“We have a fine model of ministerial character in Paul. And he, we know, was converted to God before he was invested with the pastoral office. He is first brought into personal friendship with Jesus Christ as a sinner saved by grace, and then he is made an apostle, and sent forth to ‘beseech men, in Christ’s stead, that they be reconciled to God.’ Personal piety is an essential element in the ministerial character approved of God. For this there can be no substitute. What are natural talents, or extensive learning, or an eloquent tongue, if not baptized by the Spirit of God in his gracious influences?...

We do not say that every entrant to the sacred ministry should have the same form and amount of evidence of his conversion that was enjoyed by Paul, before he accepts of office in the church of God. Nor do we say that the church should demand such evidence from those whom she brings into her public service. This would be to require miracle, and inspiration, to which no claim can now be laid. But we do say, that the church should know her men so far as they can be known by the use of all becoming tests of religious character, and be far more careful on this subject than she often is, before she receives them to minister at her altars. And, in reference to the individual himself, we add, that no man should allow the robes of office in the church of God to be thrown around his shoulders, until he has duly studied the evidences of his own personal piety, and is, at least, enabled to entertain a strong and influential hope through grace, that he has already taken hold on eternal life for himself.” — John N. McLeod, Paul's Estimate of the Pastoral Office (1852), pp. 10-11