Eminent Holiness Essential
Eminent Holiness Essential to an Efficient Ministry
Octavius Winslow, 1843
PREFACE In humbly laying the following work at the feet of his fathers and brethren in the Christian ministry, the author feels that a word of explanation is justly demanded, for what may appear on his part an act of self-importance and presumption. The substance of its pages was originally embodied in a discourse, and delivered at the opening session of a distinguished theological institution in the metropolis. A desire for its publication issuing from quarters he was bound to respect, and couched in terms he found it impossible to resist — induced him to transcribe it from his notes, filling up the outline, as far as memory could recall the train of thought and illustration then pursued. </p>
But, in doing this, so beguiled along was he by the continued accumulation of material which a more extended view of his subject supplied — he found that he had, imperceptibly, passed the proper limits of a pamphlet sermon, and, consequently, must either relinquish his design of publishing altogether, or adopt the only alternative of presenting his reflections in the form of a small volume. Considerations, not necessary here to quote, pleaded strongly and successfully for the latter. The author, while thus elaborating his discourse, has felt it his duty, in compliance with the wishes of his ministering brethren who kindly solicited it from the press — to preserve, as closely as possible, the form in which they listened to it from the pulpit.
The vast importance of the subject it discusses is its only merit; and the demand which must ever exist for its presentation, in almost any shape — is the one plea with which it bespeaks the serious and devout attention of the reader. It is truly a matter of humiliation to the writer, that a theme so confessedly great, spiritual, and solemn — should have been invested with thought and unfolded in expression, so far below its elevated character. His only solace is that, should the "Chief Shepherd" condescend, in a single instance, to accompany its perusal with His blessing — the "excellency of the power" will be purely and signally His, and not the creature's!
With what may be termed the ministerial controversy of the day — the author has not felt called upon in these pages to interfere. His aim has been rather to soar with his reader amid a higher sphere and breathe a holier and serener atmosphere than is generally found in the unsettled region of polemic theology.
That Christian minister who most resembles the apostles in the holiness, simplicity, and devotedness of their lives, in the Christ-exalting character of their preaching, and in the success with which they turned many to righteousness — may claim an alliance with them of the closest character and possesses the "seal of apostleship," wrought and authenticated by God Himself.
It is our lot to live in an important epoch of the Christian Church. Great revolutions of mind seem on the eve of breaking forth. A fearful conflict between truth and error has even already begun. The ark of God is in the storm; "the faith once delivered to the saints" is boldly and fearfully assailed; truth has fallen in the streets. Upon whom, under God — rests the hope of the Church? To whom does truth, now prostrate and bleeding, turn her eye for sympathy and support? Who but the Christian ministers and pastors of the land? They are set for the defense and confirmation of the gospel, and to their hands is committed the guiding of the tempest-tossed ark.
If ever a thoroughly-trained ministry and a high order of ministerial character were needed — surely it is now. God, in His providence, is summoning His servants to a great work. Ordinary acquirements and low spirituality will not meet the exigencies of the case. Scribes well instructed, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, banded together in love, merging their party distinctions in one common and holy confederation against the enemies of God and of truth — these are the only men who will be found prepared to meet the fearful onset when it comes. To aid in some lowly degree the formation of such a ministry, is the object for which this work was prepared, and is now committed to the affectionate regard of the Christian pastor, and to the extended blessing of a Triune God.
Octavius Winslow, February, 1843.
"They made me the keeper of the vineyards — but my own vineyard I have not kept!" Song of Solomon 1:6
My fathers and brethren, how holy the hour and how solemn the occasion that has convened us! Sustain me by your prayers, that God may not humble me before you, crushed beneath the pressure of a service, for the vast and solemn claims of which my conscious inadequacy is well-near overpowering. I am with you in "weakness and in fear and much trembling". Pray that my speech and my preaching may not be with enticing words of man's wisdom, "but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
We have come together, my brethren, from amidst a world full of sin, anarchy, and suffering; and from a church fevered by excitement, and torn by collision and controversy. We have turned aside from a fierce conflict. Some of us are schooling and training for the onset; others are girding on the armor and unsheathing the sword; while yet others have been out in the hot battle, contending earnestly, valiantly, and successfully for the Christian faith. And now, wearied by the difficulties of their way — they seek repose for a brief while beneath the shadows of their loved Alma Mater. Having consecrated this hour and devoted this service to our spirit's mutual refreshing and the promotion of our personal fitness for our great work — what topic of reflection, do you think, my brethren, would seem best fitted to secure this the object of our assembling?
Happily through the effective labors of others, I am relieved from the task, and I trust from the expectation — of constructing an elaborate argument, sustaining the importance and urging the necessity of mental culture in connection with the Christian ministry. Your presence on this occasion, and that of this Christian assembly, is sufficient evidence that on a question of such vital interest to the Christian Church, your minds are one and decided. That the sympathies of the churches are more closely entwining themselves around this important subject — that the demand for a more thoroughly educated ministry is coming up from every quarter, more firm in tone and compass — is a sign which cannot be misunderstood. The increase of theological institutions, the elevated standard of scholarship, and the lengthened term of study are clear indications that that portion of the public mind hitherto disposed to disparage learning as an auxiliary to the Christian ministry, is becoming more favorable to a full and mature course of mental discipline, preparatory to an assumption of its sacred and solemn functions.
But divided in opinion though some may be, concerning the need of a more learned ministry — the vast importance of a more holy and devoted ministry will not admit of a moment's question. Here all are agreed. Yet even on this point, where coincidence of opinion may be so perfect, there still may exist a serious defect in the spirit in which the sentiment is held. The necessity of eminent holiness in the ministerial character may be admitted, and yet, even by the minister himself, be too readily subscribed to. As a proposition self-evident, it may be regarded as requiring no argument, elucidation, or appeal. Its truth may be fully admitted — and yet its importance not duly felt . It may receive the instantaneous and warm assent of the judgment — while the heart yields but a tardy and cold response. In theory, there shall be a consentaneousness of mind; but the actual cultivation of holiness, the aiming after such an elevated standard of personal holiness in connection with the work of the ministry, as the word of God fixes, and as His providence summons us to — may be the distinguishing trait of but few of the ministers of our God.
In directing your minds to the consideration of the topic of eminent personal holiness as constituting the basis of an efficient ministry, do not think, beloved fathers and brethren, that I assume to myself higher degrees of personal sanctity or official devotedness than that to which you yourselves have attained. Alas, the painful consciousness of my own need of deeper holiness, of a riper spirituality, has suggested my theme; and the humiliating conviction of a wide deficit from the standard of ministerial excellence about to be placed before you, will attend me every step of its discussion. Not as your teacher, then, but as one sitting with you at the feet of our Divine Master; not in my own name, but in His — permit me, with all lowliness of mind and sincere affection, to concentrate your attention upon a topic which, in connection with our holy office, must be considered of vital moment and of enduring interest.
The words selected as the basis of our subject may be regarded as wearing a solemn and searching aspect toward the ministerial office. They stand before us in the form of an acknowledgment — deeply affecting and humiliating — of a declension of personal religion , while yet its subject was zealously engaged in the most spiritual and benevolent calling. "They made me the keeper of the vineyards — but my own vineyard I have not kept!" That in the application of this solemn truth to our present and individual circumstances, I am about to strike a chord in my own heart that will meet with a mournful response in the hearts of many. That the melancholy state which I am to describe is not fictitious, but real; it is not occasional, but frequent; and it is not that of few, but of many — is the irresistible, though painful conviction of my judgment. Oh may the Holy and eternal Spirit now shed upon this gathering of consecrated minds, and upon him who is to address it — the light of wisdom, the grace of humility, and the rich fragrance of His own holy anointing!