3 1924 104 035 
 
 989 
 
tHE DUTY AND CHARACTER OF A G03#6l BISHOP 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 PREACHED OCTOBER 30, 1805, 
 
 AT THE 
 
 ORDINATION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REVEREND WILLIAM B. WESSON 
 
 TO THE 
 
 PASTORAL OFFICE 
 
 OVER THE 
 
 Cfiutc J antr cS^otietp 
 
 IN 
 
 HARDWICK. 
 BY JOSEPH LEE, A. M. 
 
 FASTOK OF THE CHUKCH IN KOYALSTON. 
 
 PUELISSED AT THE REVEST OF THE HEARERS. 
 
 NORTHAMPTON • 
 PRINTED FOR ANDREW WRIGHT. 
 
 i8oe. 
 
A Cornell University 
 9 Library 
 
 The original of tliis bool< is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104035989 
 
'AN 
 
 ORDINATION SERMON, 
 
 >*'=>'» S>«5=- 
 
 TITUS i. '7. 
 For a buhpp must be blameless, as the steward of God. 
 
 THE great apostle Paul, whose business was to 
 preach the Gospel to tiie Gentiles, not being able to tar- 
 ry Ions at Crete, now Candia, where he had won many 
 t-othe christian faith, left Titus there to set in order the 
 things which were wanting, aiid ordain elders m every. 
 eitv where there were a competent number of believers. 
 Soon after which, he wrote to him this epistle, to m- 
 struct him how to execute his trust. 
 
 As the establishment of stated teachers, in the sever- 
 al churches, was a matter of vast importance, the apos- 
 tle, in the first place, gives him very particular advice 
 and directions on this head. 
 
 It may be proper to observe here, that altho 1 itus 
 was directed to ordain elders, he did it not as a diocesan 
 bishop, in virtue of authority appropriated to that ot- 
 fice ; but as an evangelist, and by power delegated 
 from the apostle Paul, who had not leisure to do it him- 
 self. His mode of expression suggests this idea; tor 
 this cause left I thee in Crete ;— to ordam elders. 1 1- 
 tus like Timothy, seems to have been an itinerant min- 
 ister or evangelist, and not a stated pastor ; and to have 
 had no fixed relation to any church. Its being said, in 
 the postscript to this epistle, that Titus was ordained, 
 first bishop of the Cretans, ought not to be considered 
 as militating with this assertion, as that postscript was 
 evidently written by another hand, and probably long 
 after the epistle was sent. 
 
 It is plain, and seems nqw to be, generally, admitted, 
 that bishop and presbyter, or elder are terms, promis- 
 
cuously, used in the sacred writings ; and that they 
 mean precisely the same ofl&cer in the church, clothed 
 with the same authority and digjnity, and to whom the 
 same duties are assigned. These terms arc used in this 
 promiscuous mamier in our text and context. If by 
 bishop, in the text, the apostle does not mean the same 
 officer, as elder in the fifth verse, there is no pertinancy 
 in his directions. 
 
 In the opinion of the apostle, the interest of Christiani- 
 ty and the good of souls, require, that none but persons 
 well qualified should be separated to the gospel minis- 
 try. He says much to this purpose in his epistles to 
 THmoihy and Titus : and considering the influence, 
 which the character, the instrnctions and examples of 
 public teachers have, in tlie church and world, it is very 
 evident that those who introduce persons into the min- 
 istry, should proceed with great circumspection. 
 
 Viewing all ministers of the gospel as bishops, or 
 overseers, our text obviously leads us to consider, the 
 office and duty of a gospel minister, as the steward of 
 God — the blamelessness which should form his charac- 
 ter — with the importance of it. 
 
 We are then, first, to consider the office and duty of 
 a gospel bishop, as the steward of God. 
 
 The gospel bishop is but a servant — he is the minis- 
 ter, that is, the servant of God and his people. Minis- 
 ters are indeed stewards : Let a man so account of us as 
 the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of 
 God.* A steward is but a servant. 
 
 Aliho' ministers be the servants of the people, it is 
 for Christ, and to promote his cause and interest among 
 them. We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the 
 Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.f — 
 The fahhftil performance of their duty, conduces to th<J 
 secular good and peace of society ; yet ■ this is not the 
 chief end of their service. Their business is not to pro- 
 mote the carnal, worldly and selfish views of people, but 
 theii- spiritual edification in the truth, and in holiness of 
 heart ^nd life. 
 
 A stewai-d, properly speaking, is a servant in a family 
 ■under the direccion and controul of its head, whose or- 
 
 • 1 Ccr, iv. 1. t 2 Ccr. iv. 7. 
 
ders he is tp observe, and to whom he is accountable. 
 His btfsiness is to oversee ^airs ; to seek tl\e interest o£ 
 his lord ; to dispense provision to the: houshold and con- 
 sult its welfare ; to direct the other servants ; and; by a 
 wise, discreet and faithful management, to lead them to 
 diligence and fidelity, in their respective departments. 
 
 Such a servant is the gospel bbhop in the family of 
 God ; appointed to take care of the honor and interest of 
 his Lord — He has the oversight of the cburch..^is to 
 feed it by administring the word and ordinances of 
 ChrLst ; is to guard it against error and delusion, and the 
 cunning craftiness of those who lie in 'Mi'ait to. deceive^ — 
 and' in the whole course of his duty to'bc prudent, faith-; 
 ful, and exem^ary to all the servant^ of Christ. 
 
 _ The steward of God is to oversee and dis,tribute: pro-, 
 vision to the houshpld of God, his Qhyrph, TaJiebee^ 
 to yourselves, said the apostle to the ei|ders,of the church 
 ^t Ephesus^ ^d to all the flock, over which the Holy 
 Ghost hath made you overseers, or bishops, to feed the; 
 church of God, which lie hath purchased with his, own 
 blood.* 
 
 The church is to be fed with tjif v,ord of truth,, ^hsi. 
 truths taught in the scriptures, relating to the natiire and 
 perfections, the law and government, of God ; the fali 
 and recovery of man by J|^us, Christ, with the precepts 
 the promises and threatnings, are the food» which is to 
 be distributed to the family of God, to every one bispcH:- 
 tioB. 
 
 By the law, simiers are to be. convinced of their sipful, 
 guilty and perishing condition, a^id of their infinite need 
 of an almighty saviour. And by the gospel they are to 
 be directed to Christ, as the true and living way to the, 
 Father ; as him through whose blood we have redemp- 
 tion, the forgiveness of sins, aGcording tp the riches of 
 his grace ; and whonn they are always to regard' as their 
 light and wisdom, their righteousness and strength ; and 
 of whom they . may receive every thing necessary to 
 their refreshment and comfort their nourishment and 
 support, their present peace and final salvation. I am, 
 said Jesus, the bread of life. 
 
 * Acts XX. 2?. 
 
I " ) 
 
 As his Lord's representative, the gospel steward is 
 to act in the name, and by the authority of Christ. In 
 teaching, and in administring holy ordinances, he is to 
 display ihc grace ap^ lovt; the care and tenderness of 
 Christ, towards his church and people. To do this, 
 \vith advantage and sucdijssi he must attend to the state 
 of the flock, and the ivants of, its members ; that a word 
 of instruction,' exho'rtatioh and reproof, of direction and 
 comfort, may be given, as cases may require. 
 
 Too great familiarity breeds disrespect, if not con- 
 tempt. A proper distkjjce is to l]| observed between 
 the steWi^ ^d tjie other sotyantsln the family ; yet, 
 by a prudent familiarity, and decent deportment, the 
 gospel steward will endeavor to slide into the hearts of 
 his fellow servant^, and gain their esteem and confidence; 
 that the)' may be encouraged, with freedom, to open 
 their minds to him, and communicate their doubts, their 
 trials, temptations and conflicts. This will give him 
 opportunity to speak a word in season to him, who is 
 tveary. A word spoken in season, bow good it is ! — 
 This is equally beneficial to the steward and his fellow 
 servants. It is delightful to impart a spiritual gift. He 
 who imparts, receives benefit by means of the mutual 
 faith.* ■ 
 
 Good order and government arc necessary to the well- 
 being of a family. If the steward of God does not main- 
 tain regular discipline, impartially rebuke and warn the 
 unruly, and administer the censures of the church to the 
 unworthy, taking care not to give that which is holy un- 
 to dogs, th^'church will not flourish in truth, peace and 
 holiness ; but become lukewarm, merely formal, if not 
 disorderly and impious. 
 
 The gospel steward is responsible to his Lord, for 
 those things, the oversight of which is committed to 
 him. He need therefore be watchful over the flock, and 
 guard strictly against every thing, which may injure its 
 peace and prosperity, or be hurtful to any of its mem- 
 bers. The blessed truths of the gospel and precious 
 souls are committed to his care. These are a sacred de- 
 positum which requires Ihe most diligent keeping. 
 
 • Romans i. 13. 
 
( 7 ) 
 
 The gospel steward must declare the whole counsel 
 of Gk)d, and keep back nothing which may be profitable 
 to men. But the great and fundamental truths of Chris- 
 tianity claim his chief attention and zeal. He is tQ 
 preach Jesus Christ, and hinni crucified. He is to testi- 
 fy repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord 
 Jesus Christ,, as the only and all-sufficient Saviour ; a^ 
 the end of the law for righleousnes, to all who believe. 
 He is to shpw the nature, tlje importance, and necessity 
 of regeneration, or nevviiess of heart, as produced in the 
 soul, by sovereign grace, and the victoriou' influences 
 of the divine Spirit. The truth relating to these things, 
 and those intimately connected with them, is to be ear- 
 nestly contended iJEur, and preaebed with plainness and en- 
 ergy, as " the food of our own souls, and of the souls, 
 of others; as the fonndatijafj on -which we build for eter- 
 nity." If these be neglected, or slightly handled, " our 
 hope, our comfort, yea, our life is gone." 
 . Bejfig set for the defence of the gospel, the steward 
 of God should teach I those things, wJiich eonoern the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence ; meekly instruct- 
 ing those who oppose themselves ; and endeavouring to 
 win them to the feitb and obedience of Christ. From 
 this he must not be deterred by the fear of man ; but, 
 putting, his trust in the Lord, feel himself safe while 
 iUiisttjating and urging the essential truths of the gospel. 
 
 Whatever love and friendship they may have for 
 those, who depart from the faith once delivered to the 
 saints,^ the ministers of the word mu^t not neglect to ex- 
 pose their errors, nor to withstand them in their attempts 
 to draw away souls from the truth, as it is in Jesus. To 
 yield -to them, or suffer them to seduce the flock, is to 
 bcteay.the cause of Christ, and endanger the souls of men. 
 
 As itis the business of the steward of God, to direct and 
 manage the aflFairs of his bousbolcl, the church, he must 
 be trusty and faithful ; and, by his example, excite oth- 
 ers to a strict performance of their duty. He must be 
 an example to believers in all things ; in word, in con- 
 versation, in cliarity, in spirit, in faith, ija purity ; mak- 
 ing it his care to exemplify, in his own t«mp6r Sfid die- 
 portsft^it, every christian graee and virtie. 
 
( » ) 
 
 Thib leads us to consider. 
 
 Secondly, The blamelessness which should form 
 the character of the gospel bishop. A bishop must be 
 blameless. 
 
 Our context gives us a just, tho' brief, character of 
 b blameless bishop. If any be blameless, the husband 
 of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot 
 or unruly ; — not self-willed, not soon angry, not given 
 to \\ ine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre ; but a lov- 
 er of hospitality, a lover of good men ; sober, just, tem- 
 perate ; lidding fast the faithful word, as he has been 
 taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to 
 exhort and to convince gainsaycrs. This passage needs 
 no comment. It plainly shows what should be the char- 
 acter of a gospel minister. 
 
 But it is needful to observe, that the steward of God, 
 to be blameless, must be a man of knowledge, of piety, 
 and an exemplary conversation. 
 
 1, He must be a man of knowledge, well informed in 
 all those things, in which he is to instruct others ; hold, 
 ing fast the faithful word, as he has been taught* 
 
 A good acquaintance with the learned languages, and 
 the several arts and sciences, is of much importance^ 
 and may be a great help, in the discharge of the duties 
 of the evangelic ministry. The more extensive their 
 knowledge is, the more capable are ministers of promot- 
 ing the interests of Christ's kingdom in the world. But 
 they ought to be particularly skilful in the word of right- 
 eousness, and to liavc a thorough acquaintance with the 
 truths contained in the sacred scriptures. This knowl- 
 edge should not be partial, but extend to the whole 
 scheme of divine, revealed truth. The truths of Chris- 
 tianity should be viewed, and understood, in their con- 
 nection and mutual dependence ; and regarded accord-^ 
 to their importance in the gospel plan. For if these be 
 not understood, and well digested inthe mind, ministers 
 will not be able to give clear consistent and full instruc- 
 tions to their people. 
 
 A novice, one newly come to, or but little acquainted 
 with the christian faith, is not qualified to be a blame- 
 less bishop. The knowledge and wisdom of age, are 
 
{ 9 ) 
 
 riot indeed to be ejcfected from youth and inexperience ; 
 but there ought to be such natural and acquired accom- 
 plishments, as are a good found^tipn , for extensive im- 
 provement; aad such ia desire of knowledge and of use- 
 fulness, as ,may afford a reasonable expectation, that tl^e 
 gifts already:rect^ived, will not be neglected. 
 
 To the knowledge of the gospel should be joined the 
 knowledge of human nature. The christian luirtister 
 need be well acquainted with his own heart, and with 
 the temjiers, the dispositions and capacities of mankind. 
 . Unless the springs of human actions, and the influence 
 of the passions, be well understood, the gospel bishop 
 will not be able to address, his hearers, with advaftjtpgc 
 and success.; nor to distinguish true religion froni its 
 various counterfeits. ' ; 
 
 2. The steward of God should be a man qf piety 5 He 
 shoiild have, not only the "form, bnt the power ,of god- 
 liness. 
 
 He is to preach the gospd ; and to persuade men to 
 believe and obey it ; "buthow.can'he.do this with ener- 
 gy and success, if h& does not himself firmly believe, it, 
 andihasnot.felt its renewing and sanctifying influence'^ 
 If he. does not know the worth df his own soul, nor fe^ 
 the weight of eternal things — if he does not know the 
 terrors of the' Lord, nor the value of peace with him — rif 
 he has not seen the exceeding sinfulness of Sin, Hor ftjk 
 his need of an almighty Saviour — if he has not fled for 
 refuge to lay hold on the hope set'bcfore us — how can 
 he, in an impressive manner,, address his people, and be- 
 seech them to be converted, that their, sins may" be blot- 
 ted- put? 
 
 True piety, or an 'heart deeply impressed with the 
 truths of the gospel, andactuatedbylove toGodandthe 
 Redeemer, is necessary to a good life ; or to the exercise 
 of those graces, and the.practice of. those virtues, which 
 aiiorn the.steward of God. As is the heart, su6h ..will 
 i)e the life and conversation.* ' 
 
 3. The gospel bishop*, to beblamdess, mUst be cir- 
 jcumspect and exemplary in his life and convei'sation. 
 "He siould exhibit in his whole deportment, the benevo- 
 
 • Matt. 7. 16, ir, 18. 
 B 
 
( 10 ) 
 
 lent spirit and temper of the gospel ; and all those vir- 
 tues and graces which he recommends, and urges uport 
 his people. 
 
 Abating unavoidable human infirmities, the character 
 of christian ministers should be fair and unblemished. 
 They should demean themselves, in so humble and mo- 
 dest, in so kind and friendly, in so holy, just and inof- 
 fensive a manner, as to have a good report of those who 
 are without, and so as not to give just occasion to any 
 to speak evil of them. A minister of a blameless char- 
 acter will, generally, be esteemed, and under great ad- 
 vantages to do good. 
 We are now to consider, 
 
 Thirdly, the importance of that blamelessness, which 
 should form the character of the steward of God. 
 
 The design of the christian ministry is, to represent ta 
 the world the character of the living and true God, the 
 reasonableness of his laws, and the excellence of pure 
 and uudefiled religion ; and to persuade men to love and 
 practise it. Ministers are mediums through which the 
 glory of God, of the Redeemer, and his truth, should 
 shine for the illumination and comfort of mankind. For 
 this reason they are called the glory of Christ.* This 
 being the design of the gospel ministry, it must be of 
 high importance, that those who are in it, in doctrine 
 show uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech 
 which cannot be condemned ; and that their lives exem- 
 plify the doctrines they preach. 
 
 When unworthy characters get into the ministry, the 
 honor of God and his truth suffer by them. The sons 
 of Eli made offerings of the Lord to be abhorred. Peo- 
 ple arc apt, although very improperly, to form their 
 opinion of Christianity, by the temper and conduct of its 
 professors and ministers. How circumspect, how holy 
 ought they then to be ? 
 
 It is necessary to his own peace and comfort here, as 
 well as to his final welfare, that the gospel bishdp be 
 blameless. If he be not a man of true piety and strict 
 virtue, he must, when attending on his ministry, act a 
 forced part ; and he will have none of that satisfaction 
 
 • 2 Cor. 8. 3% 
 
( 11 ) 
 
 and delight, which the pious and faithful steward feels, 
 and which is a sweet and powerful incentive to daty^ 
 His work will be a task and burden to him. He will 
 not esteem it his privilege and joy, to preach the un- 
 searchable riches of Christ. And although he preach 
 the gospel to others, he must himself finally be a qastr 
 away, An awful consideration this ! Although he be 
 hardened, and, generally, secure in his evil way, he wiU 
 sometimes be appalled with the reproaches of his own 
 heart, and the fearful expectation of judgement to come. 
 
 That a bishop be blameless, is necessary to the wise 
 and faithful discharge of his duty. Unless he be piou5 
 and holy, he will have little inclination to duty, will 
 but coldly attend to it, and be soon weary of it. He 
 will not study how much he can do^ to promote chris- 
 tian knowledge and holiness among his people; but 
 content himself with the formal performance of those 
 offices which are indispensably necessary to retaining of 
 his office, and securing its emoluments. He will; not 
 become all things to all men, like the apostle ; but rath- 
 er, by improper conduct, and unguarded conversation, 
 cause and strengthen prejudices against Christianity ; 
 and ma^p the way of truth to be evil spoken of- Again, 
 
 It is of great importance to the success of the preach- 
 ed gospel, that ministers be men of knowledge, prudence 
 and exemplary piety. 
 
 We may not confine the success of the gospel to the 
 ministry of the truly pious. It is not the aim and ,in-i 
 tention of the preacher, but the Spirit of God, which 
 gives efficacy to the word. Yet those who attend to 
 this ministry, on truly christian principles, may. reason- 
 ably expect to have the blessing of heaven attending 
 their exertions for the salvation of souls. It is most 
 likely God will, and ordinarily doth, put this honor on 
 such ; apd doubtless, the converted, is, most generally, 
 the converting ministry." 
 
 How worthy, how happy those minkters, who can 
 with truth say ; we cannot but speak the things which 
 we have seen and heard, which we have looked upon 
 and handled, of the word of life ?* — Who so approve 
 
 • Act* JT, SO.iind; 1. John i. 1. 
 
( 12 ) 
 
 themselves in the sight of God and man, that they can 
 address their people in the language of the apostle. Be 
 followers of me, as I also am of Christ, t " Conscious 
 integrity w ill inspire them with courage, in the discharge 
 of their duty, and their upright behaviour gives them 
 an hopeful prospect of having many followers." 
 
 Example has certainly a very powerful influence. Al- 
 tho' a minister preach ever so well, if his life be ill, he 
 cannot expect much success. As his life contradicts 
 his doctrine, his hearers will justly scruple his sincerity, 
 and be in no fit temper to receive his counsels. But if 
 he Ihc, as he teaches others to live, they will not only be- 
 li'.ve what he says, but, allured by his example, be fol- 
 lowers of him in faith and holiness. 
 
 APPLICATION. 
 
 1. We may infer from what has been observed, that 
 those, who think of entering into the gospel ministry, 
 ought to look well to the state of their own souls and to 
 look well to the state of their piety, and actuated by 
 christian motives. One has justly observed. " That it 
 is an awful thing for any to take upon himself an office, 
 which has so near a connection with the glory of God, 
 and the salvation of immortal souls, without a d|ralifica- 
 tion, so necessary to a right and faithful dischaffgeof it. 
 A qualification, which only can sanctify his other gifts ; 
 destitute of which he is likely to apply them in such 
 manner, as to hurt the interests of the gospel, and in- 
 flame the displeasure of God against sin, who is infinite- 
 ly jealous of his glory." 
 
 2. We may remark, that great care ought to be taken 
 in introducing persons into the sacred ministry ; that 
 none but those of a good character, for knowledge, pru- 
 dence and piety, be separated to this work. 
 
 We are not indeed to look for perfection, nor to judge 
 the hearts of men. We must form our opinion, from 
 their apparent abilities, and from their general temper 
 and deportment ; judging charitably, and making all 
 proper allowances for human frailties. While we act 
 upon such principles as these, we cannot be too cau- 
 tious. The divine direction is ; Lay hands suddenly on 
 
 t I Cor. xi. X. 
 
( 13 ) 
 
 no man. Let churches look out, and chuse, for pas- 
 tors, men of knowledge, piety, and good report ; and let 
 ministers commit the gospel-treasure to faithful men, 
 who shall be disposed and able to teach others. 
 
 3. Is blamelessness so necessary in a christian bish- 
 pp, may we not then exclaim ; Who is sufficient for 
 these things ;-- Who is that faithful and wise steward, who 
 diligently attepds his duty, and gives to every one, com- 
 mitted to his charge, his portion of meat, m due season? 
 
 I trust, my brethren ii;i the gospel ministry, that we 
 are conscious to ourselves, that it is our desire and en- 
 deavour to be found faithful. Yet are we not sensible 
 that our neglect and failings are many ? that we do not, 
 with becoming care, life and energy, address ourselves 
 to the several branches of our duty, as servants and stew- 
 ards in the family of God F—Are we not apt to be luke- 
 warm and slothful ? — Have we not too little zeal for 
 God, and his truths ; and two little concern for the sal- 
 vation of immortal souls ? Let us humbly repent of our 
 neglect— make daily application to the blood of sprink- 
 ling ; which was shed for the priesthood, as well as for 
 the congregation :— and renew our diligence and activi- 
 ty, in-a steady dependance on divine aids. 
 
 But it is time to make the addresses usual on such 
 occasions as this, 
 
 I first turn myself to you. Dear Sir, who art presently 
 to be ordained a gospel bishop, and appointed a steward, 
 ja this part of our Lord's Family. 
 
 You have a near, a most interesting concern in all 
 the transactions of this day — The truths, which have 
 been brought up to view, demaud your particular, your 
 serious and solemn consideration. For, as the steward of 
 God, you are to have the oversight of this flock, to deal 
 out to them the provision of his household, and give ev- 
 ery one his portion. 
 
 We charitably believe you have seriously considered, 
 whatjyowr heart, your life, and your conversation ought 
 to be ; and that upon christian principles you are dis- 
 posed to give yourself to prayer and to the ministry of 
 the word. Had I not this persuasion concerning you, 
 you would not have seen me in this desk to-day. 
 
( 14 ) 
 
 As the steward of GoJ, it concerns you to be faithful. Avoid 
 sloth and negligence — \ ou are to watch for souls. If you know the 
 wortli of your own soul, you will feel an affectionate concern for the 
 welfare of the souls of others ; and exert yourself to persuade men 
 to repent and believe the gospel, that tliey may be saved in the day 
 of the Lord. For this purpose, you will preach the word, tliat sy s- 
 tern of truth contained in the holy scripture. You will derive your 
 religious sentiments from the Bible and inculcate them upon your 
 people. 
 
 We may not prescribe to you the doctrines you are to teach ; yet 
 we may observe ; That while you display tlie reasonableness, the 
 holiness, and eternal obligation of the moral law, you will endeavor 
 to do it, in such manner, as may convince men that tliey have trans- 
 gressed it, and are under its curse ; and you will direct and exhort 
 them to believe in the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was 
 made a curse for us, has made atonement for sin, and brought in 
 everlasting righteousness, for the justification of those, who repent 
 and believe in Him. And while you direct your hearers, to build 
 their eternal hopes on Jesus Christ, as the end of the law for right- 
 eousness, you will teach their obligations to continue in the love of 
 God and to maintain good works, that they may be to the praise 
 and glory of his grace. 
 
 That you may be instrumental in saving souls, you must make 
 this your constant desire aad aim — For thit you must study and 
 meditate— For this you must pray and preach. 
 
 Your work. Dear Sir, is great and arduous. You must expect to 
 meet with difficulties and discouragements in the performance of it. 
 You enter the vineyard in a dark and trying time — But be notdis- 
 heartned : Stand fast in the faith ; quit yourself like a good soldier 
 of Jesus Christ. The grace of Christ is sufficient for you. 
 
 There are many motives to excite you to diligence and fidelity, 
 in your stewardship. You serve a good master — ^you are not your 
 own, but his, and must be wholly for him. In this place are you 
 to serve him in the gospel — all your abilities and gifts are the 
 church's, by your own consent. It will be sacrilege in you to con- 
 vert them to any other service ; interfering with this. If you are 
 faithful, your Lord will grant you success here, and finally, give 
 you a crown of glory. 
 
 You had, as you have told us, at an early period of your life, a 
 desire to devote yourself to the ministry of the word — This desire 
 increased with your years — you consecrated the first earnings of 
 your labor to the acquirement of the knowledge, requisite to quali- 
 fy you for the sacred employment — Providence has succeeded your 
 endeavors— you have chosen the christian ministry in preference to 
 all other professions, and, behold, now a great door is opened for your 
 entrance upon the office of a bishop, in the church of Christ. 
 
 If your desire of this good work originated in gospel principles; 
 and if you have been actuated by gospel motives, in seeking prepa- 
 ration to minister in the sanctuary, you wUl cordially thank God, 
 who has led you in the way ; you will consecrate all your powers 
 
( 15 ) 
 
 Snd acquirements to his service, and will render unto him, and to 
 his people, accof ding to his rich benefits to you — you will cheerfully 
 abound in this work of the Lord, that you may feed die flock of 
 6od ; and you will yourself daily feed on the bread of life, thatyott 
 may be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. 
 
 I shall leave with you the advice of the aged and venerable 
 Mr. Walter of Roxbury, given to a young minister,* soon after en- 
 tering on the pastoral office, and which was given to me by that min- 
 ister, on the day when I was consecrated to this good work : It is 
 this, " Preach Christ, live upon Christ, and live to Christ." If 
 this you do, you will be a blameless bishop ; and a faithful steward 
 in thehoushold of God ; and finally receive the approbation of your 
 Lord. Dear Sir, may the grace of Christ be widi your spirit. 
 
 I would now turn myself to the respectable christian church and 
 society in this place. 
 
 Beloved in the Lord, it would have been a circumstance highly 
 agreeable f and have greatly increased the joy of this day, had 
 some vrorthy members, of this church and society, been cordially 
 united with their brethren in the <!hoice they have made of a pas- 
 tor. In dissenting from their brethren and fellow-citizens, vs'e per- 
 suade ourselves, they have acted conscientiously, and had in view 
 the interest of religion and piety. Candour obliges them to have 
 the same favourable opinion of their brethren, who differ from theiS 
 in this matter. We trust, that altho' the pastor-elect is not their 
 «' choice, they will preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace, and abide with the church, continuing stedfastly in the doc- 
 trine and fellowship of the gospel ; of a disposition to do which, we 
 are happy to see, as we conceive, a pleasing token at this time ; and 
 they will treat the pastor with respect and tenderness, as one who 
 worketh the work of the Lord ; teaching and inculcating the essen- 
 tial truths of Christianity, and walking with them in the way of 
 peace and holiness. We persuade ourselves also, that their breth- 
 ren will be candid and tender towards them ; behaving in so con- 
 ciliating and christian-like manner, as to give clear evidence, that 
 they love the truth, and are of the same mind, in every thing most 
 important. 
 
 Brethren, It becomes you all, to consider the particular circum- 
 stances of this society ; to thank .God there is so general an agree- 
 ment among you ; and to study the things which make for peace, 
 truth and holiness ; and whereby one may edify another. If you 
 do this, the God of peace will be with and bless you. 
 
 Dear Brethren, Your pastor, as the steward of God, is to deal 
 out provision for his household ; to feed you with the word of truths 
 Iti'thii there is a rich variety, adapted to the different states, and 
 the various necessities of souls. There is milk for babes, for those 
 who are young in knowledge and christian experience ; and strong 
 meat for men, for those who have made advances in the christian 
 life. There is a word of instruction for the ignorant ; of reproof 
 for those who go astray ; and of correction for those who offend. 
 ♦ Th« late venerable John Swift of Acton. 
 
( 16 ) 
 
 3.There is a word of direction ^r.tliose who asjc. what. they shall do 
 to be saved — of pardon and.peace for the humble and.penitent : and 
 of support and -comfort, ,fbr the rsorrowfii'l, the afflicted and jh^ 
 tempted. It will not be suflBcient that the steward dispense , to .yo,u 
 this provision.. Xou xaust receive, it, Jieid^pon it, Mid>digest it ivell s ot 
 it will not , nourish and support-^ou. .Your minds must be open :tO 
 instruction 'and reproof. You must receive and obey the truth in 
 love. The word preachsd.wilLaDt-pKofitj.if it be not mix^d with 
 feith, in themwhohear.it.* ,;;. 
 
 Ever esteem your pastor Jiighly in love, for his works' s^ke. ,Si^ 
 ■work is great and labqrious. JJe will always need your support 
 and assistance Jn- it. Help himiby yourdaily. fervent prayers. ,By 
 'prayer help him to study, to preach, and to .converse with youon ithe 
 things of God, and the concerns of your souls.' Your prayers for 
 -him will return with redoubled blessings on your" own heads. jRe- 
 tmember he is but a man, and of .like passioiis with yau-^-bear -jyith 
 his infirmities and faults— rlet him.be with you .withoutfear. 
 
 May the work of the iord, appear unto you his servants, and his 
 .glory unto your children. May the-beau^y.of the Lord Ojtir (iod.be 
 ^always upon you. 
 
 Beloved, we comimend you and your pastor to Gcid, ^ijdthe wx)([^ 
 ,of his grace, which is able to bjiildyou up, and give you an inheri- 
 ■lanceamong themwho are sanctified. .y. -■' 
 
 This numerous ^nd respectable assembly itjajrp our notice. 
 
 Friends, let: us bear in mind, that we are all .servants,. and, in some 
 sense, stewards in the famijy of, God onearfih ; who wi.U soon callus 
 !to account for the talents entrusted tons. Jiong.have we beenin.the 
 ,X,ord's vineyard ; he has been expecting -in ui.the'fruit of holineis. 
 -Have we borne this fruit ? Alas ! how barren and unfruitfiil have 
 'webeen ! Let us repent* and bring forthfruifmeetfor,??pentance. 
 -.. The scenes are shifting— time spends — judgment approaches— 
 JBttrmty •! . " ■awful,! pleasing thought ! " Etemify-'wili soon open to our 
 :&11 view : How shall we then stand befwe • God ? 'M^y we ;know 
 Jesus Christ, and him crucified; and may we be fisund in rhimj 
 then his appearance will be to complete our salvation. Amen . 
 • Heb. .iv. 2 
 
 The Congregational Church of Christ in Hafdwick, -was etplrodied Novem- 
 ber 17, 1736, and the sameday, the Rev. ThfWnas'White, the'jii-st pastor-was 
 ordained. Mr. White died Januatry 6, l?84,'in the 74th year of his ege, amd 
 the 48th 6f his ministry. 
 
 Their second pa3tt>r, the ftev. Thomas Holt, was ordained Ji}pe2S„ 15:89. 
 
 Accorduig to .mutual agreement, and the advice of sa ecclesiastical pounpi}, 
 the pastoral relation of Mr. Holt to his cbiirch and ptopli, was 'dissolved 
 marcher. 1805.