Since His ascension, Christ, the great Head of the church, has carried forward His work in the world by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men, and ministers to their needs. The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ's stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God; and they can fulfill their mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above."—"Gospel Workers," page 13.
The ambassador whom the Saviour chooses is sent forth to represent Him before men, even as He represented His Father. Surely, this is no mean position; instead, men who "have taken upon themselves the vows of consecration, to devote all their powers to the sacred service of God; " who "occupy the position of expositors of Bible truth, and have received the solemn charge," hold "the most important" office "to which human beings" have "ever been called, second only to that of Christ Himself."—"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 434; "Gospel Workers," p. 445. How careful should such a one be of his deportment, his attitude, his manner of speaking, his dress. His entire demeanor should constantly be under careful scrutiny. "He should cultivate courtesy and refinement of manner, and should carry himself with a quiet dignity becoming to his high calling." —"Gospel Workers," p. 172.
The minister's dress at all times should be in keeping with his holy profession. While we are not serving today in the capacity of the ancient priests, we are to represent our great High Priest, and are "ministers of our God." Isa. 61:6; Joel 2:17. "Everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 351. If it was important then that the dress and deportment of God's representative should be such as to lead men to think of the holiness of God, and to create a soul-hunger for the righteousness of Christ to cover the shame of his nakedness, how much more today, when soon men are suddenly to be ushered into the very presence of the Most High, should the life, the deportment, the dress, of the minister of God lead men unconsciously away from the earthly to the heavenly, away from sin to purity and holiness of life.
Black or dark material should be worn in the sacred desk except in the tropics, where pure white may be appropriately worn, unless the custom of the people would make white in the pulpit inappropriate. The clothing should be well fitted to the person, and should always be clean and well pressed. The tie worn should never be highly colored, but always modest. The most appropriate colors are black or white, or black with a slight tinge of white. The shirt and collar should always be white and perfectly clean. The shoes should be black and well-polished, except where a white suit is worn, when the shoes may be white.
It is my conviction that if only two suits can be afforded in the wardrobe, otne should be kept for wear in the pulpit and on the Sabbath day.
Upon entering the place of meeting, whether it be a church, a hall, a tabernacle, or a tent, the minister should carry himself with dignified bearing, with humility and becoming reverence for the house of God. Before entering the pulpit, he should see that perfect quiet prevails in the congregation; and upon entering he should bow reverently in silent prayer. "Solemnity. and a certain godly authority mingled with meekness should characterize his demeanor." No whispering should be indulged in by any upon the rostrum. The people should recognize in the minister God's messenger. Their hearts should be prepared to receive His message. Nothing that would in any way detract from its sacredness or make less distinct the voice of God to the souls of the hearers, should be permitted.- "The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." Hab. 2:20.
All the hymns used in the service should be of a character to lift the souls of the congregation toward God in worship, in adoration, in grateful praise. Where possible, the people should be taught to sing the third angel's message.
It should ever be remembered that the pulpit is a sacred place, and that in order to represent Jesus properly in the pulpit, one must be intimately acquainted with Him. The attitude of the minister while in the desk will have much to do with the regard the people have for it. The church is not a theater, and the minister is not an actor. He should not indulge in any levity during the discourse or any other part of the service. If an announcement is to be made preceding the taking of an offering, it should be done in dignified language and with becoming reverence.
The Bible should be handled at all times as a sacred volume, and with due respect for its divine Author. This is highly important when before a congregation. No other book should be placed on top of it, and never should this Holy Book be pounded, thrown upon the desk or upon the floor, kneeled upon, or in any other way treated as a common book. When opened, it should always be with an earnest prayer for divine enlightenment. As a people, we are born of "the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." By it we are sanctified, and prepared for a home in God's kingdom. This Book is the source of our power as God's messengers. Let us ever regard it as most precious, and seek to instill into the hearts of our hearers the highest respect and reverence for its message.
At the close of the discourse the same solemn, dignified bearing should be maintained. Whenever possible, the minister should be at the door of exit to greet his hearers with a warm, friendly handshake as they depart. He should seek every opportunity to make the acquaintance of each member of his congregation, letting it be known that he is anxious to make a personal visit to each home; or, if this is not convenient, to visit each member at some other place of his choice. If the one to be visited is a woman, the minister's wife should accompany him. Never visit a lady except in the presence of others, and at all times preserve a becoming Christian reserve. Remember that an unseen attendant is ever by your side to render every possible assistance in your work, to speak to the heart of the one whose spiritual welfare you are seeking, and also to preserve a faithful record of all that is done. "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12.
"One thing," said David, "have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple." Ps. 27:4. The home of the worker for God should be a sanctuary. Here he should find a quiet place of retreat where his spirit is refreshed, and his soul is watered with the dews of heavenly grace. He should dwell within the holy place, walking in its soft, radiant light, partaking of the bread of His presence, and breathing the atmosphere of grace made fragrant with the sweet perfume of the incense offered anew each morning and evening upon the golden altar. He does not minister there alone, but he and his companion in that heavenly atmosphere, are girded for their holy work.
Balboa, Canal Zone.
