have conferred on the world ! The names of a few Jewish fishermen are known and loved by millions all over the globe, while the names of many kings and rich men are lost and forgotten. It is they who do good to souls who are had u in everlasting remembrance/' (Psalm cxii. 6.)
Let us notice in these verses, how many of the twelve who are Iwre named, had been called to be disciples before they were ordained apostles.
There are six, at least, out of the number, whose first call to follow Christ is specially recorded. These six are Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Matthew. In short, there can be little doubt that eleven of our Lord's apostles were converted before they were ordained.
It ought to be the same with all ministers of the Gos- pel. They ought to be men who have been first called by the Spirit, before they are set apart for the great work of teaching others. The rule should be the same with them as with the apostles — " first converted, then ordained."
It is impossible to overrate the importance of this to the interests of true religion. Bishops and presbyteries can never be too strict and particular in the enquiries they make about the spiritual character of candidates for orders. An unconverted minister is utterly unfit for his office. How can he speak experimentally of that grace which he has never tasted himself? How can he commend that Saviour to his people whom he himself only knows by name ? How can he urge on souls the need of that conversion and new birth, which he him- self has not experienced ? Miserably mistaken are those
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