hundred Five
hundred? Alas! only nine remained.
A weak-willed man would have given
up in despair, but DR.. Elliot had that
heroic faith which inspired him to toll
until he built up strong and influen-
tial church which has been fruitful of
good works. From his example needed
lesson should be learned. Let duty be
faithfully done, however fruitless it
seems. Let the servant of the most high
God press on in the power Of his might,
and the Heavenly Father will not al
low him to fail.
Thorough pastoral work is as essen
tial as good preaching. AS preachers
our ministers average exceedingly well.
Their sermons, as a rule, are thought
full, vigorous and well delivered. Can
as much be said of them as Fishers of
menu" Too often they fail to under
stand the power of personal influence.
They do not follow up their preaching
enough with individual work. They
are more prone to split theological
hairs, or read entertaining books, than
to seek out and save the lost. With
very rare options, the men who have
made the largest parishes, whose min
istry has been long continued and in
creasingly useful, have been the most
devoted to pastoral duties. The pas
tors faithfulness to individuals largely
determines the worth and power of his
ministry. E W. WHITNEY. /.
Cincinnati, O..