Homiletics and pastoral theology - Shedd - XVII - Chapter 1 (Definition of pastoral theology) and Chapter 2 (Religious character and habits of the clergyman)

Required reading
Homiletics and pastoral theology by William G T Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 1 (Definition of pastoral theology) and Chapter 2 (Religious character and habits of the clergyman).

My summary
Today we begin the second part of the book on pastoral theology.

There is a very brief opening chapter defining pastoral theology.  Shedd's definition is: 'We define Pastoral Theology to be, that part of the clerical curriculum which relates to the clergyman's parochial life.'

Then the second chapter looks at the religious character of the pastor. 

Firstly Shedd shows that the clerical calling and profession itself demands and is favourable to a superior religious character.  Shedd uses Calvin and Baxter as examples. 

Then Shedd gives some practical rules for cultivation of the religious character in the clergyman:
(i) he must maintain regular habits of communion with God, in prayer;
(ii) he must pursue theological studies for personal conviction and improvement;
(iii) he must perform every clerical duty, be it in active or contemplative life, with punctuality, uniformity and thoroughness.

What grabbed me
I liked the last practical rule, although I'm sure some pastor's would not agree: 'The third rule for the promotion of the religious character of the clergyman is, that he perform every clerical duty, be it in active or contemplative life, with punctuality, uniformity, and thoroughness. There is discipline in labor. The scrupulous and faithful performance of work, of any kind, improves both the mind and heart. A thorough and punctual mechanic, is a man of character. He possesses a mental solidity, and strength, that renders him a noticeable man, and a reliable man, in his sphere. The habit of doing work uniformly well, and uniformly in time is one of the best kinds of discipline. He who has no occupation, or profession, must be, and as matter of fact is, an undisciplined man. And, in case one has an occupation, or a profession, the excellence of his discipline is proportioned to the fidelity, with which he follows it. If he half does his work, his moral character suffers. If he does his work thoroughly, when he does it at all, but does not perform it with punctuality, and uniformity (a thing which, is, however, not likely to happen), it is at the expense of his moral power.'

Unfaithfulness in our labour is sin.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 3 (Intellectual character and habits of the clergyman).

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