TOO PLAIN AND PERSONAL

     During my early ministry I was associated with a man who put his imprint upon me. He was gifted and for years was greatly used of God. But he was very outspoken and sometimes almost vulgar in denouncing certain sins. I somehow got the impression that to be a faithful minister I must do likewise and go after some things without mercy. And, perhaps some things in this loose age should be exposed "without gloves". A certain type of preachers, especially reformers, may be called to use plain and severe language.

     There are two extremes: It would be a great blessing if some of these overly precise and orthodox fellows could catch a vision, then say or do something once in a great while that would draw blood. But, in my case, I can look back and see where, in many instances, my severity has hurt, rather than helped. I drove people from me or, to say the least, kept them from confiding freely in me. For all this I confess I feel mortified.

     And what has it taught me? It has taught me not to pattern after anyone, save Jesus. It has taught me that an intense nature like mine needs more oil, while those who are always "safe and sane" may need more grit. My plainness of language has kept me out of some large openings. Though this has been humiliating, yet suppose in another respect I ought to rejoice.

     I have often wondered why God permitted so many good and great men to feel divinely (?) commissioned to cripple what little influence I had for good. But lately I am beginning to solve this mystery. The generality of people naturally take to a preacher who is outspoken and radical in his make-up. God saw that this was more than I could stand. Very few can survive prosperity and popularity. More than one man has made shipwreck who might have been saved and greatly used of God had he received more opposition, with grace to bear it. Wesley said: "The ill usages and affronts, the losses and crosses, are better means to growth in grace than when everything is according to our liking."