September 21

It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2.

Faithfulness is required in the minister, — nothing more, but also nothing less. He must, in the first place, be faithful to God, his Master, who has entrusted the stewardship to him. He himself should be a true believer, thoroughly convinced of the Gospel-truth. The age in which we live demands not only an enlightened, but also an earnest ministry; for it is an age of earnestness and excitement. Men now feel and think with more energy than formerly. There is an increased fervor of mind in every department of life. A new spirit of improvement is abroad. Multitudes, unwilling to abide the time when desired changes will be made by the government, are taking the work of reform into their own hands. To suit our

age, a minister must communicate religion with that reality, that life and power which accompany truth drawn from a man's own soul. We ought to speak of religion as something which we ourselves know and believe. An unbelieving minister is an unfaithful servant.

Furthermore, faithfulness over against the mysteries of God which are entrusted to him is required of a minister. He should proclaim the Word of God in its truth and purity and administer the holy Sacraments in conformity with Christ's institution. A minister is a commissioned representative and spokesman of the Lord of lords and King of kings. The faithful minister must proclaim the Law and show that all, even the best of men, are damnable sinners and set forth the Gospel to show that in Christ Jesus, who died for our sins, there is salvation for all.

And, lastly, faithfulness to the flock which God has entrusted to his care is required of the minister. He should serve all members of his flock to the best of his ability, do for them all he can in order that they may reach the goal of eternal life, comfort them when they are distressed, warn them when they are beginning to go astray, and, in general, attend to their spiritual needs. If you find your pastor doing this, do not require more of him.

Prayer.

O Thou great Shepherd of the sheep, do not suffer our preachers and teachers to speak what they please, but guide their tongues and hearts, so that at all times they may speak what is pleasing unto Thee. "Give to Thy Word impressive power," and also to Thy holy Sacraments, that we may regard and esteem them as the blessed means of our salvation, which are able to save our souls. Give us at all times ministers who firmly abide by Thy Word, the preaching of which is entrusted to them; who are instant in season and out of season; who reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine; who rightly divide the Word of Truth, preaching the Law to secure sinners and the Gospel to such as are alarmed and terrified on account of their sins and desire to escape the wrath of God. Grant us zeal and earnestness to pray for such servants of Thy Word. Amen.

Send Thou, O Lord, to every place Swift messengers before Thy face, The heralds of Thy wondrous grace, Where Thou Thyself wilt come.