Matt. x. 7.

The ministers of the first churches were patterns for all whom God has called to proclaim His doctrine and way of salvation. Jesus said to those model ministers, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." And this same Jesus still impresses or says to some men, go and preach the gospel to the "poor" as well as the rich. Yes, go and preach to those at home, and to those of other states and nations; go wherever impressed, where Jesus has been preached, and where "Christ has been named" -- "Go ye into all the world," and AS YE GO PREACH.

So I would not drop an unkind hint, or speak one word of discouragement to break our dear minister's heart. I would not thus increase his burdens, nor check his labors of love. No, never. Rather let me say to the true minister, go on dear brother "everywhere preaching the word," declaring publicly and from house to house, repentance and the way of salvation through the imputed obedience of Christ. Though you have many severe trials, do not forsake your Lord. But clasp the Bible to your heart as your only weapon, and press on in the footprints of Jesus, whose preaching, led Him to the death of the cross. Be willing to suffer with Him. Do not swerve from your divine impressions to duty, not even in the face of danger and death. Rather glory in the cross, and desire no praise, nor seek earthly gain; but work with your own hands to supply the needs of yourself and others. Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Dear lovers of Jesus, let us highly esteem God's humble ministers for their doctrine and practice or "their works sake," being careful to never worship them. Let us pray for, and encourage them, heed their faithful teaching, and sustain them liberally.

The true gospel minister has many burdens to bear. We all know the false preacher teaches smooth things, and is flattered; but the man of God speaks the truth and is persecuted. The false teacher filled with pride is almost worshiped, while God's humble preacher is despised and rejected. Yet moved by love to God and to men, the true gospel minister obeys the "still small voice" within as it whispers of the cross and says GO--for he feels that he must go.

Finally, dear brethren, I fear some among us are going who are prompted by selfish motives. This is dangerous and holy ground, especially for me. We may be uncharitable and do some brother injustice; or we may be untrue to Christ in closing our eyes to the evils brought upon the church in the past. We find in Church history that some elders or bishops have assumed too much control over the churches, filling their own pockets, going in grand style, and indulging in the most shameful secret sins. Thus the church was often greatly corrupted; for "Like priest, like people." So in loyal love to God let us take heed to save ourselves from such corruptions. If there are any ministers now who desire "filthy lucre," or seem to go where there is most cotton and when there is most money--in short, if prompted by any carnal motive, let me in view of the cross, humbly entreat all such to go no more, nor enter that holy place till you first go and pray God to take away the "love of the world," and put His fear within you. May the Lord shed abroad His love in the hearts of our ministers and members, constraining us all to a pure unselfish consecration in the service of God. Oh! dear minister of Jesus, trust the Lord and beg Him to make you more self-sacrificing--more willing to give than to receive. And pray for me that I may abound in this grace also.

Your unworthy brother in love and in hope of heaven through the blood of Jesus, who "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich." II Cor. viii. 9.

Sparta, Tex.          M.D. DENMAN.