A SOLEMN CHARGE TO MINISTERS by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · March 3, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 9

A SOLEMN CHARGE TO MINISTERS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

In “Lectures on Preaching” by Bishop Simpson, there are some most excellent thoughts on the work of a minister. I copy a few extracts for the benefit of those who may not have the book. These words will bear reading and re-reading several times. On pp. 36, 37, he says:—

“Lastly, pause a moment to think of your responsibility. You enter this holy brotherhood; you take upon you holy vows; you perform sacred functions. If you faithfully proclaim the Saviour; if you skillfully handle the two-edged sword; if you wisely pierce between the sinner and his sins; if you earnestly exhibit the Lord Jesus in all his beauty; if you live for this one work alone; if you study, pray, preach, and visit, to make all men like Christ, then your reward will be glorious. The promise is: ‘They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.’ Star may differ from star in glory, but all shall be radiant with the light of Jehovah’s face.

“But should you handle the word of God deceitfully, should you, as ambassadors, forget God’s message, and tell your own words; should you forget the Majesty which sent you, and court the applause of the people to whom you are sent; should you woo their smiles or court their favor, neglecting the message which God bids you preach; should you, as watchmen, see the sword coming, and give no alarm; should you, as stewards, embezzle the goods which God gives you for others; should you, as builders, put in wood, hay, and stubble; should you as pastors, devour the flocks you are sent to feed; should you, as soldiers, fly from the field in day of battle; should your trumpet give an uncertain sound, and souls go down to ruin through your negligence and fault, who can measure the awful consequences?”

“I shudder when I think of what is in the range of possibilities, and of the terrible inquisition which God shall make, when he shall ask, Where is your brother? and your ears are opened to hear the voice of his blood crying from the ground. Better would it be never to have been born; better would it be were millstones hanged around your necks, and you cast into the depths of the sea; better that rocks and mountains might fall upon you, to hide you from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.”

These are solemn and earnest words. May we treasure them in our hearts.

D. M. CANRIGHT.