An earnest ministry the greatest need and blessing of the Church.
"But we will give ourselves," etc.
I. FUNCTIONAL, FAITHFULNESS. "Each in his office wait."
1. Apostles held an exceptional position, but in all main respects examples of singleness of mind and wisdom.
2. Distinguish between faithfulness in office and officialism. Special gifts adapted to special work; should be stirred up.
3. The hope of the Church is in the spirituality of its ministers. If they lower the conception of their office and regard themselves as mere popular leaders, they let in a flood of evils both into the pulpit and into the Church.
II. The WORLD'S CONVERSION IN THE HANDS OF GOD'S PEOPLE. The chief agency—prayer and the ministry of the Word. Charity secondary, not primary. Philanthropy is not a substitute for Christianity. The apostles put their own office as preachers before that of the deacons. In these times a temptation to put the "tables," the bodily necessities, before the spiritual wants. We must wait for results, but Christ understood the work of his Church. Stand by the apostolic method, and the end will vindicate it. The world must be changed by spiritual forces. The Church must use all the material and social advantages supplied, but not as though they were sufficient by themselves; "By my Spirit, saith the Lord."—R.