a minister's chief wish for his people.
Gal. iv. 19, 20. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice ; for I stand in doubt of you.
THE pastoral relation is described in the Scrip- tures by images well calculated to convey an idea of anxious concern, and fond endearment. St. Paul sometimes speaks of himself as " the father" of his converts, as " having begotten them through the Gospel a ;" and sometimes as their mother " travail- ing in birth with them." Corresponding with these images, are the feelings of a minister's heart in re- ference to his people. If he see them in a sick and dying state, he will not be indifferent about their recovery, but will, with parental tenderness, admi- nister such instruction and advice as may conduce to their welfare. There are too many indeed, who, from an affection of candour, hope well concerning the states of all their people. But the faithful mi- nister dares not to act on such delusive principles ; he knows the danger to which the unconverted are exposed, and the awful responsibility of his own office ; and therefore he will faithfully discharge his duty, and " divide to every one the word of truth," consoling or reproving them as occasion may require.
In the words before us, we see,
I. What a minister chiefly desires on behalf of his people —
a 1 Cor. iv. 15.