This year we’re reading selections from the discussions and the spiritual insights of the evangelical ministers who regularly met in London as “The Eclectic Society.” I hope you will find the time to read further around the section, so I have found the original volume for you in Google Books/Google Play. You can find the text by clicking this link.
When the ministers gathered on June 9, 1800, the topic for discussion proposed by the Society’s secretary Josiah Pratt was the question of a minister success. Were there recognized evidential “seals” that indicated the Lord’s favor on the work, and if so, how should a minister understand them?
In every age, the burden of gospel ministry has always tempted Protestant ministers to seek signs of health in the congregation. We have a trust in the efficacy in the Word of God preached and should rightly be concerned if the character of members remains unchanged or slides into further moral declension. The parish ministers who gathered in 1800 were the heirs of the Evangelical Revival, so it was fascinating to read the minutes of their discussion on the topic.
The consensus gathered around two points. The first was that evidence is not necessary. They noted how the Apostle Paul in writing to Timothy and Titus nowhere spoke of visible fruits of their ministries. Instead, all his emphasis is on the character of the gospel minister. Remain committed to the congregation to whom God has called you. The second point was all lack of evidence should push the minister to their own personal "health check":