The Love of Souls, a Necessary 2
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Love will often cast us on the knee, as affectionate intercessors for our dear friends, that is, for all mankind, and particularly for that part of them which is more immediately entrusted to our ministerial care. Love will inspire our prayers with a kind of almighty importunity, and render us unable to bear a refusal in a point that we have so much at heart.
Oh! what wonders would love enable us to perform! How many precious hours, now trifled away—would it redeem! What spirit, what life, would it diffuse through our secret devotions and public ministrations! It would adorn our life not only with a shining action here and there, like a single star in the expanse of heaven—but crowd it thick with pious offices of friendship, and generous exploits of benevolence, like the glow of blended splendour from ten thousand stars in the Milky Way. It would render idleness an intolerable burden, and labour a pleasure; which leads me to observe more particularly, in the
Fourth place, The ardent love of souls will not only make us diligent and laborious in our ministry—but enable us to bear all the hardships and difficulties we may meet with in the discharge of it, with patience, and even with cheerfulness.
Love is strong to suffer difficulties—and mighty to conquer difficulties. The love of fame, the love of riches, the love of honour andpre-eminence, what difficulties has it encountered—what obstructions has it surmounted— what dangers has it dared! How tolerable, yes, how pleasant, has it rendered fatigues and hardships! And how has it rendered dangers and death charming and illustrious! And shall not the nobler passion—the love of souls, do vastly more? It has already done more. This was the heroic passion that animated Paul, and taught him to look upon dangers and death, in their most shocking forms, with a loving contempt. Though he knew that bonds and imprisonments awaited him, yet, "none of these things move me," says he, "neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus." Acts 20:24.
I point out this Christian hero as a specimen; but it would be easy to add many other illustrious names to the list. And would not the sacred fervour of love reconcile even such feeble and cowardly creatures as we—to hardships and dangers, in the service of souls? If we may but save them from everlasting ruin—then how insignificant are the greatest difficulties we can suffer in the generous attempt! If we can but make those happy whom we love—then welcome labour, fatigue, difficulties and dangers; and farewell that ease and indolence, that pleasure or pursuit, that is inconsistent with this main design. Labour becomes delight, difficulty becomes inviting, and danger becomes illustrious and alluring—in this benevolent enterprise. Who would not labour with pleasure, and suffer with patience, and even with joy, for the service of souls—souls formed for immortality! souls whom we love even as ourselves! We begrudge a little pains or suffering for those whom we disregard; but love sweetens labour , and lightens every burden!
This I would direct to you, my friends, who are now to take part with us in this ministry. I doubt not but you are better acquainted with the work you are about to undertake than to need my information, that you are not entering into an office of ease and self-indulgence—but of labour , toil, and difficulty—an office that cannot be faithfully discharged without frequent self-denial, incessant application, and exhausting fatigues. But for your encouragement, remember that all this labour, difficulty, and self-denial—you are to endure in the service of those you love. And love, you will find, will lighten the burden, and render a life of toil and fatigue more easy and delightful, than indolence and inactivity. Therefore, nourish this generous benevolence, as that which will render you vigorous in doing, and strong in suffering. O that your Divine Master may fire your hearts with much of this truly ministerial spirit!
Fifthly, I observe the prevalence of a spirit of benevolence would happily restrain us from everything "low, disgraceful, or offensive," in our ministrations, in our conversation and designs.
Let the love of mankind be warm and vigorous in our hearts—and we cannot address them, even upon terrible subjects, in a stern, unrelenting manner—a manner that looks more like a scold, than a Christian orator; and which tends rather to exasperate, than reform. But we shall denounce the most terrible things, in a soft language, and with as mild and gentle an aspect as faithfulnesswill allow, or compassion inspire.
Let love be the spring of your conduct—and it will render it courteous without affectation, insinuating without artifice, engaging without flattery, and honest without a huffish bluntness. This will guard us against all airs of insolence and affected superiority in conversation; and a distant, imperious behaviour, that seems to forbid access, and never fails to excite disgust.
When a man appears of vast importance to himself—he will, for that very reason, appear very insignificant and contemptible to others. But if we tenderly love those with whom we converse, it will render our conversation affable, sociable, and humble, and modest. And this will be found the best expedient to engage the esteem of mankind, and procure that respect which pride with all its artifices seeks in vain. For that maxim, repeated more than once by our blessed Lord, who knew mankind so well, will hold good in this case, "He who exalts himself—shall be abased; and he who humbles himself—shall be exalted." Luke 14:11; 18:14.
The ardent love of souls will render us meek and patient under unkind treatment, and keep down those sallies of anger, which are at once so unmanly and unministerial. This will sweeten our disposition, and purge out those sour humours which render men peevish, sullen, and ready to blaze out into anger at every provocation. This lamb-like spirit will conform us to the Lamb of God, "who, when they hurled their insults at him—he did not retaliate; when he suffered—he made no threats," 1 Peter 2:23, nor burst out into a flame of passion.
If love is predominant in the heart, it will happily disable us from aiming at sordid ends, and from taking sordid measures to obtain those ends. Then we shall not labour for the applause of mankind—but for their salvation. We shall not seek their silver andgold—but their souls! And we shall be able to say with Paul, "I am not seeking what is yours, but you!" 2 Corinthians 12:14. Though we may not only be willing to receive—but justly insist upon, a competent support, from those in whose service we spend our lives; yet if the love of their souls, and not of their money, is uppermost in our hearts—it will inspire us with such moderation,contentment, and noble negligence, as to earthly things, and with such apparent zeal and earnestness for their salvation, that if they have the least degree of candour—they cannot but be convinced that it is the latter, and not the former, which we have most at heart, and chiefly labour to promote.
This principle will restrain us from all the artifices of avarice, and from ever wearing a "cloak of covetousness." 1 Thess. 2:5. It would enable us so to behave, as may afford mankind sufficient matter of conviction, that we need not be hired to do them good offices, and endeavour to save their souls; but that we do it freely, were it possible for us to make the attempt successfully, without devoting all that time and strength to it, which others lay out in providing for themselves and their families.
Thus I have shown you, in a few instances, by way of specimen, what a happy influence the love of souls would have upon the ministerial character, and consequently upon those among whom we exercise our office.
But now, my friends of the LAITY, I must turn my address to you: and the first improvement I would have you make of what you have heard, is, to learn from it in what light you should look upon your ministers. Look upon us as "the friends, the lovers of your souls." If you can discover that we are not worthy of that character in some suitable degree, then it is your right as men, as Christians—to reject us, and not own us as your ministers! But, while you cannot but acknowledge us in that sacred character, you are bound to esteem us as your friends—the real friends of your best interests.
And while you look upon us in this light, will you not practically treat us as such? Will you not regard the instructions, the exhortations and warnings, which you hear from your friends, who feel themselves deeply interested in your happiness? "Now we really live—if you stand fast in the Lord." (1 Thess. 3:8,) But, O! How it pains us—to see you destroy yourselves! Will you not bear with our severity, since it is the warmest benevolence to you, that constrains us to use it?
When we would engage you to a life of holiness, why do you fly off, as if you were afraid of being caught in some snare? We are your friends who persuade you; and why will you apprehend any injury from us? When we would dissuade you from the pursuit of guilty pleasures, why are you so stiff, and tenacious of them? Do you think we love you so little, that we could begrudge you any real happiness, or would be officious to impair it? No, indeed, my dear friends—such a design is so far from our hearts, that to promote your happiness in time and eternity, is the great end of all our labours!
When we would put the cross of Christ on your shoulders, and compel you to carry it; when we inculcate upon you a life of self-denial, mortification, and repentance; believe me, it is because we love you, and are fully persuaded this course will be best for you in the outcome. Do we denounce the curses of the law against you? do we severely reprove, and loudly alarm you? Why, what possible motive can we have to this—but love, honest, unselfish love! We love you—and therefore cannot bear the thought that you should perish for lack of faithful warning. Were self-love our principle, we are not so dull—but we could learn the art of flattery, and prophesy smooth things—as well as others. And will you not regard the warning of a friendly voice? Will you not fear, when love itself points out your danger, and dare conceal it no longer?
Let me also propose it to you, since your ministers love you—then ought you not to love them in return? Does not love deserve love? Ought you not to esteem them highly in love, if not for their own sake—yet "for their works sake?" 1 Thess. 5:13. And ought you not to give them proper expressions of your love, by improving their affectionate endeavours for your own benefit? Do but permit them to be the instruments of making you happy—and you gratify them in the main point. For this purpose, while they speak the truth in love—you should receive it in love; and cheerfully submit to their admonitions and reproofs; which, however often they meet with angry resentments—are the most substantial evidences of a faithful unselfish friendship which they can possibly give you.
Here also I may add, and I hope without offence, since in this place I can have no personal concern in it myself, that you should express your love to your ministers by cheerfully and generously contributing to their support. While they love you so tenderly, while they spend their time, their strength, and all their abilities in your service—can you be so sneaking, so ungenerous, so ungrateful as to leave them and their families to suffer poverty, and incur the contempt entailed upon poverty? Surely you cannot be guilty of such a conduct?
Finally, let me exhort you to love your own souls. Certainly your ministers should not be singular in this. If they are so strongly obliged to love the souls of others, surely you must be obliged to love your own soul! It may seem strange that I should exhort creatures to love themselves, whose guilt and misery are so much owing to the excess of that selfish principle. But alas! Is the soul any part of that self, which they so immoderately love? No! that precious immortal part is disregarded, as if it were but a trifling appendage, like their nails or their hair, incapable of pleasure or pain! But, oh! love your souls; make sure of their happiness, whatever becomes of you in other respects; for what would it profit you—if you should gain the whole world, and lose your own souls! Matthew 16:26.
Let me now resume the consideration of my subject, as it refers to us of the ministerial character. Methinks we may claim a peculiar property in this day; as we are peculiarly concerned in the business of it. We often preach to others; but let us for once preach to ourselves; and let the love of souls be the generous, and delightful subject. The subject may recommend itself; and what has been said, strongly enforces it. But, alas! I feel there is one heart among us, that stands in need of farther excitements. Therefore, though I doubt not but I might address myself to all my fathers and friends, without offence, I must indulge myself in soliloquy and preach to one that needs it most. I mean myself.
My glorious and condescending Lord, who has endowed mankind with a wise variety of capacities, and assigned to each of them his proper work, agreeably to the various exigencies of the world they inhabit, has appointed me the most pleasing work—the work of love and benevolence. He only requires me to act the friend of human nature, and show myself a lover of souls—souls whom He loves, and whom he redeemed with the blood of his heart—souls whom his Father loves; and for whom he gave up his own Son unto death—souls, whom my fellow-servants of a superior order, the blessed angels love; and to whom they concur with me in ministering—souls, precious in themselves, and of more value than the whole material universe—souls that must be happy or miserable, in the highest degree, through an immortal duration—souls united to me by the endearing ties of our common humanity—souls for whom I must give an account to the great Shepherd of souls—souls whom none hate, but the malignant ghosts of hell, and those fallen spirits in flesh, who are under their influence upon earth.
And oh! can I help loving these dear souls? Why does not my heart always glow with affection and zeal for them? Oh! why am I such a languid friend, when the love of my Master and and his Father is so ardent? when the ministers of heaven are flaming fires of love, though they do not share in the same nature? and when the object of my love is so precious and valuable?
The owners of those souls often do not love them; and they are likely to be lost forever by the neglect. Oh! shall not I love them? shall not love invigorate my hand, to pluck them out of the burning? Yes, I will, I must love them! But ah; to love them more!Glow, my zeal! kindle my affections! speak, my tongue! flow, my blood! be exerted, all my powers! be my life, if necessary, asacrifice to save souls from death! Let labour be a pleasure; let difficulties appear glorious and inviting, in this service.
"O God of Love! kindle a flame of love in this cold heart of mine; and then I shall perform my work with alacrity and success!"
But I must drop my soliloquy and return to you my venerable friends; and I shall take up no more of your time, than just to glance at a collateral inference from my subject; and that is, if we should love our hearers, and even all mankind—then certainly we should love one another. If when we see one another—we see our friends—then how pleasing and delightful will it render all our interviews? If mutual confidence and union of hearts exists among us—then with what ease, harmony and pleasure shall we manage all our affairs? If we love one another with a pure heart fervently—then with what life and ardor will it inspire our intercessions for each other, when we are far apart, in our respective closets? How will sincere love teach us to bear one another's burdens, to sympathize with each other, to tolerate differences, to forgive infirmities, and agree to differ, that is, differ peaceably, if in anything we should differ in sentiment.
And now, our dear friends and fellow-servants in the gospel, as Moses laid his hands on Joshua, and gave him a charge, so we, in this solemn posture, "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:1, 2. We solemnly charge you "that you may save yourselves, and those who hear you." 1 Timothy 4:16. We solemnly charge you, to "take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28.
Remember the consequences of this day's transaction will follow you through all eternity. Therefore, make it the business of your lives to perform your obligations. The oath of God is upon you, and you are witnesses against yourselves, that you have chosen the Lord for your master, to serve him. "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32.
We welcome you as new labourers into our Lord's vineyard; and we wish, we hope, and pray that you may long be employed there with great pleasure and success. We cannot help pouring out a torrent of fatherly wishes and prayers for you. May the great God make you able ministers of the New Testament. May you shine as illustrious luminaries in the church, "holding forth the word of life." Phil. 2:16. And may you be made the happy instruments of "turning many from darkness to light." Acts 26:18.
Oh! may your whole lives be one uninterrupted course of pleasing labour to yourselves, and extensive usefulness to the world. And when you die, may you depart with the dignity of ministers of Jesus. May this be your rejoicing in your last agonies, and in the nearest view of the supreme tribunal, "Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace." 2 Corinthians 1:12. And when Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then may you also appear with him in glory. Col. 3:4.
O you supreme Lord of the world, and King of the church, thus let these your servants live, and thus let them die! Amen.
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