The Christian Lady's Magazine (Volume 5) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836. Excerpt: ... a time I foresee consequences for which the busy actors are little prepared; and I think I can often perceive the true motive of an action, which the performers imagine to proceed from one very different. The blindness of passion, the obstinacy of prejudice, and the selfishness of the human heart in its various manifestations, are objects of frequent and painful contemplation to me; for which I am only compensated, when I am enabled to benefit others by the results of my experience. It is with this view that I solicit the liberty of occupying now and then a little of your readers' time; and in the hope of a favourable reply, I remain, dear Madam, Yours most truly, Martha Markwell. THE SPIRIT'S CALL TO THE MINISTRY. ( From Saered Pneumatology.) But here an important question arises;--What is the Spirit's call to the ministry, and how may it be known? Now as I take for granted the reality of the Spirit's operation upon the human mind, I would define this call to be, a fixed and constraining prefer' ence of the mind for the work of the ministry, before all other occupations. I define it fixed, in opposition to those transient and temporary inclinations which some feel for the office of the ministry, and which soon expire when difficulties oppose their admission to it; and I add, a constraining preference to shew, that he, to whom this call is given, must and will preach the gospel of Christ. He who is called by the Spirit, and to whom is committed the word of reconciliation, is like Jeremiah, who said, "I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." Such an one does not enter into the office of the ministry from the ...