The life of the minister is the life of his ministry. It is to be deeply regretted that a low level of spiritual vitality greatly hinders the impact of even the most gifted ministries. Paul's words to Timothy, 'Take heed unto thyself', continue to apply to all ministers of the gospel.

Charles J. Brown was a man who took the Apostle's words seriously. 'An animated, incisive, and very spiritual preacher', he was often asked to give addresses on the subject of pastoral ministry. This powerful little volume survives as a statement of what he saw as the essence of the gospel ministry--preaching with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven. Men of doctrinal earnestness, catholic spirit, tender hearts, and abiding prayerfulness, whose lips have been touched with a 'live coal from off the altar', have ever been the means of reviving the church and awakening the world. Only let the Christian ministry return to the apostolic rule of Acts 6:4 and the church will surely see brighter days.