The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-05-29

minds them of the criticism they will
invite, OF the responsibility they will
incur. He refers to a state of things
which does not to any great extent exist
in our established churches. From
words OF Paul we learn that there were
persons in the early churches who
wished to become preachers. who were
not qualified for the Office. Their zeal
was not restrained by discretion. Their
unskillful advocacy of the Gospel was
hindrance rather than a help. James
appeals to such brothers, advising them
not to be covetous of the office of teach
er, before weighing its responsibility
and realizing the criticisms of which
they will be self-elected subjects.
DO not, Sunday school teacher,
receive this admonition as discourage
ment to you in your work. 1t does not
apply to you. You do not seek fame;
you do not invite criticism. Do the best
you can, under your disabilities and
limitations; no Christian principle can
give you aught but appreciation and
encouragement in your humble en-
deavor.--Young men, young women,
having an ambition to enter the pulpit
as life-service.-you should mediate
deeply on the responsibility Of the Office
you desire. Speaking in public is not
as easy as it seems. To be target for
the arrows of criticism is not always
pleasant. Shrink from hurting good
cause by weak advocacy. We do not by
these words seek to turn your desire
away from the ministry. Faithful is
the saying. If a man seeketh the office
of a bishop. he desireth a good aoork.
But this good work should not be en-
tered upon without the most complete
preparation possible. 1t invites the
humble, not the vainglorious.
For in many things aCe stumble; If
any stumbleth not in the aoord. the
same is perfect man, able to bride
his avhole body. In many things. as we
walk the pathway Of life, we trip. 1t is
easiest of all to trip in speech, One
must have become possessed of the most
complete and varied intellectual train.
ing; he must be master of all his pas.
sions; he must judge with justice and
charity like Gods own; he must, in ad-
dition to all, be under unfailing guild
ance of the divine Spirit. never to trip
in speech, never to say word amise.
To set ones self to the practical and
always present work of governing the
tongue, means a mighty endeavor. 1t
requires at it's very beginning heroic
conservation.
z. Illustrations Ofthe Use and
Misuse of the TOngue-vs. 3-12.
Noav If ace put horses bridles-rather
bits, as in the common version-into
their mouths, that they mag obey as. aCe
turn about their aOhole body also. 1t is
not easy to put bits into wild horses
mouth; but when once in the driver can
turn whether he will the horses head
feet, muscles; he can make the whole,
horse his servant. So to put the Gospel
bits into the human mouth means to
bring under control the temper, the in
clination to eXaggerate or falsifY, the
disposition to boast, in fact every un-
Christian habit and impulse and de-
sire.
Behold the ships also, though Heg
are so great. and are driven by high
vinds. are get turned about by uery
small rudder. achether the impulse of
the steersn,on aUilleth. Can any one
look at gr eat ship and not feel aston
ishment as he thinks.that the little rud.
der, in obedience to the human will, di-
reefs the ship through storm and night
on the sea? So the tongue also is a little
member, and boasteth great things. The
boasting OF the tongue is not without
warrant. 1t directs human life. We
direct ourselves by what we say; by the
professions we make; by the promises
we give; indeed, more obseurely but not
less really, by our habits of ordinary
speech and unprecedented words.
Speak" said Socrates, that l may see
thee" Our tongues are the rudders by
which we steer our lives. wisely or I'M
wisely, on the ocean of experience.
Behold holC much aoood is kindEed IN
hoU small fret Fire is a useful SER
want; but most fearful master. In the
CRATE or range; that is fire under control
A stray spark beginning an uncontrolla-
BILE fire, that is fire as an agent of
evil. Words of love end courtesy,
how pleasant, how useful. Words
of calumny. words of evil insinu-
alton. blighting reputation. stinging a
human soul to it's death; this is invisi.
BILE fire fatal as that which burns a
house. The tongue is a fire. 1t may
warm and nourish; it may wither and
consume.
The World Of iniquitg among our
members is the tongue, a0hich defIeth
the. a1hole body, and setteth on fire the
lcheeI of nature. and is set on fire By
he'll The conception of an evil.speak-
ing tongue is like the world of in
iquity;" the phrase being of the same
nature as "sea of troubles" or "a del
uge OF wickednees," meaning iniquity
unbounded, immeasuIable. 1t defileth
the whole nature; an evil speaking ton
que carries corruption into the whole