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fection," that the comparative freedom from these embarrassing hindrances is not among the least of the privileges of the Christian Ministry. 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 heavenly contemplation, and spiritual devotedness, it furnishes the appointed means for the salvation of our own souls; so that "he that watereth is watered also himself." 2 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 own faith by the daily routine of u spiritual ministration. The palpable display of the blindness and enmity of the natural man— -the necessity 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 patience and faith of the saints"-all meet us on every side in our closer and more familiar survey of man; strengthening our personal faith in Divine revelation, and enabling us to set our seal with stronger confidence, that in our official testimony "we have not followed cunningly-devised fables.” 3

But it is the prospect of eternity, that consummates

1 Luke viii. 14.

2 Prov. xi. 25.

32 Pet. 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.

the encouragements of the Christian Ministry. Then indeed will the Divine aphorism be fully illustrated —“ 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.”—Thus the recompense of the Christian Minister- though only the instrument of the divine purpose, and the organ of Almighty agency—is as rich and full, as if the glory of the work were his own. What clearer proof is needed, that the rewards of the Gospel dispensation are of " grace and not of debt "-the indulgence of the free mercy of God-wholly irrespective of man's desert-which, were its claims insisted uponinstead of exalting him to the Divine favour-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 sustaining support and consolation provided for every emergency. All indeed may be included in the single promise-"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." 2 The officers he employs, in every age, are entitled to this treasure, as well as those of the first age.-Keep your mind believingly attentive to this "always"-Lo, I 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." "Lo, I am with you," to defend and

1 Prov. xi. 30. Dan. xii. 3. 1 Pet. v. 4. For a magnificent view the glory of the Ministerial crown, see Hall's Sermon on the Discouragements and Supports, &c. pp. 51-53.

2 Matt. xxviii. 20.

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 faithful and hereupon you may conclude • The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.'

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Thus does every view of the Christian Ministry encourage us to increased exertion and devotedness ; 2 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.' 3

CHAPTER VI.

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF 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

1 D. Williams on the Ministerial Office, 1708. pp. 43, 44. 2 Ab humi repentibus curis erigat animum tuum considerata functionis dignitas: a prevaricatione deterreret delegantis dignitas: Socordiam excludat muneris difficultas. Industriam ac vigilantiam exstimulet præmii magnitudo, quod non ab hominibus, sed a Deo erit expectandum. Erasm. Eccles. p. 193.

3 Scott's Life, pp. 343, 344.

thought to need any proof)- If a young man has capacity; culture and application may make him a scholar, a philosopher, or an orator; but a true Minister must have certain principles, 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

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 something so fearfully responsible in entering upon this work with incompetent 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 unfitness. When we see the most" able Minister of the New Testament" 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 qualificatious far inferior, our sense of obligation should be less accurate and constraining.

In our discussion of this subject, we must be careful neither to fall short of the Scriptural standard of Ministerial Qualification, nor to insist upon anything as indispensable, independent of that standard. Much that is desirable, can scarcely be deemed essential. We must also distinguish between that deficiency which incapacitates for the work, and a comparative measure of unfitness as contrasted with Ministers of acknowledged eminence." There are diversities of gifts,"

1 Newton's Works, Vol. v. 62.

2 2 Cor. ii. 16.

and "differences of administration" of the same gifts, under "the same Spirit and the same Lord.” 1 But under all circumstances, the Divine call to this sacred office will be evidenced by a supply of competent qualifications for its discharge.

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In "considering the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus,,' we witness a most harmonious combination of seemingly opposite characteristics. The Ministry of our Lord was distinguished by the dignity of God, and the sympathy of a man and a brother-by the authority of the commissioned delegate of his Father, and yet by the humility of a servant, who "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." If he spake as one having authority," yet were they "gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth," tempered with "the meekness of wisdom" and "the gentleness" of love. Indeed the several features of his Ministerial character furnish the most accurate standard of our official qualifications, and the most explicit directory for every exercise of public or private Ministration. But, lest we should despond in our infinite remove from this standard of perfection, let us mark the Apostolic Ministry, as administered by 66 men of like passions with ourselves,” and yet, by the grace of their Divine 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 comprehensive 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 intersperses—

1 1 Cor. xii. 4, 5.

2 Heb. iii. 1.

3 Matt. xx. 28.

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