Ministry, "Agency, instrumentality."
Friends' queries regarding ministry, with some variation in the different meeting,--"Are ministers sound in word and doctrine, and careful to minister in the ability which God giveth?"
The Religious Society of Friends has always believed in an anointed ministry, a declaration that is called for by Christ the Minister of Ministers, at the time and for the occasion, not studied but inspired of God, a ministry that speaks to the state or condition of one or more as the case may be. George Fox, as has been recently stated concerning him, learned, there is One that could speak to his condition, that was direct.
Gospel ministry then is as above, the appointed agency, the mouthpiece to declare the truth of God to conditions, consequently must be revealed, inspired, as one is apt to be ignorant of the states, and as such are led by the Spirit, it reaches that for which it is intended. It is difficult to see how one could be unsound, when they minister in the ability which God giveth, when they speak as they are led by the spirit of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Then as to the subject matter, as above, "Agency of glad tiding concerning Christ, the kingdom of God and salvation." We must believe, if one is fully inspired they will be led in the subject, whether it be Scripture, or application of it, or other appropriate matter, being watchful under the guidance and influencing Spirit of Christ, will reach the witness for Truth in the heart of the hearer.
True the best make mistakes, for, "To err is human," but as all are watchful and humble, willing to be instructed, will be cautioned and preserved, as the prophet Habakkuk declares in 2:1, "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved."
Vessels that are to be filled must be emptied, ministers however learned or well informed must experience this in order to be inspired or anointed. Such many times find themselves led in an unexpected way, and some times learn why it is so. A truly prepared vessel is invaluable, one in a condition to be used by our Heavenly Father, subject to His blessed restraining and constraining influences, knowing how to keep as well as to give counsel.
It was said of the early Friends, "They were changed men and women before they went about to change others."
As vessels are thus prepared, men or women, subject to their Divine Master, ever on the watch, they cannot be too numerous, and how it must please Him to be able to use them as instruments in His hands to promote His kingdom on earth.
Beloved Friends, let us hold fast to our inheritance of a free Gospel ministry, as well as an inspired and anointed ministry, more concerned that an unction may be in evidence, for "a ministry that will close people's mouths and set them to thinking."