Bishop Quote by Robert Nathan
““There were many candidates for this office, but none, thought the bishop, of the stuff of which an archdeacon is made. And he went over in his mind the qualities he wished to find in his assistant. In the first place, the archdeacon of St. Timothy’s must be a man of firm and fundamental views. He must believe in Heaven and Hell, and in the miracles. He must believe that God was watching . . . that was no reason, the bishop thought, for him to be tactless. God, he reflected, and the bankers, love a tactful man. For himself, he had, he felt sure, piety enough for both; but he needed help with his accounts. A good hand at figures, a tongue of fire in the pulpit, a healing way with the doubtful, a keen eye for the newspapers””
About This Quote
The bishop seeks an assistant with firm doctrine, financial skill, and persuasive oratory, yet worries about tactlessness.
In simple terms: He wants a devout, skilled, outspoken helper.
Key Takeaway
Balance belief, competence, and humility.
Themes
leadership
faith
competence
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church administration
- hiring clergy
- public preaching
Key Concepts
authority
communication
finance
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities truly serve a community?
- How to value tact over fire?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on doctrine may ignore compassion.
