[DIALOGUE ABOUT THE PREACHER.]
THE following dialogue between Dr. Pietus and Dr. Fastidious, occurred in a social company, in a parlor, and, thinking it might be profitable to some brethren, and even churches, we have concluded to publish it entire, without recommending or condemning it; therefore, we let it speak for itself:
Dr. Fastidious.—I have, for some time, desired an opportunity to say a few words, though confidentially to you, Dr. Pietus, touching our preacher. I think he is not a suitable man, for such a prominent place as this. You know that we frequently have men of distinction here. Besides, our city is one of prominence, and we ought to have a man of distinction.
Dr. Pietus.—I think our preacher is a good man, Doctor, a sound man, and a man of great moral worth. I thought he gave us one of the best exhortations at the prayer-meeting, on last Wednesday night, I ever heard. Did you not think so?
Dr. F.—I was not there. He is so uninteresting that I but rarely go to hear him. I know that he is a good man, and sound enough. But then, he is a very common man, and not sufficiently showy and eloquent for us. We need a first-class preacher in a city like this; a man who can draw out an audience.
Dr. P.—I never think of such a thing as a preacher to draw Christians out to meeting. The Lord draws me out to meeting. He has promised to be there, and I have never found his promise to fail. I am never disappointed, for I go to meeting believing that he will be there, and I always find him. But those who only go because they love some preacher, frequently get disappointed; for the preacher being a fallible creature, often fails to attend. But I do think our preacher is a good preacher. I do not know where we could get a better man.
Dr. F.—We need a man of distinction and notoriety, who will attract attention, and draw out an audience. I would then go out and try to do something. But, I have no faith in doing anything, till we have a more attractive preacher.
Dr. P.—My dear sir, we will never get a preacher who can draw out an audience, unless we draw too. As much depends upon a church in drawing out an audience as the preacher. No preacher can draw out an audience unless the church does its part. We must do our part as a church, or no preacher in the world can do us any good. I still think our present preacher has done about as much for us, as any man could have done under the circumstances. It is not a different kind of preacher we need, but a different kind of a church. We need members that will attend the public worship, sing, pray, exhort, and stand at their post. In one word, we need a church that will stand by the preacher, encourage, sustain him, and hold up his hands.