HOME*COMING*DAY AT
SARDIS BAPTIST CHURCH.
Worthington, Florida, Nov., 20,1938
By G.W.S.Ware.
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On an other page are outlines of two sermons I preached at this time, Though they were
in my inside coat pocket; which I find is the best place for them, when I preach. Any
place will do for them, except before my eyes. I use to prepare them, and them and me and
the pulpit, would stick together during a sermon. Now, up here in old age, I seldom allow
them to confine me as I preach. At present, I find it best, to do my best on an outline,
then clothe it with a type-written sermon, read it over several time, soak my mind in it
between times, while my spirit is in the presence of God; and when the time comes, step
out before the congregation, with no paper or pulpit, with my spirit clinging to God for
power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit to take charge, and oh what a joy it is when He
does. So it was at Sardis, on their home coming day. Among my first sermons, one was at
Sardis, 50 years ago. When I looked over that large congregation, yesterday, not a one of
my first congregation was there. The grave had all of them but four, and distance had
them. Of all the men of that generation, who can now crack his heels twice in the air. The
health and suppleness of my body, are gifts from God; given me through my treatment of
them while young and up to present time. Truly, what is sown in the body, the body will
reap.
I began my first pastorate with Sardis, 48 years ago. It had two strong men and women
then, numbers of each, now. Then it had an unsightly, unpainted, rough, house, out in the
woods, near Dukes, blown by the cyclone of 1896; now it has a palatial house, which graces
the town of Worthington; then, it trailed along behind other denominations, now, it hears
them coming after on the other side of the hill; then it began its Mission work, and its
Mission work in turn, has made it great in the Kingdom of God on earth; then it paid me
$2.50, a month, now it pays it pastor, $20.00, a month.
