The Need for More Ministers
"I feel exceedingly distressed. There are several stand-points from which, for a long time, I have been trying to take observations, which should neither exalt our position unduly, nor unjustly depress it. And the result of these observations has been to greatly distress me. "First, let us look for one moment, into the condition of things as it respects the ministry. Our number is exceeding small. This itself is a circumstance of weakness, which is truly discouraging, when we48consider the amount of labor demanded at our hands. Then, what a large proportion even of these are barely supporting a nominal existence. They have a name to live, but how feeble and inefficient are they. Of the number that are somewhat active, how many are crippled for the want of education, and that thorough mental training which is requisite for the development of one's self, and for extensive usefulness in this age of gigantic intellectual strife. But, farther, how dismal the fact that some, who have been reckoned among our most useful and successful ministers, are now, by the decisions of our ecclesiastical bodies, deposed or suspended—justly threatened with the ban of excommunication. O, 'how is the gold become dim, and the most fine gold changed?' This is sad.—Our candidates for the ministry, too, where are they? Indeed, have we any? Our young men of talent are turning their attention in other directions. For some cause, few hear and reply to the voice of the Lord calling to this work, 'Here am I, send me.' Either their hearts are not sufficiently imbued with the love of souls, or spiritual weakness, or some other cause, holds them back. This is to me a source of great anxiety; and whatever the cause of this delinquency may be, I would that it might be sought out, and remedied. 'Again, look at our churches. Now, it does not satisfy me, to say that 'it is a general time of backsliding and apostasy.' I take no comfort in that thought. Look, I say, at our churches. Several of the strongest of them are bound, hand and foot, by dissentions and internal broils—strong and leading brethren arrayed against each other—and this too in the kingdom of peace! In some instances, even church is arrayed against church, and others so far sympathizing with these that they are but little better off. What a sin and burning shame is this! Other churches are affected with a disease little less to be dreaded—lukewarmness. A death spell seems to have come over us; and so deep is this sleep, that even the thunders of Sinai do not disturb them! Or, if aroused somewhat, they immediately sink again to slumber, with the sluggard's song upon their lips, 'A little more sleep'—'a little more slumber.'—Hence, we have no revivals, or but comparatively few. Backsliders and apostates increase upon our hands, while sinners grow bold, and scoff at Zion and her King. Our sons and daughters, our pride, and the hope of the church, and strength of the state, are drinking in scepticism and infidelity, are becoming wanton, and refuse restraint. As for the counsels of the Almighty, they despise them; and as for his reproofs, they will not bear them. As for the gospel, they are not sensible that they need it, for they know not that they are diseased.—Their depravity is so deeply intrenched in their natures, that its presence is not seen. 'Finally, our Home and Foreign Missions need replenishing and extending. But where are our materials for the work? We are limited and circumscribed, on the right hand and on the left. We have neither the men nor the means to accomplish the purposes contemplated. 'Now, I am satisfied that this imperfect and defective sketch is not in any particular overdrawn. If so, what shall we do? Shall we give up and die? O for faith in God!—for strong faith! I feel that I need this faith—faith mixed with ardent, undying love!—that can remove mountains—that finds its anchorage in the throne of the Eternal.'