[Reported as spoken before the General Conference of 1871.]
(2T 609)
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Ephesians 3:6, 7 : “That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.”
(2T 609.1)
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“Whereof I was made a minister,” not merely to present the truth to the people, but to carry it out in the life.
(2T 609.2)
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“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.”Ephesians 3:9. This does not refer merely to the words that roll off the tongue; it is not merely to be eloquent in speaking and praying; but it is to make known Christ, to have Christ in us, and make Him known to those that hear.
(2T 609.3)
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“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom,” not as novices, not in ignorance, “that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.”Colossians 1:28, 29. It is the work of God, the grace from God, realized and felt, gracing the life and actions, which is to make a sensible impression upon those that hear.
(2T 609.4)
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But it is not this only. There are other things to be considered, in which some have been negligent, but which are of consequence, in the light in which they have been presented before me. Impressions are made upon the people by the deportment of the speaker in the desk, by his attitude, and by his manner of speaking. If these things are as God would have them, the impression they make will be in favor of the truth; especially will that class be favorably impressed who have been listening to fables. It is important that the minister’s manner be modest and dignified, in keeping with the holy, elevating truth he teaches, that a favorable impression may be made upon those who are not naturally inclined to religion.
(2T 609.5)
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