Oldalképek
PDF
ePub

but perhaps chiefly temptations of Satan: he knows, if he can keep you from drawing water out of the wells of salvation, he will have much advantage. My soul goes often mourning under the same complaints, but at times the Lord gives me a little victory. I hope he will overrule all our trials, to make us more humble, dependent, and to give us tenderness of spirit towards the distressed. The exercised and experienced christian, by the knowledge he has gained of his own heart, and the many difficulties he has had to struggle with, acquires a skill and compassion in dealing with others; and without such exercise, all our study, diligence, and gifts in other ways, would leave us much at a loss in some of the most important parts of our calling. You have given yourself to the Lord for the ministry; his providence has thus far favoured your views; therefore harbour not a thought of flinching from the battle, because the enemy appears in view, but resolve to endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Lift up your banner in his name; trust in him, and he will support you; but above all things, be sure not to be either enticed or terrified from the privilege of a throne of grace.

Who your enemies are, or what they say, I know not; for I never conversed with them. Your friends here have thought you at times harsh and hasty in your manner, and rather inclining to selfconfidence. These things I have often reminded you of: but I considered them as blemishes usually attendant upon youth, and which experience, temptation, and prayer would correct. I hope and believe you will do well. You will have a share in my prayers and best advice; and when I see occasion to offer a word of reproof, I shall not use any reserve.

Your's &c.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER V.

July 25, 1772.

I AM glad to hear you are accommodated at Dwhere I hope your best endeavour's will not be wanting to make yourself agreeable, by an humble, inoffensive, and circumspect behaviour.

I greatly approve of your speaking from one of the lessons in the afternoon; you will find it a great help to bring you gradually to that habit. and readiness of expression which you desire ; and you will perhaps find it make more impression upon your hearers, than what you read to them from the pulpit. However, I would not discourage or dissuade you from reading your sermons for a time. The chief inconvenience re specting yourself is that which you mention. A written sermon is something to lean upon; but it is best for a preacher to lean wholly upon the Lord. But set off gradually; the Lord will not despise the day of small things: pray heartily that your spirit may be right with him, and then all the rest will be well. And keep on writing; if you compose one sermon, and should find your heart enlarged to preach another, still your labour of writing will not be lost. If your conscience bears you witness, that you desire to the Lord, his promise (now he has brought you into the ministry) of a sufficiency and ability for the work, belongs to you as much as to another. Your borrowing help from others may arise from a diffidence of yourself, which is not blameable; but it may arise in part likewise from a diffidence of the Lord, which is hurtful. I wish you may get encouragement from that word, Exodus iv. 11, 12. It was a great encouragement to me. While I

serve

1

would press you to diligence in every rational
means for the improvement of your stock in know-
ledge, and your ability ofutterance, I would have
yon remember, that preaching is a gift. It can-
not be learned by industry and imitation only, as
a man may learn to make a chair or a table: it
comes from above; and if you patiently wait upon
God, he will bestow this gift upon you, and in-
crease it in you. It will grow by exercise. "To
him that hath shall be given, and he shall have
more abundantly." And be chiefly solicitous to
obtain an unction upon what you do say. Perhaps
those sermons in which you feel yourself most de-
ficient, may be made most useful to others. I hope
you will endeavour likewise to be plain and fa-
miliar in your language and manner, though
not low or vulgar, so as to suit yourself as much
as possible to the apprehensions of the most igno-
rant people. There are in all congregations some
persons exceedingly ignorant; yet they have pre-
cious souls, and the Lord often calls such. I pray
the Lord to make you wise to win souls. I hope
he will. You cannot be too jealous of your own
heart; but let no such instances as Mr.

discourage you. Cry to him who is able to hold
you up, that you may be safe, and you shall not
cry in vain. It is indeed an alarming thought, that
a man may pray and preach, be useful and accep-
table for a time, and yet be nothing. But still the
foundation of God standeth sure. I have a good
hope, that I shall never have cause to repent the
part I have taken in your concerns. While you
keep in the path of duty, you will find it the path
of safety. Be punctual in waiting upon God in
secret. This is the life of every thing, the only way,
and the sure way, of maintaining and renewing
your strength.
I am, &c.

EIGHT

LETTERS

TO THE

REV. MR.

« ElőzőTovább »