Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση

more precious. Their institutions are commanding a higher estimation. Deeper convictions are felt of the importance of religion; and more extended and vigorous exertions are made to balance the temptations of prosperity by moral power. Christians are ceasing from their jealousies, and concentrating their energies. The nation is moved, and beginning to enrol itself in various forms of charitable association, for the extension of religion at home and abroad. Philosophers and patriots, statesmen and men of wealth, are beginning to feel that it is righteousness only which exalteth a nation; and to give to the work of moral renovation their arguments, the power of their example, and the impulse of their charity. And the people, weary of political collision, are disposed at length to build again those institutions which in times of contention, they had either neglected or trodden down. Such an array of moral influence as is now comprehended in the great plan of charitable operations, was never before brought to bear upon the nation. It moves onward, attended by fervent supplications, and followed by glorious and unceasing effusions of the Holy Spirit. The god of this world feels the shock of the onset, and has commenced his retreat; and Jesus Christ is pressing onward from conquering to conquer; nor will he turn from his purpose, or cease from his work, until he hath made all things new.

QUALIFICATIONS AND FAITHFULNESS OF A MINISTER.

A

SERMON,

PREACHED AT DANBURY, CONN. APRIL 23, 1829,

AT THE

ORDINATION

OF

REV. ANSON ROOD.

BY REV. HEMAN ROOD,

PASTOR OF THE CENTRE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, GILMANTOWN, N. H.

PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE
CHURCH AND SOCIETY.

New Haven,

PRINTED BY BALDWIN AND TREADWAY.

SERMON.

2 TIMOTHY, II: 2.

The things which thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

THE things which Timothy had heard of Paul, was the gospel of Christ. The men, to whom he was to commit this gospel, were the elders and teachers of the church, whom he was appointed to ordain. The import of the text, therefore, is, that the ministers of Christ should be faithful men, who are able to teach others also. The duties of their office require this. They are commissioned to interpret the sacred oracles; to open to men the true paths of salvation; and to gather a church to be the pillar and ground of the truth, and the light of the world. Where this office has been wisely and faithfully discharged, our divine religion has been like the sweet star, which hung o'er Bethlehem's towers, shedding forth a heavenly radiance, and guiding to the promised Saviour. It has spread abroad light as the morning; roused the intellectual world from the slumber of ages; wrested from the prince of darkness his captive sons, and recalled them to the allegiance of heaven. But wherever the ministry has been debased by ignorance, or corrupted by heresy and impiety, christianity has been divested of her divine simplicity and beauty; and be

« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »