an Experience enables the writer to speak upon this subject with decision. From initiation into the subsidiary departments of the Ministry (during a short residence in a country village) by the affectionate care of a venerable relative,' he conceives himself to have gained his first interest in this hallowed and blessed work, and sufficient insight into its diversified character and solemn obligations to acknowledge a debt to the end of his course. 'The Rev. Dr. Bridges, Vicar of Willoughby, Warwickshire. PART II. GENERAL CAUSES OF THE WANT OF SUCCESS IN THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. THE prophet's complaint-" Who hath believed our report"—has applied to every successive Ministry in the Church. It was echoed in reference even to the 3 Ministry of Him, who “ spake as never man spake;" who retained a listening multitude hanging upon his lips, and "wondering at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth." It was again repeated under the Apostolic dispensation, clothed as it was "with the demonstration of the Spirit and with power." And it has ever since been expressive of the experience of faithful labourers in the Lord's harvest. A young Minister indeed-speaking his message from the feeling of a full heart, and without an accurate calculation of the cost-may anticipate a cordial conviction and reception of the truth, as the almost immediate result. But painful experience will always correct such unwarranted expectations. The power of Satan, the current of sin, and the course of this world-all combine to impress our work with the character of a special conflict. But, as complaint should lead to inquiry (and surely no inquiry can be more important), we will proceed to mark a few of the more general causes, that operate unfavourably upon our work. 1 Isa. liii. 1, 2 John xii. 37, 38. 3 Rom. x. 16. A FEW remarks upon these preliminary topics will introduce the discussion of the general subject. I. It may be laid as the ground of our inquiry—that the warrant of Ministerial success is sure. It rests not upon any efforts of human wisdom, zeal, or suasion, but upon the word for ever settled in heaven." Every fertilizing shower is the renewed symbol and pledge of the Divine promise. Fruitfulness ever 5 1 attended the labours of the Old Testament Ministers. 2 It was the end of the ordination of the first Christian Ministers. 3 It is the seal affixed to Ministerial devotedness. 4 The terms of the promise are most express. The day of Pentecost exhibited the first instance of its faithfulness; 6 and the apostles ever afterwards (whether preaching to persecuting Jews, or to blind idolators) found the same seal of their apostleship 7-so that, wherever the Gospel was sent, and as long as it was continued, the work of success invariably proceeded. 8 Now, as bearing the same commission, we have the same warrant, of success-the sure foundation of "the word of the Lord," which "endureth for ever." 7 At Antioch, Acts xi. 21; xiii. 48. salonica, xvii. 4, 5. Athens, 32-34. The 4 See 1 Tim. iv. 16. 6 Acts ii. 37-47. Philippi, xvi. 14, 34. ThesCorinth, xviii. 8. 1 Cor. ix. 2. 2 Cor. iii. 1-3. Ephesus, xix. 17-20. The edification of the Churches, xvi. 4, 5. Rome, xxviii. 24. 8 Ibid xviii. 9, 10. |