The great work of the ministry
I have always looked upon the great work of the ministry to consist in two things: first, in making unholy men holy; and, secondly, in making those who are already holy to be more and more holy. First to beget holiness, and then to nurse up holiness. First to bring souls to Christ, and then to build up souls in Christ, is without all question the greatest work which should be most in every minister's eye, and which should always lie nearest and warmest upon every minister's heart.
--Thomas Brooks, 1662
