Archbishop Leighton admirably sets forth John the Baptist as
an example to Ministers of the gospel: to live, as much as possible in their condition and
station, disengaged from the world—not following its vain delights and ways—not bathing in
the solaces and pleasures of earth, and entangling themselves in its care; but sober and
modest, and mortified in their way of living; making it their main business not to please the
flesh, but to do service to their Lord, to walk in his ways, and prepare his way for him in the
1
See 2Cor. 4.1.
2
Rev. 1.13-20.
3
1Tim. 6.12.
4
Isa. 8.12-14.
5
Heb. 11.27.
6
Prov. 29.25.
7
On this subject see a most valuable chapter in the Bishop of Winchester’s Ministerial Character of Christ—
‘The self-denial of the Ministry of Christ.’
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Exhortation to Priests: that is (as Archbishop Seeker expounds it) ‘not making either gross pleasures, or more
refined amusements, even literary ones unconnected with your profession—or power, or profit, or advancement,
or applause, your great aim in life; but labouring chiefly to qualify yourselves for doing good to the souls of
men, and applying carefully to that purpose whatever qualifications you attain.’—
PSALM 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:
for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Happy and gracious conclusion of every truly regenerate soul, convinced of an interest in CHRIST, and a personal union with him. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell safely. Isaiah 32:18. REFLECTIONS READER! let you and I never lose sight of the LORD JESUS while reading this Psalm. He is the LORD our righteousness. And, therefore, in all our approaches to the mercy-seat, let us go there in a language corresponding to this, which calls JESUS the GOD of our righteousness. And while men of the world from the world are seeking their chief good, let us desire his favor which infinitely transcends corn and wine, and all the good things which perish in using. Yes! LORD, thy favor is better than life itself. Thou causest them that love thee to inherit substance, and fittest all their treasure, yea thou thyself art their treasure. And oh! thou gracious GOD and FATHER, hast thou in such a wonderful manner set apart one in our nature for thyself? ...
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