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This one morning
we reserved to refresh your memory upon the subject of prayer for
ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian
household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered
by an apostle and now repeated by us.
Brethren, our work is solemnly momentous, involving weal or woe to
thousands; we treat with souls for God on eternal business, and
our word is either a savor of life unto life, or of death unto
death. A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be
no small mercy if at the last we be found clear of the blood of
all men.
As officers in Christ's army, we are the especial mark of the
enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labor to
take us by the heels. Our sacred calling involves us in
temptations from which you are exempt, above all it too often
draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a
ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many
knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sad
backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions
perishing, and our spirits sink.
We wish to profit you by our preaching; we desire to be a blessing
to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners;
therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God.
Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy
are we if we live in your supplications. You do not look to us but
to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has
He given those blessings through His ministers; ask then, again
and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord
may put the treasure of the gospel.
We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city
missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you "BRETHREN,
PRAY FOR US."
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