[♦] “straning” replaced with “stranger”
He therefore must be utterly void of understanding, must be a madman of the highest order, who on any consideration whatever, undertakes this office, while he is a stranger to this affection. Nay, I have often wondered that any man in his senses, does not rather dig or thresh for a livelihood, than continue therein, unless he feels at least (which is extremâ lineâ amare) such an earnest concern for the glory of God, and such a thirst after the salvation of souls, that he is ready to do any thing, to lose any thing, or to suffer any thing, rather than one should perish for whom Christ died.
And is not even this degree of love to God and man utterly inconsistent with the love of the world? With the love of money or praise? With the very lowest degree of either ambition or sensuality? How much less can it consist with that poor, low, irrational, childish principle, the love of diversions? (Surely even a man, were he neither a minister, nor a Christian, should put away childish things.) Not only this, but the love of pleasure, and what lies still deeper in the soul, the love of ease, flees before it.
*3. As to his practice. Unto the ungodly, saith God, why dost thou preach my laws? What is a minister of Christ, a shepherd of souls, unless he is all devoted to God? Unless he abstain with the utmost care and diligence, from every evil word and work; from all appearance of evil; yea, from the most innocent things, whereby any might be offended or made weak? Is he not called above others, to be an example to the flock, in his private as well as public character? An example of all holy and heavenly tempers, filling the heart so as to shine through the life? Consequently, is not his whole life, if he walks worthy of his calling one incessant labour of love? One continued tract of praising God, and helping man? One series of thankfulness and beneficence? Is he not always humble, always serious, tho’ rejoicing evermore; mild, gentle, patient, abstinent? May you not resemble him to a guardian angel, ministering to those who shall be heirs of salvation? Is he not one sent forth from God, to stand between God and man, to [♦]guard and assist the poor, helpless children of men, to supply them both with light and strength, to guide them through a thousand known and unknown dangers, ’till at the appointed time he returns with those committed to his charge, to his and their Father who is in heaven?
[♦] “gaurd” replaced with “guard”
*O who is able to describe such a messenger of God, faithfully executing his high office? Working together with God, with the great Author both of the old and new creation! See his Lord the eternal Son of God, going forth on that work of omnipotence, and creating heaven and earth by the breath of his mouth! See the servant whom he delighteth to honour, fulfilling the counsel of his will, and in his name speaking the word whereby is raised a new spiritual creation. Impowered by him, he says to the dark, unformed void of nature, let there be light: and there is light. Old things are passed away: behold all things are become new. He is continually employed, in what the angels of God have not the honour to do, co-operating with the Redeemer of men, in bringing many children to glory.
Such is a true minister of Christ. And such, beyond all possibility of dispute, ought both you and I to be.
II. But are we such? What are we in the respects above named? It is a melancholy, but necessary consideration. It is true, many have wrote upon this subject; and some of them admirably well. Yet few, if any, at least in our nation, have carried their enquiry through all these particulars. Neither have they always spoken so plain and home, as the nature of the thing required. But why did they not? Was it because they were unwilling to give pain to those whom they loved? Or were they hindered by fear of disobliging? Or of incurring any temporal inconvenience? Miserable fear! Is any temporal inconvenience whatever to be laid in the ballance with the souls of our brethren? Or were they prevented by shame, arising from a consciousness of their own many and great defects? Undoubtedly this might extenuate the fault, but not altogether remove it. For is it not a wise advice, Be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul? Especially, when it concerns the souls of thousands also? In such a case may God
“Set as a flint our steady face,
“Harden to adamant our brow!”