Page 24 - word to PDF
P. 24

It is easier to speak or write about revival than to set about it. There is so much rubbish to be
               swept out, so many self-raised hindrances to be dealt with, so many old habits to be
               overcome, so much sloth and easy- mindedness to be contended with, so much of ministerial
               routine to be broken through, and so much crucifixion, both of self and of the world, to be
               undergone. As Christ said of the unclean spirit which the disciples could not cast out, so we
               may say of these: "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."



               So thought a minister in the seventeenth century; for, after lamenting the

               evils both of his life and his ministry, he thus resolves to set about their renewal.



               1. In imitation of Christ and His apostles, and to get good done, I purpose to rise timely every
               morning. (Job 1:5; 2 Chronicles 36:15)



               2. To prepare as soon as I am up some work to be done, and how and when to do it; to engage
               my heart to it, 1 Timothy 4:7; and at even to call myself to account and to mourn over my
               failings.



               3. To spend a sufficient portion of time every day in prayer, reading, meditating, spiritual
               exercises: morning, midday , evening, and ere I go to bed.



               4. Once  in the month,  either  the end  or middle  of it, I keep  a day  of humiliation for the
               public condition, for the Lord's people and their sad condition, for raising up the work and
               people of God.



               5. I spend, besides this, one day for my own private condition, in fighting against  spiritual
               evils  and  to  get  my  heart  more  holy,  or  to  get  some special exercise accomplished,
               once in six months.



               6. I spend once every week four hours over and above my daily portion in private, for some
               special causes relating either to myself or others.



               7. To spend some time on Saturday, towards night, for preparation for the

               Sabbath.
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