Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση

The prominent, and at the present time, the appropriate topic presented by the text, is THE INfluThis I propose

ENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

to discuss; and I shall consider,

1. The nature of that influence.

2. The proper sphere of its operation.

3. The circumstances which are necessary to render it powerful and efficacious, and

4. Some of its important results.

1. I shall consider the nature of that influence which properly belongs to the christian ministry.

Influence, in general, is the power that directs and modifies the objects on which it acts;-thus, any one mind, when highly gifted, is a powerful agent in directing other minds, and in forming them to good or to evil.

The influence of the christian ministry is a moral influence, composed of that purity of example, that sanctity of character, and those mighty energies of revealed truth, which, in their combined operation, are adapted to the purpose of bringing mankind from a state of sin to the knowledge and service of God. While this, like every other created influence, derives all its efficacy from him who constituted it, it still acts in perfect coincidence with the laws of the human mind. It is, if I may so express it, dependent power of the highest and best kind; and as really produces the moral effects which we ascribe to it, as natural causes produce the effects which we

ascribe to them. It is, in one word, the visible and palpable medium, through which God acts in the great work of reclaiming to himself a world of sinners. The apostle tells us, "it hath pleased God by the foolishness of preaching" (and I suppose in this term he means to include all the appropriate duties of the christian ministry) "to save them that believe." Our unhappy race had become involved in spiritual death, and it was needful that there should be some power to arouse them, to pour upon them the light of truth, and to recall them to the paths of holiness and peace. Now, to accomplish this most benevolent purpose, the Head of the Church instituted the ministry of reconciliation, commissioned it to preach the Gospel to every creature, and gave to it the animating promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." And that ministry, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord, not in the excellency of man's wisdom, but in the wonder working name of Jesus of Nazareth, has gone forward with its great work, and has multiplied the trophies of its christian land ;-yes, power, in every and it shall go forward mighty and resistless, like the river of God sweeping away all refuges of lies, and causing a fairer, and brighter, and holier creation to spring up under the influence of its healing waters. It is the Gospel, it is the doctrine of Jesus Christ and him crucified, it is the amazing fact of the death of the Son of God, that acts by it and through it. Who then can doubt that it will go on,

conquering and to conquer, till he comes whose right it is to reign?

But if the influence of the christian ministry be intended to accomplish this high and holy purpose, if it be employed as the instrument of heaven's mercy in saving mankind by such means as that mercy has provided, then, surely, it is incumbent on us to consider

2. The proper sphere of its operation.

It is quite evident, that the ministry may be active, may, in some respects, be efficient too, and yet fail of accomplishing the beneficent end of its institution.

Its grand object may either not be pursued, or not be pursued by such methods as God has appointed. From an improper direction of its energies, mankind may remain as unholy, as worldly minded, and as far from the kingdom of heaven as ever. The question therefore, what is the proper sphere of its operation, involves, I had almost said, every thing that is useful or important in the ministry itself.

The object to be kept in view, we have already seen, is the emancipation of mankind from spiritual death, and their introduction into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The ministry, therefore, is legitimately employed, only, when its aims and energies are directed to the accomplishment of this. For this it was instituted; and on this should centre its desires, its hopes, and its efforts. Men are not called to the sacred office, in order that they

may gain a livelihood, or make a figure in the world. They are not called to it as a mere appendage to a well organized society, to take a place in the funeral procession, to get up a Sabbath's entertainment, or, for the sake of companionship with the affluent and the refined. No;-they are invested with the high office of ambassadors for Christ. Their business is, to negociate peace and reconciliation between offending creatures and the offended majesty of heaven, to lead the thoughtless and the unbelieving to a knowledge of salvation, to point the perishing sinner to the heavenly paradise, and to lead the way by an example, in which lives and breathes the spirit of christianity.

It is, indeed, a subordinate end of the ministry to promote the temporal welfare of mankind, to watch over the interests of learning, and to patronise all institutions which are fitted to improve, refine, or elevate society. Although mental improvement be not religion, still, experience has shown that it is eminently subservient to it. The one so much promotes the other, that both flourish best when they exist together. The common school, therefore, to say nothing of higher institutions, will be an object of lively interest to the enlightened minister of Christ. Intellectual culture he will regard, at least, as preparatory to moral and religious culture; and while he is encouraging the young to gain a knowledge of the useful arts and sciences, he will not feel that he is neglecting his master's work, or that he is losing sight of the great object of his mission-the

preparation of immortal beings for the "society of angels, and of just men made perfect." Whatever

services too, are required by enlightened patriotism or expanded philanthropy, are worthy the ambassador of him who wept over the approaching desolations of his own beloved Jerusalem; and who was constantly employed in alleviating the pains, the sicknesses, and the sorrows of humanity. As the minister of a religion, which, in all its institutions, and doctrines, and precepts, breathes peace on earth, and good will towards men, he may well connect himself with every department of benevolence, and every labor of love; he may well imitate his Lord in the social virtues, as well as in the sublimer, and more spiritual labors of his holy vocation. But still, every thing in the employments of a minister must have a subserviency to, and ultimate bearing on the immortal interests of man. The principal aim of his studies and his labors should be, to win souls to Christ and to heaven. This is the paramount object that should fire his soul, and call into action his strongest energies, and engage his best powers. Of course, then, there are some things which are admired in other men, that cannot be reckoned among the prominent excellencies of the minister. It is, in my opinion, poor praise to say of him that he is the best farmer, or the best politician that can any where be found. Such was not Paul, and such can no man be, who is duly intent on his master's work. We are not formed with sufficient capacities to excel in every thing; nor has the minister, amidst the

« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »