HUMAN DERELICTS
A New York newspaper recently carried a fearful expose of that city's skid-row situation. It is said that between 40,000 and 50,000 human derelicts regularly accost the public for money to purchase liquor. Add to this the other forms of dereliction in the city, and to that the similar conditions in all of the world's major cities, and we have a pitiful, heartbreaking picture of a vast army of hopeless humanity "marching to a man-made hell and a Christless grave," as the editor of The Watchman-Examiner, January 18, 1962, puts it.
What are the church and the world doing for these human derelicts? All the combined human effort put forth for these benighted souls seems pathetically small in face of a need that is overwhelming enough to create hopelessness and despair. We must not allow this sad situation to create two greater tragedies—a heedless church and a cynical world.
H. W. L.
"THE SCORNER'S SEAT"
In the time of trouble just ahead, "bright lights" that once shone among us are going out. And so are some of the "dim" ones. And further we are told that it will be this element that will persecute most effectively those who remain. Of course, no one knows just who will or will not remain true. But it is certain that the most critical among us are sowing the seeds of their own destruction.
Nor would the writer suggest that we join the society of perpetual whitewashers. Problems we have, and of none of them are we proud. Reform in some areas is an urgent must, and our best is not enough. But who is really qualified to sit in the "scorner's seat" or "hurl the cynic's ban"? Pity that minister who by word or deed would encourage laymen to doubt the motives of "the brethren." In this the medical profession has a firmer code of ethics. One physician may make a mistake in treating you, but should you visit another and complain, he will either greet you with an explanation, or silence. Doubt-producing innuendoes uttered in private produce a public harvest. May mine be a "house by the side of the road" where all may turn in and find "a friend to man."
E. E. C.
TAKING CARE OF FRICTION
In many places, as it is here in Washington, D.C., trucks that haul gasoline are required by law to have chains dragging on the ground behind them. The reason is that the movement of the gasoline in the tank and the friction of the brakes and other causes produce static electricity and a spark might set fire to the gasoline, causing an explosion that might bring hurt and death to many. The chain dragging on the ground conducts the electricity harmlessly away.
In the minister's daily walk he encounters much friction. There are times in his complicated schedule when he may impinge on the activities of another, thus sparking a little electricity. During such occasions a man might become charged with it. Anyone who approaches him is likely to receive the shock of irritation, with the possible danger of an anger explosion.
A wise heavenly Father has provided a "chain" to conduct away the disagreeable or dangerous sparks that may generate within—the means of drawing away worry, irritation, crossness, and passions—enabling one to keep calm, confident, and loving. It is the golden chain of prayer that binds us to the throne of God.
A. C. F.
PREACH THE WORD
Someone has said that the most important thing about the sermon is the man behind it. That is only a half truth. The most important thing about the sermon is not the man behind it, but the Man within it—not the person preaching, but the Person preaching. Preaching is the communication of a Person through a person to a company of persons, the Person communicated being none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.
Every true preacher must discharge homiletically that function Mary fulfilled physically when she brought forth her first-born. To her the angel said: "That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Each sermon should be a rebirth of the Eternal Word. The church does not live by the eloquence of its preachers, but by the Word of God.
When those first Christian preachers "went every where preaching the word," it was the same Word as that which spake creation into existence. Both should be spelled with a capital "W." When rightly understood, preaching is an august, sublime, supernatural act—the setting forth of the living Christ to dying men.
R. A. A.
