CHAP. XI.

Jones's other qualifications for the ministry—love, zeal, wisdom, humility, benevolence, consistency.

JONES's qualifications for the spiritual management and benefit of persons in the Methodist Societies, come now under our consideration. No doubt these were considerable. The difficulties of such undertakings are truly great. Cases of conscience are often very intricate, delicate, and numerous. Great love, attention, and zeal are, in the first place, requisite for such delicate concerns, and the advancement of religion. These qualifications of Jones were manifest. He was remarkable for fellowship and communion with the saints, his best friends. His intercourse with the children of God, in spiritual conversation, prayer, and praise, was most delightful; and love swayed the whole proceeding. He was indefatigable in holding experimental meetings with the members of the connexion in various places. The private societies, established by Jones and his brethren throughout the country, as mentioned in the second chapter, became, under God's blessing on their exertions, productive of great good. They were valuable means of fostering the young convert, as also of edifying and confirming the more advanced christian, and of promoting spiritual union among the different members of the christian family. The improvement of all in religious knowledge and experience was visible.-So much of the divine presence is enjoyed, and such religious impressions are felt at those meetings, that the practice of neglecting them argues that the individual who is guilty of it, must be in a lukewarm or backsliding state.-Christians of every church in the principality meet once a week for spiritual edification.

It is believed that no professors in any part of the world, being sufficiently humble and affectionate one towards another, and having a minister of suitable abilities at their head, would be without such means of grace, did they know the value thereof.-Indeed, there should be a most tender anxiety in the breast of every faithful minister, for the spiritual improvement, security, and comfort of his people, " until Christ be formed in them the hope of glory:" and he should superintend and mark the different stages of their growth "unto the perfect man." Surely such men should watch for souls," as they that must give an account." Such an affectionate, diligent, and watchful minister was Jones.

But oh what wisdom, as well as faithfulness and love, are requisite to deal profitably with souls even from the commencement of their religious career! How difficult is it often to ascertain the character of the first religious impression; to see whether the conviction be natural, legal, or spiritual. Care should be taken to encourage spiritual desires, faith in Christ, and love to God. The difference between the indwelling of sin, its incursions, its occasional influence, and its habitual dominion and prevalence, should be marked and observed.-Consideration of the remains of sin in the christian, causes him, under the influence of the Spirit, to be more mournful over sin, and more watchful against it, and to trust more in Jesus.-Jones, influenced by love, and guided by wisdom from above, was careful and particular in these points, making proper distinctions, and assigning to each person his due portion.

The backslider, as well as the characters already delineated, was particularly observed and attended to by Jones. He felt indeed exceedingly for such a person. How kindly but faithfully did he state the truth to him respecting his case, and probed his conscience to the very bottom, endeavouring to make him uneasy and concerned for his soul. Then how pathetically would he set forth the mercies of God in Christ Jesus before his distressed mind, according to the

directions given in Hosea and Jeremiah. And he would persuade and direct him afresh to behold the Lamb of God slain for his sins, just the same as if it had been the first time.

Another character that Jones had frequently to deal with, was the mere professor. This is a difficult person to manage and to deal with, as he appears in several different shapes, as all true ministers know. In order to be useful to him, Jones would endeavour to convince him that any form of doctrine, or any outward observances, however excellent, would not stand instead of a hearty reliance on Christ; showing him at the same time that those that trust in him, see his great excellency and value, and consequently love and delight in him, his word, and his people; that such are entirely changed, and have the fruit of the Spirit, and the love of God in them. Gal. v. 22. 1 John iii. 14.

But Jones's chief work was to build up believers in Christ, as it should be that of every gospel minister; endeavouring to give them clearer and larger views of doctrine and precept, and a stronger and deeper sense of obligation. And then he would show them the necessity of greater enjoyment of spiritual things: an increase of such graces as self-denial, humility, meekness; and more fruitfulness in their lives. He distinctly pointed out the proper means of this spiritual growth, the love of the Saviour. 2 Cor. iii. 18.-Warnings were also used by Jones, in conjunction with the love of Christ, as especial means of edification, establishment in the truth, and preservation. The effects produced hereby, under God's blessing, in believers, are delightful. A child-like fear of God, and godly dread of sin, are increased, and the means of preserving spiritual life are diligently used. Psal. cxix. 119. David valued the word of God exceedingly, as the means of warning him. Psal. xix. 11. Though the apostle entertained a good opinion respecting the state of many of his brethren among the Hebrews, yet he warns them, knowing the utility of holy fear. Heb. iii. iv. v. vi.

It is believed, that if ministers formed such societies as those of Jones's, or small parties for conversation on experimental, practical, and suitable subjects, attended with prayer, the word of God, and singing, they would find a most useful means for edification and mutual interest. Being faithful stewards of God's mysteries, they should have his Spirit to guide and teach them in this as well as every other important part of the ministry. God furnishes his ministers with every qualification for his great work. Their talents in every respect will grow and increase as they are exercised. -Walker of Truro, Hervey, and many other excellent ministers, were blessed in this way and manner of communicating with their people. Is there not often a visible and evident want, at least, of mutual society, help, and comfort among our people? Have they not a claim to this as well as every other privilege of the church of Christ? Are they not members of one body? Should they not be made acquainted with this bond of union and love, and taught to feel and to care for each other ?—The apostle, knowing how much such sympathies contributed to the interest of the church, was most anxious" that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love." Col. ii. 2, 19. Oh how greatly would they then, by the instrumentality of their minister, aid each other, in conversation, counsel, and prayer, "looking not every man at his own things, but every man also on the things of others, and moreover bearing one another's burdens."-It is necessary, whatever plan is adopted by ministers, that great attention be paid to the spiritual state and progress of their people. They cannot be supposed to grow without instruction. All manner of care and watchfulness are required for their safety in such a world as this.

Another consideration shall be mentioned, which should have a tendency to induce ministers to cultivate more spiritual acquaintance with their people. Would not their preaching, for instance, under God's blessing, be more

useful, were they to converse with their people on the various subjects of their sermons occasionally? Is it not evident that very little is retained of what is heard by the people, much less understood and applied? Being engaged in such familiar friendly conversation with them, they shall acquire much improvement themselves. Their style of preaching, by reason of their acquaintance with different cases, would become more interesting, as referring to them; and their materials would also become more useful and valuable, elicited from such an intercourse. — Ministers should look up to God for his Spirit to qualify them for, and assist them in, this and every other branch of the ministry.

Monthly meetings also demanded Jones's attention, in order to superintend the conversations and discussions of preachers and elders on those occasions. The management of the private societies, among other things, engaged a considerable part of their conversation. These meetings are circulating, as it is well known, from one part of the country to another, in the principality, according to a methodical plan. Jones's qualifications were well adapted and very suitable for such occasions, as has been already observed. He was most glad to assist and to forward these excellent opportunities of doing good; and never was he so much at home as amongst his brethren and children in those peculiar meetings; and equally happy were they of his kind presence, and excellent instructions and observations. Indeed he was most diligent and laborious and incessant in frequenting those church and ministerial meetings. It was his meat and drink to fulfil the duties of his exalted office, for which he was so well qualified. It may also be observed here, that at those meetings he examined young exhorters and preachers, with regard to their experience, principles, motives, and qualifications for the work of the ministry. Jones greatly excelled in this important work; and some of those men that were originally sent forth by him from