1 Timothy 5:17-22 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.… I know of a parsonage to which the death-angel came, and took to heaven a faithful and beloved under-shepherd. The kind members of his flock went to that desolate home, and could not say enough in praise of him whom they did truly love. A volume of his sermons was published, and widely circulated. Then the broken-hearted wife said: "Oh, if they had only said one-half to him which they now say to me, how it would have lightened his labour and rejoiced his heart!" I know of another parsonage to which a pastor returned, after a Sabbath of extreme mental fatigue, and of intensely loving work for his people. The almost agonizing tone with which he said: "Not one kind word to-day, and I've done my very best," would have met a kind response from every parishioner's heart, could all have heard it. "Not one kind word to-day." I know of a pastor to whom a parishioner said one Sunday evening: "I have been benefited by both sermons to-day." When his pastor replied: "It always helps me to hear that," this warm-hearted man said: "If I always told you when I feel benefited by your sermons, it would be very often." I wish you could have heard the prayer of humble thankfulness which went up to heaven from the family altar in that pastor's study that night. (Dr. Hoge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. |
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