Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

dishonors the truth and brings the sacred down
upon the low level of common things. The example
tends to remove the fear of God from the people
and to detract from the sacred dignity of the gospel
which Christ died to magnify. According to the
light that has been given me, it would be pleasing
to God for ministers to bow down as soon as they
step into the pulpit, and solemnly ask help from
God. What impression would that make? There
would be solemnity and awe upon the people.
Their minister is communing with God; he is
committing himself to God before he dares to stand
before the people. Solemnity rests upon the people,
and angels of God are brought very near. Ministers
should look to God the first thing as they come into
the desk, thus saying to all: God is the source of
my strength.
A minister who is negligent in his apparel often
wounds those of good taste and refined
sensibilities. Those who are faulty in this respect
should correct their errors and be more
circumspect. The loss of some souls at last will be
traced to the untidiness of the minister. The first
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