Pastoral Claims Stated 7
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VII. A minister claims his people's PRAYERS.
If apostles, in whom dwelt the gift of a divine inspiration, who wrought miracles, planted churches, and wrote the Scriptures, cast themselves upon the prayers of the people, and ascribed their success in a great degree to the supplications which were presented on their behalf—surely such means of assistance cannot be unnecessary for the ordinary ministers of the word. We therefore give a most emphatic echo to the demand of Paul, and say, "Brethren, pray for us!"
I ask, then, on behalf of your minister, for your constant supplications that his life and health may be spared; that his personal piety may be maintained in full vigor; that he may remain sound in the faith; that he may be guided in his private studies, and assisted to attain to still more enlarged and profound views of truth; that he may be apt to teach, and skillful in dealing with the consciences of men; that he may not shun to declare the whole counsel of God; and that he may be eminently successful in the conversion of sinners, and the edification of believers. Pray for him at your social meetings, and consider this as one great object of such meetings.
Pray for him at your seasons of family worship, and thus teach your children and servants to love and respect him. Pray for him in the closet, when you retire to commune with God, who sees in secret. Remember that his personal piety, his pastoral fidelity, his ministerial success—all depend upon divine grace. Without the aid of the Holy Spirit he can do nothing. Even Paul would have planted, and Apollos have watered, in vain—had not God given the increase. The total and universal corruption of human nature, and the necessity of divine grace for its renovation and sanctification—which are fundamental articles of your faith—furnish equal reasons for the offering earnest prayer on behalf of your pastor.
Such, then, are the claims of your minister, and did time permit, or did any question about their validity exist, I would urge them on the ground of justice; for, in the very act of choosing a minister, you give him a right to expect all that I have stated. I could urge them on the ground of gratitude; for how many benefits, what rich consolations, is he the instrument of imparting to you. I could urge them on the ground of personal interest; for in yielding them, you promote your own and your children's welfare. I could urge them on the ground of piety; for God has demanded them on his behalf. Nothing now remains—but that in CONCLUSION, I refer you to the solemn day of scrutiny and of decision, when your minister must give an account how he has preached; and you, an equally strict account how you have heard!
In prospect of that tremendous and eventful scene, I admonish you, that "you receive not the grace of God in vain." "To you is the word of salvation sent." "Therefore you ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which you have heard, lest at any time you should let them slip. For, if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how will you escape, if you neglect so great salvation."
In prospect of the judgment day, I solemnly warn you, that as you have a minister, who will preach to you the law, by which is the knowledge of sin, and the gospel, by which is the knowledge of pardon—your condemnation will be dreadful indeed, if you live and die impenitent, unbelieving and unholy. You have chosen a man, who, as you shall improve his ministry, or neglect it, will be a blessing, or an unwilling occasion of your greater guilt here, and of your greater misery hereafter! He must be "a savor of death unto death," if you will not allow him to be "a savor of life unto life." Prepare to meet him at the tribunal of God!
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