Forty-Six Sermons in Vol II of the Works - Edwards - XLIII - Sermon XVI of 'Seventeen Occasional Sermons'

Required reading
Forty-Six Sermons in Volume II of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) -  Read Sermon XVI from the section entitled 'Seventeen Occasional Sermons'.

My summary
In a similar theme to last week, Edward preaches an ordination sermon on Christ as the example for ministers from 'John xiii. 15, 16. "For I have given you an example, that he should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you. The servant is not greater than his lord, neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."'

Firstly Edwards observes wherein ministers of the gospel ought to follow the example of Christ:
(i) in holiness;
(ii) in seeking salvation of men.

Secondly Edwards gives reasons why ministers should follow Jesus' example. Jesus:
(i) is their master;
(ii) is calling them to do so;
(iii) is worthy of imitation;
(iv) has done much for their souls and so they should for other souls too.

Thirdly Edwards endeavours to make a proper application of those things to himself and others that are called to this work of the ministry.

Fourthly Edwards shows what improvements should be made of ministers by the people of their church.

What grabbed me
I appreciated the encouragement to follow Jesus' example of busyness: 'Ministers should follow the example of Christ in his diligence and laboriousness in his work. “He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.”Acts x. 38. So abundant was he in labours, that oftentimes he scarcely allowed himself time to eat or drink; insomuch that his friends sometimes went out to lay hold of him, saying, “He is beside himself.”Mark iii. 20, 21. That three years and a half of his public ministry was so filled with action and labour, that one of his disciples that constantly attended him, and was an eyewitness of his activity, tells us that if all that he did should be written, the world would not contain the books.'

Jesus did get an awful lot accomplished in his three years of ministry. 

My years of ministry exceed his, but sadly not my labours.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon XVII from the section entitled 'Seventeen Occasional Sermons'.

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