Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση

multiplied avocations of this busy and excited age, time for every thing. Having, therefore, been called to the most responsible office on earth, let him be content with well discharging its duties, and at the same time, let him be content with nothing less. But it is time to consider,

3. What circumstances are necessary to render the influence of the christian ministry powerful and efficacious.

No inconsiderable part of mankind have believed, that, to secure its best effects, it must be wedded to the state, must enjoy the patronage of the civil authority, and must be maintained under the imposing forms of a national establishment. But so thought not the puritan fathers of New England; so thought not the Head of the church himself, as appears from that most comprehensive declaration, my kingdom is not of this world. Christianity is of heavenly origin; it is itself a life giving power; it acts with its own irresistible energies, and needs no arm of man to promote its triumphs. Let there be, on the part of its ministers, a faithful inculcation of divine truth, a devotedness to their work which is inspired by a deep sense of the love of Christ, an example concentrating the virtues of the divine life, and reflecting the beauty of holiness, and, as no earthly power can aid, so no earthly power can prevent its glorious success.

But while we disclaim all foreign aid, there are circumstances connected with the ministry itself, in

dispensably necessary to secure the full benefit of its influence. And here I allude to the personal qualifications of those, who fill the sacred office. It is surely not enough, that men take upon themselves the name and habit of the ministry. Their usefulness depends upon the manner in which they perform its duties,-upon the ability and the disposition to act worthy their sacred calling. Who does not know, for instance, that a competent measure of learning is quite indispensable in the sacred profession? The age of inspiration and of miraculous gifts is gone by. Religious, like all other kinds of knowledge, must now be gained by study, and by the vigorous use of the intellectual powers. Nor can any man successfully teach the ignorant, till he himself is taught; or lead the blind, till he himself has been made to see. He must be mighty in the Scriptures, who would convince the unbelieving, or feed the flock of God with knowledge. He must know the errors of mankind, who would hope to counteract them. He must be acquainted with the waywardness of the human heart, who would bring it into subjection to Christ. He must be able in argument, and powerful in language, who would carry on a successful warfare with the darkness of this world. I may add too, the age in which we live is rapidly advancing in arts, in enterprise, and in intellectual improvements; and the minister who is behind it, can, of course, exert but a feeble influence upon its destinies. We must throw ourselves upon the mighty current-we must be borne along

with it—we must partake of its impulse and its excitement, or our labors, however well intended, will be almost in vain. If an able ministry were ever necessary, it is peculiarly so at the present time; for, in the accomplishment of its high and holy purposes, it has to oppose more vigor of intellect, more acuteness of argument, and more plausibility of error, than in any former age. The enemy has, at length, entrenched himself in learning and philosophy; and they who would assail him with success, must be able to wield his own weapons.

And as there must be learning to render the ministry powerful and efficacious, so also, there must be courage. A timid and compromising ministry cannot meet the exigencies of the age. Error is bold, and must be met with a fearless spirit. Unless the defenders of the truth can say with Paul, in view of the dangers and difficulties that surround them, none of these things move me; unless they can endure as good soldiers the frowns, as well as flatteries of the world; unless they can persevere through evil report, as well as good report, always vigilant, always resolute, always active, they will be compelled to yield the palm of victory to the enemies of the cross. But with all this boldness there must also be mingled the meek and gentle spirit of the Gospel. Such a spirit, whatever may be our first impressions, is not incompatible even with a martyr's boldness. Who was more resolute, who less disposed to compromise in the discharge of his sacred duties, than St. Paul? And yet, he declares to the church of

Thessalonica, "we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." Such too, we know, was the spirit of him, who while he would not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, bore the strongest testimony, even to his dying hour, against the errors and corruptions of the Jews.

To these qualities there must be added prudence; for nothing will be more likely to destroy the influence of the ministry, than a rash, hasty, unadvised temper. He who acts under the influence of such a temper, unrestrained by discretion and good sense, will invite, rather than repel opposition.

But above all, attachment to Christ and to his cause must be the animating principle of the ministry, or it will never act with power on that mass of human beings which falls under its influence. This peculiarly christian principle, infused into the heart and incorporated with the springs of action, is the only one by which weak man will be able to meet or to overcome the fearful opposition of an ungodly world. The fire of holy love must burn in the soul, or languid will be the spirit, and feeble the efforts in which any minister goes forth to his work. Who will faithfully labor in a cause, to which he feels either indifference or aversion? Trust a soldier who has no regard to his king or country to defend an important post, and how easily will he be overcome by bribery or force? Nor can we anticipate any great success from those who are set for the defence of the Gospel, unless their hearts

are deeply imbued with its own spirit ;-unless they are moved and acted upon by the powerful impulses of christian feeling ;—unless the passions of the soul are awakened to a degree of earnestness and zeal, which no difficulties can discourage, and no dangers appal.

I add once more, the power of that influence which properly belongs to the ministry depends, essentially, upon the weapons which are employed both for assault and defence. All weapons are not suited to the nature and design of the christian warfare. We mistake, if we suppose that good ends justify unlawful means; or that God is pleased with any efforts to promote the purity or the extension of the christian faith, which, in their spirit, violate its sacred principles. The weapons of our warfare, says the apostle, are not carnal; are not such as worldly men employ to effect worldly ends; but spiritual, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.

Persecution, of any form or kind, is a weapon which the ministers of Christ should never take into their hands. The author of our religion never gave the right to any man, or any body of men, to compel the belief of their fellow creatures by the arm of secular power, or by any coercive measures whatsoever. Intolerance of every description, is directly opposed to the mild and gentle religion of the Gospel. This gives no power to the ministry or to the church, except that of maintaining a wholesome discipline by means of reproof and exhortation, and, in

« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »