Serious Thoughts for Christian Ministers [1]

Preach the word. (2 Timothy 4:2)

If you would be a deep divine, I recommend to you sanctification. Samuel Rutherford

We are to be labourers, not loiterers, in the Lord’s vineyard. Charles Bridges

Christ’s servants have always been the world’s fools. George Whitefield

The vows of God are upon us. Thomas Scott

Brethren, it is easier to declaim against a thousand sins of others than to mortify one sin in ourselves. John Flavel

He that is more frequent in his pulpit to his people than he is in his closet for his people, is but a sorry watchman. John Owen

Let the motto upon your whole ministry be: ‘Christ is all.’ Cotton Mather

If God drop not down his assistance, we write with a pen that hath no ink. William Gurnall

I’ll preach as though I ne’er shall preach again; And as a dying man to dying men. Richard Baxter

Every minister pledgeth his soul to God that he shall be a faithful servant. Robert Traill

Do not allow thyself to live in any known sin, nor in the neglect of any known duty. John Elias

I fear nothing but sin. John Chrysostom

He who undertakes to reprove the world must be one whom the world cannot reprove. George Home

We preach Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Cursed be the patience that can see error and say nothing. William Jenkyn

Poverty of spirit is the bag into which Christ puts the riches of his grace. Rowland Hill

Prayer without study is presumption; and study without prayer atheism. Robert Sanderson

Study mortification, brother; study mortification. John Eliot

Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayers and worn with thanks. Thomas Goodwin

Be systematic in pastoral visiting. William Shedd

What is there in the earth worth living for but the glory of God and the salvation of souls? William Carey

Love will stammer rather than be dumb. Robert Leighton

Lord, turn the fear of men’s faces into a love of their souls. Samuel Walker

Christ was content to live thirty-three years amongst us, that we might live an eternity with him. Andrew Gray

If he who hears is not terrified and troubled, he is not to be comforted. Augustine

I want no more of you than your souls for my God and a bare maintenance for myself. William Grimshawe

Lord, thou hast filled my hands with work; fill my heart with wisdom and grace. Philip Henry

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ . . . we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)