Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-10-11
From the n. Y. Baptist Register.
THE BEST MEANS

read before the Baptist Ministerial Confer
cnce of Northern Pennsylvania. July l3,
1896; and by rcquest of the Conference is
now sent for publication in the Register.
l. Ministers should cultivate spirit OF
ardent, humble piety. For the want ofthis
mos: important qualification IN the servant
of God, no other can possibly atone. He
who breaches the Gospel otCnrist with sue
cess, must have his own soulimbued withthe
spirit of the gospel. He must enjoy daily
communion with Christ himself, and feel his
own heart warmed at the altar of PRAYER, or
he is not properly prepared to recommend
religion 10 Diners, or - enforce the duties II
cnoiaS. If a minister would be useful, he
must feel much more concerned to benefit
i'll than to gain the applause ofany: and he
must strive to be good, instead Of lnduIglng
avain ambnion % be great. His daily walk
and more private Intercourse with people
must also be of a piece with his public labors
and the instruction he imparts. The great
apostle enjoins it upon his son Timothy to
be an example TO others sin word, in con-
vcrsation. in spirit, in faith, and in purity" "
2. Ministers should cultivate an enlarged
and intimate acquaintance with the holy
scriptures. The pastors which God has
promised to give us blessing to his people
are said to be such as shall feed them with
knowledge and understanding. ".Study to
show thySclf approved unto God, work.
man that needc!h not TO be ashamed, right
i dividing the word truth" is an injunc-
ton which is as much binding upon minis.
lers at the present day us it was upon Young
Timothy when he received it from his ia.
ther in the Gospel. The Bible is the great
store-house Of religious knowledge, from
which every teacher of divinity should labor
10 bring forth things new and old suited to
the various conditions Of his hearers.
3. The preaching of the gospel is the
grand means which God has chosen to ef.
feet greatest possible good amongst men;
ministers should therefore deem it Of the Ut.
mos importance that they preach the pure
gospel, without regard to the opinions, pre-
pldlces or systems ofmen. Piaiu evangel-
ical truth should be presented, and pressed
upon the mind with apostolic earncstness.
And those points should be dwelt upon and
urged mosi, which are most prominent in
the gospel, and most Interesting to dying,
accountable men. The cross Of Christ,
repentance towards God, and faith in the
Lord Jesus, should occupy as CONSPICUOUS a
place in the addresses to the people now as
thew did in the sermoas OF Christ and his
apostles.
4. Ministers should, as far as it is practi.
cable, visit from house to house, and en-
Geavor by their kincncss, humility, and
tai,hfuness, 10 convince the people that they
are really concerned for their wellare.-
These visits should be strictly religious; and
every suitable opportunity, with families or
individuals, should be improved by entorc-
ing truth and cxhorling to obedience. In
this way minister may do much to secure
the confidence ofthe people, and become
acquainted with their various circumstances
and wants, so that he may impart to each
his portion in due season.
5. Particular attention should be given to
the instruction of the young. The youth
and children which now surround US will
soon take the place OF their parents, and
control society. Pains should be taken,
while their minds are open, and unbiased,
to impart instruction-encourage them TO
search the scriplures-Secure their CONT
dence, and intercst their feelings in favor OF
religion.
6. Ministers should endeavor, by their
prayers, counsels, and influence, to assist
each other, and promote each others use
fulness-remembering that they are labor.
ing in the same vineyard, employed by the
same Master, and arc directing their efforts
to the attainment of the same desirable OBJ
iect. They should therefore cultivate splr-
it of brotherly affection and mutual concern
for each others prosperity; avoiding all zeal.
ousies and prejudlces, and carefully watch
inc against that spirit which seeks to be
greatest, and cxciteS the desire in one man
10 rise in influence and popularity at the cx-
pense Of another.
7. Churches must pray for their ministers.
Paul frequently entreated his brethren to
nray for him, ''that the word of the Lord
! might have free course, run, and be glorlii.
ed. Ifthis great apostle, who was moved
by the Spirit of inspiration, needed the
PRAYERS ofthe saints 10 help him, and If his
success in preaching the everlasting gospel
was connected with the prayers Of Chris.
tians. how much more do the servants Of
God at the present day need this assistance.
Ministers are but men, who are possessed
of like passions with other Christians; SUBJ
;ect to the same trials and diScouragements.
and many more which are peculiar to the
station they occupy. And while they are
,,1or their fearful resnonsihilitv