web design templates free download

carrying out measures of whose wisdom they are in doubt. Without their co-operation you will be in danger of failure. Failure would bring mortifica- tion to yourself and destroy your influence with your people; crimination and recrimination would inevitably follow, and when such a state of things exists the pastoral relation is not likely to be very permanent. I am fully persuaded that young ministers leave the congregations in which they first settle, at so early a day, chiefly for this reason. It is your duty to study carefully the circum- stances and wants of your people, and to devise ways and means for the promotion of their spiritual welfare. Whatever your plans may be, bring them before your elders as suggestions. If you bring them forward as measures in relation to which your own mind is fully settled, and take the place of an advocate, you forestall free discussion. Opposition to them will look like opposition to you. You will not be likely to learn all the facts bearing on the case. If, however, your views are submitted as queries or suggestions, the way is open for full and free discussion ; if time is taken to deliberate, you will come to see that your views are not wise, or ill- timed, and the way will be open for you to drop the matter altogether, or postpone it to a more conven- ient time. Or, your elders will be fully persuaded