John Shepherd on the office of curates

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John Shepherd on the office of curates

A Church of England clergyman

THE Revd John Shepherd (1759-1805), minister of Pattiswick in Essex, helps us appreciate the Prayer for the Clergy and People at the end of Morning and Evening Prayer, especially our petitions on behalf of “curates”.

In his commentary on the Prayer Book, Shepherd speaks movingly of what a Church of England clergyman (“curate”, someone with the cure of souls) is, or ought to be.

THEIR office is to catechise the young, to instruct the ignorant, to encourage the good, to reprove the wicked, to help the weak-hearted, to comfort the afflicted, to relieve the distressed, to visit the sick, to present the prayers of the congregation, to preach the word of God, to administer the holy Sacraments, and to perform the other rites and ceremonies appointed by the Church.

They are required, not only to be diligent in teaching, exhortation, and prayer, and in the study of the Holy Scriptures; but they are likewise to shew themselves a pattern of all Christian virtues and graces, that, both by their doctrine and example, they may be a means of saving the souls committed to their charge.

When we reflect upon the extent and importance of the sacred office, we shall require no farther considerations to induce us to pray for the Clergy, as well knowing that without the grace of God assisting his labours, the best endeavours of the ablest Minister of the Gospel, will be unprofitable and vain.

Even St. Paul himself, though seemingly possessing every necessary qualification for the work of the ministry, was so sensible of his own insufficiency, that we find him repeatedly beseeching the Churches to whom he addressed his Epistles, “to pray for him; to pray that utterance might be given unto him to make known the mystery of the Gospel.” (Eph. vi. 19. Col. iv. 3.)

And notwithstanding his successful efforts in cultivating the vineyard of Christ, he makes this modest and virtuous confession, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God giveth the increase.” (1 Cor. iii. 6.)

A Critical And Practical Elucidation Of The Book Of Common Prayer. Prayer For The Clergy And People.

THAT it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth, and show it accordingly;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

The Litany

For more notes on the Daily Office, see Morning Prayer.