Watch Your Grammar
There are two grammar violations that I overheard in a discourse recently:
1. "He made a success, as far as selling books were concerned." The plural word books caused the trouble. The real subject of the verb in the second clause is selling books. Books is the object of the verbal noun selling, and both words together give us the subject of the verb was. The idea expressed, selling books, is singular. The verb, therefore, should be was: "as far as selling books was concerned."
2. "That ought to come home with special force to we who are present." This speaker would not have said, "That ought to come home with special force to we." The clause which concludes the sentence does net affect the grammatical case of the pronoun, which is the object of the preposition to. The pronoun should be in the objective case, us, whether it is the last word in the sentence or followed by a modifying clause. "That ought to come home with special force to us who are present."
South Lancaster, Mass.
Christian Refinement
Christian refinement should ever TIAN the minister. Anything that savors of the coarse or gross is decidedly at variance with the ideals and standards of his calling. And this principle, in its application, reaches into the details of daily life, for it is a recognized fact that one unfortunate trait will often effectually neutralize a dozen estimable qualities.
Sometimes the points that offend are, by the offenders, deemed but trifles. The noisy clearing of the throat, the unabashed cleansing of the nostrils or care of the nasal discharge, disagreeable expectoration, offensive body odor or breath, neglect of fingernails, unkempt or untrimmed hair, unshaven neck, soiled linen, filmy teeth, unbecoming positions on the rostrum,—such are some of the offensive matters noticed and severely criticized, as unsolicited correspondence and conversation reveals. And one coarse story or unbecoming expression or slur may forever destroy all influence with the individual or the group hearing it.
Fortunate the man who has a faithful friend or companion who will reveal his unconscious faults; and doubly fortunate the man who has the good sense and grace to profit thereby!
The Minister Out of the Pulpit
Whether in the pulpit or out of the pulpit, the minister is to represent the character of God and the principles of heaven. Anything that lowers this standard brings reproach on his high calling. He is an ambassador of the highest rank, and represents the government of heaven before the world.
A man who is sent out to represent a large clothing firm is expected to wear one of the best suits in the establishment, and to present at all times a creditable appearance. When God chooses men to represent His government, He would have them attired in the livery of heaven, with not one thread of human invention--clothed with a dignity that does not foster pride and self-conceit, and that will not come down to the cheap, low level of the street.
The minister's personal appearanct counts for much. There is no excuse for ill-fitting garments, untidy linen, and shabbiness of appearance. He should see that his clothes are pressed, his linen always fresh and clean, and his shoes polished. He should cultivate habits of neatness, cleanliness, and politeness. To be a gentleman at all times is not only the privilege but the duty of the minister, and will greatly help him in working for souls.
The minister should cultivate kindness and sympathy. When he enters a home where there is poverty, sickness, or death, he should be prepared to administer comfort, and kindle heaven-born hope in aching hearts. Above all he should be earnest and thoughtful, leaving the conviction that he is all he claims to be. Lightness, trifling, and joking do not prepare the way for prayer.
Shall we not encourage one another in raising the standard of the ministry, and provoke one another to good works?
R.E. Harter.
Chicago, Ill.
