At the same time, he must act under the influence of love —
[Even in the use of " the rod," a father is actuated by love : but where it is possible to effect his purpose without it, he would rather cast it away, and conduct himself only in a spirit of affectionate endearment. St. Paul, towards this very Church, and at a time token they ivere actually setting him at defiance, writes, " Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ™." And this was his con- stant habit. He could appeal to his converts, that " as a nursing-mother,'' he had cherished them; being so affectionately desirous of them, as to be willing to impart to them, not the Gospel of God only, but also his own soul, because they were dear unto him : and he further appeals to them, that, during his whole intercourse with them, he had " exhorted, and com- forted, and charged every one of them, as a father doth his children, that they would walk worthy of God, who had called them to his kingdom and glory"." If there were any of whom he stood in doubt, he " changed his voice towards them, and even travailed in birth with them, till Christ should be formed in them°." This is the true pattern for a Christian minister: he must have courage and firmness to use " the rod," where necessary; but in his soul he should affect nothing but " love, and a spirit of meekness."]
Having stated the diversified duties of a minister, I will,
II. Address myself to the discharge of them —
St. Paul gave to the Corinthian Church their option between the two alternatives, and left them to determine in what way he should proceed with them. Now, as your stated minister, I am necessitated to " come unto you" from Sabbath to Sabbath : and I beg you to consider,
1. What is the treatment which you desire?
[Too many are utterly indifferent about the ministry of the word ; and are equally unaffected, whether we come in a
way of reproof or of consolation Yet, methinks, it is
not altogether thus with you : but, in answer to the question, "What will ye?" ye are ready to say, ' Come in the way which you judge most suited to my necessities.' Let me then proceed to ask,]
2. What is the treatment which you deserve ?
■n 2 Cor. X. 1, 2. n 1 Thess. ii. 7, 8, 11, 12. » Gal. iv. 19, 20.