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A PASTOR'S COUNSEL: Words of Wisdom for Weary, Wounded and Wandering Ones
Jonathan Edwards, Philip Doddridge, Ashbel Green & Thomas Scott
A PASTOR'S COUNSEL is a precious little book from the American Tract Society that is full of brief, pithy, wise counsel for every member of the church of Christ, as well as those who are outside of Christ. This is sage advice that will benefit the shepherd and the sheep alike. It will help the pastor give sensitive counsel to his own soul, his family and the flock of God entrusted to him, and it will guide the sheep through a variety of perplexities they will face on their journey heavenward.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is it to Believe on Christ? By Rev. Dr. J.W. Chickering
The Act of Faith
Questions and Counsels by Rev. Ashbel Green
Self-Dedication to God by Philip Doddridge
Advice to Young Converts by Jonathan Edwards
The Closet Companion, or a Help to Self-Examination by George Burder
Signs of a Living or Growing Christian
Signs of a Dying or Decaying Christian
Directions to Assist in Attaining a Spirit of Prayer
The Knowledge of Pardon and the Witness of the Spirit by Rev. Thomas Scott
Scripture Counsels
Several of these pieces appeared in the form of a tract and were distributed the world over to hundreds of thousands of people. One testimony is given of their use during the Civil War: "Historians discovered through reading soldiers' diaries that it was at times difficult to get the soldier to attend regular church services, however they would read a tract. In the tedium of camp life nothing was more comforting than to read a Christian tract. Tracts such as 'A Voice from Heaven,' 'Don't Put it Off,' 'All-Sufficiency of Christ,' 'Self-Dedication to God,' 'Private Devotion,' and 'The Act of Faith' were the more popular tracts during the Civil War."
"Solid Ground Christian Books is respected the world over for finding hidden treasures from days long ago. A Pastor's Counsel is another such treasure. A Pastor's Counsel draws upon the wisdom of a number of godly men such as Jonathan Edwards and Philip Doddridge. Whether you are a Pastor or not you will certainly find food for your soul and for those that you minister to in this power-packed little volume. Because the book is under 100 pages you may consider reading it out loud to your family at meal time around the table. Solid Ground is doing a great service in finding treasures that otherwise may be left buried beneath the dust of the ages. Keep up the good work." - Ray Rhodes, Jr. is President of Nourished in the Word Ministries
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Additional Information
• Introduction
Introduction
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel."
"He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm."
"Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days."
"For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory."
These texts drawn from Proverbs serve as a fitting introduction to the little gem you hold in your hands. Those who wrote the brief articles that are now before you were some of the wisest and choicest servants of God this fallen world has known.
In John Bunyan's classic work Pilgrim's Progress the leading figure in the book, whose name is Christian, is led into a house that is called The House of the Interpreter. This House represents the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the new convert, and there are seven powerful lessons taught in this House. The very first lesson is the description of a true pastor, whom, we are told "is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going hath authorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way." What are the marks of a true pastor according to Bunyan? There are seven, which are found in these words:
Christian saw a picture of a very grave person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it: it had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon his lips, the world was behind his back; he stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown of gold didst hang over his head.
First, the true pastor should be a man who is grave. The idea that is found in this word is that of being serious and solemn. This is well captured in the words of Richard Baxter, "I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men." Sadly, in our day it is all too rare to find men who are serious, sober and solemn. Such were the men whose articles fill this book.
Second, the true pastor should be a man with his eyes lifted up to heaven.
In the spirit of Samuel the pastor you trust should be able to say, "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you." (1 Samuel 12:23). The man you trust must above all be known as a man of prayer.Third, the true pastor should be a man with the best of books in his hand.
In the spirit of the Psalmist your earthly shepherd should be able to say, "O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97). While all ministers of the gospel should be reading the best Christian books available, he must be devoted to the Bible as the word of the living God. Trust no man who does not trust the Bible.Fourth, the true pastor should be a man with the law of truth written upon his lips. In the language of the prophet Malachi, "The law of truth was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity" (Malachi 2:6). It is not enough that a man carries his Bible in his hand, he must have it written within his heart, and coming out from his lips.
Fifth, the true pastor should be a man with the world behind his back. A worldly minister is a contradiction of terms. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).
Sixth, the true pastor should be a man who pleads with men. In the language of the Lord through Ezekiel, "And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD." (Eze. 20:35,36).
Finally, the true pastor should be a man with a crown of gold above his head. In the language of Bunyan, "that is to show thee, that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he hath to his Master's service, he is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward." It is a tragedy that multitudes of modern day pastors drive the finest cars, eat the finest food, wear the finest clothes and live in the finest homes. Do not permit such a man to be your guide in the difficult places you are sure to meet with in the way to the heavenly city. Seek a shepherd after God's own heart.
As you prepare to read this book called A Pastor's Counsel, pause first and pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to feel the weight of the truth set before you. Do not be in a hurry. Take your time and let each truth settle down within your heart. Heed the words of the Apostle Paul, "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). May you find in these pages the wisdom that is from above, and upon embracing them for yourself seek to pass them on to others, for our Lord Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
The Publisher
