The Newtown bee., 1908-11-27

effectual working ofGod's power in him through him who was mightier thai all human elouuence and equal to tn pulling down of every stronghold o: Satan. Paul had no ambition to get ul procession for himself and have long train of followers; and Wheneve he saw men falling into line behint Appollos or Peter or himself he alway! rebuked them. His aim ever was tt commend the truth as it is in Jesu' and havo men fall into line with that "We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your ser wants for Jesus sake" His speech was not with enticing words of mans wis dom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power that the faith might not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" The vessel was earthen, that the excellency of the power might be of God and not of him. self. "
 1 am sure that every true minister of Christ feels that his greatest need is the effectual working of that power
 the power of God,-the power that made Paul the typical preacher. That is the great need of the church and the world to-day. e-.- eez.-s.'-
 It may be profitable for us to con- slider for a little while this subject A ministry of power, its aims and ob- stacles, and how it is to achieve its high aims and overcome all obstacles.
 Power, as we well know. means suc- cess. Given power enough and all ob- stacles can be removed. Success in ev- cry worthy undertaking is greatly to be desired. The world has but little patience with what is useless. How ever boastful may be the pretensions of a theory if it is not workable, if it can't be transformed into tangible re- suits, this matter of fact world has no use for it. An institution may have a splendid organization, a grand his- tory, but if it has outlined it's utility, it will be neglected, then despised and soon swept away to make room for an- other that merits and wins success.
 On the other hand, bad as this world is, as rule it always welcomes what ever is useful. Its needs are infinite and the only power it does not want is the power that increases them. Wher- ever there is a sympathetic and strong hand stretched forth to help the weak ones they are eager to grasp it; if your heart or mind can spare one chord from its own grief to throb responsive ly to the woes of others there are plen- ty who will gladly turn their ears to hear it.
 It is often said that the power of Christianity is declining and the min istry is losing its place in the world. We are often told in the magazine and the secular press that the minister who can gird his Joins and run before the swift chariot of scientific and material progress of the times will win sue cess, in other words will catch the crowd. And not few have entered the race and won for themselves a great name and fame, but whether it has been, the effectual working of Gods power or mans is the vital question.
 Men applaud success. It is the fashion of the world to trust most, so- cieties or individuals that are most successful.
 It is not unreasonable to demand that if our ministry is to inspire con- idence, it must produce results. It s we'll for us to remember that spirit lal forces are subtle, and their effects :annot be weighed measured or count