The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-12-23
A Peopie,s Power Over Their Pastor.

Much has been said and written on
the power of the ministry and the re-
sponsibility arising therefrom. Quite
as much might be said and written on
the power of the people over their
minister and the responsibility arising
therefrom. 1t is a moral power exer-
cised over the spiritual experience OF
the pastor. The earnestly tender ex-
preston in the sixth verse of Johns
third epistle where he says: 81 have
no greater joy than to hear that my
children walk in TRUTH" indicates the
existence of this power and also its
nature and mode of exercise.
1t springs out Of the intimate rela-
ton which a pastor sustains to his
people. He is their father; they are
his children. The Romish church has
eagerly seized on this Scripture truth
and magniied and perverted it. Ev-
cry priest is called father this, or
father that. Indeed, the Roman
church has one great father; the Papa
or Pope. But because Rome has per-
verted a Scripture truth, we may not
therefore discard il. 1t is a spiritual
fatherhood; but all the feelings and
duties which properly belong to the
natural relation, are transferred and
adapted in thought and reality to this
spiritual relation. While the relation
which a minister sustains to all his
people is very intimate and tender,
that which he sustains to those in
whose conversion he has been instru-
mental is specially so. They have
seized his presentation of the gospel.
They have followed his guidance.
They reflect his inner life. For in
Christ Jesus he has begotten them
through the gospel. They have there
fore a peculiar and startling power
over him. They are near to his heart,
and help or hinder his joy.
It is the gospel which has created
this relation, and which renders the
exercise of this power possible. The
pastoral relation which grows out of
the scheme Of redemption is incon'
ceivable except in connection with the
scheme. Whenever the relation is
entered into on selfish principles, it is
neither lasting nor advantageous. In
deed whenever the relation is truly
formed, self is of necessity ruled out.
The relation originates not in natural
desire, but in divine command; not in
physical necessity. but in moral want.
The power Of a people over their
minister is exercised through their &C
ton toward the gospel, which is re-
quired to be received in its simplicity
and obeyed in its purity.
A people may have power to call a
minister, and to compel his resigna-
ton; to give and withhold his hire; but
in this consists not their real power.
TO be instrumental in deepening their
pastors Christian character, in enrich
ing his Christian experience, in help
ing his Joy, in this consists the power
of Il people. 1t is quite rs important
for a minister to inquire concerning
the spiritual life Of a people who have
called him to be their pastor, as for d
people to inquire concerning the spiri-
tual life of a minister whom they are
about to call. Many a young man has
been brought into pastoral relation
with a people who have. by their in
difference to spiritual thing, effectu'
ally quenched his youthful zeal fol-
Christ, and brought him down to the
low level of their own spirit
ual life. If the churches wish to ex-
ercise a noble power over their minis
tiers, and have joyful and efficient pas
tors, let them "walk in truth" Many
nowadays doubt the scriptures, des'
pise the church and profane the Sab
bath; but let "the children walk ir
"the good old way."-O5SerOer.