The Call to the Ministry (8)

There is an external call via the congregation and an internal call via the voice and power of the Holy Spirit. Charles Bridges said, “Our authority is derived conjointly from God and from the Church—that is, originally from God—confirmed through the medium of the Church. The external call is a commission received from and recognized by the Church, according to the sacred and primitive order; not indeed qualifying the Minister, but accrediting him, whom God had internally and suitably qualified. This call communicates therefore only official authority. The internal call is the voice and power of the Holy Ghost, directing the will and the judgment, and conveying personal qualifications. Both calls, however—though essentially distinct in their character and source—are indispensable for the exercise of our commission. Both therefore unite in His government, who ‘is not the Author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints;' (1 Cor. 14:33) and whose unction, of a rational, holy, and orderly character, harmoniously combines with the constituted appointment of his will.” Pp. 91-92.