Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

It is the prerogative of God to call and ordain his own ministers: it may
be the prerogative of the church to appoint them where to labour; though,
frequently, this also comes by an especial divine appointment.
To be properly qualified for a minister of Christ, a man must be—1.
Filled with the Spirit of holiness; 2. Called to his particular work; 3.
Instructed in its nature, &c.; and, 4. Commissioned to go forth, and testify
the gospel of the grace of God. These are four different gifts which a man
must receive from God by Christ Jesus. To these let him add all the
human qualifications he can possibly attain; as in his arduous work he
will require every gift and every grace.
Jesus Christ never made an apostle of any man who was not first his
scholar or disciple.
He who has nothing but a net, and leaves that for the sake of doing
good to the souls of men, leaves his all.
Those who are really called of God to the sacred ministry are such as
have been brought to a deep acquaintance with themselves, feel their own
ignorance, and know their own weakness. They know also the awful
responsibility that attaches to the work; and nothing but the authority of
God can induce such to undertake it. They whom God never called run
because of worldly honour and emolument; the others hear the call with
fear and trembling, and can go only in the strength of Jehovah.
"How ready is the man to go,
Whom God hath never sent!
How tim'rous, diffident, and slow
God's chosen instrument!"
None should be appointed to ecclesiastical offices who is not able, by
sound doctrine, both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. The powers
necessary for this are partly natural, partly gracious, and partly acquired.
1. If a man have not good natural abilities, nothing but a miracle from