Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-06-22

Text, John xx, 81 and 90. In these words
the risen Christ is set before us. lie has
gone from victory to victory, from strength
to strength, until, clothed in mysterious pow
or and form unknown, he appears to his dis
ciples. Before him are the conquesls which
he has won. The victory is now complete.
Jesus our Lord no longer retains his former
relation to the disciples. lie has passed into
the fuller possession of himself all power is
given TO him. Passing from the earthly form
of this ministry received from the Father, he
transfers to the chosen ones the power OF the
Holy Ghost TO complete that work. These
words open II wide horizon 10 us they up
lift our souls. Let us look at this divine min
stry that Jesus Christ, the head OF tue church,
has committed 10 our hands. | will point
out three truths that lie in the rcla-
ton of the ministry of the church to
the work of Christ |. The source OF
this ministry, the ministry of the
New Testament is not n fragment. 1t has
organic relation to the whole wolk of God.
"ln the beginning was the word, and the
word was Cod All, that is it, my friends.
The ministry of the gospel has its spring and
origin in the bosom of God. And how COM
iorting TO our thoughts to feel that this min
istry in which lies all our hope has its source
in the eternal God who made the heavens
is the fountain of light and life.
What power the word has, then
When our hearts touch the heart of Jesus,
we become interpreters to the world Of these
sacred words, Here then is the hiding of
our power, here then our message. >. Let
US glance further at the bounds within
which this ministry shall operate. 1t has to
do with us, with the world, with man us a
race. This ministry comes, first of all, with
in the domain of the human heart. We must
strive TO reach the human heart. The gospel
begins within, and works out into all The
faculties of our being. 1t passes out, by the
law of our being, into society. So the min
istiy is broad--broader than the world about
us, than the heavens above us. 1t lays hold
upon humanity at every point. 1t works in
humanity with Gods eternal purpose.
Finally, let us look at the ministry in the
fruit of It's harvested results. There is an
intelligence working in every part of this
world about us Everything, we see,
icproIuces ITSELF and SO society IN
definite forms perpetually reproduces itself
And is there no unity gathering up and
binding all None can doubt that there is a
definite purpose-seeking what Seeking in
a higher form that which is working in IL
lower form. What is this, gathering all ages
unto itself? Everything is working to the
reproduction of tie likeness Of G0d. This
spiritual temple in which the holy ministry
works is the temple Of Christ. All things
shall be gathered up into him whom God
has ordained to be the head of the
church forever. Need we be ashamed of
this ministry !? Those who minister about
the Throne might well envy us the part
which the redeemed have in the salvation OF
human souls. God grant that the llcy Spir.
it, which gives effectiveness to all work may
fall upon you, and upon you my brother that
III ,lristry may be filled with joy and with
glory.
Then followed the ordination prayer by
Rev. f. j. Parry, and the laying on Of hands
The charge to the candidate was of peculiar
appropriateness, coming from the pastor who
was the means of converting the candidate,
Rev. A. l.. Therricn, of Michigan, Canada
formerly of the Baptist Mission in this city
The charge abounded with good advice
The candidate was recommended to minister
to his own individual and interior Christian
life with diligence; TO preach Chris. as ii
reveals himself in the gospel and persona
experience to foster individually the mem
beers of his flock, seeking every opportunity
for private Christian work.
Rev. John Cow Of Fairhaven, who was
fellow student with Mr.. Brace, then deliv
cred beautiful and cordial speech o
welcome, in extending the hand of fellow
ship. The minutes of the council we've the
4 read, and the council adjourned. Ate
singing by the Amphion quartctte, til
i exercises of ordination were closed wit
i benedction by the candidate.