Quiet Talks with Earnest People in my Study: Spiritual Advice and Guidance from a Christian Minister

By Charles Edward Jefferson

Charles Edward Jefferson's advice for Christians draws upon years of experience in the Ohio priesthood, in a time of great challenges, when spiritual guidance of the highest quality was very sought after.

The author writes in a conversational style, fulfilling the role of spiritual counselor to a lay person who seeks counsel. Initially he seeks to clarify the position of clergy in society; misconceptions exist, which Jefferson eloquently dispels with clear and determined eloquence. We progress to definitions of the positive traits which ministers and believers should strive for: a sympathetic nature which results in cooperation with others. Where liberty is concerned, we must value and use our freedoms, but be mindful of their limitations - when speaking, a minister should not stray into frivolity, or deviate from God's wisdom.

Further cautioning readers, Jefferson explains how the valuable lessons of a typical sermon can be undermined by wrongheaded thinking habits. One must be earnest when attending church; a genuine desire to learn or to refresh one's knowledge is crucial. Likewise a minister must refrain from vapid questions - simply asking whether the congregation liked a sermon is insufficient. A good sermon is not a mere item on display; it is a deep and piercing guidance, a warning of wrongdoing, and an illumination of eternal truths.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 178987579X
• ISBN13: 9781789875799
• Release Date: January 1898
• Publisher: Pantianos Classics
• Length: 74 Pages
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"