The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-10-13
OUR RELIGIOUS CONTEMPORARIES.

In nothing perhaps are the writings OF
Paul more strikingly characterized than
in his constant maintenance of the dig
nifty Of the minis
THE DIGNITY OF terial office. His
THE PULPIT.S Jealous opponents in
the C RI til a Il
Church acknowledged the weightiness and
intellectual force of his letters, but said
that his bodily presence was weak
and his speech contemptibIe. The Apos-
tie passed by with manly contempt this
mean and unkindly- criticism Of his person
and his voice, and furnishing abundant
proofs Of his apostleship, which his enc
mics haG called in question added: Let
a man SO account OF us, as of the min
listers of Christ" He claimed that tho
Office Of the ministry was the highest I'M
der heaven; that it was invested with dl-
vine authority: and that both on this &C
count and the vital Importance of the
truths it was commissioned to proclaim
it should command the reverent regard
of mankind. Always speaking hunbly
and modestly of himself, he, as habitual-
ly, "magnifed his office. Christian Ad-
vocate.
Drawing a lesson from the season when
men are garnering and gathering into
their barns, the Central Presbyterian
says: They are wise and
|
OF HARVEST go by, do constntly ada
to their garnered stores.
Not that which is without, but that which
is Within. is the most important. MOI
material good but riches Of the mind and
of the character. are the real wealth; not
what q man has but what man IS
What a vast army of the youth of the
land is now moving under the flag OF
education. And education has come to
be well understood to be much more
tLan accumulation OF learning, rather
the making Of manhood and womanhood,
strong high. noble and good. Education
does its best work when it sets the youth
to seeking. general stores of mental fibre
and moral yigor. clear perception, sound
judgments, lofty aspirations.
Old age is the crown and reward of
true and faithful life, if in character and
in soul it has garnerad stores. Eyperi-
ence and discipline have wrought modera-
ton and prudence. Faith has grown into
patience, and courage is crowned with
hope. Not only have some good things
been stored in memory, but the good old
age knows where to go for mental food
aut. spiritual comfort. These many years
of toll and trial have not been spent il,
vain At the last Gods servant is brought
home. ''liIle as a shock Of corn coneth in
his season.
Turbulence and noise are often signs OF
weakness, while quetness indicates
strength and power Has not this its IL
lustration in the pulpit
SIGNS OF sometimes, as We'll as in
WEAKNESS the realm of nature? Of
ten when the preacher has
nothing to say he says it loudest. seeking
to make up with sound what is lacking
ii se,se. Mr.. John Wesley once wrote to
a preacher whose habit it was to tear
his throat in preaching. In applying his
caustic Mr.. Wesley said: Scream no
more at the peril of your soul. Speak as
earnestly as you can, but do not scream.
Speak with all your heart, but in a mod
crate voice. BE quiet. Southern
Churchnlan
Let those faithful souls whom God has
shut in take courage at the reflection that
nought can confne the spirit of him who
reverently yields to the
JOSEPH'S M will of God and seeks
PRISONNIENT. his heavenly fellowship;
that even within the
limitations of a single set Of walls the
soul may be free and send out to all
around q lesson in humility, patience and
fortitudes which by its influence shall
speak the undying praises of Him who
even to the prisoner "giveth songs in the