An inspiring call to humility in Christian service and renewed compassion for those without Christ.

This timeless classic by Horatius Bonar, Scottish Presbyterian divine of 1808-89, offers spiritual, heart-searching counsel to all believers, especially ministers of the gospel. Though written over a century ago, these words are as timely and convicting today as when first delivered. They represent a gripping challenge to put aside all that interferes with the ministry of the gospel—to labor urgently and "be spent" for Christ.

Drawing from Owen, Baxter, McCheyne, Edwards, and others, Bonar summons us to faith, zeal, and love for lost souls. He warns of "the tragedy of a barren ministry" and gives special attention to the need for ministerial confession of sin, quoting extensively from an extraordinarily moving public confession by the ministers of the Church of Scotland in 1651.