Christian ministry - Bridges - I

Required reading
Christian ministry by Charles Bridges (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read the preface and Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.

My summary
In Chapter One Bridges opens his book looking at how the Christian ministry is of divine origin and institution.

In Chapter Two Bridges shows that the Christian ministry has a 'dignity far above any earthly honour or elevation, and such as the infidel scoff can never degrade.'

In Chapter Three we are taught about the uses and necessity of the Christian ministry - 'the sum of our whole labour in this kind is to honour God and to save men.'

In Chapter Four Bridges examines the trials and difficulties of the Christian ministry and tells us that they arise from:
(i) the professing church;
(ii) the world;
(iii) the power of Satan;
(iv) ourselves.

What grabbed me
Talk about humbling: '"Who is sufficient for these things?"  Who, whether man or angel, "is sufficient" to open "the wisdom of God in a mystery"-to speak what in its full extent is "unspeakable"-to make known that which "passeth knowledge" -to bear the fearful weight of the care of souls?  Who hath skill and strength proportionate?  Who has a mind and temper to direct and sustain so vast a work?  If our Great Master had not himself answered these appalling questions by his promise-"My grace is sufficient for thee;" and if the experience of faith did not demonstrably prove, that "our sufficiency is of God;" who, with an enlightened apprehension, could enter upon such an awful service; or, if entered, continue in it?'

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.