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.
Coming to the end of my read soon, I came across this entry nineteen years after their first meeting, the Eclectic Society members discussed on November 30, 1807 what they thought were the main responsibilities of pastors to one another in light of one man’s worldly success when compared to another. All the members agreed that the gospel minister’s first duty was to his own soul care. There is something flattering when he thinks that he is doing this or that good for his brother to the neglect of himself. They also agreed that unity was to be our aim as gospel ministers as Christ is the Head of his Church, calling each minister alike. When a man ponders for too long over the success of another it is more likely that they have forgot the integrity of their own vocation in the light of heaven. What some may place their treasure may instead be wood, hay or stubble. Only the judgment of Christ should be the focus. The course of the discussion gathered under four headings.
Exhort – Make it your aim to encourage a fellow gospel minister according to the Scriptures. No fallen man perhaps was ever fully aware of divine influence, therefore remind him of God’s precious grace in his call and God’s providence in the detail of their lives. An earthly, fleshly attitude can overturn our ministry. Remind them to keep the mind of Christ, that he alone is glorified for he is alone is the arch-typical pastor, we are his servants.
Defend – Defend one another as far as possible. Sincerity is truth on stage. Take particular caution in speaking of another minister within the bosom of our families, because it is the unguarded moment that a secret envy may find expression. The result being a fellow gospel minister is weakened and a minister’s children are taught hypocrisy rather than godliness and humility. The greatest need of our people is our personal holiness.
Rejoice – God’s glory is our chief end and pleasure. The fullness of his perfections noted in another gospel minister is the foundation of true joy and should be pursued. Rejoicing in another’s success qualified in such a manner reminds us that we are not the author of it and prevents us from falling into arrogance or anxiousness.
Pray – There should be special and occasional seasons of intercession in public and private prayer among gospel ministers for each other. This would guard against occasions of disunity and would lead us to rejoice in one another. What we pray for concerning virtue may seem unremarkable, because it is called of every Christian but many gospel ministers are encircled by flatterers where temptation increases. Prayer should extend to every description of minister – the sober, the carnal, the lazy, and the heretical.
