[Sept. 5th, 1852.]
The views and feelings proper for any work are determined by its design; by the means of accomplishing its end; and by its importance.
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The design of the ministry is the salvation of men. 1. As salvation implies the happiness of those saved, it follows that benevolence or philanthropy is indispensable. This is often regarded as the sole or all-comprehending motive; but this might be found in a Jew or Mohammedan. There might be benevolence, though there were no God, or no Christ, or though we knew nothing of them.
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The design of the gospel is more specific. It is the holiness of men, their reconciliation to God. Hence holiness is necessary in the minister; a sense of its value; a sincere, predominant desire to promote acquiescence to it, to bring men to forsake all sin, and to be reconciled to God.
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But the holiness contemplated, though essentially the same with that of angels, is still peculiar. 1st. Involving penitence. 2d. Consisting specially in the love of Christ, and conformity to him. Hence the specific design of the ministry is to bring men to know, love, worship and obey the Lord Jesus. Hence it is essential that the minister should have, (a.) A due sense of the dignity of the Lord Jesus. (b.) Supreme love for him. (c.) Desire to see his kingdom everywhere prevail. “Lovest thou me?” is the one question which Christ asked of those who would feed his flock or gather his sheep.
II. The proper state of mind is determined by the means by which this great end is to be accomplished. It is not by fire and sword; not by coercion; not by intellectual power, as men would propagate a philosophy; not by subjection to a church, or the administration of magic rites as men would extend a mystery or a fraternity; but it is by preaching Christ. Hence there is essential, 1. A determination to use no other means.
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A sense of our own insufficiency to render even this means effectual, and therefore a constant sense of dependence.
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Conviction of its being indispensable, and therefore a purpose to use it diligently, and to prepare now to do so with effect.
III. The magnitude of the work. Nothing can be compared to it in importance. Men who are looking forward to the most important work in the world should be, 1. Grave. 2. Single-minded, having but one object in view. 3. Unembarrassed by the world. 4. Constantly exercising themselves for the work, as those preparing to run a race.
IV. Difficulties of living under right motives. They arise, 1. From sin and worldliness. 2. From sloth. 3. From the allurements of wealth, honor and power, or when connected with the ministry.
V. Importance of right views. An unconverted worldly ministry is the greatest curse to the Church and to the world; a spiritual and devoted ministry, the greatest blessing.
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