01.084. BARREN MINISTRY.

BARREN MINISTRY. As to your second question, we are not the least surprised to find that people do not attend preachings and lectures, if the persons conducting such services have not spiritual power for the work which they undertake to do. We might as well expect sheep to flock to a barren heath, or a desolate moor, as expect Christians to attend barren and wearisome services. Where the object of the meeting is to remember the Lord in the breaking of bread, it is, of course, quite different. The presence of any special gift is in nowise essential to the integrity of such an occasion, though always a most valuable adjunct. But, most assuredly, in all cases in the which the object of the meeting is preaching or teaching, there must be a measure of spiritual gift power, and intelligence, else the meeting will fall to the ground. How could it be otherwise? The grand object of all ministry is edification, and this object can only be attained by genuine spiritual gift, imparted by the Head of the Church, and diligently and prayerfully cultivated by the possessor. Let us remember this. It is worse than worthless for a man to occupy his own time and that of others in mere talk which he calls ministry, but which is positively an infliction upon his hearers. The proof that a man is a divinely sent evangelist is, that souls are converted by his ministry; and the proof that a man is a divinely sent teacher or pastor is, that the people of God are built up and led on by his ministry. If these results be not reached, the heart of Christ is not gratified — the object of the Holy Ghost is not attained. May all Christ’s servants, whatever be their gift or sphere of action, seek to serve with more earnestness, energy, and fervour, and with a deeper sense of the seriousness and reality of their work.