The Office and Uses of Helpers

It was never intended, that the Minister should sustain the whole weight of the service of God. Moses was assisted in his work by seventy elders, in tender consideration of his overwhelming responsibility.* And thus the office of “helpers’’ in the Primitive Church appears to have been of efficient service to the Ministry.3 And as one of the most important results of the Pastoral work — the confidence with our people, and our insight into their individual character enable us to employ them in subservient but most valuable labour. Few exercises however, require more of that “wisdom that is profitable to direct.” The “differences of administration” among us, and the different temperament of the Church from the Primitive times; a spirit of independency; the

Minister notifying it to the other Members — That a membir, accused of any inconsistency, which may be grievous to the rest, shall first be admonished by the Minister in private; and, should he persist in the inconsistency, the evil shall be pointed out to the offender in the presence of the meeting; and if no signs of compunction be shown, he must be expelled from the Society.’ — Christian Guardian, January, 1830.

1 Mr. Richmond in his early Ministry established an interesting Church-meeting, mainly, though with less formality, upon tlicse principles. It included the explanation of the Scriptures, Prayer Book, and other useful books; friendly and Christian exhortation according to their circumstances; cfuestions of Scriptural or experimental difficulties; and united prayer for a blessing upon themselves, their families, their neighbours, their country, and the whole Church of God. See his Life, pp. 43, 44. note.

- Sec Nmubers xi. 10 — 25. Comp. also Jethro’s wise advice to Moses, Exod. xviiL 13 — 26. 3 Rom. xvi. 9, 12. Phil. iv. 3.

excitement of spiritual pride; the introduction of the baneful mischief of “many masters;”’ and the consequent diminution of the just influence of the Parochial Head, are serious evils incident to this system. But yet, with strict subordination to the Ministry, and with a large share of humility and forbearance, localized layagency, portioned out according to the “diversities of gifts,” might actively co-operate.

Dr. Chalmers has fully pointed out the relative advantages to Ministers and people from this subordinate employment of the laity.2 If at first it may be more easy to do the work ourselves, they will ultimately be found in many cases to lie more effective labourers. The appropriate employmeni of the members of our Church is probably, the most profitable use of human agency; and from the neglect of it many are often drawn from us, by those, who unduly avail themselves of their assistance, and elevate them to an importance, most injurious to Christian simplicity and lowliness.^

The various jjarochial plans will furnish suitable work. Sunday Schools — superintendence of adult schools — the management or promotion of religious Societies — the diligent and sympathizing inquiry into the wants of the poor, — the administering to their temporal, and much more to their spiritual, necessities — the visitation of the sick — these, and similar plans, will give as much engagement for our people, as a conscientious regard to their secular callings will generally allow.

The responsibility of this work, with a due consideration of their private circumstances, should be inculcated upon every Christian. Ministers are the primary — not the exclusive instructors. They are the principal directors of the system, but not the sole agents. Their ofliice is to set many lesser wheels in motion, in subservient harmony with the grand movements of the machine.

James iii. 1. 2 gee his Christian and Civic fficonomy.

3 Baxter wisely recommends an active and orderly use of the trifts of our people under our own superintendence, lest they should use them in a way of division against us. He remarks to Ministers, as one of the causes of schism — ’ a desire not to make use of the gifts that God hath given them for their assistance;’ — and adds, ‘I am persuaded, if Ministers had thus made use of the parts of their ablest mcmhers, they mifrlit have prevented much of the divisions, and distractions, and apostacies that hath befallen us: for they would then have found work enough upon their hands for higher parts than theirs, without invading the Ministry. Experience would have convinced and humbled them more than our words can do. A man may think that he can stir up a block, or jjluck up a tree by the roots, that never tried; but when he sets his hand to it, he will come olT ashamed. And see that you <lrivc them to diligence in their own works, and let them know what a sin it is to neglect their own families, and their ignorant miserable neighbours; and then they will be kept humble, and have no such mind to be running upon more work, when they feel you spurring them on to their own, and rebuking them for the neglect; nor will they have any lewure for schismatical cnterprizes, because of the constancy and greatness of ;heir employment.’

Men cannot seek their own edification too fervently: but they may be occupied in it too selfislily. Many appear to have no more concern for the unconverted around them, than if there were no such beings in the world. Or they are content to leave their souls to the superintendence of the Parish Minister, with the same indifference as they leave their bodies to the care of the Parish Apothecary. This inaction is ruinous to themselves no less than to the Church. They seem to forget that they are “called out of darkness into maf vellous light,” that they might “arise and shine” — that they are bound therefore, to strengthen our hands, not only by the light of their example, but by personal labour and activity. We were destitue of helpers: and God has converted them, that they might be our ‘• helpers in the Lord.”’

The individual advantages, also of this service are of the highest importance. Active devotedness to the wants of our fellow-sinners is one of the best stimulants to personal religion. Thus the additional benefit resulting from the agency renders the employment of helpers more effective than our own exertion. Graces are called into exercise, which otherwise might have been dormant; while their fellowship with our burdens and our privileges, our sorrows and our joys, brings a sensible relief to our work. With this view, and with a due regard to relative duties (which must upon no account be superseded), it is important to bring young Christians to work. They are apt to be absorbed in the new world of interest that surrounds them. They want to be drawn forth into the practical habits of religion — to have their sympathies excited, their sense of obligation deepened, and their view of the realities of the Gospel established, by a close contact with the spii’- itual distresses and supports of those around them. Some departments indeed demand matured experience, wisdom, and patience — qualities, however, that gather strength and establishment by prayerful diligence. But the simple work of private instruction falls within the sphere of the lowest spiritual capacity; needing only an acquaintance with the value of the soul — the lost estate of man — the need of a Saviour — the power of his love — the work of his Spirit — the hope of his glory. These, when really felt, will be readily explained — not indeed with eloquence, or perhaps with systematic accuracy; but yet with that earnestness of simplicity, which characterizes the Gospel, honours God, and is honoured of God. And this active training in the most limited sphere qualifies

I See 1 Pet. ii. 9. with Is. Ix. 1. Matt. v. 14 — 16.

the nova.-e for a more extended and defined labour, — “He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.”’

jlot less is the advantage also of this system to the Mi)iister himself. It has been well observed — ‘Lay agency is of incalculable moment. A Minister cannot undertake every thing himself. He must not fritter away his time. He must not widen too much his field of personal effort. He must concentrate, he must influence, he must be the centre to a hundred hands and minds moving around him. This is more especially the case in populous places; where the actual efforts of any one or two Ministers would be lost in detail, and his public instructions would be hasty and undigested effusions, if he attempted individual instruction. Wisdom therefore must be exercised. Others must be set to work, and a machinery be erected, of which he takes only the general guidance.’^ Indeed how else can a Minister in a wide field of labour acquit his own conscience of the responsible charge of thousands of perishing immortals, except he do per alium,, what it is impossible that he can do jjer se; and set in motion a machinery, whose influence, directly emanating from himself, is felt throughout every part 1 How manifestly unequal is our mere personal strength to make a palpable impression upon the great mass? If we want to extend our aggressive operations, we must bring our whole disposable force into the field. We must not only discharge ourselves the functions of agency; but we must create an agency under wise, delicate, confidential control. We must wield the power of our people, or we shall soon exhaust our own strength. The Minister must indeed use the word of command, and take the lead. But he must not be taking all the offices of the army upon himself. He must drill his subalterns into regimental discipline and effective service. And if in some cases activity becomes bustle — forwardness — conceit — neglect of personal or relative obligations; he must be careful in controling the pruriency of the principle, not to check its healthful circulation. When all are alive and always at work — the Minister in devising, and the Church in executing plans of usefulness — the machinery will germinate an influence of indefinite extent and effectiveness.

There are few Christian congregations in a large sphere, but would afford an organized system of Helpers, to “supply” the Min- 2 Prefatory Essay to Baxter’s Reformed Pastor, by the Bishop of Calcutta, p. jHv. For a clear, important, and practical statement upon this interesting subject — the Writer would refer to the Bishop of Chester’s Primary Charge (pp. 21 — 26) and to his Sermon before the Pastoral Aid Society — a Society, which commends itself powerfully to the prayers and assistance of all the true friends of our Church.

ister’s necessary “lack of service on behalf of” his people. Let him only impress their minds with the love of Christ, and the love of souls, as the principles of their personal responsibility. Let him suggest the most suitable exercise of their obligations. Let him from time to time direct, encourage, or control their operations. Let him excite them to take only one step towards the attainment of their object — to spread, if it were only a luminous spot, over their several districts — to be in constant motion, in the routine of regular distributiveijess; and they will become his most useful coadjutors. The system of Tract distribution under the Pastor’s superintendence, has been found an important means of evangelizing many dark places of our land. Monthly or Quarterly Meetings for prayer and conference should however be appended to this system.*

‘The System of District Societies is working under the sanction of our Hierarchy in some of our large spheres. It is the most Ukely means of diffusing instruction among masses of immortal beings, that could not otherwise be reached. The nucleus of the system is a Christian congregation, and the strength of it — Christian Visitors, well-exercised in all its duties of patience, compassion, and self-denial. The London Society has entered upon the work with an organized system of operation, and with admirable perseverance. They thus forcibly state their case, in language of extensive application — ‘Some parishes have gradually become so thickly peopled, that an acquaintance, either personal or through the medium of his clerical assistants, with the majority of his parishioners, is beyond the reach of the most active and laborious incumbent. With the utmost zeal on his part, thousands may yet be left comparatively to themselves, without even the moral restraint, which in a smaller parish the frequent intercourse between the clergyman and his people often imposes on the most careless and unconcerned. Extensive districts are to be found, where a mass of ignorance, nee, and superstition, is untouched, or nearly so, by the ordinary and prescribed means of preventing error in religion and viciousness in life.’ Their inhabitants live in the undisturbed practice of ungodliness, by the force of mutual example contirming each other in the disregard of every reliijious duty. Places of worship are unfrequented by them. They will not go in search of the means of spiritual instruction, these means must be brought home to them. If an impression is to be made, they must be invited, nay, “compelled’’ to attend to their eternal interests, by the earnest, persevering, long-suffering labours of individuals, willing to penetrate the abodes of misery and vice, to go from door to door, and to encounter frequent disappointment in their benevolent object.’

‘The appointment of Visitors ’ (as the London Committee judiciously observe) ‘is of the highest moment; they may be obtained from every rank of society, and many of them will be IIpinbcrs of Local Committees. It is however essential, that they should be impressed with the importance of eternity — persons who earnestly desire, that their fellow creatures may walk in a right course, and who will interest themselves, not only in the relief of the body, but In the spiritual welfare of those whom they undertake to visit.

‘In order that they may have time for the performance of such serious duties, care should be taken not to devolve too much upon one individual; in general from twenty to thirty families will be found sufficient for the most active Visitor! and for female Visitors a number still more limited may oten be desirable. If however two Visitors act together (a course which will frequently be found expedient, particularly in their early labours) a large section may be allotted them.

‘But there is no point, which the Central Committee would more strongly urge on Local Committees, than that of confining their own and their Visitors’ exertions within a practicable compass; a small space effectively visited is infinitely preferable (whether in reference to the good that is really done, or to the example which it affords) to a large district, only partially occupied.’

Their instructions to the Visitors are most admirable — ‘You will visit the families comprehended in your section, as often as time and other circumstances may render expedient, with the view of promoting their temporal and spiritual improvement. — Vou will make it your first object to gain their attention, and secure their confidence, by couvin-One valuable use of this office is lo discover cases of religious impression in the several districts, and to encourage free communication with the Minister, gladly introducing them, as Barnabas,

cing them, that you are actuated solely by motives of Christian charity and kindness, and have no other end in view than their welfare. — Many topics of friendly conversation and enquiry will readily suggest themselves to you; and in the selection o’f these, much will depend on your own good sense and discretion.’

‘The Committee, however, would suggest the following hints: —

1. Your first enquiries should relate to those subjectSyvhich afford the greatest interest to the poor; such as the number of which the family consists — the ages of the children — whether they attend any school, or can read — whether the family possesses a Bible or any other religious books; and, where you find a disposition to answer your inquiries, you will endeavour to ascertain whether the persons you visit attend Public Worship, and where — their occupation — means of subsistence — whether by parochial relief, by labour, charity, or otherwise — the period of their residence in the district — amount of rent paid — and manner of spending Sundays and leisure hours. — 2. You will gently and prudently lead their attention to religious sul)jects, endeavouring to impress their minds with a sense of the importance of their immortal souls and ofthevalue of the Holy Scriptures as a message of mercy from God to sinful man. You will urge on them the duty and privilege of observing the Sabbath, of prayer, and of attending Public Worship. You will point out to them, as occasion may require, their relative duties; and avail yourself of suitable opportunities of reprolang open vice. You wdl pay particular attention to the young, the sick, and the aged. You will encourage parents to send their children to Day and Sunday Schools, and recommend grown up persons, who cannot read, to attend adult evening schools. You will inform those who are without a Bible, how they may obtain one, and suggest weekly subscriptions for this purpose; and you will transmit their names and residence to the nearest Bilile Association, or to the Societv for Promoting Christian Knowledge. — 3. It will be necessary, that you should be provided with information as to the Places of Worship, Adult, Day, Sunday, and Infant Schools in the neighbouiiiood; and where there is any obstacle to the attendance of the persons you visit, from want of accommodation or distance, you will make this circumstance known to the Local Committee of the District. — 4. You will not fidl to inculcate habits of industry, and cleanliness both of rooms and persons. Where practicable, employment should be suggested to persons out of work, and in many cases it will be desirable to point out the advantages of Savings’ Banks, and encourage weekly deposits for rent. — 5. In cases of sickness and want, you will endeavour to ascertain, whether there is any medical or other attendance, whether relief is afforded by any benevolent society, and what charitable assistance is required. — 6. The Committee recommend that relief should be administered (where practicable) throuijh the medium of some existing Society or Institution: and it will be very desirable, that the Visitors should be provided with recommendations of Subscribers to such Societies, and to the nearest Dispensary, to be used as occasion may require. — 7. It may in some cases be advisable to release the tools and clothes of mechanics from pawn; but, except in instances of pres.sing and immediate want, it is strongly recommended, that no pecuniary aid be afforded from the funds of the Society, before the case has been submitted to the Local Committee. — 8. It will be necessary to bear in mind the prevalence of fraud and impo-sture; and it is hoped that the frequency of your visits will gradually facilitate their detection. ^Vhdc you will avoid all appearance of harshness, or want of feeling for the misery which meets your notice, you will use every precaution to guard against the misapplication of charitable aid upon objects of merely pretended distress, or upon those who are receiving adequate relief from other sources. — 9. You will avoid as far as possible encroaching on the necessary occupations of families and individuals; and with this

view it will be very important, that you should ascertain the timx”, when visits are most acceptable, and put per.sons the least out of the way. — 10. You will not attempt to force yourselves on those, who shew a determined aversion to your visits; but you will express to them in a friendly manner your readiness to call upon them again, should they becom.emore disposed to receive you. — 11. It will generally be desirablctiiat the Visitors should 20 two and two. although they may frequently be engaired at the same time with different families umler the same roof — 12. You will be provided with a journal, in which you will enter the name, residence, &’■ of the persons visited; with answers to certain queries suggested, which should be submitted to the Local Committee of your district, at each meeting, accompanied with a notice of anv particular occurrences tending to illustrate character, shew improvement, call for particular advice, &c., and with such general observations on the state of your Scctu n as may appear useful. — 13. The Committee would only further entreat you to remember the Master whom you eerve, when certified of the conversion of Saul,’ to the fellowship of the Church. This is at once a most important benefit to the individ lal, and a real support to the Pastor; enabling him to combine with his solemn warnings to the unconverted, his delightful commission to “comfort the people of God,”^ and establish them in the faith of the Gospel.

It must however be remembered, that helpers are not Ministers. There is an essential difference between Lay Agency and Lay Preaching. The Ministry of the New Testament stands upon the same authority as the Priesthood of the Old. No entrenchment must be allowed upon the consecrated office. Laymen may exhort with love, meekness, entreaty, but not with authority. Their work is rather brotherly admonition than fatherly teaching. They have no special commission. They must ‘’speak as the oracles of God, and as of the abihty which God giveth;“’ but they cannot speak as “ambassadors for Christ.” They may speak in his name (in dependence upon him as their Head) but not “in his stead” — as having a message and commission from him. They need at once to be excited, directed, and controuled; and under this discipline, we may cherish the “hope, when their faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by them according to our rule abundantly.”* They will indeed be to us “instead of eyes;”« their “work and labour of love” will powerfully act, as one of the wheels in the great machine of perpetual motion; and their reward of grace will be with “Urbane and the beloved Persis,” with “Clement and with other fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.”*

But we must not forget, that the meanest member of the Church sustains this useful character of a helper. How cheering is it to enter the pulpit (as the Apostle spoke of coming to Rome) not only to “impart to our hearers some spiritual gift;” but with the hope of being “comforted by their faith!”’’ When faith glistens in the eyes of an attentive congregation, how does it quicken our energies, interest, and love; producing from the impulse of the occasion thoughts far more striking than had been the result of the contemplation of the study! We need scarcely remark upon the daily help we derive from the power of a consistent example, sometimes even more forcible than the Pulpit Ministry.^ None can gainsay

and in cases of opposition or insult, to govern your temper — to return good for evil — blessing for cursing — to be patient towards all men, “in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves.” ’

1 See Acts ix. 27. 2 See Isaiah xl. 1, 2.

3 1 Peter iv. 1 1. 4 2 Cor. x. 16. Numb. x. 31

6 Rom. xvi. 9, 12: Phil. iv. 3. ‘Rom. i. 11, 12. s See 1 Peter ill. 1, 3.

i or resist this visible “seal of our Apostleship.” As corfirming every word of instruction, invitation, and encouragement; and as exhibiting the strait ways of the Gospel to be “paths of pleasantness and peace,” this testimony is above all price.

Least of all, must we forget (though it has been before alluded to) the help we obtain from the prayers of our people. So sensible was the Apostle of the value of this help, that, distinguished as he was for eminence of grace, experience, and services, he pleads for it with the earnestness of a beggar requesting alms.’ Bishop Davenant justly traces the allowance of so many ignorant Ministers in the Church to the want of hearty supplication .^ And indeed a praying people will be sure eventually to be blessed with an edifying Ministry. We are far more in the power of our people than we are always conscious of Humanly speaking — our personal graces, the spiritual character of our Ministrations, and the consequent consolation and fruitfulness with our people, very materially depend upon their secret labours on our behalf. We are the conduits by which the living water flows into the Church. The Church therefore must pray for the continual supphes to be poured into those conduits; or they will return (like the nobles of Judah) “with their vessels empty; ashamed and confounded, and covering their heads.”^ It will doubtless be found, that the Gospel is promoted by the prayers as well as by the Ministry of the Church. Christians therefore should be reminded, that they owe this exercise of love to their fellow-sinners, as redeemed by the same blood — to us, as in some degree probably the instruments of their salvation — and still more to our great Master, as the undoubted and sole Author of it. Let therefore the blessing, through our instrumentalitybe sought in this way — “ye also helping together m prayer to God for us; that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf “< And while we realize the delightful enjoyment of being raised on tb.e .wings of our people’s prayers; they will not be without their recompence. For never is supplication sent up for a blessing upon the Minister, but it returns with tenfold blessing upon the supplicant’s head.^

At all events therefore, let us expose the fallacy of the indolent notion, that Ministers are to do every thing. The best answer to give to the adversaries of our Establishment, is to set in motion

See Rom. XV. 30. 2 Davcn. in Col. iv. 3. 3 jer. xiv. 3. 2 Cor. i. 11.

5 Specific remembrance of the Minister in secret and social worship, on the marningo of the Sabbaths especially (not of course forgetting his daily claim upon their remembrance) might be inculcated with the greatest, though perhaps unconscious, advantage to ourselves and to our Ministry.

eveiy wheel of the great machine. Reminding therefore our people of our immense burden — “besides” the weight of personal trial — “that which cometh upon us daily — the care of the churches”’ — let us call out our resources for active seiTice, as the matter may require. Let us inculcate expansive and energetic diligence — making our people generally useful to each other — parents to their families — neighbours among one another — promising young persons to the rising generation. They often look to the Pastor to suggest plans of practical usefulness. Almost every sphere furnishes work for every Christian under the Minister’s direction and controul. Each will find a large blessing in laying himself out for the interests of his fellow-sinner — not to speak that his office — working with his Minister — necessarily invests him with a public character, and consequently furnishes a strong incentive to personal piety. Conscious helplessness brings with it special encouragements. The pride of Satan is humbled by being vanquished by worms; w’hile Christ is glorified in the manifestation of his “strength made perfect in weakness.”^

If then our people can do any thing, let them help us in winning souls to Christ. Let them spread the influence of the sacred leaven around them, “till the whole be leavened;” so that, while our doctiine is perverted, misunderstood, or opposed on all sides, we may be able to point to their lives and tempers, in illustration of its holy tendency and happy effects — “Ye are our epistle, known and read of all men — manifestl)^ declared to be the epistle of Christ, ministered by us.’”