Thomas Murphy on Pastoral Piety

I am currently reading Thomas Murphy's 1877 guide to pastoral ministry entitled, "Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office." This probably wouldn't have been a book I would have read if it were not assigned for one of my classes at WSC, but I have benefited from it greatly. Though it is over 130 years old, it is incredibly relevant and personally convicting. In particular, Murphy's words on the necessity of the pastor's piety are heart-searching. A sample of his challenging prose is below:

No man is more highly honored than a devotedly consistent minister; none is more despised than he who is faithless and inconsistent...Oh that those who hold the ministerial office, or are looking forward to it, would duly consider this! Oh that those who have no heart for its becoming spirituality would leave it! Oh that all would study well their tremendous responsibility! Oh that they would get very, very near to Christ, and cling to him with the full conviction that only by his side are they safe!