The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-05-07
9aturday Digit
"oIkc BY Rev. r. E. DAWSON
/uhhAS Rutland, Vt.
1to+o+o+O+o+o ofo+o+ofofofo4
VACATING A PULPIT
International Bible Lesson for
May 9, 'oo-(Acts I3: 1852.

John Wesley had an 1n1alnDle rule
by which he decided the fitness of can
didates for the ministry. He sent
them out upon tour of the churches,
and when they returned he had three
questions to ask as follows: was
anybody converted? Was anybody
sanctified? Was anybody mad? If the
candidate could give an affirmative re-
ply to any one of these questions, he
was considered eligible, but IL he had
to confess that he could neither get
people converted, sanctified nor mad 1t
was pretty conclusive evidence that
he was not called to preach. The Cos
pei is e power of God unto saliva
ton; it's proclamation makes men bet
ter or worse, and that man may we'll
be doubtful of his right to occupy
pulpit whose words leave no influence
upon men one way or the other.
Opposition Aroused.
There are some modern preachers
who get into panic when they dis
cover that their message has aroused
opposition; whereas that is one of the
clearest evidences that they are fol-
lowing instructions and demonstrate
ing their fitness to stand as ambassa-
dors for Christ. The great preachers
from Elijah down have created dis
turbance. The true messenger will al
ways cause ratting among the dry
bones. No man of God should ever
apologize for disturbing the peace Of
somnolent saints or rebuking sin in
high places. OF course it will be I'M
derstood that make no plea for boor
| ishness, personalities, antagonism of
individuals or using the pulpit Of Gods
house to indulge in abusive language.
But wnen the proclamation of the
: gospel arouses opposition it should be
regarded by every man as an evidence
! of piety and power.
The apostle Paul came to Just such
an experience at Antioch in Pisidia
on his first missionary tour. The first
sermon he preached pleased the peo-
pie so much that they begged him to
stay through the week and occupy the
pulpit the next Sabbath. All that
week the Jews were talking up the
great preacher and urging the breth-
rem to come out and hear him. But
the Gentiles also became interested
and they packed the synagogue when
the day of service came. But what
was the surprise and Indignation OF
the Jews when they heard the same
sermon preached, with a Gentle ap-
pncation. Like dogs IN the manger
they growled and contradcted and
|
ing with their tumult. 1t was the
same sermon that they had previously
lauded. 1t was all right so long as It
suited their prejudices, but when they
saw that it was actually gospel for
all men they spit upon it with insults.
Opposition Working.
Not satisfied with this they deter
mined to get rid of the preacher and
they took the most effective method to
carry out their purpose. The Scrip
ture says, "The Jews stirred up the
devout and honorable women. 3.
and raised up persecution against Paul
and Barnabas and expelled them out
Of their coasts" 1t would be inter-
esting to know what part those "de
bringing about that result. Did they
begin to criticise his personal appear
ance, the cut of his clothes, the method
of parting his hair? Did they send a
committee to suggest that it would be
wise not to displease Brother So and
So, and Sister Such and Such on ac-
count Of their financial contributions?
| ic
all we know is, Paul saw the cloud
rising on the horizon no bigger than
a mans, or woman's hand and he
concluded that discretion is the better
part Of valor and moved on to fresh
fields and pastures new"
Opposition Successful.
And herein he showed his wisdom
find work somewhere. The very mes
sage that makes some people bowling
mad will make other people shouting
happy Why should a man stay in a
den Of lions when he can spend his
days where birds sing all day and all
night! Why should a man waste his
strength and ingenuity forcing the
),
when he can just as we'll go to those
who are so hungry that they will take
1t from him as fast as he can pass it
out! 1t ought to be understood that
1T is no disgrace for a preacher to be
chased out of pulpit by "devout and
honorable women" when the only
charge against him is the bigotry and
self-righteousness of his hearers. The
greatest preacher of the ages, Paul
the apostle, was vexed and tormented
by those who did not like his preach
ing. An intelligent preacher ought to
know before anybody else knows
when his work is done. God not only
tells men to Come" but to GO" In
the war of the rebellion we had six
months men, and the same thing is
true in the spiritual conflict. The
fact that a preachers predecessor
spent all his days in one parish is no
criterion: he might not have remain