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: I 
 
 rij£ rAirmOL Mimsmns of jebus chui'st, tbanj:-' 
 
 FUL TO HIM FOR THEIR OFFICE. 
 
 A 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 DELIVERED AT SOUTHAMPtON, {MASSACHUSETTS) 
 / 
 
 AuGUST»a6, iSoi AT THE 
 
 ORDINATION 
 
 b F T H E 
 
 Reverend VINSON GOULD, 
 
 To THE IVORK OF THE GOSPEL MimSTRT IN THAT PLACE . 
 COLLEAGtTE PA6TOR 
 
 WITK THB 
 
 Reverend JONATHAN JtFDD. 
 
 By CHARLES BACKUS, A. M. 
 
 Paftor of a Church in Somers, Connefticut. 
 
 NORTHAMPTON, ' 
 PRINTED BY WILLIAM fiUTLSR. 
 i«oi, 
 

 AN 
 
 Ordination Sermon, 
 
 =«!e85^s^pl»=^ 
 
 I. TIMOTHY, I. 12. 
 
 " yf«^ I thank Chriji Jefiu our Lord, who hath ena- 
 bled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into 
 the Minijlrj." 
 
 These words were uttered by the A- 
 poflle Paul, This remarkable man was a Jew by 
 birth, he received the higheft education which Jerufa- 
 lem afforded, and belonged to the numerous and pop- 
 ular feft of the Pharifees, He was firft jcnown by the 
 name of SauU The writer of the Afts of the Apoftles, 
 firft mentions him as a young man that was prefent 
 when the martyr Stephen was put to death, and as an 
 approver of the horrid deed. Before his converfioa 
 he was an open blafphemer of the chriftian doftrine, 
 and he breathed out threatenings and flaughter againft 
 the difciples of the Lord. In the raidft- of his perfe- 
 cutmg rage, he was arrcftcd by the Saviour, was chang, 
 
 C4 
 
C 4 ] 
 
 ed into a warm friend, and became a preacher of tlie 
 faith which once he deftroyed. 
 
 He was the moft fuccefsful inftrument that hath been 
 raifed up, in the propagation and defence of the Re- 
 deemer's kingdom. He had a deep and abiding fenfe 
 of the riches of divine grace. Hence, he was led to 
 utter himfelf, a;; in the context, " This is a faithful fay- 
 ing, and worthy of all acceptation, that Chrifl: Jefus 
 came into the world to fave fmners ; of whom I am 
 chief." His mouth was filled with praife, for that won- 
 derful mercy which was difplayed in his converfion, and 
 in putting liim into the office of the chriilian miniftryf 
 I thank Chnjt 'Jefus our Lord, v.'ko hath enabled me^ 
 for that he i canted me faithful, putting me into the min- 
 firy. 
 
 Since the men Vvhom the head of the Church hath 
 raifed up and qualified, in every age, to preach the 
 Gofpel, have been all made to drink into .one 
 fpirit, it is raanifeft, — That all the faithful minifters of 
 Jefus Chrilt are thankful to him for their office. — This 
 will appear, from confidering their character, and their 
 privileges. 
 
 I. Let us attend to the character cf the faithful min- 
 ifters of Jefus Chrift. 
 
 The minifters who are faithful in the eyes of the 
 Lord Jefus Chrifl:, have the fame general charafter as 
 his other true difciples : But fmce their truft is of a 
 higher nature, and their fervices are more important 
 and difficult, it is proper to inquire into their diligence 
 in accomplifliing themfelves for their work; their ac- 
 tivity ; their fortitude and patience ; and their depen- 
 dence on divine grace. 
 
 ift. Let us confider the diligence of the faithful 
 minifters of Jefus Chrift, in accompliflung themfelves 
 for their work. 
 
 It is neceffary that minifters of the gofpel have more 
 knowledge than cliriftians in general. Without this 
 they cannot be qualified to enlighten the ignorant, re- 
 claim 
 
~[ 5 ] 
 
 claim the erroneous, and defend the faith which was 
 once delivered unto the faints againfl: gainfayers. 
 "None have fhined as ftars of the firfl magnitude in the 
 church of God, who have not been difliriguiflied by 
 their mental powers, and literary improvements. Mo- 
 fes and Paul, will, be at once recollefted, in this place, 
 as examples. It is true, that mofl: of the ApoftleS 
 were deftitutc.of a learned education, but that defeft 
 was fupplied, and more than fupplied, by miraculous 
 gifts.. If any will plead that an acquaintance with lit- 
 erature is now unneceflary in public teachers, from the 
 cafe of the Apoftles, they may be convinced of their 
 miftake, by comparing illiterate men without the mi- 
 raculous gifts of knowledge and wifdpm, with thofe 
 who had thefe, and the gift of tongues, iqiinediately 
 from on high. Let the advocates for an unlearned 
 miniftry produce illiterate men, of the prefent age, or 
 of any other fmce infpiration ceafcd, who appear like 
 the gifted fifliermen of Cxalilee, or give up the argu^ 
 ment from the cafe' of thofe ancient infpired men. The 
 mofl: ftudious and learned public teachers,who have liv- 
 ed fince the deceafe of the Apoftles, have fallen far 
 behind thofe primitive minifters, in their aecomplifh- 
 ments. In what |ight then mud thofe teachers appear, 
 whofe minds are wholly uncultivated ? 
 
 Though an aptnefs to teach muft be the gift of the 
 God of nature, and cannot, therefore, be acquired by 
 reading and ftudy, yet where it is poiFeffed, it can be 
 greatly improved by clofe and perfevering application. 
 It is too plain to need proof, that men are made to dif- 
 fer from each othpr much more by education, than by 
 native ftrcngth of mind. Baxter, Owen, Edwards, and 
 other eminent divines,would not have been what they 
 werCjhad they not praftically regarded Paul's charge to 
 Timothy — " Give attendance to reading. Negleft not 
 the gift that is in thee. Meditate upon thefe things'; 
 givethyfelf wholly to them."* This charge lieth with 
 
 great 
 
 * I Timothy, iv. 13 , 14, 15, " 1 
 
C 6 J 
 
 great weight on the mind of every paftor to whom 
 Chrift faith, " Feed my lambs — Feed my flieep." He 
 will not only ftudy to find the beft arguments, to fup^ 
 port the truth and infpiration of the bible againfl infi- 
 dels, but he will feek to acquaint himfelf with the doc- 
 trines of revealed religion. He will, with a hiimble 
 and devout temper, fit at the feet of Jefus, to hear his 
 words, and to learn how to warn every miiin, and teach 
 cv^ry man in all wifdom. With the ftudy of the fcrip- 
 tures muft be joined the lludy of the human heart. The 
 word of truth unfialds the charaSer of God, and lays 
 open the .charafler of man. Jt muft be attended to in 
 relation to both thcfe fubjefts, to form the difciple, and 
 much more, the rajnifter of Jefus Chrift. Without a 
 good degree of this kind of knowledge, no man ca'n be 
 qualified rightly to divide the word of truth, and to 
 gjve to all their portioq in due feafon. 
 
 The holy fcriptures contain a rich trcafure of wif- 
 dom and knowledge, Thefe writings carry all the 
 marks of authenticity, and of divine infpiration. They 
 commend themfelves as being from above, to all whp 
 fearch them with honeft hearts. The more fully we 
 attend to the ftate and the wants of man, and to the 
 patural and civil hiftory of the world, the clearer will 
 be the evidence that the Bitjle proceedeth from the 
 father of lights. The fuhjime and pure nature of the 
 plan of religion which is contained in this book, forbids 
 afcribing its origin to any human being. No being 
 but Jehovah, can be the author of a religious fyftem, 
 which defccnds to the loweft capacity, and at the lame 
 time rifes above the comprehenfion of the moft enlarg- 
 ed finite underftanding. 
 
 The ableft minifter who begins in early life faithful- 
 ly to fearch the fcriptures, and is continued to old age 
 in this employment, vrill appear to himfelf to do no- 
 thing more than juft to touch upon the doftrines re- 
 vealed in them. To be able to furnifh milk for babes, 
 and ftrong meat for them that arc of full age, the 
 
 chriftiaq 
 
r 7 } 
 
 chriflian paftot mufl apply himfelf to reading and med- 
 itation, with great diligence. Great ikill is neceffary 
 to lead him to make a wife improvement of the various 
 paffiflg events in divine providence, for the awakening 
 and comfort of his flock. 
 
 It is manifeft from a brief furvey of the employment 
 of the chriflian minifter, that great mental exertion is 
 necel&ry to quailify him for his worn. A confidera- 
 ble proportion of the longefl life maft be fpent in pre- 
 paring him to enter upon it ; and after entrance, the 
 moft able fcribe will find his attainments to be fmall ; 
 and this conviftion will continue to increafe, fo long as 
 he faithfully applies himfelf to ftudy. 
 
 sd. The faithful miniflers of the gofpel, are aftive 
 in the flation in which they are placed. They are 
 flilecJ, in fcriptufe, labourers, and watchmen ; and, 
 therefore cannot fupport the minifterial charafter, if 
 they indulge themfelves in iridolence. They are com- 
 manded to " preach the word ; to be inftant.in feafon, 
 and out of feafon ; to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, 
 with all long-fufFering and doftrine."* The Apoftlc 
 Paul was abundant in labours. He preached the un- 
 fearchable riches of Chrift ; he gathered churches, and 
 he fought their edification with unwearied diligence. 
 " He kept back nothing that was profitable unto his 
 hearers. He taught them publickly, and from houfe 
 to houfe. He ceafed not to warn every one night and 
 day with tears." 
 
 The church is in a mofl alarming flate, when her 
 profefTed watchmen give themfelves up to flumber. 
 Then is the time for the enemy to fow tares among 
 the wheat ; by introducing corrupt doftrincs, and licen- 
 tious manners. The hearts of the godly will be made 
 fad ; and the wicked will triumph. The faithful min- 
 jfler of Jefus Chrift watches; and prays, that his doom 
 may not be that of the evil fervant, who faith in his 
 h«art, " my lord delayeth his coming,," and gives him-, 
 
 felt 
 *■ 2 Timoiliy, iv, 2. 
 
L 5 ] 
 
 fdf up io tnc gratification of his lufts. The rtien ^Vho 
 feel themfelves charged to watch for fouls, as they that 
 muft give account, will be ftirred up to perform the 
 arduous duties of the! i facred funftion. Tliey will be 
 humbled for their fins a", men, and as mitiifters ; and 
 will rcfolve, iti thellrength of the Lord, to labour and 
 faint not. They will nciibe turned afidcby the meaf- 
 ures, the riches, ^nd the honors of the world ; but 
 will" follow after righteoiifnefs, godlinefs, faith, love, 
 patience, meeknefs," 
 
 How can the fcrvant of the Lord be idle iii the 
 vineyard, when he looks on the precious fouls com- 
 mitted to his charge ? and hath an imprefi^ive fenfc of 
 the numerous ways in which he is commatKled to la- 
 bor for their everlafting good ? He mufl be very ftu- 
 pid, if he feels that he has little to do, while the pow- 
 ers of darknefs are inceffantly and violently engaged, 
 to flrengthen their intereft in the hearts of the chil- 
 dren of difobediencc, and to lead them on to everlaft- 
 ing deftruftion. The feafon in which the minifler can 
 fpeak, and the opportunity in which men can hear, are 
 both very fhort, and uncertain. The prefent day, or 
 hour, may be the laft. Let the meflenger of the Lord 
 of hods realize thefe things, when he enters the fandlua- 
 ry,and when he has accefs to his fellow-mortals on other 
 occafions. Let him remember the travail of thrift's foul 
 for the falvation of fmncrs,and view, and review, the ac- 
 tivity and zeal which he difplaycd in his public miniflry. 
 I proceed to confider, 
 
 3dly. The fortitude and patience of the faithful 
 minifters of Kfus Chrift. Since they have difficulties 
 to encounter, and afiliftions to endure, in common with 
 their fellow-difciples, they ftand in need of fortitude 
 and patience. Thefe virtues are of peculiar importance 
 to them ; as they are more expofcd than o'hcrs to the 
 fury of the wicked, and have heavy burdens to bear, 
 in other refpe£ls, on ;u ..ount of thf,- work in uhich they 
 
 are 
 
[ 9 ] 
 
 ^re engaged. Paul exhorted Timothy to " endure 
 hardnefs, as a goodfpldier of Jefus Chrift."* 
 
 Fortitude is neceffiiryj to •withftand the attempts 
 'which are made to ftiut the mouths of minifters, from 
 reproving prevailing errors and fafhionabie vices ; and 
 to render them undaunted at the feoffs, the threatnirigsi 
 and other malevolent efforts ^f the hardened fonsof in- 
 iquity. Reftrained as the wicked may be by educa- 
 tion, and other means, they are feen, in not a few in- 
 ftances, openly to dilcover their aveffion to the purity 
 of the go'fpet, and to its minifters ; efpecially when the 
 evil and danger of their way are expofed, and are fet 
 before them by ferious expoftiilatioh. It is no rare 
 thing for perfons to affent to the truth with their under- 
 flaiidings, and to feel its force, fsr a! time, on their 
 confcienceSj arid yet, Jn the end, become hardened in 
 fin, and give themfelves Up to work iniquity with 
 greedinefs. . Whoever bears public, decided, and per- 
 fevering teftimony againff the fpirit of this ungodly 
 'Svorld, muft expeft to feel the effefts of its malice. 
 Tho'' the hand of violence may be . withholden, as it is 
 in ordinary timesr, the fcoiirge of the topgue muft be 
 expe<^ed; , How many, and how painful were the af- 
 fliftions which fell to the lot of the Apoftles? Pa.ul was 
 ti'eated as if he had been a malefafior. He fuffered 
 even unto bonds. But he wa:s infpired with courage 
 and joy, in that thegofpel was proclaimed, and that he 
 was permitted to be an inftfument of enlarging the Re- 
 deemer's kingdom. ~~ " Therefore" faith he, " I en- 
 dure all things for the eleft's fake, that they may alfo 
 obtain the falvation which is in Chrift Jefus with eter- 
 nal glory."t 
 
 The faithful minifters of the gofpel, may lahour long 
 in the vineyard without much apparent fuccefs. They 
 need fortitude and patience to polTefs their fouls in fuch 
 days of difcourageitient. They have trials froiii the 
 conduft of falfe profeffors, who, after temporary fair 
 B appearances, 
 
 * 2 Timothy, ii, 3. + a Timsthy. iii »o. 
 
appcaradces, become open apoftatcs, and difcovcr thr. 
 bittereft enmity towards chriftianity, and its friends. 
 Miniflers are tempted by remaining corruptions, by the 
 example of the ungodly, and by the fuggeftions of Sa- 
 tan ; to fall in with licentious opinions, to fliun to de- 
 clare the whsk counfel of God,- to defpair of fuccefs, to 
 give orer exertion, and in many other ways. 
 
 The faithiiil watchmen approve themfelves as the 
 minirters of God, by patience in their affliftions. The 
 moft ufcful men that God hath raifed up in the church 
 have been diflinguiflied for their fiery trials. By theie, 
 in conneftion with other means, they have been fitted 
 for eminent nfefulnels in the prefent life, and have 
 been prepared to r'r>:'rive a far more exceeding and e- 
 ternal weight of glory in the world to come. 
 
 4thly. The faithful miniflers of the gofpel feel their 
 dependence on divine grace. They are reconciled to 
 God, and give themfelves up to him without referve. 
 In this dedication they (land on the fame ground with 
 the jower members of the flock. Various as are the 
 ways in which finners are brought into Chrift's king- 
 dom, and diiferent as are their mental endowments, 
 they are all brought to feel the fame fpirit of fubmif- 
 fion and dependence. They unite in difclaiming the 
 idea of any recommending qualifications of their own, 
 which influenced the God of grace to make them vcf- 
 fcls of mercy. The raoft eminent chriftians arc the 
 moft humble, and abound in rendering thanks to God 
 for the wonders of his love. 
 
 That minifter, who does not in heart glory in the 
 crofs of Chriii:, is liable to betray the cauie which he 
 profeflidly advocates. A flranger to ths fpirit of vita! 
 piety, and governed by a taile which h oppofed to if, 
 he cannct have a real dcfire that pure and undefiled 
 religion fliould prevail. Though he may pafs througli 
 life without deteiSion, he cannot efcape the dreadful 
 end of that fervant who knows his Lord's will, but k 
 :itver conformed to it. However acconipliftied an un- 
 
 . fanftificd 
 
[ n- J 
 
 fanflified man may be, with gifts, doftrinal knowledge, 
 doquence, and engaging manners, he is deftitiite of the 
 love, which is of infinitely higher worth than an aljili^ 
 ty to fpeak with the tongues of men and of angels. He 
 has no relifli for-the holy beauty of divine objefts, and 
 is under t>he influence of a blind mind and a hard heart. 
 He is fo far from feeling his dependence on God, that 
 he is under the dominion of pride ; aad the higher he 
 rifcs in his accjmplifliments, he is at a ftill farther re- 
 move from the fpirit of thriftianity. 
 
 EvaHgelical minifters look up to God in fervent ' 
 prayer, that he would guide them in their refearches 
 after trath, and give them Ikiil to exhibit it, in a man- 
 ner beft fuited to makeimpreffions on the human mind ; 
 and that the word fpoken may be fct home on the 
 hearts of their hearers. They pray that they may be 
 filled with love to Chrifl:, and with an ardent defire for 
 the converfion of fmners. They pray *' that the word 
 of the Lord may have free -courfe, and be glorified," 
 and that the faints may " grow in grace, and in the 
 knowledge c^ their Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift." 
 They delight tp draw near to God, and to pray for the 
 peace of Jerufelem. It affords them joy to behold fin- 
 ners flocking unto Chrift ; and they give the glory to 
 God when finners are made obedient to the faith. Not 
 daring to truft to their own abilities, their zeal, or their 
 efforts, they plead with God, that he would fend down 
 the influences of his fpirit, to fubdue the hearts of the 
 rebellious, and to render them willing fubjefts of the 
 prin<:eof peafie. The prophets, the apoftles, and all 
 the faithful fervants of God, have felt their dependence 
 on him, and ha«ve ^aily addreffed him by prayer and 
 thankfgiving. 
 
 Not only prayer, but every other chriftian duty im^ 
 plies an acknowledgment of dependence on divine grace. 
 All who are " working out their own falvation with 
 fear and trembling," are confcious that " it is God who 
 worjkethin them both to will and to do, of his good 
 
 .plcafurp," 
 
[ I^ J 
 
 plcaiure." The more arduous the ili\ ice ii to which 
 the Chrilllan is called, the more ready he is to acknowl- 
 edge that his ability to perform it, is derived from a- 
 bove. Hence, faith the Apodle Paul, " Not that we 
 are fufficjent of ourfelves ; but our fufficiency is of 
 God ; who alfo hath made us able minillers of the 
 new tedaraent.'' I can do all things through Chrift, 
 who ftrengtbeneth mc."t Our Apoftle felt that he 
 WAS indebted to the mere rr.ercy of God, for inclining 
 him to fidelity in the church. He fpeaketh of himfelf 
 *' as one that had obtained mercy of the Lord to be 
 faithful." J To the fatne fource he afcribed the ftrength 
 which carried liim through his abundant labours. 
 " By the grace of God, I am what I am :' and his grace 
 which was bellowed upon me was not in vain ; but I la- 
 bored more abundantly than they all : yet not I, but the 
 grace of God which was with me." 
 
 Pious miniflcrs afcribe it wholly to the interpofition 
 of the father of mercies, that they are fupported and 
 comforted under their trials and temptations. Nothing 
 but a firm and unlhaken confidence in divine grace 
 could have diftated the apoftle's language, " We are 
 troubled on every fide, yet not diftrefled ; we are per- 
 plexed, but not in defpair : perfecutcd, but not forfak- 
 en ; cafl down, but not deftroyed. — As dying, and 
 behold we live ; as chaftened, and not killed ; as for- 
 rowful, yet always rejoicing ; as poor, yet making 
 many rich ; as having nothing, and yet poflcfTmg all 
 things." — I proceed to confider, 
 
 II. The privileges of the faithful minifters of Jefus 
 Chrifl:. Laborious and difficult as Is the work of the 
 evangelical miniflry, the men, who are put into it by 
 the head of the church, enjoy great privileges ; and 
 are, therefore, under high obligations to return thanks 
 to Chrift Jefus their Lord. They have the beft op- 
 rcJtunity for the improvement of their own minds in 
 Kno'/.lsdge and piety ; they find ready accefs to the fo- 
 
 ciety 
 
 : Car. iii, 5, 6. + Philip. \v, 13. + 1 Cor. vii. is- 
 
[ ^3 ] 
 
 ciety of the wife and the good ; they arc put into an office 
 of the higheft utility to maniiind ; they are the chief in- 
 ftruments of extending and building up the Redeemer's 
 kingdom ; and they have the pvomifeofa glorious reward. 
 
 I ft. The miniftejrs of the gofpel have the beft oppor- 
 tunity for the improvement of their own minds in 
 knowledge and piety. They are taken off from the 
 common concerns of life beyond other men,and are led 
 from the nature of their cmployraent, to devote them- 
 felves to reading, meditation, and prayer. They are led 
 to contemplate the being, attributes, character, law,gov- 
 ernment, and grace of God ; and to attend to the char- 
 after and ftate of man, and to the way in which he 
 can be reflored to the favof of his offended Sovereign, 
 and obtain eternal life. 
 
 What ftudy can equal that which hath for its objeft 
 the infinite mind, the relations of creatures to the fu- 
 preme parent, the governiiient of the univerfe, and the 
 tienevolent purpofes of the God of love ? To accom- 
 plifh the defigns of a moral kingdom, perfeft in glory 
 and happinefs, this world was created, and is continued 
 in exiftence ; the Son of God came down from heaven, 
 obeyed, fuffered, died, arofe, and afcended to fit at the 
 Father's rig'ht hand ; the changes among flates and 
 empires take place, and will go on, until the whole 
 number of the eleft fhall be gathered in. Then thefe 
 material heavens " fhall pafs away with a great noife, 
 and the elements fhall melt with fervent heat, the 
 earth alfp, and the works that are therein, fliall be 
 burnt up." How interefling is that fludy, which leads 
 us to attend to the only way in which man can rife 
 from the ruins of thp fall, pafs in fafety through the 
 dangerous journey of life, and receive an immortal 
 crown ? Dcferving as he is of everlafting wrath, the 
 arms of divine mercy are thrown open to him, and he 
 is commanded — he is earneftly entreated to turn and 
 live. What wonderful cdndefcenfion and grace ap- 
 pear, in the conduft'of Him who fitteth on the throne 
 
 ' of 
 
[ ^4 J 
 
 of the univerfe ! " For thus faith the high and louy 
 one that iahabiteth eternity, vhofe name is Holy, I 
 dwell in the high and holy place ; with himalfo that is 
 of a contrite and humble fpirit, to revive the fpirit of the 
 humble, and to revive the heart ofthe contrite one."* 
 
 How highly favoured of the Lord Jefus Chrift, are 
 the men whofe daily employment it is to fearch the 
 fcriptures ? and to repair to the fcuntain of wifdom ? 
 They have the beft opportunity to enrich their minds 
 with divine knowledge, and to grow ia grace. If they 
 are aftaated by the love of God, they mull be thank- 
 ful that they have been put into the minillry. — Their 
 privileges will further appear, when we confidcr, 
 
 2dly. The ready acccfs which they find to the foci^-- 
 ty of the wife and the good. MefTengers from the 
 prince of peace will, when known, be treated with rcf- 
 peft and friendfhip by his fubjefts. The pious will ef- 
 teem them *' that publifli falvation," very highly in 
 love for their work's fake. The man, who delights in 
 the miniftry, and magnifies his office, will command ref- 
 peft from many who prafUcally regard human fcience 
 as the zenith of perfeftion. Mofl: of the learned and 
 the polilhed, though ftrangers to piety, place no fraall 
 value on occafional intercourfe with an enlightened 
 clergyman. But the fociety which the man of God 
 prizes molt, and the only one in which he is fure to be 
 always welcome, is compofed of the real difciples of 
 his Lord and ISIaller. Hgwever humble their Hation 
 may be, and however defpifed they may be in the eyes 
 of the thoughtlefs ar.i the gay, he will cfteem them to 
 be " the excellent of the earth," As they difclofe to 
 him their hopes and fc irs, their joys and forrows, he 
 will be led to felf-examination, will be quickened In 
 his duty as a chriflian, and will be the better furniflied 
 for his work a^ a minifter. What pleafure is derived 
 from the mutual communications of the exercifes of pi- 
 ous minds ? How fweet and rcfrefhing is that inter- 
 cut ilc 
 
 - ifaiab, Ivii. 15, 
 
C 15 ] 
 
 courfc which is employed in imparting and receiving 
 light, on fubjefts which immediately concern the peace 
 and happinefs of the immortal foul ? The foeiety of 
 chriftians bears the fairefl: refemblance, which is to be 
 found iu the prefcnt world, to the perfcft foeiety in 
 heaven. 
 
 The paftor, who feedetn his flock with knowledge 
 and underftanding, and reliflies the food which he fets 
 before others, will be thankful to tlae Lord Jefus, for 
 placing him under circumflances, which daily remind 
 him of the importance and excellent nature of that 
 charity which is the bond of perfeftnefs. He will re- 
 fleft with holy joy on the goodnefs of the Saviour, in 
 affigning to him fo diftinguiihed a place in the family 
 of the redeemed.. 
 
 3dly. Minifters of the gofpel are put into an oiEce 
 of the bjgheft utility to mankind. The religion which 
 they preach not only enjoins piety towards God, but it 
 alfo inculcates juftice, truth, mercy, compaffion, and 
 all the other virtues which arife from the relation of 
 man .to man. The focial virtues are clearly revealed,, 
 and ftrongly enforced, in the infpired volume. 
 
 Chriftianity teacheth rulers and fubjefts their refpeft- 
 ive duties j and forbids oppreffion on the one fide, and 
 a turbulent, faftious fpirit on the other. It forbids 
 nations to W9.ge war, becaufe other ftates or kingdoms 
 which they choofe to invade, are weaker than them- 
 felves, or bepaufe their fubjugation will enlarge the 
 rule of the ftronger. We need rot be lurprifed when 
 we fee a government, which countenances impiety and 
 debauchery at home, .and rapine abroad, openly hoftile 
 to the Chriftian religion, and adopting violent meaf- 
 ures to expel it from the world. The benevolence of 
 the gofpel juftifies refifting lawlefs aggrellions, and au- 
 thorifes taking away the lives of public as well as pri- 
 vate robbers ; but it denounces indignation and wrath, 
 againft thofe who fport with the lives and happinefs of 
 mankind. Should the members of Adam's family 
 
 throve gli 
 
[ I^ ] 
 
 through the world, love each other according to divine 
 command, they would throw down their weapons of 
 flaugluer, and become a band of brothers. 
 
 Were moral principles baniflled froni f ocicty, there 
 could be nothing fubftituted in their place, which would 
 afford proteftion againfl the outrage of the libidinous, 
 the avaricious, and the malevolent paffions of men. 
 Powerful and vigilant as the magiftrate may be, he can 
 be a pcrfonal witnefsof onlya very fmal' proportion or 
 the crimes which are committed. If the belief of a fu- 
 preme moral governor were eradicated from the minds 
 ofmeh, the oaths ufed in Courts of Juftice would ceafe 
 to !jj inftrumentd in bringing offenders to punifhmcnt, 
 and in protefting the innocent. Againft fuch an un- 
 fpci'uibly dreadful ftate of things, the religion which 
 h from above provides a defence, by holding up an 
 omniprefent, an omnifcicnt, and a holy God, and a fu- 
 ture world ; in which all liar^, and every other clafs: 
 of impenitL lit wicked men, will fuffer interminable mife- 
 ry, and in which the upright and the faithful will en- 
 joy endlcfs happincfs. This religion, conftantly ex- 
 plained and inculcated in the congregation, on the week- 
 ly Sabbath, tends, together with the other means whicli 
 Cod hath appointed, to iniprefs the mind with tlie im- 
 portance of moral principles, and to uphold the order, 
 anil to promote the welfare of fociety, far beyond any, 
 or all the eflforis which human wifdoffl can devife. 
 P.I any are folcmnized by hearing a preached gofpel, 
 \\\\n never cordially embrace it ; and they are thereby 
 (.1 :'.(.!!'' 1 from being guilty of the perjury, and the deeds 
 of violence, which, if unreftrained, would dtftroy all fo- 
 cial ord^r, and turu the whole world into a field of 
 blcrid. 
 
 They, who dehght to wa;t at the Altnr, will not re- 
 frain from giving thanks to him who is Lord of Lords, 
 a:id King of Kings, that while they are advancing the 
 ipiritual and cverlafting interefts of mankind, they are, 
 ac '.he [mvz t^nie, ufciul ::i meliorating foJcty in thf: 
 
 prcfent 
 
E 17 3 
 
 prefent wbrld ; and in continuing that ftate of things, 
 ■which prefents the mofl favorable opportunity for fecur- 
 ing happinefs in the world to cbmc. 
 
 4thly. Minifters of the gofpel are the chief inftru- 
 meuts of extending and building up the Redeemer's 
 kingddm. 
 
 There have been public teachers in the church by 
 divine appointment, under the difpenfations of the old 
 teftament and the new. They have been employed in 
 infbuftingi cbunfeling, and warning thofe to whom 
 they were fent, and in urging upon them conformity 
 to the charafterand will of God. The Apoftles, and 
 other minilters, were ufed as the chief inftruments in 
 propagating the chriflian religion, in its infancy, both 
 among Jews and Gentiles. The Saviotir commiflioned 
 his apollks, to " go into all the vyorld, and to preach 
 the gofpel to eirery creature."* He gave to them the 
 comforting promife, " Lo, I anl with you always, even 
 unto the end of the world. "-]■ This promife plainly 
 implies, that gofpel minifters will be continued on tho 
 earth to the ehd of time. 
 
 The benefit of public oral inftruftion is manifeft, 
 from the nature of man ; and experience has fhown its 
 fuperior influence to any othit manner of teaching. Of 
 this the enemies of chriftianity are fenfible, and there- 
 fore they ufually begin their attack upon its minifters. 
 They are fagacious enough to difcerUa that fo long as 
 public teachers conftitute a particular order of men, and 
 fo long as their inftruftions arc generally attended, it 
 will be imprafticable to inculcate with great fuccefs, 
 that the gofpel is a cunningly devifed fable. 
 
 " If any man defire the office of a biftiop, he defir- 
 eth a good work." The chriftian paftor is employed in 
 proclaiming the good news, which was the theme of the 
 Angelic fong, on the birth of Chrift;, " Glory to God 
 in the higheft, and on earth pea<^e, good will to men." 
 The enlargement of the church, in the day when " the 
 
 C earth 
 
 * Mark, xvi, 15. + Matt, xj^vfii, 20. 
 
L 
 
 1 5 
 
 earth ;li ill be filled Vitb the knowledge of the glory 
 of the Lord," will be effcfted by the inftrumcntality 
 of preachers of the gofpel, going forth among ail 
 nations. Minifters are, indeed, bnt earthen vefiels, 
 but it is the pleafnre of God that they fliould be em- 
 ployee], that the excellency of the power may be of 
 him. 
 
 How highly hivourcd are thofe whom Chrift honors, 
 as inltruments in proclaiming the unfearchable riches 
 of his grace, in defending tlie truth againfl: adverfaries, 
 and in edifying the members of his body .'' With what 
 joy mufl they be filled, wh^-n they hear the all-impor- 
 tjnt enquiry from i;nners, '* What mufl we do to be 
 laved ?" and when they behold difciples multiplied to 
 their Lord and Mailer ? It affords them high confola- 
 tion to refleft, " that the abundant grace, through the 
 thankfgiving of many, redounds to the glory of God." 
 
 5thly. A glorious reward is promifed to the faith- 
 ful minifters of the gofpel. It is agreeable to the fpir- 
 it of our holy religion, that they, who are faithful in 
 liifcharginga high trult, which is atteiided with great 
 difficulties and dangers, fliould have a diftinguifhed re- 
 ward. This is fecured to perfons ©f this defcription 
 by many particular promifes. 
 
 The apoftle Paul, in his addrefs to thofe whom he 
 had begotten through the gofpd, faith, *' For what is 
 our hope, or joy,, or crown of rejoicing ? Are not e- 
 ven ye in the prefeitce of our Lord Jefus Chrift at his 
 coming."* They, who arc appointed by the head of 
 the Church to labor in word and doftrine, have as has- 
 been fliown, many and great privileges in the prefent 
 ^vorld, and they are animated in profpdft of the reward 
 ■which \\ ill be gracioufly grven them in the world tc^ 
 come. Soon will their trials and fufFerings be at an end, 
 and they will (land before the tlirooe of God, and ferve 
 hinr, day and night, in his templa " Wiieu the chief 
 
 (hepherd 
 
/ L ^9 'J 
 
 ifliQpherd fliall appear, they fliall .receive a crown of 
 glory that fadeth not away."* What abundant eaufe 
 have the minifters of Jjefps Chrifl to be thankful to him 
 fo? their office ? 
 
 Let the fybjeft to which our attention has at this 
 fime been callec^, fink deeply into the hearts of all who 
 enjoy the privileges of chriftian paftors. Let us, my 
 Brethren, fearch and try oyr ways, and renew the ded*- 
 ication of ourfelves to God in the gpfpel of his Son. 
 Are we thankful to Chrifl: Jefus, that he hath put u<; 
 into the nniniflry ? How have we imprQved our oppor- 
 tunities for the cnlargemeiit of our minds in divine 
 knowledge, and for our growth in grace ? Have we 
 found high and peculiar fatisfaftion in mipgling with 
 the children of God ? Have we flriven fo meliorate the 
 condition of fociety, to win fouls to Chrid, and to bxrild 
 them up in the mod: tely faith ? Are we willing to 
 fpend, and be fpent, in labors to advance the Redeem- 
 er's kingdom ? Have we a wellvgrounded hope of 
 hearing the joyful fentence addreffed to us from the 
 lips of the jutlge cf the living and the dead, " Well 
 dpne, good and faithful fervaat ; thou haft been faith- 
 ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many 
 jhings ; enter thou into J;hp joy of thy Lord ?" 
 
 Let us give ourfelves unto prayer. Let us praife the 
 Lord for his mighty afis : Let us praife him according 
 to his excellent greatnefs. The pccafion of this day re- 
 minds, us of our obligations to return thanks to Chrift 
 jefus our Lord, for theoffice given to us in his king- 
 dom. If our hearts are warmed with diyine love, we 
 ftiall pray for one anpther, as well as for all men. We 
 fliall fervently fupplicate that we may ftrengthen each 
 other's hands, and that we may not labour in vain.-7-r- 
 Let us recommend to the grace of God, his ypung fer- 
 vaiit, who is about to take part of this piiniftry. 
 
 * 1 Pc:er, v, 4. 
 
r 
 L 
 
 THE prcfent day is a (lay of liigk importance to 
 you, and to this Church and Congregation. You are 
 now to be coufecrated to the work of the Gofpel Minif- 
 try, and to ihePaftoral Charge of the I'lock of God in 
 this place. " Who isfiifficicntfor thcfe things ?" What 
 are the feelings of your heart in vieiv of the work on 
 which you are now entering ? You have heretofore 
 profeflcd to give up yourfclf to God. Can you not 
 cheerfully renew the dedication ? and refoive by divine 
 grace to confiJer ypurfclf ^s your own no more; but 
 ^s wholly devoted to Him who laid down his life that 
 iinners might live ? Go forth, my Btpther, in the 
 llrength of the Lord, and he will never icave, nor for- 
 fake you. He will be with you as a Guide, and a Pro- 
 teftor, at all times ; and imprefs you with gratitude 
 that he was pleafed to make you a minifter in his king- 
 dom. 
 
 You will find no room to indulge flolh, if you have 
 a proper fenfe of the vaft field of labour which lieth 
 before you. The further you advance in it, the greater 
 it will appear. Lie down, and rife up, with ferious 
 and devout thoughts. " I am called to watch for 
 fouls as one that muft give account ! How flull I per- 
 form the duties of my facred ofiice ! O thou God of 
 grace, ftrengthen me ! Teach me how to warn the 
 wicked, and how to fpeak a word in feafon to him that 
 is weary ; and to be faithful in all things, until I fliall 
 be fummoncd to appear at the judgement feat of 
 ChriftI" 
 
 Should your miniftry be of very confiderable length, 
 you will meet with things which will try your faith, 
 your fortitude and your patience. From the manner 
 in which you endure affli(5lion, your charaftcr will be 
 determined " Be itrong in the grace that is in Chrift 
 Jefus." Abound in prayer. Look up to the Father of 
 lights, from whom Cometh down every good gift, and 
 every perfeft giit ; and be wilj guide your feet into the 
 
 way 
 
[ ^l ] 
 
 way of peace, and righteoufnefs. Wheii you find a 
 heart to draw near to God in your clofet, you will find 
 enlargement in your public peiformances, and in all 
 the duties of your office, 
 
 Give yourfelf wholly to your work. Let your readr 
 ing, however various, be direfted in that manner which 
 will affiii you in accomplifliing yourfelf more and 
 more, for your profeffion. You muft efleem it a priv- 
 ilege, to be freed from intermingling with caves which 
 belong to other employments. 
 
 The early period of life is the feafon in which a 
 foundation muft be laid for ufefulnefs. You muft con^ 
 tinue to enrich your mind, or it will become more and 
 more barren. There is nq confiderable portion of 
 time, in which the profefGonal man, neither advances 
 nor declines. He is not to be difcoura^ed, becaufe he 
 does not perceive his own progrefs ; or becaufe he finds 
 more difficulties attending fubjefts than he once faw. 
 Well-direfted mental exertion is never lo ft. If you de- 
 vote vourfelf to ftudy, your profiting will appear. 
 Thole perfons,wbo generally fpeak inoft in praife of the 
 talents, with which they have ^ad the lateft and the 
 leaft acquaintance, will foon ceafe to applaud the man 
 who- long refides near them ; but the judicious and 
 the candid, will perceive the proficiency which is made 
 by the humble apd ftudious minifter, and will pay him 
 the juft tribute of refpeft. You will deceive and injure 
 yourfelf, if you Ipok out for a feafon of uninterrupted 
 leifure, in whicji you can fit down and fpeculate to the 
 extent of your wiflies. Such a feafon will never conje, 
 if you faithfully devote yourfelf to tlie miniftry. You 
 muft feize the pafling moment ; and acquire the felf- 
 command which is neceflary to make yourfelf matter of 
 your time, fo far as this is prafticable. Never think 
 any duty of your office to be an interruption. Bear in 
 mind that you was not born for yourfelf alone ; and 
 that, as a chriftian, and a minifter, ydu muft place your 
 enjoyment in the higheft happinefs and glory of God's 
 
 moral 
 
[ ^2 J 
 
 moral kingdom.. . In doing good to ofhers, you are 
 fccklagycar fupreme good. 
 
 Fix your attention upon the great and glwious caufe 
 ■which the redeemer is carrying on, through all agts, 
 and by all events. Your mind muft be filled witji ex- 
 alted and animating thoughts, while you contetnplate 
 the wonders of infinite love. " O the depth of the 
 riches both of the wifdom and knowledge of God ! 
 how unlearchable are his judgments, and his ways pad 
 finding out !" 
 
 Be a companion of the followers of Chrift, of what- 
 ever age, or rank in life. Cheerfully bear their bur- 
 dens, and ftrivp to comfort thpir hearts. Endeavor to 
 convince thofe around you, by example, that " Wif- 
 dom is 'jnftified of her children." This will encourage 
 the pious, and the awakened, to open to you their ex-* 
 crdfesofmind, and to look up to you for counfel. A 
 fober waik will give a commanding dignity to your 
 charaAer, in the eyes of thdfe who always rcvile the 
 minifter whom they can pcrfuade, in any inftance, to 
 become vain like tbemfelves. 
 
 Bear open and decided teftimony againfl: error and 
 wickednefi ; and urgefinners to be reconciled to God. 
 Be jnaeffant and eameft in your attempts to prevail 
 with them to attend, without delay, to the things which 
 beIoa;;j to their ever lalling peace. Stand up in defence 
 of the purity of the chriftian religion, and inculcate its 
 doctrines and laws. Strive to imprefs the minds of 
 y-our hearers with the belief, that " Godlinefs is prof- 
 itable unto all things, having promife of the life that 
 now is, and of that which is to come." Labor to cqn- 
 vmce men that the perfonnance of the duties enjoin- 
 ed in the moral law, and in other particular precepts m 
 the word of truth, is the only way to feture the true 
 hspfineis of individuals, of families, and ef the com- 
 monweakh. 
 
 Contemplate the nature and worth or the Redeem- 
 ^'skingdoitt, and its final viftory over all its enemies. 
 
 Let 
 
C n 3 
 
 Let your heart be always warmly engaged' in advancing 
 the caufe, which is the ultimate end of the coupfels of 
 eternity, and the operations of time. Are you not, 
 dear Brother, thankful to Chrifl: Jcfus. our Lord, ou 
 this day of your confecration, that he hath been pleaf- 
 cd to open to you a door of entrance into his vineyard ? 
 Long may you labour in it, and with great fuccefs. 
 Be animated in profpedt of the crown of life promifed 
 to the faithful. God grant that you may be an inftru- 
 ment of turning many to righteoufnefs, and that you 
 may fhme as the brightnefs -of: the firtaament, and as 
 the ftars forever and ever. 
 
 Thi^ Church and Conghsgation, are called to 
 return thanks unto the Lord Jefus Chrift, that be hath 
 watched over them liace they have been deprived of 
 the public labors of their aged Pallor, and hath been 
 pleafed to unite them in the choice of his-fervant- to take 
 the charge of them, who is now to be. fet apart to the 
 facred office* We hope. Brethren and Friends, that 
 he will p^ove a rich bleffing to you, and to your chil- 
 dren, and that his toiniftry may be of long continu- 
 ance. 
 
 He will, we doubt not, inculcate by counfel and ex- 
 ample, the refpeftful Snd affeftionate treatment which 
 is due to your aged Paftor, who, fro^ his youtli, hath 
 fcrved you in the Gofpel. The tender feelings of this 
 venerable father muft be awakened on the prefent oc- 
 cafion. Your welfare lies near his heart. He will 
 continue to feelc your highefl happinefs, and will pray 
 for yon, to the clofe of his life. May he be coHiforted 
 through the momentary remnant of his daysj by wit- 
 neffing more than ever, the diffufion of evangelical pie- 
 ty among the people of his «!harge. Realizing that the 
 time of his departure is at hand, may he -be ripened 
 to receive the crown of righteoufnefs which the Lord, 
 the righteous Jndge, will give unto all them who love 
 his appearing. 
 
 UndifTerabled love to the chriftian religion, is always 
 
 accompanied 
 
[ u J 
 
 accompanied with tiie efteem of thofc who are its faith 
 ful nuniltcrs. As they are thankful to Chrift jcfus for 
 their office, their conduct will endear them to his real 
 dil'ciples. The benevolent and arduous nature of the 
 work affigned to chriftian pallors, infers high obligation 
 oa the part of thofe whoare committed to their charge, 
 to treat the men who watch for their fouls with rel- 
 pc£i and tendernefs ; and to endeavour to prevent them 
 from being entangled with the affairs of this life, that 
 they may give themfelves wholly to the miniflry. 
 
 Maintain a free and friendly intcrcourfe with your 
 pallor ; that he may be placed under the bcil circum- 
 flances, to promote your fpiritu;».l and everlafting good. 
 Strive to lighten his burdens, aHd to comfort his heart. 
 Encourage him by a conftant attendance on public wor- 
 ihip. A fpirit of prayer will lead you to remember 
 him at the throne of grace. Unite your endeavors 
 with liib for the fiippoit of harmony and order. As 
 you wotild dellre him to be faithful to his truft, lay no 
 temptations before him to handle the word of God de- 
 ccitUiliy. Be willing that he fhould commend hirafelf 
 to every man's confcience in the fight of God. 
 
 Let thofe, who ai« under covenant bonds in particu- 
 lar, manifeft a firm attachment " to the doftrinc whic'i 
 is according to godlinefs." Brethren, "let your con- 
 vcrfatioii be as it bccomcth the gofpel of Chrifl:." Re- 
 commend the holy religion which you profefs, by hum- 
 ii!e, holy, and heavenly lives. May He, who walketh 
 in the midfl of the golden candlefticks, and holdeth the 
 Itars in his right hand, dwell with you by his gracious 
 prsfeuce. While you arc praying that Chrifb's king- 
 dom m.iy come, may the holy fpirit defcend, in his a- 
 wakeniug, convincing, and renewing influences ; and 
 ",ay much people here be added unto the Lord. 
 Alay your hearts be eftabliflicJ unblameabie in holinefs 
 before God, even our Father, at the coming of the 
 Lordjefus Chrift v.ith all hi. faints. 
 
 Let even- individual in t!.:3 Eiin:icrous ar/Jience re- 
 
 fleft 
 
[ ^-5 ] ' 
 
 fleft on the worth of his foul, en the defign of Ghrift's 
 coming into the world, and on the Infinite importance 
 of being reconciled to God. Let the ftupid fmner 
 wake up, and realize that he cannot cfcapc if he contin- 
 ues to negleft the great falvation. Is any one feeking 
 to quiet his confcience in fin, by indulging a cavelling 
 temper againfl the religion which is from above, let 
 him no longer be governed by an evil heart of unbelief 
 in departing from the living God. Is any one alarmed 
 with fearful apprehenfions of the wrath to come, . let 
 him feel that he is under high and peculiar obligations 
 to fubmit to the bleffed Redeemer. Is any one oppref- 
 fed with fo deep a fenfe of his guilt as to be on the bor- 
 ders of defpair, let him recal the inftance of Saul of 
 Tarfus, who obtained mercy, that in him Jefus Chrifl: 
 might {hew forth all long-fuffering, for a pattern to them 
 who fliould hereafter believe on him to life everlafling. 
 He was among thechief of fmners,but was made a mon- 
 ument of divine grace. The religion of Jefus Chrifl; be- 
 came the delight of his foul ; and he is now among the 
 faints in heaven,fmging the new fong of redeeming love. 
 Refleft, Dear Touih, on the furprizing difference 
 which appeared in the young man Saul, when he be- 
 came a follower of the Son of God. He was highly ac- 
 complifhed in the learning and polite manners of the age 
 in which he lived ; but he efteemed his former attain- 
 ments as comparatively nothing, after he was made a 
 fubjeft of faving knowledge. Like him count all things 
 but lofs for the excellency of the knowledge of Jefus 
 Chrifl. If you become real chriftians, you will find a 
 peace and a joy unknown to the difTipated and the vain. 
 The occafion of this day, holds up before you the in» 
 finite worth and glory of the Redsemer's kingdom. 
 How will it rejoice the hearts of the godly to behold 
 you prefEng into it ? ' You are the hope of the com- 
 monwealth, and of the Church of God. Oh ! may 
 you be much more faithful in ferving God and your 
 generation, than we have been who are about to go 
 
 D the 
 
i 2^6 j 
 
 ffie way of all the earth ! Not a few of your years, ih 
 various parts of this land, have of late, been hopefully 
 renewed in the fpirit of their mindsv Piety and virtue 
 are the only defence againft tb: fnares and temptations 
 of the world, and confer charms which will' never fade. 
 Give yourfelvesup to God, and he will be your Father 
 and portion, in time and eternity. 
 
 Who, and how many, of the old or the young, iti' 
 this Aflfcmbiy, arc on the Lord's fide, is known to 
 him. fie Icarchcth the reins and the hearts, and will 
 give unto every one according to his works. Ye fer- 
 vants of the Mort. High God, pray without ceafing, 
 that his great and holy name may be magnified forever. 
 Prefent your fupplicaiions before him for the eflufions 
 cfhis Spirit. Return thanks to the glorious Redeem- 
 er for the wonder of his grace. He will continue, to 
 the end of time, to raife up inltrumeuts for the ingath- 
 ering of fouls into his kingdom, and for their growth' 
 in piety until they are matured for the heavenly world. 
 While you have feen the enemy coining in like a flood, 
 you have beheld the fpirit of the Lord lifting up a 
 flandard againft him. " Thy way, O God, is in the 
 fanftuary : who is fo r^reat a God as our God ? Thou 
 art the God that doeft wonders ; thou haft declared 
 tby ftrength among the peoplt." 
 
 Let us alt prefent remember, that death is at hand, 
 and that the moment is fwiftly approaching, when wc 
 Ihall be fixed in cndlefs happinefs, or endlefs mifery. 
 Wc', with the whole race of Adam, muft appear be- 
 fore the judgmenti-feat of Chrift, at his feeond coming ; 
 when every one, fmall and gre;it, v/ill be judged, and 
 fcntcnced for eternity. May we all be foHnd of our 
 Judge in peaee, and unite in the praife — " Blcffing, and 
 honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that fitteth 
 apoH the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever aad; 
 C7er.'* — 'Ames, 
 
THE 
 
 CHARGE. 
 
 By the Ref. COTTON M. SMITH, 
 
 ^ejlor ofiht Church in Sharon. 
 
 Rrverend ?s? Dear Bxo7SESy 
 
 1 OU have been folemnly fet apart to 
 the work of the gofpel rainiftry, by fading and prayer 
 with the laying on the hands of the Prcfby tery. And 
 you have,agrceable to the call of God in his providence, 
 taken upon yourfelf, the care and charge of this flock 
 of Chrift as a coHeague and fellow labourer with the 
 aged Paftor of this Church, who has long laboured in 
 this vineyard of our common Lord. 
 
 I do, therefore, agreeable to apoftolic direftion and 
 ancient cuftom, in the name and behalf of this venera- 
 ble council, being thereunto appointed, folemnly ex- 
 hort and charge you to a faithful difcharge of the duties 
 of your office. 
 
 We charge you before God and the Lord Jcfus,. 
 who fliall Judge both the quick and the dead, at his ap- 
 pearing and kingdom, preach thou the word, be in- 
 ilant in feafon and out of feafon, reprove and rebuke 
 with all long fufFering and doftrine. And that you 
 
 may 
 
[ 28 3 
 
 may be enabled to difcharge the duties of the evangel- 
 ical miniftry, faitliftUy and fuccefsfully, give thyfelf to 
 reading, to ftudy, to meditation and prayer. Be much 
 in prayer to the great head of the Church, that you 
 may be affided ^ind ftrengthened to the folemn and im- 
 portant work, vihereunto thou art called, and not fliun 
 to declare the whole counfel of God, but come to this 
 people from time to time, in the fuUnefs of the blef- 
 liug of the gofpel of peace. Likewifc pray for the 
 aged Pallor of this Church, that God would fupport 
 and comfort him, in the decline of life ; and be always 
 ready to afford him your counfel and affiftance, as often 
 as he fliall requeft it pf you — and receive inftruftions 
 from him, in all matters relating tx> the peace and prof- 
 pcrity of this Churcli and Congregation. 
 
 Moreover pray for this Church and Congregation, 
 over which you arc appointed a gofpel Bifliop. Be- 
 hold the people, committed to your care ; confider the 
 worth of their fouls, and the great price paid for their 
 redemption, and of how much importance that you la- 
 bour for their falvation ; that fo you may anticipate 
 with heart felt joy, the pleafure and fatisfaftion of one 
 day meeting them at the right hand of your judge, 
 when you will be enabled to fay, here Lord am I and 
 the people of my charge. 
 
 See that you adminiftcr the feals of the covenant of 
 grace, to fuch as fhall be the proper fubjefts, and that 
 you exLrcife the rod of difcipline upon delinquents. 
 * "We charge you before God and the Lord Jefus 
 Chrift and the eleft Angels, that thou obferve thefe 
 things, without prefering one before another, doing 
 nothing by partiality. And when ever you fhall be 
 called to the fetting apart men to the gofpel miniftry, lay 
 hand^ fuddenly on no man, neither be partaker of oth- 
 er men's fins : Keep thyfelf pure — But commit thefe 
 things to faithful men that fhall be able to teach others 
 alfo ; not to a novice, left being lifted up with pride, 
 he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 
 
 Drax 
 
[ 29 J 
 DMAS BUOTHER, 
 
 You muft expeft, in the courfe of your miniflry, to 
 meet with oppofition, from men of corrupt minds, con- 
 cerning the faith reprobate, for the fcripture fpeaketh 
 exprefsly that in the latter days fome fhall depart from 
 the faith, giving heed to fedueiftgfpirits and do&ines 
 of devils, and as Jannes and Jambres withftood Moi 
 fes, fo thefe men will reCft the truth, and yourfelfiri 
 delivering it — but fet your face as a flint, arm yourfelf 
 with chriflian courage and confidence, fight manfully 
 under the banners of the great Captain of your falva- 
 tion ; be not afliamed of the gofpel of Chrift, but con- 
 tend for the faith once delivered to the faints — not for 
 ftrife or vain glory, but in wifdom, in meeknefs, chrifl- 
 ian condefcenfion, and candour ; for the fervant of the 
 Lord muft not ftrive, but be gentle towards all men, in 
 meeknefs, inftrufting thofe who oppofe themfelves, if 
 peradventure Ggdlhould give them repentance, to the 
 acknowledging of the truth, that they may recover 
 themfelves, from the fnares of the Devil, who are led 
 captive by him at his will. 
 
 In all things fliewing thyfelf a pattern of good works, 
 in doftrine, uncorruptnefs, gravity, found fpeech that 
 cannot be condemned, that fo he who is of the contra- 
 ry part may be afliamed, having no evil thing to fay of 
 thee. Watch thou, therefore, in all things, endure af- 
 fliftions, do the work of the Lord faithfully and make 
 full proof of thy mjniftry. 
 
 See that you recommend, both in your preaching, 
 your converlation and example, the chriftian, the fo- 
 cial and the moral virtues. Exhort fubjedls to obey 
 magiftrates as minifters of God for good—^and children 
 to be obedient unto their parents — and parents to iii- 
 flruft their children in the do£b:ines and duties of our 
 holy religion, and to bring them up in the nurture, the 
 fear, and admonition of the Lord. Likewife exhort 
 fervants to be obedient to their mafters, as unto Chrift: • 
 and mafters to treat their fervants with humanity, to 
 
 forbear 
 
L 30 3 
 
 forbear threatening, remembering they have a mafter 
 in heaven, with whom there is no refpcft of perfons. 
 You wiH Ukewife remind thofc v\ho have believed in 
 God, that they be carefiil to maintain good works, for 
 thefe things are profitable unto men. 
 
 If thow put the Brethren in remembrance of thefe 
 things, .thou (halt be a good miniftcr of Jeftis Chrift, 
 nouriCbed up in the words of faith and good doftrine, 
 and when the chief Ihephcrd fliall appear, you ihall re- 
 ceive a crown of rjghteoufncfs tlut jQiall never fade 
 away — Amek. 
 
 ^xxxx^o&ooooo;, <x.-^:^>-,>»oo<5000oo;xx»ooi.x.^f 
 
 THE 
 
 Right Hand of Fellow/hip. 
 
 By Rev. SOLOMON WILLIAMS, 
 
 Fador of the Church in Nortbamptoa. 
 
 The everkfUng Gofpel of the blelTed 
 God only reveals the plan of mercy. We know ; for 
 God hath told us of it ; and it is impoffible that he 
 fhould lie ; that God hath fo loved the world, that he 
 gave his beloved Son to redeem It : and that thofe, who 
 receive the atonement, might have life, and that life 
 mote abundantly. We contemplate, admire, and feaft 
 our fouls upon divine love. While we adore it, we are 
 conftrained to exclaim rapturoufly, oh the breadth and 
 length, the depth and height of the love of God in 
 
 Chrift 
 
[ p 1 
 
 Ghrlft ! If then God fo love us, how ought we to love 
 one another ? If the Father loveth the Son and the 
 Son loveth the Father : If they are one in tlaeir defigns 
 and operations, their joy and affeftion ; and if thi* 
 scffeftion appears peculiarly ftrong ; this harmony ex- 
 ceedingly glorious in the work of Redemption, how 
 fuitableisittha;tthcchriftianminifl:ry Ihould be knit to- 
 gether in love ? When they are brethrca, felJow labor- 
 ers and co-workers in the kingdom of their common 
 and divine Lord, how beneficial', how requifite is it that 
 they fliould anite their views, their meafures and la- 
 bors in efFeftJng the important objcfts of their miniflry ? 
 How requifite theclofeft union in the nobleft and moft 
 benevolent work when fo many unite to difcourage, af- 
 fiift and defeat them ? No wonder that Jamesi, Cephas 
 a:nd John, who fecmcd to be the pillars of the primitive 
 Church, gave to thofe excellent minifters, Paul and 
 Barnabas, the right hands of Fellowfllip, when going 
 to the heathen ; cjtpreffive of their cordiality towards 
 them ; of their approbation of their defign : of their 
 dcfire of fuccefs, and of their rcadinefs and purpofe to 
 co-operate with them. In conformity to this Apoftolic 
 example, and the immemorial praftice of our Churches 
 on fimilar occafions, according to the direftion and at 
 the defire of this Ecclefiaftical Council, I do now. 
 Reverend and Dear Sir, with much fatisfa^ion, give 
 you this Right Hand of Fellowfhip. By which fignifi- 
 cant token you will undcrftand that we acknowledge 
 you as a brother in the Gofpel Miniflry. We approve 
 of your Ordination in this place. By it we exprefs our 
 love and efteem for you, our delight and confidence in 
 you. By it we declare our purpofc, as we have op- 
 portunity, and you need and requcft it, to. afford you o'^r 
 chriftiam advice and fupport in thofe things which ref- 
 peft your miniflry. We doubt not of your love arui 
 efteem for this venerable man of God, the Rev. Mr. 
 Judd, with whom you are joined as Colleague Paftor r 
 That you will fcrve with him as a Son with a Father. 
 
 On 
 
C 3-2 3. 
 
 On Purpart, Dear Brother, for fuch Irt mc now ad- 
 drefs you, we defire and expeft fimihr offices of kind- 
 nefs uader the various clrcumftances in which wc may 
 be placed : may our mutual brotherly afFcftion grow 
 with life ; let folid fruits prove it and may it be made 
 pcrfeft in heaven. 
 
 Brethren of this ChOrch, this Gofpel rite 
 reminds you alfo of the relation which fubfifts between 
 you and our refpeftive Churches. It is a pledge of the 
 tender, the fincere, the aftive and efleftual part which 
 we fhall take in your fears and dangers, your changes 
 and trials, your forrows and joys, your growth and de- 
 cline. It fuggefts our expeftation and hppe of your 
 ready and cheerful exertions in our behalf. Brethren, 
 we congratulate you on this folemn, this interefting and 
 joyful occafion ; on the reception of this afcenfion gift of 
 Chrifl; : on the introduftion of this our brother into this 
 part of the vineyard. May you, dearly beloved, and 
 this chriflian congregation and your nev/ Paftor live in 
 love ; know how good and how pleafant it is for breth- 
 ren to dwell together in unity. May the means of re- 
 ligious inftruftion be duly appreciated by you, and may 
 your fpiritual improvement be proportioned to your ad- 
 vantages. May your love of one another, and of the 
 Ifrael of God, and of God our Father, and of the Lord 
 Jefus Chrift, be habitually growing until you come in 
 the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of 
 God unto the meafure of the flature of the fulnefs of 
 Chrift. 
 
 And may this large and refpeftablc chriftian audience, 
 be kept in the faith of Chrift, and the love of God, and 
 in the love of one another, of all faints and of all men ; 
 and in a patient waiting,through obedience to the truth, 
 for the mercy of our Lord Jefus Chrift unto eternal 
 life. 
 
 F J N I S.