Page:Heralds of God.djvu/51

Rh suffocated by the formalities of a routine religion? Why seek ye the living among the dead?"

"Were there but such clear and deep impressions upon our souls," wrote Richard Baxter, "of the glorious things that we daily preach, O what a change it would make in our sermons and in our private course. I marvel how I can preach of them slightly and coldly. I seldom come out of the pulpit but my conscience smiteth me that I have been no more serious and fervent. 'How could'st thou speak of life and death with such a heart?'" The fact is that all our assiduous planning for increased efficiency in organized religion will lead to nothing unless we have a Church which is tingling and vibrating with the wonder of its own evangel. Then, only then, will the Christian forces make their God-intended impact on the world; and then we shall begin to understand the saying that is written: "The zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up."

I am not suggesting that you should simulate a warmth and passion which you do not feel. Such "synthetic unction," as Dr. W. R. Maltby has called it, "may impress simple souls, but it corrupts the preacher. Emotion arises out of the truth: emotionalism is poured on to it." That is the great difference. But you will need no cheap substitute for the real thing if you are living close to Christ. Your heart will burn within you as He talks with you by the way; and something of that inner glow will communicate itself to your preaching, and kindle a flame in other lives. 45