To My Younger Brethren: Chapters on Pastoral Life and WorkMoule, H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn)
Religion
To My Younger Brethren: Chapters on Pastoral Life and Work
Moule, H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn)
Pastoral theology
On the way, I pause to say a word in general on one of the reasons why
we should do our best to speak so that our hearers shall care to hear.
The supreme reason is manifest; it is the glory of our Master and the
good of souls. For His sake, and for the flock's sake, we long and must
strive to speak so as to draw their attention to His message and to
Himself. But subordinate to this great motive, and in fullest harmony
with it, there is another; and this is a motive which, once clearly
apprehended, will affect not our preaching only, but all parts of our
ministry--our conduct of public worship, our pastoral visitation, our
whole intercourse with our neighbours. I mean, the simple motive of a
loyal and faithful _considerateness for others_, as we are on the one
hand Christian men and English gentlemen, and on the other hand
servants, not masters, of the Church and parish. Possibly this aspect of
the Pastor's public and official ministry may not have presented itself
distinctively as yet to my younger Brother; but it cannot be recognized
and acted upon too early. Some things in our clerical position and
functions tend in their own nature to make us forget it, if we are not
definitely awake to it beforehand. In some respects the Clergyman, even
the youngest Curate, has dangerous opportunities for _in_ considerate
public action. Take the management of divine Service in illustration. In
his manner of reading, his tone, his pace, the Clergyman may allow
himself, only too easily, to think of himself alone. In the
reading-desk, or at the Table of the Lord, he may consult only his own
likes and dislikes in attitude, gesture, and air. But if so, he is
greatly failing in the homely duty of loyal considerateness. What will
be most for the happiness and edification of the congregation? What will
least disturb and most assist true devotion? How shall the Minister best
secure that the worshippers shall remember the Master and not be
uncomfortably conscious of the servant? The answers to such questions
will of course vary considerably under varying conditions; but it is
_the principle_ of the questions which I press home. Our office, and the
common consent and usage of the Christian people, give us a position of
independence in such matters which has its advantages, but also its very
great risks; and it is for us accordingly to handle that independence
with the utmost possible _considerateness_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account