2 Cor. iv, 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

2 Cor. v, 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we reconciled to God. pray you in Christ's stead, be ye

2 Cor. xiii, 8. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for

Gal. ii. 2. And I went up by and communicated unto them that gospel which I revelation, preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Gal. iv, 11, 13. I am afraid of yon, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Ye know how, through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Phil. ii, 16, 22. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

1 Thess. ii, 1-3. For yourselves,
brethren, know our entrance in
unto you, that it was not in vain:
But even after that we had suffer-

ed before, and were shamefully
entreated, as ye know at Philippi,

we were bold in our God to speak
unto you the gospel of God with
much contention, For our exhor-
tation was not of deceit, nor of
uncleanness, nor in guile.

HIS LOVE FOR THE CHURCHES.

Rom. 1, 11, 12. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of

2 Cor. ii, 3-5. And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part; that I may not 475 overcharge you all.

present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

Philemon 8.9, 14. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

But without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

IV.

THE MINISTRY IN GENERAL,

A DIVINE INSTITUTION. Exod. iv, 13. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

Ps. lxvili, 11. The LORD gave the word; great was the company of those that published it.

Isa. lii. 7, 8. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watch men shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Nahum i, 15. Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

John xx, 21. Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you, as my Father hath sent me even so send I you.

neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the LORD:
for they shall all know me, from
the least of them unto the great-
est of them, saith the LORD: for I
will remember their sin no more.
will forgive their iniquity, and I

Heb. viii, 11, 12. And they shall
not teach every man his neigh-
bour, and every man his brother,
saying, Know the Lord: for ali
shall know me, from the least to
the greatest. For I will be merci-
ful to their unrighteousness, and
their sins and their iniquities will
I remember no more.

ITS DUTIES.
UNDER THE OLD TESTAMENT.
FAITHFULNESS.

2 Chron. xxix, 11. My sons, be
not now negligent; for the LORD
hath chosen you to stand before
him, to serve him, and that ye
should minister unto him, and
burn incense.

the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Mal. il, 7. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

AND UNDER THE NEW TESTAMENT.

John xxi, 15. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

Col iv, 17. And say to Archippus. Take heed to the ministry which thou hast reivel in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

2 Tim. ii, 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

all things, endure afflictions, do 2 Tim. iv, 5. But watch thou in the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

the things which become sound Titus ii, 1, 8. But speak thou doctrine. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Ezek. iii, 17-21. Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn 1 Peter iv, 10, 11. As every man the wicked from his wicked way, hath received the gift, even so to save his life; the same wicked minister the same one to another, man shall die in his iniquity; but as good stewards of the manitold his blood will I require at thine grace of God. If any man speak, hand. Yet if thou warn the wick- let him speak as the oracles of ed, and he turn not from his wick-God; if any man minister, let him Rom. x. 14, 15. How then shall edness, nor from his wicked way, do it as of the ability which God they call on him in whom they he shall die in his iniquity; but giveth: that God in all things may have not believed? and how shall thou hast delivered thy soul. be glorified through Jesus Christ; they believe in him of whom they Again, When a righteous man to whom be praise and dominion have not heard? and how shall doth turn from his righteousness, for ever and ever. Amen. they hear without a preacher? and commit iniquity, and I lay a And how shall they preach. ex-stumblingblock before him, he cept they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Eph. iv, 11--13. And he gave some, apostles; and someprophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. For the pertecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edi fying of the body of Christ. Till We all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

shall die: because thou hast not
given him warning, he shall die
in his sin, and his righteousness
which he hath done shall not be
remembered; but his blood will I
require at thine hand. Neverthe-
less, if thou warn the righteous
man, that the righteous sin not,
and he doth not sin, he shall surely
live, because he is warned; also
thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezek. xxxiii, 7-9. So thou. O
son of man, I have set thee a
watchman unto the house of
Israel; therefore thou shalt hear
the word at my mouth, and warn
them from me. When I say unto

STUDIOUSNESS.

Acts xiii, 1, 2. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

1 Tim. iv, 6, 13-16. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good min ster of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of

good doctrine, whereunto thou
Till I come, give
hast attained.
attendance to reading, to exhorta-
tion, to doctrine. Neglect not the
gift that is in thee, which was
given thee by prophecy, with the
laying on of the hands of the
presbytery. Meditate upon these
things; give thyself wholly to
them; that thy profiting may ap
pear to all. Take heed unto thy-
self, and unto thedoctrine; continue
in them: for in doing this thou
shalt both save thyself, and them
that hear thee.

2 Tim. ii, 15. Study to show thy self approved unto God, a workbe man that needeth not to ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

CONSISTENCY.

1 Tim. iv, 12. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Titus ii,7. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.

1 Peter v, 3. Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

TEACHING-UNDER BOTHI DISPENSATIONS. Prov. xi, 30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Isa. lviii, 1. Cry aloud, spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Jer. iii, 15. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer. xxiii, 4. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

Ezek. xx, 4. Wilt thou judge them, son of man? wilt tou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers.

Ezek xxiii, 36. The LORD said moreover unto me, Son of man, and wilt thou judge Aholah Aholibali? yea, declare unto them their abominations.

Dan. xii, 3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Jonah i, 2. Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up

before me.

Matth. x, 7. And as ye go,

look to their own way, every
preach, saying, The kingdom of that cannot understand: they all
one for his gain, from his quar-
heaven is at hand.
ter.

Mark xvi, 15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 1, 16. And many of the children of Israel shall he [John]

turn to the Lord their God.

Luke xxii 32 But I have prayed
for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren.

Acts v, 20, 21. Go, stand and
And
speak in the temple to the people
all the words of this life.
when they heard that, they enter-
But the
ed into the temple early in the
morning, and taught.
high priest came, and they that
were with him, and called the
council together, and all the senate
them
of the children of Israel, and sent
to the prison to have
brought.

Acts xxiv, 24, 25. And after cer-
tain days, when Felix came with
his wife Drusilla, which was a
Jewess, he sent for Paul, and
heard him concerning the faith
in Christ. And as he reasoned of
righteousness, temperance, and
judgment to come, Felix trembled,
and answered, Go thy way for
this time; when I have a conveni-
ent season I will call for thee.

2 Cor. v, 20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Tim. iv, 2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove. rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

James v, 19, 20. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1 Peter v, 2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.

Jude 22, 23. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

SINS ASCRIBED

TO PASTORS IN THE OLD
TESTAMENT.

Isa, Ivi, 10, 11. His watchmen
are blind: they are all ignorant,
they are all dumb dogs, they can-
not bark; sleeping, lying down,
loving to slumber. Yea, they are
greedy dogs which can never have
enough, and they are shepherds

477

|

Jer. v, 30. 31. A wonderful and
horrible thing is committed in the
land; The prophets prophesy
by their means; and my people
love to have it so: and what will
falsely, and the priests bear rule
ye do in the end thereof.
least of them even unto the great-
est of them, every one is given to
covetousness; and from the pro-
They have
one dealeth falsely.
phet even unto the priest, every
healed also the hurt of the daugh
Peace, peace; when there is no
ter of my people slightly, saying,
peace. Were they ashamed when
they had committed abomination?
nay, they were not at all ashamed,
fore they shall fall among them
neither could they blush; there-
that fill: at the time that I visit
them they shall be cast down, saith
the LORD.

Jer. vi, 13--15. For from the

Jer. vill, 10, 11. Therefore will I give their wives unto others and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one, from the least even unto the greatest, is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there

is no peace.

Lam. iv, 11, 13. The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger. have shed the blood of the just in For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that the midst of her.

Hosea iv, 4--6. Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. Therefore shalt the night, and I will destroy thy thou fall in the day, and the proPhet also shall fall with thee in mother. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I shalt be no priest to me: seeing will also reject thee, that thou thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Hosea vi, 9. And as troops of robbers wait for a mon, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

Hosea ix, 7. The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Zech. xi, 4 5, 17. Thus saith the

LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

Mal. 1, 10. Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, nelther will I accept an offering at your hand.

(See under TENDING THE FLOCKS, ANIMALS.).

PUNISHMENT.

was come to Jerusalem, he assay-
ed to join himself to the disciples:
but they were all afraid of him,
and believed not that he was a
disciple. But Barnabas took him,
and brought him to the apostles,
and declared unto them how he
had seen the Lord in the way,
and that he had spoken to him,
and how he had preached boldly
at Damascus in the name of
Jesus.

1 Cor. iil, 3-5. For ye are yet
carnal: for whereas there is among
you envying, and strife, and divi-
sions, are ye not carnal, and walk
as men? For while one saith, I
am of Paul; and another, I am
of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Who then is Paul, and who is
Apollos, but ministers by whom
ye believed, even as the Lord
gave to every man?

2 Cor. v, 12. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Jer. xxiii, 1, 2, 12. Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people, make ourselves of the number, or 2 Cor. x, 12-16. For we dare not Ye have scattered my flock, and compare ourselves with some that driven them away, and have not commend themselves: but they, visited them; behold, I will visit measuring themselves by themupon you the evil of your doings, selves, and comparing themselves saith the LORD. Wherefore their among themselves, are not wise. way shall be unto them as slip- But we will not boast of things pery ways in the darkness; they without our measure, but accordshall be driven on, and fall there- ing to the measure of the rule in: for I will bring evil upon them, which God hath stributed to us, even the year of their visitation, a measure to reach even unto you. saith the LORD. For we stretch not ourselves beJer. xxv, 35, 36. And the shep-yond our measure, as though we herds shall have no way to flee, reached not unto you; for we are nor the principal of the flock to come as far as to you also in escape. A voice of the cry of the preaching the gospel of Christ: shepherds, and an howling of the Not boasting of things without principal of the flock, shall be our measure, that is, of other heard: for the LORD hath spoiled men's labours; but having hope, their pasture. when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

Hosea iv, 9. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.

ye

Mal. ii, 1, 2, 9. And now, priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

INCONSISTENCIES

2 Cor. xi, 12, 13. But what I do.
that I will do, that I may cut off
occasion from them which desire
occasion; that wherein they glory,
they may be found even as we.
For such are false apostles, de-
workers.
ceitful
transforming
themselves into the apostles of
Christ.

Phil. 1, 15-19. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds; But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, Acts ix, 26, 27. And when Saul every way, whether in pretence,

OF MINISTERS UNDER THE
NEW TESTAMENT.

JEALOUSIES, ETC.

or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

CONTENTION.

Acts xv, 36-40. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, I et us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Bar nabas determined to take with them John, whose suruame was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of

God.

PRIDE.

3 John 9, 10. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who lov eth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with mallcious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbid deth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

HERESY.

they be blind leaders of the Matth. xv, 14. Let them alone: blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

2 Cor. ii, 17. For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Pet. ii. 2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

SELFISHNESS.

Phil. ii, 20, 21. For I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Titus i, 10, 11. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought now, for filthy lucre's sake.

2 Pet. ii, 3. And through covet

Acts ix, 38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Acts x, 5, 6, 21-24, 32, 33. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. Then Peter

went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

all the nation of the Jews, was

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow alter they entered into Cesarea,

And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea-side; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Acts xiii,7. Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called

for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.