The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-10-20

auspices of the G. w. B. NJ, for quite
a number of years, at one time being
connected with the educational work
of this organization at Hazel Green
KY. For several years he has been
located at Indianapolis. where he de-
votes much OF his time to social SER
vice work, in connection with the
work of the College of Missions. He
is a speaker of much enthusiasm, and
his address tonight was full or insplra-
ton and encouragement A fervent
appeal for volunteers for mission
fields by Rev. Joseph T Watson. Of
the Euclid Avenue Christian Church.
Lynchburg. closed tonights session.
Ministerial Association Meets.
simultaneously with the afternoon
session of the c. W. b. NJ, the annual
meeting of the State Ministerial As
Of this organization includes nearly
all Of the ministers of the State, who
come together annually for confer
ence. The officers for the past year
have been: President, Rev Rtchie
Ware. of Lynchburg; vice-president.
Rev. Frank +. Harlow, OF Danville;
secretary treasurer, Rev f. w. Long,
Richmond. Two papers were read at
the meeting this afternoon. the first
on Our Ministry, Real and Superb
ctai," by Rev. John Addison Tate, of
West Graham, and the second on The
Preacher and the Sources of His
Power" by Rev, Clarence Holton
Poage, of Petersburg
DIR. Tate's Message
In discussing his subject. Our Min
istry. Vital and Superficial" DR.. Tate
said in part:
The ministry has an unusual and
deserving dignity peculiar exalta-
ton, the effects of peculiar service.
1t Is peculiar because 1t relates to God
as we'll as to man. What God receives,
prizes and blesses is OF importance.
God looketh on the heart What
man approves may be wholly unes-
sential and superficial. Man looketh
on the outward appearance. To be
all things to all men to win soma is
often overworked. 1t is too often for
the applause OF men rather than for
their souls.
The superficial may be used as the
means to the great end. In a sense
doctrine Is superficial. It Is an in
strument for loftier attainments. Out
ward assent to doctrine may not
change the life, in which sense it Is
wholly superficial. 1t may lead to q
new life, becoming the means to an
end.
THE purpose of this ministry is not
only to indoctrinate with Christi
teachings but also to permeate with
Christ's Spirit, There is a commits
sion, according to Matthew, as we'll
as to Mark. Perfect shepherding
feeds the lambs. tends the young sheep
and feeds the sheep.
Religious Tragedy
ut is tragedy for minister to
give the greater part of his thought
to the legalistic and material. Rap.
tism may be superficial 1t may
mean the counting of converts rather
than soul conviction and heart WELD
edness The same test should be
made in America as OH the mission,
field in Africa as to the worthiness of
candidates for tho ordinance.
Organizations. leadership, church
architecture. etc. are wholly super-
fetal, except rs they are secondary
in thought and instruments to achieve
the great end. Christian character
and world evangelism are the horizon
that circumscribes vital ministry.
1T is easy for the ministry to for
get God. If all of humanity's profuse
calls are answered. Our temptation
is to become 'man-pleasers.' 1t Is
human as well as divine to want
praise, but human only to cater for
It.
The ministry is exemplary. The
man must interpret Christ. not self.
Many seek to interpret self and thus
seek for popularity. To, attain this
ministerial courtesy is a grace I'M
noticed. Brothers in the fraternity
are discredited purely for self.
This selfish spirit Is impaired to
the congregations who seek for men
to discharge superficial ministry. A
drawing preacher y not always Z
hiosaing to = church ~ clrcue draw