WE GET WHAT WE VALUE

^[p. 22] WE GET WHAT WE VALUE

Who is ready to strip himself and call on all to cast away their ornaments and wait in contrition before the Lord? I believe, unless each there judges himself, and takes the beam out of his own eye, there will be no healthy action or restoration. With us, if I may so say, the assembly very much makes the minister, and the minister makes the assembly; that is, if the assembly be really true and devoted, God gives suited care. The Lord gives the gift according as it is valued, and the care and the gift give a character and a colour to the assembly. I often feel when people in a place complain of the ministry they have, that the fact is, they have only just what they deserve, for there is righteous government in the church, as we know even individually. Christ is with them who are with Christ. He gives an open door.