Central!—Is the word of God made central in our preaching? Does it stand out as God's imperative message to man? Is it unceasingly set forth as His supreme counsel for all our thinking and planning and as the indispensable light for guidance in all our service? Is it read as the authoritative Scriptural foundation for all we may say thereafter in exposition, illustration, and amplification? In other words, are we truly "Bible preachers" ? The Seripture lesson is too often dispensed with because of the pressure of time. It must give way before the pressing demands of some program or campaign. Just think of it ! No time for the Word ! Then is our preaching but the word of man, our plans but the plans of men, and we stand on precarious, shifting sand instead of on solid rock. We must exalt the Word, ponder the Word, preach the Word, teach the Word, and read the very words of the Word. Let the luminous message of heaven have its rightful, central place.
Symphony!—What is more glorious and inspiring than a bird symphony at dawn on a perfect morning in May ! From a thousand golden throats, with all their trills and runs and harmonies, this sublime symphony of praise is poured forth by these lovely feathered creatures, as they make melody to their Creator before beginning the activities of the day. Surely God understands and accepts their praise. Without tuning fork or central instrument, they keep in perfect harmony. Without a leader there is perfect synchronizing of time and tone. Truly their chorus at daybreak seems like a lingering echo of paradise. And it becomes an earnest of the songs and beauties of earth made new, when the redeemed shall blend their voices and musical instruments in adoring praise to their Redeemer for His love and power and grace that have fully restored the lost glories of the Paradise of Eden.
Terminals!—When a train is late in arriving at its destination, there is always more or less restlessness among the passengers aboard. Watches are consulted and inquiries are made whether or not the train will pull into the station late. Anxiotis eyes peer out of the windows for evidence of the end of the journey. A sight of the terminal is now of far greater interest than the scenery that formerly held the attention. The friends that wait at the station are likewise restless. They, too, watch the bulletin board and scan the track for the appearance of the iron horse that will bring its train of cars to a standstill. All of which is a figure : The same restlessness and the same furtive or open glances at watches or the clock mark the attitude of those that wait for the preacher to bring his sermon to a terminus when he has run over his time ten or fifteen minutes. Many a preacher has serious trouble in getting to his terminal on time. The last ten or fifteen minutes added to the sermon after closing time are largely lost on a congregation that is growing restless. More than that, the whole impression of the sermon is counteracted on the part of certain members. Brother Preacher, how are your terminal facilities ?
Drivers!—To drive one's evangelistic associates throughout the day until they are virtually exhausted from continuous visitation—tramping the streets, climbing steps and terraces, passing out handbills, or delivering requested literature—is not only unwise but is a shortsighted imposition. Few have the physical constitution necessary to follow such a program. Through such a strenuous regime, these workers are unfitted to render their best service when most needed. Worn and weary Bible instructors cannot do their best in those important contacts that public meetings afford, or should afford. The health of not a few has been impaired by the demands of some of our evangelists. Someone needs to speak for them. Berthren, let it not be said of us that we are slave drivers.
Representative!—The minister is a public representative of the gospel under all conditions. He does not put off his professional and representative character when outside the desk and away from his distinctive ministerial responsibilities. In his relaxations and recreations, as well as in his stated service, he is still a representative of this message. What others may do without challenge, he may have to refrain from. Indulgences, innocent in themselves, may need to be forgone because of his representative character. This becomes increasingly true, the greater one's responsibilities. To illustrate : It is one thing for a layman to indulge in golf. It is quite another for a minister to indulge—especially if his associates are meanwhile tramping the streets in Ingathering or gospel visitation. Some of our laymen and some of our workers are deeply troubled over such proclivities. And what shall be said of the professional baseball park? Relaxation and wholesome recreation are part of every man's need. But let it be found in fields that do not cause others to stumble.
L.E.F.