Thomas Murphy

The pastor is warranted in looking forward to eminent glory in the heavenly world.

If even “Jesus, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame,” how much more should his ministers endure any toils in view of the great heavenly joys before them!

That there are peculiar joys in store for the faithful pastor is taught not very obscurely in the Scriptures. What other meaning can we attach to the words of Christ: “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together”? Did not the apostle foresee that peculiar glory when he thought of those whom he had been instrumental in saving, and said, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” And another prophet in still more glowing language exclaimed, “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.” After a very careful study of the whole subject, Dr. Killen records this cheering conclusion: “To every devoted pastor, in reference to the people among whom he labors, it may be said in the words of our Lord himself, They cannot recompense thee, for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Nor does he himself design either to pay or put such off with the wealth and honors of time, but he has in store for them abundant recompense at the resurrection of the just. Having turned many to righteousness, they shall then not only ‘shine as the brightness of the firmament,’ but be made ‘pillars in the temple of our God.'”

All true pastors are preparing for that pre-eminent glory of the future. Surpassingly great is the bliss which they may lawfully keep in view in all their ministerial work and trials. To this they are appointed, and for this they are getting ready according to the measure of their fidelity.

What eminent godliness should now be theirs ! What heavenly-mindedness they should now have, in prospect of such distinguished seats of bliss in the celestial world! It is not unbecoming for them to keep steadfastly in sight the portrait of the faithful minister as described by Bunyan. It was the picture of a grave person hanging up against the wall: “It had eyes lifted
up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon his lips, the world was behind his back; he stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over his head.” When all is regarded as given for Christ s sake, then it is not unwarranted for the pastor to be incited to the effort for eminent piety by the motives so strongly stated by Dr. J. W. Alexander: “Each instant of present labor is to be repaid with a million of ages of glory.”

We have thus dwelt at much length upon the transcendent importance of deep-toned piety in pastors, because of our clearest possible conviction that it lies at the foundation of everything hopeful in the office. We cannot present this conviction as emphatically as we feel it. At the present age of so much superficial religion we feel that this subject is one of immense importance. What is needed in the ministry now is complete consecration of heart and head and hands to Christ. With ministers more than with any other persons alive the supreme motive needs to be the glory of God. In all their studies and ministrations, in every element of their being, their moving impulse should be love to Christ.

Oh that every pastor could be made to believe and feel, and keep before him the conviction, that nothing else but this devoted godliness will make his ministry either pleasant or profitable! Can ministers not be persuaded to rely upon this as true? Would that they might all form the solemn purpose not to rest until this degree of godliness was reached! This is within the power of all. Great eloquence or popularity it may be impossible for many to reach, but great devotedness to Christ is attainable by all who will strive for it. And when this is reached, then a successful ministry is made sure. If our ministers, young and old, would set out for this, the whole face of the Church, and of the country too, would very soon be changed. How much is dependent upon our pastors laying this matter to heart!