p. 111 | A Good Minister

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 19, 1871

A Good Minister.

WHEN a minister walks conscientiously and exemplary before his flock, his doctrine gains a mighty advantage to work upon them by his life. This is building up the church of Christ with both hands, showing them both the equity and the easiness of that holiness which he persuades them to, by his own practice. When he reproves, his reproofs break in upon the consciences of his hearers with conviction and authority; and if they do not reform, yet at least daunt and terrify them, and make them self-accused, and self-condemned. Here is one reproves me for sin, who believes it to be as evil as he represents it, by his own eschewing it. Here is one that denounces wrath if I repent not, who doubtless believes it to be as terrible as he declares it, by his own carefulness to escape it. Certainly, preaching never comes with such power and energy into the conscience as when the minister preacheth as well by his works as by his words; and to induce the people to it, is first obedient himself to the truths which he teacheth them. Men are easier led by examples than by precepts; for though precepts are more exact, yet examples are the more easy way of teaching. And he is a perfect workman who joineth both together, neither teaching what he will not do, nor doing what he dares not teach; and therefore it is observed of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great teacher of his church, that he began both to do and teach. Acts 1: 1.—Bishop Hopkins of Londonderry.