'.■c. jh^di — 0(\SJi^ hfTN^^ CPJVK.WJ^ LIBRARY OP THE Theological Seminary, PRINCETON, N. J. Case, Division ._ Shelf, Sect i . ^ n Book, f^® , BV 660 .B742 1847 Brid Compare 1 Kings xix. IS, with Rom. xi. 4, 5. 8Gal. i. 1. Acts xiii. 2, 3. 9 1 Tim. i. 11. 1" Compare Psalm Ixviii. 7—18, with Ephes. iv. 8 — 10. DIVINE ORIGIN AND INSTITUTION. 13 Church, in its original grant and institution, belongs to the media- torial work of the Son of God, as the purchase of his humihation, and the immediate result of his investiture with glory.' The liio-h pre-eminence of this gift, as well as the efficiency of its operations, appears in its distributive variety of office.^ The privileges com- municated to the Church by its instrumentality, are union with her glorious Head, and the communion of the several members with others in their diversified relations, and mutual dependencies. Thus the body " cometh in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man."^ Each mem- ber contributes to the estabhshment of the system. That tossing instability of profession, which is connected with so much of doc- trinal and practical error, is powerfully resisted. Party spirit melts away 4n the atmosphere of love.^ The w^hole body, " growing up into its Head in all things," is enriched by the mutual impartation of the gifts severally distributed to the members, each of whom readily forgets his own proper individuahty in a considerate regard to the general interest.* How decisively does this entire view of the Christian Ministry mark its Divine original ! And surely it is not easy to conceive of a machine better adapted for the grand purposes which it was intended to subserve — the completion of the Church and the regeneration of the world. Suppose it to be in its full effective operation — how admirably is it framed to make the Church the most important blessing to the world ! What an ex- tensive medium of pouring forth the light and life of the Gospel upon a benighted world ! What a vast and valuable body of mor- al influence w^ould it spread throughout its widely expanded sphere ! How would its wise and kindly control of " the madness of the peo- ple" impose a check even upon the political convulsions of the earth ! And what an unlimited flow of national, social, and individ- ual blessing would be communicated to our own, and to every land through this divinely-appointed channel ! We may remark in this great system of agency, the illustration of the Unity of the Divine will and purposes in the administration of the Church. From each of the Sacred Persons in the Godhead did this holy office originate : " God hath giveti to us the Minis- try of Reconciliation.''^^ Yet was it also, as w^e have seen, the gift of his exalted Son — promised by him to the Church before his departure fiom the earth ;'' communicated as the first act of his glorious power in " filling all things ;^ and sealed in every instance 1 Verses S— 10. 2 Verses 11, 12. 3 Verses 12, 13. < Verse 14. 5 Verses 15, 16. « 2 Cor. v. 18. T Matt, xxvii. 19, 20. 8 psalm Ixviii. 18. with Eph. iv. 10, 11. 14 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY I by his joint commission. ^ — At the same time is this office emphat- ically called " the Ministration of the Spirit."^ It is his authori- ty, that calls to the work^ — his guidance, that directs in it* — and his influence, that supplies the needful furniture of gifts and gra- ces.5 Thus do the institutions of the Gospel exhibit its deeper and more mysterious doctrines.* The three adorable persons are sev- erally and distinctly glorified. The ministry has an equal concern and dependence upon each, and owes eiqual honour and service to each. Tracing therefore this sacred ordinance to the footstool of the eternal throne, with what prostration of soul should we bind ourselves to its solemn obligations ! " Mine eyes" — saith the Evan- geUcal prophet — " have seeii the King, the Lord of Hosts — Here am !"■ — was his answer to the sacred voice — " send me."^ Nor can we wonder to see " the chiefest of the Apostles" unable to express his overwhelming sense of his responsibility — -" Who is sufficient for these things ?"* Who, whether man or angel, " is sufficient" to open " the wisdom of God in a mystery" — to speak what in its full extent is " unspeakable" — to make known that which " passeth knowledge" — to bear the fearful weight of the care of souls ? Who hath skill and strength proportionate ? Who has a mind and temper to direct and sustain so vast a work ? If our Great Master had not himself answered these appalling questions by his promise — " My grace is sufficient for thee ;"^ and if the ex- perience of faith did not demonstrably prove, that " our sufficiency is of God ;">° who, with an enlightened apprehension, could enter upon such an awful service ; or, if entered, continue in it ? But how solemn is the sanction— infinitely above all human authority — stamped and engraven upon the sacred office ! And how tremendous the guilt of rejecting its commission ! — " He that heareth you, heareth me ; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me • and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me."" CHAPTER II. THE DIGNITY OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. The Divine original of the Christian Ministry has already open- ed a view of its dignity far above any earthly honour or elevation, 1 Gal. i. ] . 2 2 Cor. iii. 9. 3 Acts xiii. 2. ■« Ibid. xvi. 6, 7. 5 1 Cor. xii.7— 11. « See Ibid. 4—6. ^ isaiah vi. 5— 8. » 2 Cor. ii. 16. 9 Ibid. xii. 9. " Ibid. iii. 5. " Luke x. 16. ITS DIGNITY. 16 and such as the infidel scoff can never degrade. An institution — introduced into the world, and confirmed to the Church, with such solemn preparation — conversant with the interests, and entrusted with the charge, of immortal souls — ordained as the main instru- ment for the renovation of the world, and the building up of the Church — cannot be of inferior eminence. The office of " fellow- worker with God"' would have been no mean honour to have con- ferred upon the archangel nearest the everlasting throne. It form- ed the calling, the work, and the delight of the Lord of glory du- ring his last years of abode upon earth ; and was established by himself as the standing ordinance in his Church, and the medium of the revelation of his will to the end of time. He has not indeed (as the judicious Calvin observed) — ' called his ministers into the function of teaching, that, after they have brought the Church un- der, they may usurp to themselves the government ; but that he may use their faithful diligence to associate the same to himself. This is a great and excellent thing, for men to be set over the Church, that they may represent the person of the Son of God.'^ The dignity however of the sacred office belongs to a kingdom " not of this world."' It is distinguished therefore, not by the pass- ing glitter of this world's vanity, but by eternal results, productive, even in their present influence, of the most solid and enduring hap- piness.^ For surely it is ' the highest dignity, if not the greatest happiness, that human nature is capable of here in this vale below, to have the soul so far enlightened as to become the mirror, or conduit or conveyor of God's truth to others.'* The chastised apprehension of this high calling, so far from fostering a vain-glorious spirit, has a direct tendency to deepen self-abasement and reverence. For can we help recoiling from so exalted an office — from handling such high and holy things ? What ! We to convey life, who ourselves 1 1 Cor. iii. 9. 2 Cor. vi. 1. This association is evidently that of a Minister with God — and not, we think, (as Doddridge and Macknight have supposed) — of one Minis- ter with another. Comp. Rom. xvi. 3, 9, 21. Phil. ii. 25, iv. 3. Philemon 1, 24. "Yet all is of God." For this co-operation is " God working in us to will and to do." The strength for the work is imparted — not natural; nor was there any " fellow- worker" in the first principles of strength, or in its subsequent increase. ' Exmiium elogium Minis- terii, quod, cum per se agere possit Deus, nos homunciones tanquam adjutores adsciscat, et tanquam organis utatur.' Calvin in 1 Cor. iii. 9. 2 Calvin on John iii. 29. 3 John xviii. 36 ■* Burnet beautifully illustrates the honourable designations of the holy office. Pastoral Care, ch. 1. Compare also, Chrysostom De Sacerdotio, book iii. Gregory Nazianzen's Oration, appended usually to Chrysostom, and Bowles' Pastor Evangelicus — 1665. 12mo. Pref An old writer expatiates upon no less than forty-three Scriptural appellations of its dignity and usefulness. Sal Terrae. cap. ii. by T. Hall. 12mo. Francof. 1658. Ano- ther writer counts sixty names, more or less applying to " the diversities of operations," in the Ministry. Hottingeri Typus Pastoris Evangelici. 12mo. Basil. 1741. The remark of one of the Reformers carries with it a valuable lesson, — ' De nomine observan- dum — vocari Mirdsterium non Magisterium.' Buceri De Vi et Usu S. Min. 5 Mather's Student and Pastor, p. 161. 16 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : are dead ! We, so defiled, to administer a service so pure, so puri- fying ! " Woe is me" — said one of old, when contrasting this hon- our with his personal meanness — " for I am undone ; for I am a man of unclean lips."' How can we think of this vast commission — this momentous trust, but as an act of most undeserved favour P But let the remembrance of this sacred dignity give a deeper tone of decision to our ministrations. ' A Pastor' — remarks Bish- op Wilson — ' should act with the dignity of a man, who acts by the authority of God'^ — remembering, that while we speak to men, we speak in God's stead.' And this is the true Scriptural standard of our work — " As we were allowed of God" — said the great Apos- tle— " to be put in trust with the Gospel," (the highest trust that ever could be reposed in man) " even so ice speak ; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."* Let it also connect itself with its m,ost responsible obligations — that we disgrace not the dignity — that we live under the constraint — of our high calling — " Ye are the salt of the earth. Let not the salt lose its savour. Ye are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men" — are the impressive exhortations of the Great Master.'^ " Neglect not" — said the great Apostle — " the gift of God that is in thee : stir it up"^ by the daily exercises of faith, self-denial, and prayer, duesnel observes — ' What courage, what boldness, what freedom ought the dignity of the Ministry to give a bishop or priest ; not for his own interests, but for those of the Church ; not through pride, but fidelity ; not while he employs carnal means, but while he makes use of the armour of God."^ ' The moment we permit* ourselves to think Hghtly of the Christian Ministry, our right arm is withered ; nothing but imbecility and relaxation remains.'^ But let the weight of this dignity be relieved by Evangelical encour- agement— The ministration of the Spirit and of righteousness constitutes the chief glory of the evangelical economy. " There- fore," says the Apostle, after an exhibition of its pre-eminent excel- lency— "seeing we have this Ministry^^ — so richly endowed, so freely vouchsafed — " as we have received mercy, loe faint 7ioty^ A sense of the dignity of our office — accurately formed, carefully maintained, and habitually exercised — is therefore of the highest importance. It elevates the standard of Christian consistency even in the prospective consideration and choice of the work. For what 1 Isa. vi. 5. 2 See Eph. iii. 8. 1 Tim. ii. 12. 3 Sacra Privata. Comp. 2 Cor. v. 20. « 1 Thess. ii. 4. 5 Matt. V. 13 — 16. See an awakening appeal in the conclusion of Bishop Taylor's first sermon on the Minister's duty in life and doctrine. Works, Vol. vi. « 1 Tim. iv. 14. 2 Tim. i. 6. ^ On 2 Cor. iii. 8. Comp. Daven. in Col. i. 1. 8 Hall on the Discouragements and Supports of the Ministry, p. 51. * 2 Cor. iv. 1, ITS USE AND NECESSITY. 17 is unsuitable to the Ministerial character is obviously unsuitable to the probationer for the Ministry. In the actual discharge also of duty, the mind will thus be excited to a more solid and devoted consecration ; and the whole man will be gradually formed in this heavenly mould — exalted, not elated. Dignity of character will thus correspond with dignity of station. The "office" will be " magnified'" in perfect harmony with the lowliest personal humil- ity— and, indeed, never more eminently displayed, than in the ex- ercises of genuine humility ; the man invested with these high re- sponsibihties sinking in the dust as an " unprofitable servant."^ CHAPTER III. THE USES AND NECESSITY OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. ' Because the nature of things consisting, as this doth, in action, is known by the object whereabout they are conversant, and by the end or scope whereunto they are referred ; we must know that the object of this function is both God and men : God, in that he is publicly worshipped of his Church ; and men, in that they are capable of happiness by means, which Christian discipline appoint- eth. >So that the sum of our lohole labour in this kind is to hon- our God, and to save men.^ The ministry of the word was ordained for the planting and watering* of the Church. The epistles were written to the respec- tive churches, which had been planted by the preaching of the gospel — to supply the place of an oral ministry — to reduce them to church order and unity — to confirm them in Christian steadfast- ness, and to advance them to Christian perfection. The several individuals also addressed were the fruits of this ministry. Timo 1 See Rom. xi. 13. 2 The views of Philip Henry were truly worthy of his high office. Thus he wrote on the day of his ordination — ' I did this day receive as much honour and tcork as ever I shall be able to know what to do with. Lord Jesus! proportion supplies accordin 1 Cor. iii. 9. 11 Ibid. 10. 12 1 Peter ii. 5. Eph. ii. 20—22. ITS USE AND NECESSITY. 19 peace to be negotiated between the Majesty of heaven and a world of rebels, he is the ambassador, entrusted with " the Ministry of rec- onciUation ;" and praying them in Christ's stead — " Be ye recon- ciled vmto God."' We do not limit the infinite extent and power of Divine grace, when we speak of the necessity of the Christian Ministry. These uses of the sacred institution are not and cannot be necessary to God, as if he were unable to work without them. But they are such as he has appointed and made necessary in the constituted order of means, for the accomplishment of his own purposes of mercy to the world.^ His sovereign pleasure has ordained this of- fice as a first hnk of means in the chain of salvation ; so that with- out a Ministry there should be no hearing of the word — conse- quently no faith in the only Saviour of whom it speaks — no calling upon his name — no salvation.* It is not our province to prescribe what he might have done, but to mark the consummate wisdom of what he has done, and to exercise the humility of faith, when we cannot discern the reasons of his dispensations. Doubtless he might have instructed as well as converted Paul by a miracle; but it was his pleasure to direct him to a fellow-sinner for the explicit revelation of his wiU.* The angel also might have been an in- structor to Cornelius ; but, in order to maintain the order of the divine oeconomy, the Ministry of the word was made the medium of conveying evangelical light to his soul.^ This, therefore, is the ordained means of conversion, and of subsequent establishment in every stage of the Christian life ; and its necessity must continue while there is a single sinner to be brought into the family of God, or a single grace in the heart of the saint to advance to perfection." 1 1 Cor. V. 20. 2 Comp. James i. 18. Eph. iv. 12. 13. 3 Rom. X. 13 — 16. 1 Cor. i. 21. Thus also the destitution of the Ministry is the dark sign of the departure of the presence of God from the Church. Compare 2 Chron. xv. 3. Hosea iii. 5. 4 Acts ix. 10—17. 5 Ibid. X. 3—6. 6 It is a weighty remark of Hooker's, that ' religion without the help of a spiritual Ministry is unable to plant itself Which assertion,' — says he, — 'needcth no further confirmation. If it did, I could easily declare, how all things which are of God, he hath by wonderful art and wisdom soldered as it were together by the glue of nmtual assist- ance, appointing the lowest to receive from the nearest to themselves what the influence of the highest yieldeth. And therefore the church, being the most absolute of all his works, was in reason to be also ordered with like harmony, that what he worketh might, no less in grace than in nature, be effected by hands and instruments, duly subordinated to the power of his own Spirit.' Book v. 76. Mosheim observes to the same purport, that the best system of religion must necessarily either dwindle to nothing, or be egre- giously corrupted, if it is not perpetually inculcated and explained by a regular and standing Ministry' Eccles. Hist. Cent. i. part. ii. chap. ii. ' Not even,' — says Calvin, — ' is the light and heat of the sun — not even is meat and drink, so necessary for the sup- port and cherishing of our present life, as the Apostolical and Pastoral Office for the pres- ervation of the church on earth.' Instit. lib. iv. c. iii. 3. 20 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: CHAPTER IV. \ THE TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.' Our Lord's illustration of the necessity of a previous counting of the cost in important undertakings, forcibly applies to the Chris- tian Ministry.2 Too often has the neglect of serious and prayerful calculation given awful po\ver to the temptation to draw back from so momentous a work. Indeed no previous contemplation can give just apprehensions of its difficulties, any more than a spectator of the field of battle can realize the intense anxiety of the actual con- flict. Whatever general notions of a serious and intelligent char- acter may be attained, much will yet be left, that experience alone can supply — much that will enforce the exhortation once given by a veteran to a young soldier — " Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Thou therefore endure hard- ness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ"^ Indeed the difficulties of this work to the considerate conscientious mind must exclude any expectation of temporal ease and comfort. Many other tracks in life offer a large promise of indulgence. But to this work is most especially linked the daily cross :* and in it must be antici- pated severe and sometimes overwhelming trials — arising from the professing church, the ivorld, the power of Satan, and ourselves. Our relation io the professing church is associated with no common difficulties. How instructive are the deep views of the apostolical Eliot on this work ! ' He looked upon the conduct of a church,' as his biographer (Cotton Mather) informs us, ' as a 1 For some serious and important views of this subject we may refer to Scougal's Ser- mon on the Ministerial function. 2 Luke xiv. 28 — 30. Erasmus justly laments the evil results of this inconsideration — 'Verura ad conciones sacras admittuntur, interdum etiam assiliunt, adolescentes, leves, indocti, quasi nihil fit facilius, quam apud populum, exponere Divinam scripturam, et abunde sufficiat perfricuisse faciem, et abstersa pudore linguam volverc. Hoc malum ex 60 fonte manat; quod non perpendifur, quid sit ccclesiastici concionatoris turn dignitas, turn difficultas, turn utilitas.' (Eccles. Lib. i. p. I. Ed. 1535.) Thus also an excellent old writer reflects upon such thoughtless calculators — ' Hi sane non tarn soliciti quajrerent onus, cui pares non sunt ; si cogitarent qualis sit res ovile Christi ; si perpenderent, quam pulchra et Deo grata sit ovium Christi socictas; in cujus medio Doniinus ille est, cui sol et luna famulantur, cui adsunt ministri ejus millia millium, et decies centena millia; si intelligerent, quantae molis sit, Christianam conderc gentcm; hoc est, regnum Christi crigere, et Satante palatia demoliri.' N. Hemmingii Pastor. l'2mo. Lips. p. 124. Comp. Bowles's Pastor, Lib. i. c, xiii. 3 2 Tim. ii. 1 — 3, 4 ' Evangelium Christi sincere prcedicantibus nunquam deest crux.' Erasm. The Apostle connects endurance of affliction with the work of an evangelist. 2 Tim. iv. 5. See Daven. in Col. i. 2i, 29. ITS TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES. 21 thing attended with so many difficulties, temptations, and humiUa- tions, as that nothing but a call from the Son of God could have en- couraged him unto the susception of it. He saw that flesh and blood would find it no very pleasant thing to be obliged unto the oversight of a number, that by a solemn covenant should be hsted among the volunteers of the Lord Jesus Christ ;' that it was no easy thing to feed the souls of such a people, and of the children and the neighbours, which were to be brought into the same sheep-fold with them ; to bear their manners with all patience ; not being by any of their infirmities discouraged from teaching of them, and from watching and praying over them ; to value them highly, as the flock which God purchased with his own blood, notwithstanding all their miscar- riages ; and in all to examine the rule of scripture for the warrant of whatever shall be done ; and to remember the day of judgment, wherein an account must be given of all that has been done. It was herewithal his opinion (as the great Owen expresses it) that notwithstanding all the countenance that is given to any church by the public magistracy, yet whilst we are in this world, those who will faithfully discharge their duty as Ministers of the gospel shall have need to be prepared for suflferings ; and it was in a sense of these things that he gave himself up to the sacred Ministry.'^ We need scarcely remark, what dexterity of application, diligence of labour, " discerning of spirits,"^ how large a portion of " the meek- ness and gentleness of Christ," of his yearning compassion, and per- severing self-devotedness is here required ! Except we realize a high estimation of the Church, the constraining influence of the Saviovu-'s love, and the upholding prop of Almighty grace, what is there to preserve us from sinking in despondency ? But perhaps here our chief burden lies in the recollection, that, hke our Divine Master, we are " set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel."^ For if it be joyous to convert, how afflicting to harden, by our ministry ! — specially in the fear, that the more live- ly is its energy for conversion, in the same proportion is its influence 1 Alluding to the congregational form of church government and union, which was most prevalent in America in Eliot's time. 2 Mather's Magnaha— History of New England, book iii. pp. 183, 184. 3 Nunc si reputemus in eodum populo, quanta sit varietas sexuum, setatum, conditionis, Ingeniorum, opinionum, vitae, institutionis, consuetudinis, quanta, oportet esse prssditum prudentia, ecclesiastum, cui sit temperanda oratio! — Erasnii Ecclesiastes, Lib. i. p. 9. * Luke ii. 34. ' Since I was ordained' — says Mr. Brown of Haddington — ' I know not how often it hath been heavy to my heart to think how much this scripture (Isa. vi. 9, 10) hath been fulfilled in my ministry. Frequently I have had an anxious desire to be removed by death from becoming a plague to my poor congregation. Often, however, I have tasked myself, and have considered this wish as my folly, and begged of the Lord, that, if it was not for his glory to remove me by death, he would make me successful in my work.' Life and Remains, p. 18. 22 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : for judicial condemnation. And though even "in them that per- ish" we ourselves are unto God " a sweet savour of Christ ;" yet under the sinking pressure we can but sympathize with the cry of the great Apostle — " Who is sufficient for these things ?"* Truly our office is no negative institution. And who but one deeply con- versant with the ijiomentous realities of eternity can be duly fur- nished for it ? From the difficulties with the worlds unfaithfulness to our Mas- ter furnishes the only " way of escape." The subject matter of our commission comes into immediate contact with latent and deep- rooted prejudices. The strongest feelings of a proud nature are brought into constant play against our unwelcome tale : so that we " become the enemy," instead of the friend of our fellow-sinners, " because we tell them the truth. "^ The sacrifice, which in our Master's name we demand, of the cherished objects of misplaced affections ; the exhibition of heavenly pleasures, far nobler in their character, and more permanent in their enjoyment — yet most dis- tasteful to the natural mind ; the certain endurance of reproach in the service of the Gospel — these component parts of our commis- sion, even from the voice of the most alluring charmer, excite the enmity of the carnal mind to our message, and to the messenger for his work's sake.^ Does not our personal experience furnish rec- ollections of the mighty influence of this innate indisposition to the Gospel, and of the peculiar wisdom, patience, and faithfulness need- ed for its subjugation ?• But sometimes the difficulties from the world are of a different character. We come to them " as a lovely song of one that play- eth well upon an instrument."* Their enmity, though not radi- cally subdued, may be restrained, and even clothed with much of outward courtesy. To meet this aggravated difficulty with gen- tleness, and yet to detect and uncover the evil, requires a rare com- bination of firmness, wisdom, and consideration. To risk the al- most certain consequence of a change of feeling towards us, de- mands the exercise of much prayer and faith. The kindness of the world is far more formidable than its enmity. Many, who were prepared to stem the torrent of its opposition, have yielded with compromising indulgence to its paralyzing kindness. Difficulties must also be expected froTii the restless and subtle ' 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16. — Luther entered deeply into the feehngs of the Apostle — ' Etsi jam scnex, et in concionando exercitus sum, tamen timeo, quoties suggestum conscendo.' 2 Gal. iv. 16. 3 Rom. viii. 7. John iii. 19, 20, with 1 Kings xxii. 8. ' Praedicare nihil aliud est, quam derivare in se furorem mundi.' — Luther. * Ezekiel xxxiii. 32. ITS TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES. 83 activity of the tempter. Apart from that baneful influence, by which, (as we shall afterwards show^) he obstructs the general ef- ficiency of the work — ^his power over the tone of the minister's mind is most distressing. Often indeed does he succeed in unhinging his spirit and paralyzing his exertions, by diverting his mind from the main design, or by bringing the dark cloud of unbelief over his soul, so that the Ministration of the Church, as Calvin observes, ' is not an easy and indulgent exercise, but a hard and severe warfare, where Satan is exerting all his power against us, and moving every stone for our disturbance.'^ But, after all, the greatest difficulties derive their origin and power from ourselves. The spiritual character of our employ- ment— no more than secular occupations — exempts us from the conflict with our corruptions. It is not easy to overcome our natu- ral love of ease, our indisposition to self-denying devotedness, and our false tenderness in flinching from the declaration of unpala- table truths. Were we angels by nature as well as by office, the difficulty would be of little account. But, while we bear upon us the marks of our apostacy, we cannot advance without a constant, and sometimes most painful, effort.^ Many circumstances, from this exciting tendency, materially increase the difficulty. We must la- bour, when our hearts are in a cold and languid state. Hence the danger, lest the powerful energy of the word should be weakened in its application to ourselves ; lest we should gradually lose our relish for our work, excuse ourselves from its self-denying exercises, and smk into heartless despondency. A course of opposition also to our message may stir up a selfish, unhumbled spirit. Popular- ity is yet more dangerous : the few, who escape its influence un- hurt, have been exercised in painful conflicts, such as have shown their deliverances from this fiery trial to have been nearly miracu- lous. Symptoms of success, unless tempered with personal abase- ment and habitual watchfulness, excite to self-confidence. The want of these tokens, on the other hand, is too often accompanied with impatience or despondency ; so that — assaulted at the ex- 1 Part. ii. chapter iv. 2 Calvin on 2 Cor. xi. 28. 3 'When a Minister, deeply impressed with the important difficulty of his work, looks into his own heart, to explore the resources with which he is furnished for so difficult a service, there, alas ! he meets with little that does not serve to increase his sense of weak- ness, and to confirm his fears. For it must be remembered, that he is a man of like passions with his flock, inheriting a body of corruption — that he is perhaps deficient in ability — perhaps unfortunate in the natural constitution of his mind — that at all events he has to struggle with infirmities, is exposed to temptations, has more to accomplish than others, as well as greater difficulties to surmount ; and that, whilst more will be expected from him, in himself he may have no resources above those of his congregation.' Venn's Sermons, vol. i. p. 9. 24 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : treme points, and from opposite directions — we need " the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.''^ Perhaps with many of us the conscientious discharge of official duty furnishes the only anticipation of Ministerial difficuUies. This want of acquaintance loith the real difficulties in every part of the function, by faiUng to reahze our entire helplessness, is one main cause of its unfruitfulness. None of us will find this " pleasure of the Lord to prosper in our hands," except every effort is grounded upon the practical conviction, that no strength but the arm of Omnipotence is sufficient for the work. Many of us, per- haps, had tasted in the prospect some of the delights and encour- agements of the work ; and in all the spring and freshness of youth had calculated upon a steady and uninterrupted devotedness rising above all opposing obstacles. But scarcely had we passed the threshold, before the dream of confidence passed away. The chilling influence of the world, and the disheartening effect of un- successful pains, soon made us conversant with disappointment, and dispelled our sanguine expectation of a harvest proportioned to our industry. Our constancy and love have been often put to a severe and searching trial ; and though we can never forget the dignity of character and the principles of encouragement connected with the Ministry, we are made to feel, that '• if a man desires" the 1 2 Cor. vi. 7. The following extracts from the diaries of two excellent Ministers will give a graphical delineation of painful exercises, familiar to many of us. ' I almost con- stantly find the following temptations, the one or the other, assaulting me in the discharge of my office as a Minister. 1st. If I think that I am unsuccessful, I am in danger, through an unbelieving despondency, of being discouraged, of becoming remiss, and cold, and more indifferent respecting the success of my ministry. Though this should have a quite contrary effect, yet this is the use which the devil and my own corruptions try to make of it. 2ndly. If I am, or think I am, successful, this also hath a tendency to take me off my guard, and to make me less careful in watching against sin, Eind in mortifying universally its whole body. Spiritual pride, I suppose, comes in through my success and applause, by drawing a favourable comparison between me and others, as if I were better than they. And in proportion to my want of constant thoughts of my own vileness in the sight of God, and to the good opinion I have of myself, is always my remissness, and want of vigilance and exertion to press forward. I see now the wisdom of the caution which the Apostle gives to Timothy, not to admit "a no^^ce,•' (1 Tim. iii. 6,) one who hath but little experience of the workings and deceit of sin, and hath made but httle progress in the ways of God — not to admit such into the office of the Ministry, " lest he should be hfted up with pride, and fall into the condemnation of the devil." The Apostle himself was not without some danger from this quarter. (2 Cor. xii.) Considering the greatness of my danger, how should I "work out my salvation with fear and trembling 1" None but the Lord can keep me.' Life of the Rev. T. Charles, of Bala, pp. 133, 134. ' I saw on the Sabbath four evils which attend me in my Ministry. First, either the devil treads me down by discouragement and shame ; from the sense of the meanness of what I have provided in private meditations. Or, secondly, carelessness possesses me ; arising because I have done well, and been enlarged, and been respected formerly ; hence it is not such great matter, though I be not always alike. Thirdly, infirmities and weak- ness, as want of light, want of life, want of a spirit of power to deliver what I am affected with for Christ ; and hence I saw many souls not set forward, nor God felt in my Minis- try. Fourthly, want of success, when I have done my best.' From the diary of Mr. Shepard, of New England, author of several valuable treatises upon experimental divinity. —Mather's New England, book iii. p. 91. ITS TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES. 25 office, he desires a toilsome and self-denying, as well as " a good work."' We must work, like Nehemiah and his men, with the trowel in one hand and the sword in the other.*^ The progress of the work would be stopped by the laying down of the trowel. The enemy would gain a temporary advantage by the sheathing of the sword. Nothing therefore remains but to maintain the pos- ture of resistance in dependence upon our wise Master-builder, and the Captain of our salvation — waiting for our rest, our crown, our home. We have, however, no reason to complain of a dispensation, so obviously fraught with important blessings to ourselves, and so sub- servient to the blessed ends of the Ministry. The discipline of the cross is most needfuj to repress the overweening confidence of pre- sumption ; to establish an habitual confidence in the divine promi- ses ; to prove the power of faith, the privileges of prayer, and the heavenly support of the word of God ; and to furnish us with " the tongue of the learned ;" that, from our own experience of the diflliculties and supports of our Christian warfare, we " should know how," after the Master's example, " to speak a word in season to him that is weary. "^ Yet in our contact with Ministerial difficulty the enlivening views of faith are most important. Conscious helplessness sinks undei the depressing weight of responsibility. Faith links our weakness in immediate connexion with the promises of Almighty aid ;* and enables us to say to the mountain of difficulty — " Who art thou, O great mountain ? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt be- come a plain."' Thus discouragements, properly sustained and carefully improved, become our most fruitful sources of eventual encouragement ; while love to our work bears us on above all our difficulties.* 1 1 Tim. iii. 1. ' Opus, non dignitatem ; laborem, non delicias.' — Jerome. 'The sacred Ministry is not a state of idleness or of delight; but a holy warfare, in which there are al- ways toils and fatigues to be endured. Whoever is not resolved courageously to maintain the interests of Jesus Christ, and to labour continually to enlarge his kingdom, is not fit for this warfare.' — Q,uesnel on 1 Timothy i. 18. 2 Neh. iv. 17. 3 Isaiah 1. 4. i Such as Exodus iv. 10—12. Jer. i. 6—10. Matt, xxviii. 20. 2 Cor. xii. 9. 5 Zech. iv. 6. 6 ' Magnum opus omnino et arduum conamur ; sed nihil difficile amanti puto.' Cicero. 4 26 VIEW OP THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CHAPTER V. THE COMFORTS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS OP THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. It is of the utmost importance to grasp the whole compass of the Christian Ministry. The view of one side only of the prospect (whichever side that may be) must necessarily give an imperfect and inaccurate representation. Painful and habitual experience constrains us to be with our people " in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.'" The opposition of the world — the incon- stancy of the wavering — the inconsistency of the mere professor — the difficulties that beset the inquirer's path — our frequent disap- pointments with the hopeful — combined with the recollection of what we are — what we ought to be — and what we ought to do — all this fearfully acts upon our weakness and depravity. Did we carry on " the warfare at our own charges,"^ we should " be pressed out of measure, above strength."^ But such are " the contradic- tions meeting in our work," that, though it is a sorrow, it is yet " a sorrow full of joy."* " Temptations" indeed " take us, besides such as are common to man." We have a painful pre-eminence above our fellow Christians in bearing a double share of " the burden and heat of the day." But if " the sufferings of Christ abound in us, our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.''^ This happy equipoise of conflict and support, of responsibility and privilege, in- vigorates every effort in the exercise of simple dependence and pa- tient hope. We must acknowledge that the grounds of support and encour- agement are fully commensurate with the momentous difficulty of the work. Hoio cheering is the recollection of our office, as the ordinance of Christ, and as the standing proof of his love to his Church ! For will he not honour his own institution, and secure its appointed end, in the glory of his name and the prosperity of his Church? Will not he that sent us furnish us for our work? May we not plead his ordinance, as the ground of de- pendence upon him for all needful assistance and encouraging acceptance ? I 1 Cor. ii. 3. 2 Ibid. ix. 7. 3 2 Cor. i. 8. * Sec an exquisite hymn on Ministerial Experience in the Olncy Collection, Book ii. 26. Compare also 2 Cor. vi. 6 — 10. 5 2 Corinthians i. 5. ITS COMFORTS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS, 27 How aftiple also are our sources of encouragement within the compass of our work /' Did we depend upon the failing support of human agency, or upon the energy of mere moral suasion — we should cry out, prostrate in heartless despondency — " Who is suffi- cient for these things ?"* But the instant recollection — that " our sufficiency is of God" — " lifts up our hearts in the ways" and work of the Lord. Added to this — " the character of our ministration — as that " of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the Spirit," — the cheering joys connected with the ministration of life and righteousness — together with our own personal interest in its blessings — all combine to invigorate our faith and expectancy under all apprehended difficulties. Therefore, seeing we have this Ministry (so far exceeding in glory" the preceding dispensation) " as we have received mercy, we faint not."* We have the fullest assurance, that " the life-giving Spirit" employs our Ministry as the vehicle of conveying his heavenly influence " to open the blind eyes," and to quicken the spiritually dead. And to have his Divine seal to our Avork, as the honoured instrument of communicating the life of God, with all its attendant privileges, to the soul of man, cannot but bring with it a reflex delight of the most exalted character.* The spiritual and permaiient fruits of our Ministry must rank among our highest consolations. The repentance of a single sinner, is an event that causes rejoicing in heaven,' (the only recorded instance of heavenly interest connected with our lower 1 Witsius' spirit on entering upon the duties of his professorship was full of encourao-e- ment — ' Quidni ergo jucundissima mihi ilia Domini verba applicem, quibus servum suum Josuam quondam affatus est 1 ' Nonne ego precepi tibi 1 Confirmare igitur et fortis esto ; quia tecum est Dominus Deus tuus quocunque iveris.' Licet infirmitatis me meae conscientia anxium reddat, reficit tamen Divinae gratise, nunquam suos deserentis, ad sus- tentandum prompta facilitas — illius autem gratisB, cui lubitum est v-irtutem suam in infir- mitatc confirmare, quaeque abjectissinois ssepe et rei gerendse minime idoneis instrumentis utitur, ut totius operis gloria in solidum ac illibata sibi remaneat.' Oratio De Vero Theo- logo. Misc. Sacra, ii. 851, 852. 2 2 Cor. ii. 16. 3 ibid. iii. 5—9 ; iv. 1. * ' I will remind you,' says Cotton Mather, — ' that one of the greatest personages (an Archbishop and a Lord-Keeper) in the English nation (Archbishop Williams) once ut- tered this memorable speech. ' I have passed through many places of honour and trust both in Church and State, more than any of my order in England for seventy years be- fore : but were I assured, that by my preaching I had converted but one soul unto God, I should herein take more comfort, than in all the honours and offices that have ever been bestowed upon me.' You are entering upon a work, that will keep you continually in the way of this incomparable satisfaction ; and I hope .... that the saving, or enlight- ening and edifying of one soul, at any time, will be a matter of more joy unto you than if all the wealth of Ophir should flow in upon you.' Mather's Student and Pastor, pp. 159, 160. It was a golden sentence of Dr. Hammond, well worthy to be recorded, 'Oh what a glorious thing — how rich a prize for the expense of a man's whole life were it, to be the instrument of rescuing one soul from ruin !' Indeed the Christian Pastor — as Bowles remarks — would readily make with the hireling the compact of the king of Sodom with Abraham, — " Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself." (Gen. xiv. 21.) Lib. iii. c. 9. 5 Luke xv. 10. 28 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : world) ; and therefore may well be conceived to bring no common pleasure to the Minister's heart. Jndeed, one such instance is a spring of encouragement even in the sinking contemplation of the mass of ignorance and sin that surrounds us. The subsequent walk also of our people in the faith, hope, and love of the Gospel, forms our ground of unceasing thanksgiving to God, our chief joy, and the very life of our Ufe. " We have no greater joy, than to hear that our children walk in truth.''^ We turn to them in the expression of parental anxiety and delight — " Now we live, if ye standfast in the LordP'^ The interest we 'possess in the affectionate sympathies of a beloved people is also a subordinate source of comfort and en- couragemeyit. Rich indeed, and heart-gladdening is " the consola- tion in Christ, the comfort of love, the fellowship of the Spirit,"^ which we enjoy in communion with a flock, to whom God has owned our labours. In this love — the most touching love that this world affords — we find a full compensation for the scorn of an un- godly world, and the secret spring of many an hour of support and enjoyment, by which we are carried forward in our painful course. The Christian and intelligent part of our flock well know, that we are " men of like passions with themselves," that our path is strewn with snares, and our hearts are often keenly wounded with sorrow and temptation. Christian sympathy engages them to " communi- cate with our affliction." A sense of duty and privilege calls forth their exertions, and directs their conduct, so that, as far as possible, all just grounds of complaint or grief may be removed ; and our labours for their sakes, and in their service, made consoling to our own souls.* Our debt of obligation to the secret expressions of their love at the throne of grace is reserved among the discoveries of the great day, to add dignity and emphasis to the acknowledgment now made " in part," and then to be more fully proclaimed ; that " we are their rejoicing, even as they also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus."* Another comfort and encouragement in our work, of a more individual character, deserves to be mentioned — its special advan- tages for the cultivation of jjersonal religion.* Such is the 1 2 John 4. 2 1 Thess. iii. 7—9. 3 phil. ii. l. ^ Quesnel thus beautifully expresses the mutual relation between the Pastor and the people — ' The latter ought to alleviate the troubles which attend the pastoral function, by a fiUal respect, " obedience and fear." The former ought to make a suitable return on all occasions by his care, and continually to cherish the flock by fresh testimonies of satisfaction, joy, and tenderness.' On 2 Cor. vii. 15, 16. Also on 2 Cor. ii. 3. Phil ii. 26. 5 2 Cor. i. 14. 6 See this clearly illustrated by Bishop Burnet — Pastoral Care, ch. viii. Mr. Boston, ihe well-known author of ' The Fourfold State,' dates his earliest thoughts and desires of ITS COMFORTS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS. 29 deadening influence of secular callings upon the concerns of eter- nity, that without special exercises of watchfulness and prayer, the Christian cannot maintain his high elevation.' Often did the " man after God's own heart," when engrossed with the cares of his kingdom, seem to envy the Ministers of the sanctuary their pecu- liar privilege of a nearer approach to their God, and a constant ahiding in his work.^ And what exercised Christian does not mourn over the necessary secularities of his calling, as abridging him of his spiritual enjoyments : and distracting even those sea- sons, which, by the active habit of self-denial, he is enabled to conse- crate to communion with his God ? It is so difficult to be emjiloyed, without being " entangled, with the affairs of this life f^ there are so many weeds of a worldly growth and of a rank luxuriance, "choking the word," when it has given fair promise of fruit, and is even advancing " to perfection,"^ that the comparative freedom from these embarrassing hindrances is not among the least of our privileges. Add to this — while secular occupations have a tendency to divert us from God, this holy employ naturally draws us to him. In calling us to the search of the rich mines of Scripture, to heav- enly contemplation, and spiritual devotedness, it furnishes the ap- pointed means for the salvation of our own souls ; so that " he that watereth is watered also himself"^ And thus — the devotion of time, the concentration of attention, and the improvement of talents and opportunities — when applied in simplicity to that employment, which is the present and eternal rest of the soul, forms and matures the character for a richer supply of heavenly communications, and for more extensive usefulness in the Church of God. We remark also the confirmation, afforded to our oivn faith hy the daily routine of a sjnritual ministration. The palpable display of the blindness and enmity of the natural man — the ne- cessity of a radical change of heart and habit — the means by which this change is effected — its beneficial influence upon the whole character — its sustaining efficacy, as manifested in " the the Ministry from the consideration — ' because of all men ministers were most taken up about spiritual things.' ' Is it not our unspeakable advantage, beyond all the gainful and honourable employments of the world, that the whole work of our particular calling is a kind of living in heaven; and, besides its tendency to the saving of the souls of others, is all along so proper and adapted to the purifying and saving of our own !' Leighton's Letter to the Clergy of Dumblane. Compare also his Works, ii. 452. We shall after- wards (Part. iii. ch. viii.) be led to remark upon the peculiar hindrances arising from this source. Yet these — be it remembered — are the workings of temptation, acting upon a corrupt nature ; while the direct tendency of a spiritual function must be the advance- ment of spiritual religion in the heart. • Compare Psalm cxix. 25, with Isaiah xl. 31. 2 Compare Psalm Ixv. 4 ; Ixxxiv. 4. 3 2 Tim. ii. 4. * Luke viii. 14. s Proverbs xi. 25. 30 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: patience and faith of the saints" — all meet us on every side in our closer and more familiar survey of man ; strengthening our own personal faith in the Scriptural revelation, and enabling us to set our seal with stronger confidence, that in our official testimony " we have not followed cunningly-devised fables."^ The certainty of success must not be forgotten (though the subject will hereafter come under consideration'^) as one of the main-springs of Ministerial support. All the covenanted engage- ments made to our great Mediator are mainly ftdfilled through the instrumentality of the Christian Ministry.^ This, therefore, se- cures to us — that " the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in our hand," and quickens us to be " steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we knoio that our labour is not in vain in the Lordy'^ But it is the ijrospect of eternity^ that consummates our hopes and joys. Then indeed will the inspired aphorism be fully illus- trated— " He that winneth souls is wise" — when " they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." " When the chief shepherd shall appear, they shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."^ Our recompense is measured not " according to" our success, but " our labour,"'^ and as with our blessed Master, vouchsafed even in the failure of our ministration.'' And though we be only the instruments of the Divine purpose, and the organs of Almighty agency — yet is it as rich and full, as if the glory of the work were our own. What clearer proof is needed, that the rewards of the Christian dispensation are of "grace and not of debt"^ — the indulgence of free and sovereign mercy, wholly irrespective of man's desert — which, were its claims insisted upon, instead of exalting him to the favour of God, would cover him with " shame and everlasting contempt ?" Admitting, therefore, that we are called to difficult and costly service ; yet have we abundant cause to be satisfied with the sus- taining support and consolation provided for every emergency. All indeed may be included in the single promise — "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world."^ ' The officers he em- ploys in every age' — observes an excellent Minister addressing a 1 2 Peter i. 16. See this point admirably drawn out in a somewhat varied view in the Bishop of Chester's interesting sermons on the Christian Ministry, pp. 37 — 44. 2 Part ii. c. 1. 3 Isaiah Uii. 10—12, with 1 Cor. i. 21 ; 2 Cor. i. 20. •» 1 Cor. xv^58. 5 Prov. xi. 30. Dan. xii. 3. 1 Peter v. 4. For a magnificent view of the glory of the ministerial crown, see Hall's Sermon on the Discouragements and Supports, &c. pp. 51 —53. 6 1 Cor iii 8. '2 Cor. ii. 15, 16, with Isaiah xlix. 4. ^ Matt, xxvui. 30. ITS QUALIFICATIONS. 31 brother — ' are entitled to this treasure, as well as those of the first age. — Keep your mind' — he added — ' believingly. attentive to this " always^'' — Lo, / am with you, to qualify and succeed you in whatever work I call you to. " Lo, I am with you^'' to comfort you by my presence and Spirit, when your hearts are grieved. " ZfO, / am, with you^'' to defend and strengthen you in trials, though all men forsake you. While he stands with you, there can be no just cause of fear or faintness. You need no other encouragement. This you shall never want, if you continue faith- ful : and hereupon you may conclude — 'The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.'' Thus does every view of our office encourage us to increased exertion and devotedness \^ so that in the midst of many painful exercises of faith and patience, we can " thank God and take courage." None, who have devoted themselves in simplicity to the work, will hesitate in subscribing to Mr. Scott's testimony — ' With all my discouragements and sinful despondency ; in my better moments, I can think of no work worth doing compared with this. Had I a thousand lives, I would willingly spend them in it : and had I as many sons, I should gladly devote them to it.'^ CHAPTER VI. THE QUALIFICATIONS OP THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. Mr. Newton's important remark may be considered as an axiom — " None but he who made the world can make a Minister of the Gospel." He thus proceeds to illustrate his position (for it cannot be thought to need any proof) — "If a young man has capacity ; culture and application may make him a scholar, a phi- losopher, or an orator ; but a true Minister must have certain prin- ciples, motives, feelings, and aims, which no industry or endeavours of men can either acquire or communicate. They must be given from above, or they cannot be received."* 1 D. Williams on the Ministerial Office, 1708. pp. 43, 44. 2 Ab hunii repentibus curis erigat aniiiium tuum considerata functionis dignitas : a pre- varicatione deterreret delegantis dignitas: Socordiam excludat muneris difficultas. In- dustriam ac vigilantiam exstimulet prffimii magnitudo, quod non ab hominibus, sed a Deo erit expectandum. Erasm. Eccles. p. 193. 3 Scott's Life, pp. 343, 344. i Newton's Works, Vol. v. p. 62. 32 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: These principles, wrought out and exhibited in their practical influence and application, will furnish a complete view of the necessary qualifications for the Christian Ministry. There is some- thing so fearfully responsible in entering upon this work with in- competent abilities, that the man can scarcely have felt any serious concern for his own soul, for the immortal interests of his fellow- sinners, or for the welfare of the Church of God, whose mind has not been more, or less exercised upon the ground of personal unfit- ness. Wiien we see the most " able Minister of the New Testa- ment" that the Church has ever known, deeply penetrated, and indeed well-nigh overwhelmed,^ with the sense of the "necessity laid upon him" — we may well be ashamed, that with qualifications far inferior, our sense of obligation should be less accurate and constraining. In our discussion of this subject we assume a suitable measure of natural and intellectual endowments, as well as their conscien- tious improvement of them. As to spiritual qualifications, we would be careful neither to lower, exceed, or deviate from, the Scriptural standard. It is obvious that all requisites (though none without bearing upon the efficiency of the Ministration) are not of equal moment. We must therefore distinguish between what is desirable and what is essential — between what is wanting from immaturity or inexperience, or in the substance and character of the man — and again, between that deficiency, which incapaci- tates for the work, and a comparative measure of unfitness, as contrasted with Ministers of acknowledged eminence. — " There are diversities of gifts," and " diflferences of administration" of the same gifts, under " the same Spirit and the same Lord."^ But under all circumstances, the Divine call to this sacred office will be evidenced by a supply of competent qualifications for its dis- charge. In " considering the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus,"^ we witness a most harmonious combination of seem- ingly opposite characteristics. The Ministry of our Lord was dis- tinguished by the dignity of God, and the sympathy of a man and a brother— by the authority of the commissioned delegate of his Fa- ther, and yet by the humility of a servant, who " came not to be ministered unto, but to minister."* If " he taught as one having authority," yet were they " gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth,"« tempered with " the meekness of wisdom" and the 1 2 Cor. ii. 16. 2 i Cor. xii. 4, 5. 3 Heb. iii. 1. 4 Matt. XX. 28. 5 lb. vii. 29, with Luke iv. 22. ITS QUALIFICATIONS. 33 " gentleness" of love. Indeed, the several features of his Ministe- rial character furnish the most accurate standard of our official qualifications, and the explicit directory for every exercise of our office, public or private. But, lest we should despond in our infi- nite remove from this standard of perfection, let us mark this high function, as administered by " men of like passions with ourselves," and yet by the grace of their Great Master, following closely in his steps. A rich treasure of instruction will be found in an attentive perusal of the Acts of the Apostles. The Epistles will also furnish a complete portraiture of the character, no less than a comprehen- sive system of the doctrines of the Christian Ministry. The different traits of St. Paul's Ministry — as they break forth in the natural flow of his writings, and the brief sketches which he occasionally inter- sperses— embody the various particulars of his invaluable didactic instructions, duesnel has drawn out no less than thirty-three in- dividualities of the sacred character from a single chapter.^ The incidental mention of Epaphroditus introduces some of the primary qualifications for this holy work. Paul speaks of him as his " bro- ther"— a sincere Christian. He marks his sympathy, diligence, and perseverance, as his " fellow-soldier ;" his " endurance of hard- ness" as his " fellow-labourer ;" his tender attachment to his flock, in longing to relieve them from needless anxiety on his account ; and his high estimation of his Master's service, as dearer to him than life itself.'^ I. In taking a general view of Ministerial qualifications, we must remark — that, if the ministry be a spiritual work, a corresponding spiritual character seems to be required in its administrators. Whatever be the value of human literature in a minister ; uncon- nected with this prime qualification, its influence will prove un- profitable— if not prejudicial — to his work. The Scripture justly insists — that Ministers should be " holy"^ — in a peculiar sense men of God — men taught of God^ — men consecrated to God by a daily surrender of their time and talents to his service — men of single- ness of purpose — living in their work — living altogether but for one end ; and for the promotion of this end, " moved by none of the af- flictions that await them ; neither counting their life dear to them, 1 1 Thess. ii. ; and again, twenty-one, from a part only of another chapter (2 Cor. vi. 1 — 12) ; ten from two verses in a third chapter (Col. i. 28, 29.) Indeed his commentary throughout exhibits a deep study of the Pastoral OfBce, and an accurate exhibition in de- tail of its duties, obligations, and encouragements. 2 Phil. ii. 25 — 30. Some beautiful touches are given also of the character of Timothy, verses 19 — 22. 3 Titus i. 8. Compare ii. 7. 2 Cor. vi. 4 — 6. 1 Tim. iv. 12, with Exodus xxviii. 36. * It is excellently remarked by Erasmus — 'Qui cupit juxta Paulura esse MaKTixos, det operam, ut prius sit GcoJiJaxroj — i. e. Divinitua edoctus.' Eccles. Lib. i. pp. 4, 5. 5 34 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: BO that they might finish their course with joy, and the Ministry which they have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." Such was the Apostle Paul, the living ex- emplar of his own instructions — as he drew them out in that charge to the Elders of Ephesus,i which might serve as an admirable pat- tern for our episcopal charges ; and of which Baxter truly observed, ' that it better deserveth a twelvemonth's study, than most things that young students do lay out their time in.' ' O brethren,' (con- tinues this earnest pleader for his Master) ' write it on your study doors, or set it as your copy in capital letters, still before your eyes. Could we but well learn two or three lines of it, what preachers should we be ! Write all this upon your hearts, and it will do your- selves and the Church more good than twenty years' study of those lower things, which, though they get you greater applause in the world, yet separated from these, will make you but sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. '^ It is evident, however, that this Ministerial standard pre-suppo- ses a deep tone of experimental and devotional character — habitu- ally exercised in self-denial, prominently marked by love to the Saviour, and to the souls of sinners ; and practically exhibited in a blameless^ consistency of conduct. The Apostle justly pronounces " a novice"* to be disqualified for this holy work. The bare ex- istence of religion provides but slender materials for this important 1 Acts XX. 17—35. 2 Reformed Pastor. 3 Some of Erasmus' terms are far too unmeasured — ' In Ecclesiasta haec imprimis spectanda sunt, ut cor fuibeat ab omnibus inUis et cupiditatibus humanis mimdum.'' — (He goes on, however, in his best style of terseness and accuracy of description,) 'ut vitam habeat non tantum a ctiminibus, sed et suspicione, spccieque criminum, puram, inculpa- tam ; ut spiritum habeat adversus omnes Satanae machinas firmum, adamantinum, incon- cussum : ut mentem igncam, et ad bene merendum de omnibus flagrantem ; ut animum habeat sapientem ad condicndam populi stultitiam, cor habeat prudens et oculatum ; ut facile dispiciat quid silendum, quidve dicendum, et apud quos, quo tempore, quo modo, tempcranda oratio. Qui cum Paulo sciat mutare voccm, et omnia fieri omnibus, utcun- que viderit saluti auditorem expedire. Nam hunc unicum oportet esse scopum, ad quern Ecclesiastes rationes suas omnes dirigat; a quo si deflecteris oculos, continue fit, ut quo magis instructus fueris ad dicendum co majorem invehas pernicicm in gregem Dominicam.' Eccles. Lib. i. p. 10. We may compare with this, another finished portrait of the Chris- tian Minister from the pen of the admirable Vitringa. ' Quanti igitur facias fidum servum Christi, doctorcm evangelii, animo rectum, gloriae DivincB et salutis hominum studio flagrantem; non qucerentem qucB sint hominum, sed homines; non qua sua sunt, sed quffi Domini; a Spiritu Sancto doctum, viarum Dei per experientiam pcritum; castis purisque moribus ; virtutcs pietatis, modcstioe, mansuctudinis, zeli, prudcntiaj, gravitatis, doccntem exemplo; qui instar lampadis impositus candelabro, omnibus, qui in domo sunt lucem prffifert ; omnibus salutis suae cupidis, turn viam salutis demonstrat, tum ipsam gratiam et salutem conditionibus evangelicis dispcnsat ! Quoquo incedit, lux est. Q.uoquo se vcrtit, salus est. Ubi aperit, sal est. Ubique carus, vcnerabilis, non minus solatii aliis impertit, quam ipse sibi solatio est; post dccursum vitae ac laborum studium tandem ausurus sc Domino ac Judici suo sistcrc cum fiducia, et libcro ore, administrationes suae reddore rationem, secundum formulam : 'Duo talcnta a te accepi. Domine: totidem lucratus cum sorte tibi rcddo." Prcf animadv. ad method. Homil. A third striking sketch will be found Ghrysost. De Sacerd. Lib. iii. IG. * 1 Tim. iii. 6. Comp. note 2, pp. 14, 15. Bowles' Pastor. Lib. i. c. 13. ITS QUALIFICATIONS. 35 ' function. A babe in grace and knowledge is palpably incompetent to become " a teacher of babes," much more a guide of the fathers. The school of adversity, of discipline, and of experience, united with study and heavenly influence, can alone give " the tongue of the learned." Some measure of eminence and an habitual aim towards greater eminence are indispensable for Ministerial completeness ; nor will they fail to be acquired in the diligent use of the means of Divine appointment — the word of God and prayer. ^' II. Spiritual attainments also must be combined with a spir- itual c/taracifer— including chiefly a clear and comprehensive view of the evangelical system. However we may admire the simplicity of the Gospel, (consisting only of a few leading ideas, and included often in a single verse') and admit an experimental acquaintance with its elementary principles, " as able to make wise unto saU^a- tion ;" yet the Scripture, in its comprehensive extent, is given for a variety of important purposes, and for this express intent ; " that the man," or the Minister, "of God"' (who seems to be chiefly meant) " might be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."* The solid establishment of the people may be materially hindered by the Minister's contracted statement, crude interpretations, or misdirected Scriptural application. His furniture for his work must therefore include a store of knowledge far beyond a bare sufficiency for personal salvation. " The priesfs lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth ; for he is the messen- ger of the Lord of Hosts."^ He must be the " householder — in- structed into the kingdom of heaven, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."^ Without this store he is in- competent for the great end of his work — " to speak unto men to 1 Such as John hi. 16, or 1 Tim. i. 15. 2 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. 3 Malachi ii. 7. ^ Matthew xiii. 52. ' The cursory perusal of a few books,' (as Dr. Owen well ob- serves) ' is thought sufficient to make any man wise enough to be a Minister. And not a few undertake ordinarily to be teachers of others, who would scarcely be admitted as tolerable disciples in a well-ordered church. But there belongeth more unto this wisdom, knowledge, and understanding than most men are aware of Were the nature of it duly considered, and withal the necessity of it to the Ministry of the Gospel, probably some would not so rush on the work as they do, which they have no provision of ability for the performance of It is, in brief, such a comprehension of the scope and end of the Scripture, of the revelation of God therein; such an acquaintance with the system of particular doctrinal truths in their rise, tendency, and use; such a habit of mind in judging of spiritual things, and comparing them one with another ; such a distinct insight into the springs and course of the mystery of the love, grace, and will of God in Christ, a.s enables them, in whom it is, to declare the counsel of God, to make known the way of life, of faith, and obedience unto others, and to instruct them in their whole duty to God and man therein. This the Apostle calls his " knowledge in the mystery of Christ," which he manifested in his writings. For as the Gospel, the dispensation and declaration which is committed unto the Ministers of the Church, is "the wisdom of God in a mys- tery;" so their principal duty is, to become so wise and understanding in that mystery, as tiiat they may be able to declare it to others, witliout which they have no Ministry committed unto them by Jesus Christ.' Owen's Pneumatologia. 36 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : edification, and exhortation and comfort."^ For how can he, with- out an enlarged acquaintance with his own principles, exhibit them in their true light, or apply tliem to successive emergencies ? III. But spiritual gifts must be connected with spiritual at- tainments. The rich variety of these gifts (the fruit of the ascen- sion of Christ, and the furniture of his servants for their important work*^) is a matter of equal admiration and praise. There must be an ability to communicate and apply what has been imparted ; else the highest attainments, however serviceable to their possessors, can never become the pubUc benefit of the Church. Yet here much discernment will be necessary, lest we confound the ready exer- cise of spiritual gifts with Divine influence, and thus foster self-de- lusion of a most fatal tendency. The dihgent student of the Epistles of St, Paul will readily ob- serve, that they were written, as his brother Apostle reminds us, "according to the wisdom given unto him."^ With what admi- rable skill does he adapt his instruction to an almost infinite diver- sity of persons, occasions, and circumstances — to their strength or feebleness — their progress or decay — their mistaken or wilful abuses — their diflferent capacities, advantages, or disadvantages ! With what exquisite address does he " change his voice," in meekness or in vehemence — in tenderness — or in sharpness — in reproof or in expostulation — thus in his administration, as in his personal con- duct, " becoming all things to all men, if that by any means he might save some !"* Thus spiritual wisdom is as important for the building up of the Church of God, as was the wisdom imparted to Bezaleel and Aholiab for the raising of the Levitical tabernacle.* Thus we " approve ourselves unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. "^ Thus, as " stewards of the mysteries, and rulers over the household"'' of God, we distrib- ute the stores of provision to every member of the household, suited to their several wants, and answering to their Master's wise and gracious will. Thus we take account of their individual state — the strength and exercise of their spiritual capacities — the kind of food, which they severally require for the nourishment of the Chris- tian life, according to their infantine, growing, or adult state — theii special hindrances or advantages— their advance, apparently sta- tionary condition, or visible decay in the ways of God. The treat- ment of these several individualities, demands a deep and well-di- gested acquaintance with the methods of the grace of God, in order 1 Cor. xiv. 3. 2 Compare Epli. iv. 8, 9, with 1 Cor. xii. 4—11. 3 2 Peter iii. 15. ■* See the close of quotation from Erasmus, ut supra, p. 34, note. 5 Exod. XXXV. 30—35. « 2 Tim. ii. 15. 7 1 Cor. iv. 1. Luke xii. 42. ITS aUALIFICATIONS. 37 to administer a seasonable and effective distribution of the word. The Apostle marks also the gift of " utterance'" as a spiritual en- dowment in the dispensation of the word — ^enabling us to address our people with "opened mouth" and "enlarged heart j"*^ to "speak as the oracles of God" — in mode as well as in matter — in " sound speech" as well as in " sound doctrine f^ delivering our testimony with holy confidence, " not as the word of man, but in truth the word of God" — in a manner suitable to the dignity of the pulpit, and yet plain to the weakest capacity. The natural powers of clear thinking and arrangement of matter, of aptitude of expression, and of familiar and appropriate illustration, are often used as sanctified instruments of conveying the life-giving power of the Gospel with increasing ac- ceptance and powerful application. Not, however, that these abil- ities are communicated by an extraordinary or sudden afflatus, or that they necessarily accompany in an equal measure the efforts of diligence.^ The diligence of faith will ever receive its measure of encouragement in the growth, increase and improvement of Min- isterial gifts. Yet we must not intrench upon the exercise of the Divine sovereignty ; remembering, that " all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."5 ' It is not to be supposed' therefore (to use the words of a sensible writer), ' that such an office can be easily filled. It demands not merely some, but many, nay, all excellences, in happy combination. A person may, in a general way, be said to be qualified for the Ministry, who has talents for preaching, though not fitted for prof- itable private intercourse, or the affairs of Church Government. But this is evidently not a complete adaptation to the work. It is, on the contrary, a very imperfect one, and one with which no man should be content. For, all the aspects of Ministerial labour are, if not equally, yet highly important ; every one of them far too important to be trifled with. The right performance of each affords faciUties for the rest, and gives additional beauty and efficacy to all. To be fit for only one department, cannot but greatly impede lEph. vi. 19. 2 2Cor. vi. 11. 3 Titus ii. 1, 7, 8. * Bishop Sanderson observes — ' It was Simon Magus' error to think, that the gifts of God might be purchased with money ; and it has a spice of his sin, and so may go for a kind of simony, to think that spiritual gifts may be purchased with labour. You may rise up early and go to bed late, and study hard, and read much, and devour the marrow of the best authors ; and, when you have done all, unless God give a blessing to your en- deavours, be as lean and meagre in regard of true and useful learning, as Pharaoh's lean kine were, after they had eaten the fat ones. It is God, that both ministereth the seed to the sower, and multiplieth the seed sown : the principle and the increase are both his.' Sermon on 1 Cor. xii. 7. 5 1 Cor. xu. 11. 38 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: our activity, and diminish our success. To fill the Ministerial of- fice with a* degree of satisfaction and benefit commensurate with its capabilities, or with the desire of a heart awake to its importance, we must be all ihat it demands — men of God, perfect," completely furnished to every good work.' This is an elevated standard. He that aims highest will most approximate to it. CHAPTER Vn. PREPARATION FOR THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. We have already seen, that the weight of Ministerial responsi- bilities renders the work apparently more fitting to the shoulders of angels than of men.*^ It is therefore a matter of the deepest regret, that any should intrude upon it, equally unqualified for its duties, and unimpressed with its obligations. ' Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.' But though many see little necessity for preparation ; here, if ever, labour, diligence, observation, and intel- ligence, are needful to f)roduce a " workman that needeth not to be ashamed."^ The influence also of selfish or secular motives awfully blinds the conscience to the sense of the present necessity, and to the anticipation of the day of account ; while young men of ardent feelings and promising talents, but with unfurnished minds and unrenewed hearts, are thrust forward by the persuasion of injudi- cious friends, or by the excitement of some momentary bias, into the sacred office. The Church has severely suffered from this woe- ful inconsideration ; and the victims of this self-deluding impetus have felt to their cost its bitter fruit in the disappointment of their 1 Hinton on Completeness of Ministerial Qualifications, pp. 11, 12. ' It will not fail to be objected,' — remarks Mr. Ostervald— ' that if none were to be admitted into holy or- ders, except those who are possessed of every necessary qualification, there could not pos- sibly be procured a sufficient number of Pastors for the supply of our Churches.' I'd which I answer, that a small number of chosen Pastors is preferable to a multitude of un- qualified teachers. At all hazards we must adhere to the command of God, and leave the event to Providence. But in reality the dearth of pastors is not so generally to be appre- hended. To reject those candidates for holy orders, whose labours m the Church would be wholly fruitless, is undoubtedly a work of piety. Others, on the contrary, who are qualified to fulfil the duties of the sacred office, would take encouragement from this exact- ness and severity ; and the Ministry would every day be rendered more respectable in the world.' Ostervald on Sources of Corruption. 2 Onus Angelicis humeris formidandum. — Augustine. 3 Nulla ars doceri praesumitur, nisi intenta prius meditatione discitur. Ab imperitis srgo pastoribus magisterium pastorale suscipitur in magna temeritate, quoniam ars est ar- tium regimen ardmarum. Greg, de Cura Pastor, cap 1. HABITS OF GENERAL STUDY. 39 Ministry, and the discomfort — if not the ruin — ^of their own souls. In other cases, the precious time for gathering in the store has been either wasted in feebleness and slotii ; or misapplied in studies which have no direct tendency to form a solid, judicious, and ex- perimental Ministry ; so that, with every advantage of deliberation, but a slender stock of spiritual or intellectual furniture is ready to meet the successive and daily increasing demands.' We may confidently anticipate an efficient Ministry, when the momentous cost has been considerately calculated : because then the work is contemplated, — not in the colouring of a self-indulgent anticipation, but in its true light, as warranted by Scripture, and confirmed by the experience of every faithful labourer — a work not of ease, but of self-denial — not of hasty effort, but of patient endu- rance— not of feeling and impulse, but of faith, prayer and deter- mination. A season of preparation — employed in storing the mind with Christian doctrine, and in directing it to devotional and practical purposes — in habits of self-communion and converse with God, and in the exercises of active godliness, will turn to most profitable account throughout the course of a protracted Ministry. We shall venture to offer a few suggestions on the subject under the divis- ions of — Habits of General Study — the Special Study of the Scrip- tures— Habits of Special Prayer — and employment in the cure of souls. SECTION I. • HABITS OF GENERAL STUDY. " Give attendance to reading"^ is the Scriptural rule for Ministe- rial study. It is obviously of a general character ; nor is there any reason for restricting its application to the Sacred Volume. " Paul the aged," in sending for his " books and parchments,"^ (which, it may be presumed, he wanted for perusal) exempUfied the compre- hensive extent of his own rule. Indeed who can doubt, that the 1 Quesnel's remarks are in his own style, but are well worthy consideration. ' The duties of an evangelical Preacher, before he begins his ministry, are, 1. To grow in piety, by feeding on the bread of prayer (gathered in by prayer.) 2. To give his zeal time to wax strong by reading the Holy Scriptures and Fathers. 3. To continue in silence and retirement, till God is pleased to bring him out, and show him to the world ; men deceive themselves, when they imagine, that they ought to produce and employ their talents without delay, and that they cannot hide them without violating the command of God. On the contrary they violate it in not waiting his proper time, but making the wants of their neighbour alone a sufficient call.' On Luke i. 80. 2 1 Tim. iv. 13. 3 2 Tim. iv. 13. 40 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : Church is built up by the Ministry of the pen as well as of the mouth ; and tliat in both ways " the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal ?"' We cannot suppose that God would suffer the labours of his servants, in communicating the results of exercised, deep, and devotional study, to be in vain. The experience of men of God, like that of diligent travellers; is a public benefit ; and the fruit of it in successive ages is pre- served as a most valuable store of important knowledge to the Church, The Apostle's own practice again explains his rule to embrace the wide field of General Study. ^ His introduction of heathen aphorisms in the illustration or application of sacred truth^ proves, that he apprehended no necessary debasement of its purity from an intermixture of human learning. Stephen mentions it to the honour, not to the discredit, of the Jewish Lawgiver, that he was " learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians."* The illiterate owe a mighty debt to human learning, for a translation of the Scrip- tures, which otherwise would have lain by them as a dead letter in an unknown tongue. The intelligent reader is indebted to the same source for the explanation of its difficulties ; and for many powerful defences of its authority, which enable him " with meek- ness and fear," but yet with confidence, to " be ready always to give an answer to every one that asketh him, a reason of the hope that is in him."^ At the Reformation, learning and religion revived together. The Reformers combined deep study with active Ministry. Erasmus's learning (notwithstanding its too great alliance with " philosophy and vain deceit"*) was a material assistance to Luther in his great work. ' We are taught by St. Paul's Epistles, that we may avail ourselves of every human aid to dispense the blessings of the Gos- 1 1 Cor. xii. 7. 2 Mr. Scott refers this rule ' to the study of the Scriptures, or of any other books which could add to his fund of profitable knowledge.'' His earher notions on these subjects (he candidly confesses) ' were too contracted.' Mature consideration, however, formed his studious life upon more enlarged principles, which he never failed strongly to inculcate ; marking at the same time, the importance of a due subordination to the main end. ' The object of all your studies,' (he writes in one of his letters) ' should be, neither celebrity, advantage, nor knowledge, for its own sake, but furniture to enable you to serve God in your generation.' Life, pp. 102, 103, 330. A Minister of the present day said to a friend, who found him reading Gibbon's History — that ' he read every thing with a par- ticular view to his Ministry, that he collected some materials for the pulpit from books of almost every description, and that he made all his readings contribute somethino- to- w-ards what was needful for the Sunday.' Christian Observer, October, 1828, p. 608. Indeed, to restrict our reading to matters of immediate connection with our grand subject, would exclude us from much valuable collateral knowledge, and expose us to prejudice and misconception. 3 Such as Acts xvii. 28. 1 Cor. xv. 33. Titus i. 12. i Acts vii. 22. 5 1 Peter iii. 15. 6 Col. ii. 8. HABITS OP GENERAL STUDY. 41 pel. All these human aids are valuable gifts of God, and only- cease to be blessings by the abuse of them. It is true, that the Gospel may be preached with great energy by Ministers possessing very inconsiderable attainments in literature. It sometimes hap- pens, that the most successful Ministrations are conducted by men of very moderate acquirements. And indeed the character of the Gospel seems to require, that in most cases (where the true doc- trine is preached) it should give more honour to zeal and diligence than to genius and learning. But it is also true, that God is pleased to make himself known by the use of means. And when the means are used in subordination to his grace, he will honour the means. Let us then honour human learning. Every branch of knowledge, which a good man possesses, he may apply to some useful purpose. If he possessed the knowledge of an archangel, he might employ it all to the advantage of men, and the glory of God.'i Does not every expansion of the mind increase its range of power and general comprehension, and consequently render it more capable, under Divine teaching, of exploring those things, which angels desire to look into ?" As well might we suppose that the all-sufficiency of grace super- sedes the importance of general knowledge, as that a child under the influence of grace is equally fitted for the Christian Ministry, with an intelligent adult under the same degree of this heavenly influence. But if knowledge is not to be despised, then neither is study as ' the means of obtaining it, to be neglected, specially as a preparation for publicly instructing others. And though having the heart full of the powerful influences of the Spirit of God may at some times enable persons to speak profitably^ yea, very excel- lently without study ; yet this will not warrant us needlessly to cast ourselves down from the pinnacle of the temple, depending upon it, that the angel of theLord will bear us up, and keep us from dashing our foot against a stone, when there is another way to go down, though it be not so quick.'^ -" May the Writer suggest in this view the importance of a conscien- 1 Dr. Buchanan's Sermons, pp. 249 — 251. See some valuable remarks in Scott's con- tinuation of Milner, vol ii. pp. 385,386. 'I am confidently persuaded,' — says Dr. South, — ' that there is no endovsanent, no natural gift whatever, with which the great Father of lights has furnished the mind of man, but may, in its highest operations, be sanctified, and rendered subservient to this great work of the Ministry. Real religion engages no man, particularly no Minister, to be dull, to lounge, and to be indolent ; but on the con- trary, it stirs up all the active powers of the soul in designing and bringing about great and valuable ends. Leighton declared — ' that there could not be too much learning, if it were but sajictified.' At the same time pointing to his books, he said — ' One devout thought is worth them all,' — meaning, no doubt, that no accumulation of knowledge is comparable in value to internal hohness.' Life by Rev. J. N. PearsoDj p. cxx. 2 Edwards's Works, Vol. viii. p. 589. 6 42 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : tious regard to the course of the University study ? Even where academical distinctions are passed by, the habits of disciphne and self-denial, furnish an effectual safe-guard against the detrimental influence of mental, and possibly also religious, dissipation. In the theological department, we cannot but regret the want of a more direct reference to the Christian Ministry. But — apart from this deficiency — much store is laid in of important principles of knowl- edge— the studious habit is formed — and a tone of mind is acquired or strengthened for the subsequent attainment of methodized, well- digested, and comprehensive views.' Professor Campbell remarks — ' that, whatever in respect of knowl- edge supphes the materials necessary for edifying, comforting, and protecting from all spiritual danger the people that may be com- mitted to his charge, or is of use for defending the cause of his Mas- ter, must evidently be a proper study for the man who intends to enter into the holy Ministry.' Again — 'Whatever may enable him to make a proper apphcation of those acquisitions in knowl- edge, so as to turn them to the best account for the benefit of his people, is not less requisite. To little purpose wih it be to him to be possessed of the best materials, if he have not acquired the skill to use them. The former we may call the theory of the profession ; the latter the practice. The first regards purely the science of theology : the second the application of that science to the purpose of the Christian Pastor.'^ ' The science of theology' consists in whatever may tend to il- lustrate, confirm, enforce, or recommend Divine Revelation. How- ever superficial our knowledge may be on some other subjects, here at least it should be intelligent and comprehensive — including a competent acquaintance with the Evidences of the Christian re- ligion— the Holy Scriptures — and the History of the Church, and especially of our own Church. In regard to the Eviden- ces — Dr. Leland's volumes furnish a panoply for the defender of the faith in the Deistical controversy ; as does Butler's Anal- ogy in the close combat with the Infidel. In the more direct track — Paley's masterly analysis of external Evidence— Doddridge's popular survey of the whole field — the Bishop of Chester's original 1 Perhaps some of us in the recollection of this important era may be led to make Philip Henry's confession ; and would that it might be made with equal sincerity and tender- ness of spirit ! ' What must needcs bee done in college exercise, for disputations every day in Term time, for theames and verses one a week, and for declamations ; when it came to my turn, I did as others of my standing, and sometimes had praise for it. But as for that which we call hard study, giving myself to reading, late and early, and digest- ing what I read by daily serious reviews, I was too much a stranger to it.' 2 Lectures on Pulpit Eloquence — Lecture 1. HABITS OP GENERAL STUDY. 43 and satisfactory treatise (professedly confined to a single argument, but incidentally embracing the main points) — and the Lectures of the Bishops of Calcutta and Ohio' (equally addressed to the under- standing and to the conscience) — these may well command our chief attention. The cold abstract metaphysics of Clarke — the evangelical and enlivening display of Bates and Charnock — and the popular and analogical proofs of Paley and Gisborne^ — should be digested, as illustrative of the Divine character and perfections. Nor should Paley's Horae Paulinse be forgotten, as opening a new track of collateral evidence of Christianity, which has since been extended to a \vider field with satisfactory reasoning. ^ Reserving the subject of acquaititance with the Scripiures for the next section, we proceed to remark the importance of Church History, as a compo7ie7it part of Ministerial study. ' This will teach the student' — (as Dr. Dwight justly observes) — ' the sins and virtues, the errors and sound doctrines, the prosperous and adverse circumstances, which have existed in the Church in its various ages ; together with the causes, by which they have been produced. Generally he will derive from this source the same ad- vantages, in the ecclesiastical sense, which the statesman derives in a political sense, from civil history. He will learn what the church has been ; why it has thus been ; and how in many re- spects it may be rendered better and happier.'* Mosheim will fur- nish the requisite information respecting the visible church, and Milner respecting the real church. A comparison of these two works in the prominent events of successive eras will open a field of most enlarged and interesting, but too often painful, contempla- tion. A work, combining the two in a comprehensive grasp, and w^ith impartial but decided Christian views, remains yet to be sup- plied to the Church .5 The importance of an intelhgent acquaintance with the grounds of his own church, seems to direct the candidate for the Estab- lished Ministry to a thoughtful study of Hooker's incomparable 1 Course of Lectures delivered in New York by C. P. Mc Ilvaine, D. D. Bishop of Ohio. ^ 2 See Clarke on the Attributes. Charnock's Works, vol. i. Paley's and Gisborne's Natural Theology. 3 The Veracity of the Gospels and Acts argued from undesigned coincidences. By Rev. J. .T. Blunt, 8vo. 1828. " Veracity of the Book of Moses, 8vo. 1828. * Dwight's Theology, chap. v. p. 227. 5 Weisman's Historia Sacra (2 vols. 4to. 1745, by a disciple of Dr. Spener's school) is considered by Mr. Conybeare to combine erudition and piety, but it is little known ; and, being shut up in Latin, is scarcely popular enough to supply the vacuum. Spanheim's Ecclesiastical Annals, from the creation of the world to the reformation (contained in the first volume of his works) is a store-house of valuable information. A translation of his own abridgment of this work has been given by the Rev. George Wright. 44 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : work. The power with which he has set forth the Apostohcal foundation of our church, and its careful conformity to the Scrip- tural model, is at once above all praise, and proof against all attack. Nothing has since been added materially to strengthen the ground, on which he has fixed her — nothing indeed is needed. But the characteristic of the work — that which gives to it its pecu- liar dignity and interest, and in which it differs from many similar works of acknowledged ability is— its holiness. It not only ex- hibits the exquisite symmetry of the outward superstructure, but it views the interior of the temple with the eye of a man of God. The work is cast into the mould of the subject matter. It marks the genuine spiritual character of the church in its requirements and its privileges, and displays the " beauty of hohness" stamped upon the services of her sanctuary. We hesitate whether to ad- mire more — the strength or the sanctity of his Fifth Book ; but it would be difficult to produce objections to the system or detail of our Ecclesiastical poUty (the result either of prejudice or mis- conception,) that do not here meet with a satisfactory consideration. Jewell's Apologies are highly deserving attention, as being of a kindred spirit and eloquence with Hooker. Comber will give an able and devotional exhibition of our pubhc formularies. The doctrines of the Church are best known by a careful comparison of her Homilies and Articles with the word of God. Burnet's His- tory of the Reformation furnishes most interesting details of their gradual formation upon the Scriptural basis. His Exposition of the Articles (if it does not always display the full and clear views of Evangelical truth, and if it occasionally errs in an excess of candour) contains a vast body of information, well worthy of the attention of the Ministerial student. Pearson on the Creed also must be especially named, as containing, in connection with the treatment of his great subjects, a large fund of the most valuable theology. But after all, it is in the wide field of divinity, that the student, like David, must " prepare with all his might for the house of his God."' He had need be a man of store — " a scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven." His " lips must keep knowledge," that they may " seek the law at his mouth."^ His course of reading therefore must embrace a comprehensive vie\\^ of Scripture in its doctrinal light, practical obligation, and experimental influence. Robinson's Christian System and Dwight's System of Theology will furnish most valuable materials for digestion. As to details 1 1 Chron. xxix. 2. 2 Mai. ii. 7, with Matt. xiii. 52. HABITS OP GENERAL STUDY. 45 of study — the Epistles nearest to the Apostohcal era, as well as the works of the Christian Fathers — some of Augustine's Treatises especially — deserve attention ; though of course in so wide a field and in such various degrees of Scriptural purity in their works, and of our own leisure of opportunity, much discrimination will be needed. In a brighter age of the Church, the writings of our Reformers open a rich treasure-house. From the mass of their writings the difficulty of selection is proportionably great.^ Cran- mer and Jewell however stand foremost for deep learning, large views of truth, and Christian wisdom and eloquence. Bradford's writings for their unction of spirit, and edifying and experimental matter, deserve the highest regard. Among the Foreign Reform- ers, Calvin, Luther, and Melancthon, indisputably are 'the first three.' Yet to select from upwards of thirty folios is no easy task. Calvin's Commentaries however (even in the judgment of Bishop Horsley, and others unfriendly to his peculiar dogmas) are among the most valuable illustrations of the Sacred Volume. His Insti- tutes (apart from the system which they were intended to unfold) are full of admirable statements of the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel. His expositions of the Moral law, (always excepting his loose and unguarded views of the Christian Sabbath) and of the Sacraments, are eminently judicious and practical. Luther's Commentary on the Galatians exhibits the most full and enliven- ing display of the grand doctrine of justification probably ever given to the Church. His Diatribe against Erasmus (allowing for some hasty statements) is a powerful defence of the humbling doc- trines of the Gospel against the pride of reason and self-sufficiency. Melancthon's Common Places (taking care to obtain the most ma- tured expression of his sentiments) was one of the most important and influential works of the Reformation era, and abounds with solid and Evangelical statements. Indeed this school affords per- haps the most Scriptural model for the moulding of our system of Divinity. Its standard of theology is high and consistent ; its statements of Christian doctrine are less encumbered with distinc- tions, less fettered by systematic accuracy, and more immediate and direct in their reference to the great object of our faith, than those of the subsequent school.^ The Divines of the Puritan School, however, (with due allow- • The Parker Society promises to put the most Lnportant works of this School into ex- tensive circulation. i The Harmony of the Confessions, 4to. 1643, (of which a new and enlarged edition has lately been published by Rev. P. Hall,) and Corpus et Syntagma Confessionum, f4to. 1612), are well worthy of consideration ixi the Study of the School of the Re- tormers. 4- 46 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: ance for the prevalent tone of scholastic subtleties) supply to the Ministerial student a large fund of useful and edifying instruction. If they be less clear and simple in their doctrinal statements than the Reformers, they enter more deeply into the sympathies of Cinistian experience. Profoundly versed in spiritual tactics — the habits and exercises of the human heart — they are equally quali- fied to awaken conviction and to administer consolation ; laying open the man to himself with peculiar closeness of application ; stripping him of his false dependencies, and exhibiting before him the light and influence of the Evangelical remedy for his distress. Owen stands pre-eminent among the ^vTiters of this school. ' His scholars' (as Mr. Cecil observes) ' will be more profound and en- larged, and better furnished than those of most other writers.' Among his voluminous works, we may mark his Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews (with all its prolixity), as probably a most elaborate and instructive comment upon a detached portion of Scripture. His work on the Spirit (though discordant in some particulars from the principles of our Church) embraces a most comprehensive view of this vitally important subject. His exposi- tion of Psalm cxxx. exhibits the most full and unfettered display of Divine forgiveness, admirably suited to the perplexities of exer- cised Cinistians. His Tracts upon ' Understanding the Mind of God in Scripture,' and ' The Reason of Faith,' manifest his usual accuracy of spiritual discernment. His Treatises upon Indwelling Sin, Mortification of Sin, the Power of Temptation, and the Dan- ger of Apostacy — shew uncommon depths of exploring the secre- cies of the heart. His view of Spiritual-Mindedness draws out a graphic delineation of the tastes and features of the new character. And indeed upon the whole — for luminous exposition, and power- ful defence of Scriptural doctrine — for determined enforcement of practical obligation — for skilful anatomy of the self-deceitfulness of the heart — and for a detailed and wise treatment of the diversi- fied exercises of the Christian's heart, he stands probably unrivalled. The mixture of human infirmity with such transcendant excellence will be found in an unhappy political bias— in an inveterate disUke to episcopal government.' and (as regards the character of his The- ology,) a too close and constant endeavour to model the principles of the Gospel according to the proportions of human syslems. But 1 We refer not to his decided views of independency, but to his aggressive spirit in in- terspersing animadversions upon the Establishment throughout his most spiritual and discursive writings. Dwight has defended the principles of Dissent from Episcopacy with ccjual power and determination ; but in that spirit of Christian moderation which conciliates respect, even when it fails of conviction. HABITS OF GENERAL STUDY. 47 who would refuse to dig into the golden mine from disgust at the base alloy, that will ever be found to mingle itself with the ore ?' Baxter must be mentioned in this School — though his views of the Gospel appear to the Writer not to partake of the fulness of Owen ; nor (as Mr. Cecil remarks) ' is he to be named with him as to furnishiug the Student's mind.' Yet is his ' Christian Direc- tory' a most valuable work upon Casuistical Divinity. His ' Rea- sons for the Christian Religion' constitute a powerful defence of the bulwarks of our faith. His ' Saints' Rest' is a fine specimen of heavenly contemplation interspersed with most pungent addresses to the lukewarm and careless, though with too scanty infusion of the melting and attractive influence of evangelical motives. It were needless minutely to particularize more. R. Bolton, Howe, Charnock, are peculiarly distinguished by strength of genius and fund of matter (though — the first at least — with the occasional mixture of obscurity and bombast). Perhaps Flavel may be said to furnish the best model for the pulpit ; his preaching being specially marked by an earnest and affectionate tenderness, by much unction of spirit, clearness of doctrine, and direct enforcement of practical obligations. No department, however, of Ministerial study is of greater impor- tance than Pastoral Theology. Chrysostom on the Priesthood, for its deep-toned solemnity of eloquence^— Herbert's Parson, for its pripiitive simplicity — Burnet, for its impressive detail of the Pasto- ral obligations — Bowles, for its excursive range throughout every department of the work — Baxter's Reformed Pastor, for its awaken- mg apprehensions of Ministerial responsibility, realizing it as in the immediate presence of God and in the light of eternity — these are works for the Minister's first shelf Close by their side may stand Ministerial Biography — the embodying of the deep-felt obli- gations in active and devoted operation. Such lives as those of ' Thou2;h his works will be the Minister's constant companion through his course, yet are they most valuable parts of his preparatory study, as exhibiting Scriptural doctrines in an experimental mould and in practical influence — a complete pattern of that form of Ministry, which equally adapts itself to the various purposes of our office. 2 We must, however, remark upon the evident deficiency of Chrysostom's Treatise in those lively views and exercises of faith, which are the grand stimulants to our work. But for the characteristic wc have mentioned, combined with practical expositions and an elevated standard of ministerial conduct and obligations, it is only to be equalled by Baxter's celebrated and invaluable work. His deficiency disables him indeed as a sus- taining comforter to the desponding Minister. But the man, who could exclaim in fearful astonishment and hcsitition — Omi^a^o), il rva eart ri^m npy(nvTMv aoiHni'at (Homil. on Heb. xiii. 17.), and who declared that he was shaken as with an earthquake every time he renid these words, (De Saccrd. vi. i.) must have much to teach us of more serious, self-abasing, and exciting views of our sacred work. We may also observe of Baxter's work, that his heart-stirring exhortations would have lost none of their pungency, had they flovced more fully and naturally from the enlivening and constraining principles of faith in the promises of God, and a realized apprehension of the love of Christ. 48 VIEW OP THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: Archbishop Leighton, A Heine, P. Henry, M. Henry, Hallyburton, Cotton Mather, Ehot, Brainerd, Doddridge, Bishop Wilson, S. Walker, Martyn, Buchanan, Scott, Richmond, Oberlin and Neff, T. Lloyd, Thomason, and H. Venn^are of the highest value and consideration. More lessons of practical detail and encouragement may be learnt from this branch of study, than from whole treatises of abstract theology. The Apostle enforces the habit of study upon his beloved son, as a means of preserving his youthful ministry from contempt.' And, indeed, (as Dr. Buchanan has observed,) 'in this age, when learning is general, an ignorant clergyman will be treated with contempt.'*^ The wide extension of knowledge proportionably in- creases our responsibility of storing our minds with subjects of gen- eral interest ; as well to diversify our materials of sold instruction, as to protect our character and office from that contempt, to which a palpable inferiority to the intelligent part of our congregation would expose us. The Apostle's rule of study was not given to " a novice," but to a convert of many years' standing ; who had been blest from his childhood with an excellent scriptural education ;^ who was endowed with good natural talents, spiritual gifts and pre- eminent rehgious advantages under the Apostle's personal tuition ; and whose early elevation in the Church showed a satisfactory im- provement of his privileges. Yet is he warned to instruct himself before he attempted to instruct others, — to '' give attendance" first " to reading" — then " to exhortation, to doctrine." Such advice, given to an elder under such circumstances, and in an age of inspi- ration, carries the weight of authority, and serves as a rebuke for negligence under our comparative disadvantages. Nor let it be thought, that studious habits must necessarily in- fringe upon our more active employments. What shall we say to the nine pondrous folios of Augustine, and the thirteen of Chrysos- tom — volumes not written, like Jerome's, in monastic retirement, but in the midst* of almost daily preaching engagements, and con- flicting, anxious, and most responsible duties — volumes — not of light reading, the rapid flow of shallow declamation — but the results of deep and well-digested thinking ? The folios also of Calvin — the most diligent preacher.^ and of Baxter, the most laborious pastor of 1 See 1 Tim. iv. 12. 13. 2 Church Missionary Proceedings, Fourteenth Anniversary, p. 353, note. * 2 Tim. iii. 15. * ' Ye heard yesterday — ye shall hear to-morrow' — very commonly occurs in their Ho- miletical writings. 5 ' What shall I say of his indefatigable industry, even beyond the power of nature, which being paralleled with our loitering, I fear will exceed all credit, and may be a true object of admiration, how his lean, worn, soent, and weary body could possibly hold ouf? HABITS OF GENERAL STUDY. 49 his day — full of thought and matter, bear the same testimony to the entire consistency of industrious study with devoted Ministerial diligence. The secret of this efficiency seems to have much con- sisted in a deep sense of the value of that most precious of all talents — time; and of an (Economical distribution of its minutest particles for specific purposes. Mr. Alleine would often say, * Give me a Christian that counts his time more precious than gold.'^ Mr. Cot- ton^ would express his regret after the departure of a visitor—' I had rather have given this man a handful of money, than have been kept thus long out of my study.' Melancthon, when he had an appointment, expected, not only the hour, but the minute to be fixed, that time might not run out in the idleness of suspense. Sen- eca has long since taught us, that time is the only thing of which 'it is a virtue to be covetous.' But here we should be, like the miser with his money — saving it with care, and spending it with caution. It is well to have a book for every spare hour, to improve what Boyle calls the ' parenthesis or interludes of time: which, coming between more important engagements, are wont to be lost by most men for want of a value for them : and even by good men, for want of skill to preserve them. And since goldsmiths and re- finers'— he remarks — ' are wont all the year long to save the very sweepings of their shops, because they may contain in them some filings or dust of those richer metals, gold and silver ; I see not, why a Christian may not be as careful, not to lose the fragments and lesser intervals of a thing incomparably more precious than any metal — time ; especially when the improvement of them by our meletetics may not only redeem so many portions of our life, but turn them to pious uses, and particularly to the great advan- tage of devotion.'^ Bishop Burnet indeed has justly observed, ' that a great measure He read every week in the year three divinity lectures, and every other week over and above ; he preached every day, so that (as Erasmus saith of Chrysostom) I do not know, whether more to admire the indefatigahlencss of the man, or his hearers. Yea:, some have reckoned up, that his lectures were yearly one hundred and eighty-six, his sermons two hundred and eighty-six, besides Thursday he sat in the presbytery,' &c. &c. Clark's Lives. Calvin's own account in one of his letters to Farel, thus speaks — ' When the messenger called for my book (the Commentary on the Romans), I had twenty sheets to revise — to preach — to read to the congregation — to write forty-two letters — to attend to some controversies — and to return answers to more than ten persons, who interrupted me in the midst of my labours, for advice.' 1 Alleine's Life and Letters, p. 94. 2 The grandfather of Cotton Mather, an excellent scholar, formerly of Emmanuel col- lege, and one of the first settlers in New England. One of his cotemporaries in New England (Mr. Norton) if he found hunself not so much inclined to diligence and study, as at other times, would reflect upon his heart and ways, lest some unobserved sin should provoke the Lord to give him up to a slothful listless frame and spirit. In his diary he sometimes had these words — ' Leve desidcrium ad studendum : prniam ex peccato admisso.' Mather's History of New England, Book iii. 3 Boyle's Reflections, pp. 9, 10. 7 60 VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY : of piety, with a very small proportion of learning, will carry one a great way." Considerable latitude also is required in speaking of the high importance of study. With some, the cord must be drawn tight — with others much may be left to the direction of their nat- ural bias. Yet Archbishop Seeker's remark, must, we think, be generally admitted — ' A point of great importance to Clergymen is, that they be studious.^ Far, very far, would we be from asserting the pre-eminence of theological study to spiritual-mindedness. Yet we cannot expect to see a tone of healthful spirituaUty, without an industrious habit. The religion of an idler is, to say the least, of a very questionable character ; nor can we doubt, that a diUgent im- provement of inferior talents by study, exercise, and prayer will be more profitable to their possessor, and serviceable to the Church, than the gift of superior abilities suffered to slumber for want of active use.' Different qualifications, however, are required for the improve- ment of study. Some need great patience. Ardent minds wish, and seem almost to expect, to gain all at once. There is here, as in religion, " a zeal not according to knowledge." — There is too great haste in decision, and too httle time for weighing, for storing, or for wisely working out the treasure. Hence arises that most injurious habit of skimming over books, rather than perusing them. The mind has only hovered upon the surface, and gained but a confused remembrance of passing matter, and an acquaintance with first principles far too imperfect for practical utility.^ The ore 1 Pastoral Care, ch. vii. 2 Seeker's Charges. Mather remarks upon the importance of habits of study — ' There never was an eminent, who was not an industrious man. You must be dihgent in your business, if you hope to stand in any desirable eircumstance before that Great King, unto whose service you are dedicated.' Student and Pastor, pp. 195, 196. ' I have directed close attention to this subject,' (remarks a professor in an American Theological Semi- nary,) ' and the result without one solitary exception is, that I never knew an individual gain any considerable mass of really digested and valuable knowledge, v-'dhnut vmcearied industry.'' Professor Miller's Letters on Clerical Habits addressed to a Student in the Seminary at Princeton, N. J. p. 25G. It was an excellent reply to a complaint of a bad memory as a discouragement from study ; Lege, les^e ; aliquid hcErehit. That sentence in Prov. xiv. 13, deserves to be written in letters of gold upon your study table — " In all labour there is profit." To another young Ministerial student it was said — ' Abhor one hour of idleness, as you would be ashamed of one hour of drunkenness.' — Life of Mr. Thomas Shepard, in Mather's New England, Book IV. 3 ' As it is in the body,' — observes Mr. Locke — ' so it is in the mind, practice makes it what it is ; and most even of those excellences, which arc looked on as natural endow- ments, will be found, when examined into more minutely, to be the product of exercise, and to be raised to that pitch by repeated actions' — Again — ' The faculties of the soul are improved and made useful to us, just after the same manner that our bodies are. Would you have a man write or paint well, or perform any other mechanical operation dexter- ously and with ease ? let him have ever so much vigour and activity, suppleness, and address, yet nobody expects this from him, unless he has been used to it, and has em- ployed time and pains in fashioning and forming his hand or other parts to these motions. Just so it is in the mind — Would you have a man reason well 1 you must use him to it betimes, exercise his mind in it.' — Conduct of the Under.standing. * ' Patient application is literally every thing. Without it you may have a number of HABITS OF GENERAL STUDY. 51 of knowledge is purchased in the lump, but never separated, or applied to important objects. Some again need discretion in the direction of their study. ' They study,' (as Bishop Burnet remarks in the conclusion of his history) ' books more than themselves.' They lose themselves in the multiplicity of books ;i and find to their cost, that in reading as well as " making books there is no end ; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."^ Bishop Wilkins observes, — ' There is as much art and benefit in the right choice of such books, with which we should be most familiar, as there is in the election of other friends or acquaintances, with whom we may most profitably con- verse.^ No man can read everything ; nor would our real store be increased by the capacity to do so. The digestive powers would be overloaded for want of time to act, and uncontrolled confusion would reign within.^ It is far more easy to furnish our library than our understanding. A man may have read most extensively upon theological subjects, and yet be a tyro in theology. Professor Campbell remarks, in his forcible manner, — ' It has been the error of many ages, and still is of the present age, that to have read much is to be very learned. There is not, I may say, a greater heresy against common sense. Reading is doubtless necessary ; and it must be owned, that eminence in knowledge is not to be attained without it. But two things are ever specially to be re- half-formed ideas floating in your mind ; but deep, connected, large, and consistent views of any subject you will never gain. Impatient haste is the bane of deep intellectual work. If you arc investigating any important doctrine, be not ready to leave it. Come to it a