Call number
Publication
Pittsburgh: Printed by Johnston & Stockton, n.d.
Physical description
14 p.; 21 cm
Notes
OPENING WORDS:
"My Dear Young Friends,
In entering upon a course of theological study, preparatory to the holy ministry, it is of special importance, that you have just views of the nature of that office for which you are candidates. The great Institution of Heaven, ordained for the purpose of turning sinners from darkness unto light and from the power of Satan unto God, is the preaching of the gospel. And in publishing to our alienated world, the message of his good will, God has been pleased to employ, not the ministry of angels but of men, of a common nature and of like passions with other men. The Christian minister, then, is one who is called officially to treat with men in relation to their eternal interests in the name of God. The office supposes that man is in a state of alienation from God, and the great object which it proposes to accomplish, is to bring about a reconciliation betwixt man and God. All things are of God, says the Apostle, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did not beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.* And while the great business of the Christian ministry is to effect a reconciliation betwixt offending sinners and offended heaven, it is to be accomplished in such a way that while man is brought to the enjoyment of the highest happiness, the honor of the divine law and the claims of the divine government are to be maintained. No man, therefore, can be qualified to discharge, in a proper manner, the duties of the sacred office, who is not, in the true sense of the word, the friend of God and man. Whatever other qualifications, therefore, may be important and advantageous to the Christian minister, love to God, or in other words, genuine piety, is essential. A vigorous mind, well cultivated, is highly requisite, a varied store of learning is of great utility, but without the spirit of true godliness a man may possess both these, and be only as sounding brass, and a tinkling symbol. It is an inquiry, therefore, which we should propose to ourselves individually, Am I reconciled to God? Have I, as a lost and perishing sinner, embraced for myself the salvation of the gospel? This is an inquiry which should receive our most particular, and deliberate, and prayerful consideration. It is not a matter which may be postponed for the present, but one which demands immediate attention. For unless we are personally interested in the favor of God, we can be neither comfortable ourselves, nor useful to others in the capacity of ministers of the gospel. Let it then be deeply impressed upon your minds, my young friends, that a regard for your own comfort, not less than a desire to promote the eternal welfare of your fellow men, most urgently demands that you give primary attention to personal religion."
*2 Cor. v.18-20.
"My Dear Young Friends,
In entering upon a course of theological study, preparatory to the holy ministry, it is of special importance, that you have just views of the nature of that office for which you are candidates. The great Institution of Heaven, ordained for the purpose of turning sinners from darkness unto light and from the power of Satan unto God, is the preaching of the gospel. And in publishing to our alienated world, the message of his good will, God has been pleased to employ, not the ministry of angels but of men, of a common nature and of like passions with other men. The Christian minister, then, is one who is called officially to treat with men in relation to their eternal interests in the name of God. The office supposes that man is in a state of alienation from God, and the great object which it proposes to accomplish, is to bring about a reconciliation betwixt man and God. All things are of God, says the Apostle, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did not beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.* And while the great business of the Christian ministry is to effect a reconciliation betwixt offending sinners and offended heaven, it is to be accomplished in such a way that while man is brought to the enjoyment of the highest happiness, the honor of the divine law and the claims of the divine government are to be maintained. No man, therefore, can be qualified to discharge, in a proper manner, the duties of the sacred office, who is not, in the true sense of the word, the friend of God and man. Whatever other qualifications, therefore, may be important and advantageous to the Christian minister, love to God, or in other words, genuine piety, is essential. A vigorous mind, well cultivated, is highly requisite, a varied store of learning is of great utility, but without the spirit of true godliness a man may possess both these, and be only as sounding brass, and a tinkling symbol. It is an inquiry, therefore, which we should propose to ourselves individually, Am I reconciled to God? Have I, as a lost and perishing sinner, embraced for myself the salvation of the gospel? This is an inquiry which should receive our most particular, and deliberate, and prayerful consideration. It is not a matter which may be postponed for the present, but one which demands immediate attention. For unless we are personally interested in the favor of God, we can be neither comfortable ourselves, nor useful to others in the capacity of ministers of the gospel. Let it then be deeply impressed upon your minds, my young friends, that a regard for your own comfort, not less than a desire to promote the eternal welfare of your fellow men, most urgently demands that you give primary attention to personal religion."
*2 Cor. v.18-20.