Reserves!—We need to have in reserve vastly more on a given theme than we are able to give publicly. Then we shall be able to skim the cream of our fund of knowledge, as it were, to give to the people. Our presentations will thus be richer, clearer, better. Our confidence and poise will be greater, and the likelihood of embarrassment through a question or a challenge that would catch us without an adequate answer will be reduced. More than that, this will enable us to press a point spontaneously that may be needed for a given individual or group at the moment, and which could scarcely be foreseen. We need large reserves. In fact, our success may be gauged by our reserves. And these come only through constant reading, study, observation, and discussion. If we are eternally on the alert, making notes of our findings, having references at our finger tips—or tongue's tip—this will give us persuasive power with men.
Substitution!—The dangerous tendency is ever with us to substitute human motion for spiritual power, activity for fellowship with God, and sweat for tears of intercession. Human mechanics tend to crowd out the divine dynamics. When we have more work to do, we tend to shorten our prayers to save time. When we have a time-consuming task, we are likely to reduce our devotional study and communion. Others may not notice the difference, and we ourselves may not be aware of what is happening, for the form remains. We continue to go through the motions. The wheels continue to turn, but with reduced power. We throw more human effort into the breach, conscious of some lack, trying to make it up by more strenuous striving. But in the end others will detect our reduced power. The tragedy is that we may not be aware of what is wrong.
Nature!--It is good to get away from the man-made city, with its artificial life, its jangling commotion, its rush and crush, its cement and brick, its smoke and grime, its discordant sounds and nauseating smells, and its sordid trends and patterns among humankind. It is good to get back deep into the heart of nature—the wooded mountain, the secluded valley, the winding trail, the rippling brook, the gurgling cascade, the limpid pool fringed with tangy water cress, the thundering waterfall, the- Jragrant pine and hemlock, the soft, crunchy mulch that beds the wood, the moss-cOvered logs. It is good to roam among the ferns and flowers and grasses, to listen to the trill of the birds, the sound of the crickets, and the croak of the frogs, blending with the murmur of distant waters—God's great symphony of the out-of-doors. It is the place of renewal, readjustment, and re-evaluation. Here man's prowess fades out, and God's power and handiwork loom large again. Here earthly values are readjusted, and man's relation to His Maker again returns to true perspective. Yes, it is good to get back periodically to the healing, soothing, clarifying heart of nature.
Distribute!—Some evangelists have many capabilities and much capacity. They are anxious that things shall be done right ; so they fall into the habit of doing nearly everything themselves. Frequently this reaches down to details which consume time that should be devoted to larger things. In such a policy they are unwise. They overstrain themselves and deprive themselves of necessary time for planning, studying, personal visitation, etc. Moreover, this policy creates restlessess among their associates and helpers, who fret because they are not busy. Thus they fail to develop these younger workers into men and women of strength and capacity. Wise is the old saying that it is better to set ten men to work than to attempt to do ten men's work. It is surprising how untried men will grow under responsibility. But they will not grow unless the load is placed upon them. Let us learn to distribute responsibility, and give others a chance to grow.
Variance!—Nothing is more ruinous to morale or subversive of the welfare of a conference, institution, or church than variance among its workers, and especially its leaders. Whether it take the form of secret sniping or of open warfare, both alike wreck the unity that is imperative to teamwork, and undermine the confidence that is indispensable to success. When division exists united advance is impossible. Under such conditions weaknesses go on uncorrected, the cause of God is hampered, and angels weep. Only Satan and his evil companions are the gainers. Variance begets suspicion and partisanship, and fighting the common enemy is superseded by internal strife. Discouragement and inertia result. When such division exists little else matters until these differences are resolved, whatever may be the cost. The welfare of the cause calls for it, the fate of souls demands it, and the effect upon associate workers should serve as a solemn summons to full reconciliation.
L. E. F.
