MINISTRY, NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE
MINISTRY, NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE
I have laid my hand on your last letter, and have read it over again. I fully go with it. I agree that a negative ministry will not do, and truly the negative is only effective in proportion as the positive has been presented and accepted. The reason for presenting the negative so much in this day, arises from the fact that the positive is supposed to be known. It has been accepted in terms. If really accepted, how can such and such things be retained? Here comes in the negative, as enjoining consistency with the positive, which is received and acknowledged.
I heartily wish for the ministry of Christ you speak of, but that cannot be, unless one be fresh and full of the subject oneself. It generally marks a declining state to be more occupied with state; as when one’s health is impaired, one is more occupied with it, than with the course and vigour of life.
The ministry now, I feel, should be of a prophetic character, the secrets of the heart made known. Prophets came in to recall the people to their privileges, which they had despised, and to interest them in the future; but no one is ready for the future who is defective in the present. The true effect of the future is to prepare for it in the present, or the future has no moral claim upon one. I am often afraid, in presenting positive truth, that one must have omitted some part of it, or there would have been a greater effect produced on every one hearing it and accepting it. Mr. D—- was commanding John Newton the other day, because he was never pleased with a sermon unless it made the [p. 269] congregation angry. I feel the edge must be sometimes blunted, for souls do not seem to be much altered, though they admit they have seen and accepted some of the greatest truths in terms.
I believe when the exposition of Scripture appeals to the intelligence, instead of to the conscience, it tends to damage souls. The soul never imbibes the truth in living power but as it requires it.
I have come to one conclusion, and it is a humbling one - that my teaching can never produce an effect on any beyond the effect it has produced on myself... I trust we may all be more vigorous on this great subject - ministering Christ.