The Oskaloosa herald., 1902-06-05

We would say nothing is impossibls
with God or with the man who serves
Him. Even a sinner can 90 out upon
the streets OF any city and find some
thing to do that would benefit some
body. II a preacher can find nothing
better to 20 he might take up the
trade OF his great Master, or he might
be a blacksmith and sweat out some
Of the poison from his system and thus
save a trip to Battle Creek.
Before the great day comes in which
righteousness shall cover the earth,
there will a new order of preachers
arise. Then in going through a city
we Will see such shingles as these
before the pa~rsonages:
Rev. James would like a Job Of car
pentering, can work at least half the
time.
Revs. Jones and Smith would like a
job OF blacksmithing; can take it by
turns, and thus give the employer q
steady hand.
Rev. Paul, the Tent Maker. Large
tents for evangelists a speciality.
Rev. Johns will baptize tramps and
all wayfarers free of charge. None
but the best brands OF soap used.
Come and take a good old fashioned
dip and clean up In the name Of the
Lord Jesus, that you may live a de-
cent and holy life for the glory Of
God.
Rev. Mrs. Dorcas. Spends much of
her time sewing for widows and or
phans. No worthy poor need fear to
apply. But let your watchword al
ways be, God helps those who help
themselves.
To many it seems strange after they
build such fine churches and employ
such learned preachers SO few people
should take advantage Of ii. The fact
is, it is about IS hard to save a rich
man now as it used to be, and a man,
who does not work, has very little
magnetism or attraction for the com
mon people. When Jesus was on earth
the common people heard him gladly,
because he was one Of them, worked
with them, and could sympathize with
them in all their sorrws and temp
tations.
How often do we hear poor men say
the church is no place for Us. The
preacher lounges in the parlor, rides
in fine carriages and is always cater
ing to the rich, he doesn't care any
thing for US.
When the ministers of the Gospel
go to work on Bible lines, and at least
show a willingness to earn their liv-
ing by the sweat of their face, you
will see the poor people focking to
the churches as doves to the windows.
Then you will no more see poor
preachers going around only half fed
and half clothed and with their groc-
cry bills unpaid. The laboring men Of
this country would be delighted to
help a preacher who is not above work
ing and who is willing to help him.
self. The proper support of the min
istry does not depend on the willing
ness of the people to give, so much as
upon the worthiness of the minister
to be supported.
Religion, like most other things,
seems to run in great cycles. About
every two thousand years there is a
great o~utpouring of the knowledge OF
the Lord upon the earth. Every time
valiant men have arisen and for a
few generations the standard OF truth
floats high and never has it been
trailed in the dust by enemies from
without, but always from with
in. Every time the church has been
led astray not by its enemies nor by
the common people, but by its leaders.
Satan seems to be pretty well posted
on the Natural Laws of the Spirit
ual World" He understands well that
If he can smite or even deceive the
shepherd the sheep will be scattered
abroad. He knows that il he can get
the leaders to violate the first precept
of their religion, "By the sweat of thy
face shalt thou eat bread" the balance
of his conquest will be comparatively
easy. 1t is a curious fact that the
decadence of the church and the VIC
lation of this great law always have
gone hand in hand.
Hence we conclude that the world
will never be brought to Christ by
men who have nothing to do but to
preach, ROBERT MEREDITH.