Well might St. Paul, in contemplating these effects of his ministry, express his sense of,
III. Its arduousness and importance —
Let it only be considered what a sacred trust is committed to us : on the one hand the glory of God, and on the other hand the salvation of man, is en- trusted to our care : What a treasure is this to be deposited in such earthen vessels as we are ! '' Who is sufficient for these things ?" Who is sufficient,
1. In wisdom and knowledge —
[To discharge the ministerial office aright, we should understand in all its bearings that mystery which was hid from ages — the redemption of man by the incarnation and death of God's only-begotten Son. We should be acquainted also with all the devices of Satan, whereby he is continually labouring to defeat the gracious purposes of our God. We should be able also to discriminate between all the shades of Christian experience, so as to administer suitable advice to all who are under our care. The effects of ignorance would be most fatal : we should be " blind leaders of the blind ;" and thus, together with our deluded hearers, should " fall into the ditch." Alas ! alas ! Who has not reason to lament his utter insufficiency for so great a work ?]
2. In zeal and love —
[If we duly considered the importance of our work, we should find neither time nor inclination to think of any thing else. We should scarcely allow ourselves the necessary refresh- ments of food and sleep. Persons who see us a little earnest are ready to give us credit for our zeal, or perhaps to condemn us for it : but we should not minister in the way we do, if we justly appreciated the value of a soul, or the glory of our God. No, truly ; we should never think of you but with the ten- derest compassion, nor even speak to you but with floods of tears. Whether we spake to you in public or in private, we should take no denial : and, in our addresses to God in your behalf, we should " give him no rest, till he arose, and made our Jerusalem a praise in the earth."]
Application —
[Inquire, What improvement you have made of our mi- nistry ? We ask, not merely whether you approve of what you hear ? but whether you find it a sweet savour unto your souls ? Does it endear to you the Lord Jesus Christ ? Does it bring you into closer and more habitual communion with him ? Does