. HUMBLE A TTEMPT TO ILLUSTRATE THE CHARACTER AND OBLIGATIONS OF A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IN A PBEACHED BEFORE THE PBESBTTERT OP FATETTEVILXE, ON TRIDAT THE SOtB DAT OF JULY, 1819. IN TI^E PRESBTTERIAN CHURCH OP FATETTEVILLE NORTH-CAROLIITA, AT THE ORDINATION OE THE REV'D. WILLIAM D. SNODGRASS : TOGETHER WITH THE CHARGES DELIVERED ON THAT SOLEMN OCCASION : BY THE REV'D. COLIN M IVER. PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. paVettevtxt.e : J . • • printed by Carney ^ DismuJces^ '1820^ PREPxiCE, TO illustrate the importance of the subject treated of \i. the following sheets, no prefatory remarks are necessary. One part of the Sermon here presented to the public, has this for its special object. If the reader should be disposed to in- quire, why a subject, on which so many excellent treatises, m the form of Sermons and charges have already been published, should again be obtruded, in a similar form, on the public at- tention, the answer is, that the following Sermon and Charges, J ike all similar Sermons and Charges which have preceded them, were called forth, by an important occasion 5 namely, the ordi- nation of a Minister of the Gospel ; and that the hope of their being found useful to those most immediately interested in this transaction, has induced the author to consent to their publica- tion. For the information of those who are not acquainted with the manner in which Ordinations are generally conducted in the Presbyterian Church, the following extract from the Min- utes of the Presbytery of Fayetteville, is submitted to the read- er. " Fayetteville y Friday 30th July, 1819. " Agreeably to a resolution passed on yesterday, Presbytery " proceeded to ordain and instal The Rev'd. WILLIAM D. " SNODGRASS, in the following manner. A sermon, adapt- " ed to the occasion, was preached by The RevM Colin M'lver, " in which a view was given to the auditory, of the character '•^ and obligations of a Minister of Christ. Sermon being ended, " the proceedings of Presbytery preparatory to this trans- " action, were briefly recited from the pulpit in the audience of the people : the nature and importance of the Ordinance " was then pointed out; — that the audience might be impress- " ed with a proper sense of the solemnity of the transaction. " Mr. Snodgrass having then signified his unqualified assent to " those engagements required in our book of discipline, pre- ^' paratory to Ordination ; and his people having also come un- " der corresponding obligations ; he knelt down, in a conveni- " ent place ; and was by prayer, and the laying on of the hands ^* of the Presbytery, according to Apostolic example, solemnly " ordained to the Holy Office of the Gospel Ministry. Prayer 4 beinff ended, The Rev'd. William D. Snodgrass arose from Ills knees; and the presiding Bishop, first, and afterwards all ti.e members of Presbytery in their order, took him by the right hand, saying dear brothkr, — with cordial and un- FKIGNED pleasure, WF GIVE YOU THE RIGHT HAND OP FEL- LOWSHIP. TO TAKE PART OF THIS MINISTRY WITH US. A SO- iemn charge, m the name of God, was then given, by the presiding bisliop, to the newly ordained Bishop and to his people, to persevere in the discharge of their mutual duties; and afterwards, by prayer, they were both recommended to to the grace of God, and his Holy-keeping; and finally, after singing a Psalm, the pe "ple were dismissed with the usual be- nediction ;— after whir h, the Ruling Elders of the Cliurch, and the heads of families belonging to the congregation, ^' c mje forward to their Pastor, and gave him their right hand, in token of cordial reception and affectionate regard." The author has nothing further to add, but, that he sends the following sheets into the world, accompanied by his fervent prayer, to the author of all pooclness, that his Divine blessing inav accompaii) this feeble effort of one who accounts himseh* less than the least of all saints. A SERMON, 2yB TiMOTnr, iv. 5 f^JIake full proof of thy J^flinisinj,*' These words arc a part of a solemn charge, which Paul, the great Apostle of the Gentiles, addressed to Ti- mothy, his heloved son in the Ministry of Christ's Gos- pel. Both the Epistles which the ins])ired Apostle wrote to this his yoim.i^ companion a!id assistant in the Ministerial Office, and that w hich he wrote to Titus who sustained the same character, are filled with exhortations which af- ford a striking view of the inrportance of the Gospel Mi- nisti'y ; and of his own earnest, anxious, and longing desire, tliat all the duties attached to this sacred office, should, hy tliose to whom it was especially entrusted, he ^vell understood and faithfully fulfilled. But the charge, from which the exhortation in our text is taken, was gi- ven to Timothy under circumstances peculiarly solemn, and well calculated to engage him, to renewed zeal and increased fidelity. The Holy Apostle, at the time in ^vhich he gave this charge, had,hy a prophetic Spirit, a full prospect before him, alike, of those severe trials to 'Nvhich Timothy was shortly to be exposed, and of that violent death to which he was himself soon to be sub- jected. For his own persona! sufierings, of which he had such near views ; and for his departure from this world, which was immediately to folloNV, he felt himself fully prepared ; ^nd he even rejoiced in the prospect of his approaching dissolution : yet, such was his concern for thr interest of his Redeemer's Kingdom on earth, — such his regard for Timothy, to whom much of this interest was yet for time To be entrusted, — and such his godly jealousy over him, lest persecution or affliction should betray him into forgetfulness of his duty to the Lord Je- sus, that h:* solemnly charged him, as in the immediate presence of tlie rigliteous Judge of the whole earth, to per- severe unto the end, in the faithful exercise of all his Mi- nisterial duties, « I charge thee, ihereforey^ said the in- spiicd Apostle, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ,, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom ; preach the word ; he instant in sea- " so?i, Old of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the t'me will come, when theij will not endure sormd doctrine ; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, hav- ing itching ears ; and they shall turn away their ears '"'from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in aU things, endure afflictions, do the work « of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.^' Hav- ing- in this solemn manner, pressed these weiejbty ex- Jivortations on his yomi.oj son in the ministry, the Apostle i'urther urges iiim to fidelity, by the affec tinja: considera- tion, that he was no longer to enjoy the benefit of his in- structions ; and that it now became him, by daily and incrcasi}]g engagedness in the great work to which he had devoted himself, to aspire after that glorious reward, which his illustrious leader now had in immediate and joyful anticipation. "For I am now,^^ continued this holy jnan of Gud, ** ready to be offered ; and the time of my de- •* parture is at hand, I havef ought a good fight, I have fin- « ishcdmy course, I have kept the faith: henceforth, there « is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord^ the righteous judge, shall give me at that day : " and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearingj^ • Under these solemn, interesting, and af- fecting circumstances, the Apostle Paul addressed to Ti- mothy the solemn charge which you have heard ; and wherein he exhorts him, — to "preach the word — to « be instant in season, out of season — to " reprove, re- •< buke,'^ and " exhort, ivith all long-suff'ering and doc- " trine — to watch in all things — to endure afflic- " tions*^ — to " do the work of an Evangelist — and to " make full proof of his "ministry,^' Of the last of these exhortations, to- wit, " make full proof of thy min- " istry,^* I have made choice, as the subject af our pre- sent meditations ; as it evidently includes every thing im )lied in all the other exhortations which immediately precede it.** *» Make full proof of thy mivistry.^' In the further illustration of these words, 1 shall en- T •deavour, in Immbic reliance on Divine Grace, First, To state, by what means, a Minister of the Gospel should make full proof of his ministry ; and. Secondly, To shew the importance of maintaining such a walk and con- versation, as is here required of the Ministers of Christ- In discoursing on these particulars, I am sensible, that, in a different situation, it would be much more becoming in me, and indeed I would much rather chusc, to hear and learn my duty from my Reverend Fathers and Brethren who are here present, than to pretend to teach them theirs : it is only to perform the part which arises from the pro - vince now assigned me, that I w^ould, with all humility, lay before them, that idea of the character and obligation:; of a Minister of the Gospel of Christ, which I wish, how- ever defective or faulty, to inculcate on myself. First, then, 1 proposed to state, by what means, a Minister of the Gospel, should "make full proof of his^ ministry," The first thing I would mention, as essential to such proof, is, that a Minister of the Gospel, should exhibit^ in the sight of men, a condnct directed by the laws of that religion which he preaches to the world. That, without maintaining such a conduct, the true character of a Gospel Minister cannot be exemplified, the least reflec- tion must convince you. This is a truth which is fully supported, not only by what our daily observation may teach us, but also, by the express language of the Holy Scriptures. Human nature is so corru]>ted and drprav- ed, that even when the excellency of the Gospel of Christ is amiably illustrated in the pious and holy w alk of those who preach it, it is, alas ! in too many instances, slight- ed and disregarded ; — but, when he who is called to be a Teacher of Sacred Truth, misleads, by his example, those to whom he should be a safe guide ; when a minis- ter sustains two opposite characters, whilst engaged in performing the services of the sanctuary, and during his ordinary intercourse with the world ; — when, \u his pub- lic preaching, he urges obedience to t'l'^ precepts of Christ; and yet, by his daily conduct, does himself w ith-hold t]]at obedience ; — in place of diminishing the existing evil, he renders it more extensive ; and, as far as his infiuencc ex- 8 tends, lie defeats the very object of the Gospel Ministry ; namely, the reformation, and salvation of those, lo whom the Gospel is preached. Should he preach the truths of the Gospel, ever so pointedly and faithfully ; — should he urge them, with ever so much zeal and ardour, and by the most sacred and solemn considerations ; — yeU if, in liis own life, he exhibit a conduct, opposite to that, which, in his public instructions, he recommends to others, he furnislics all who perceive this, with abundant reason to conclude, that he is not, himself, a sincere believer in those doctrines which he urines others to embrace. Hence, the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, to " be an example of the believers, in ^vord, inconversatioiii in charity, in •« spirit, in faith, in purity and, in his Epistle to the Romans, he clearly sliews, that, when public teachers are themselves guilty of those offences for which they reprove others, they defeat the very end of their office. <« TAere- •«/ore," said he, " thou art inexcusable, O man, who- " soever thou art thatjudgest : for, wherein thoujudgest ^« another, thou condemnest thyself , for thou that judgestf doest the same things, — Thou, therefore, ivhich teachest another, teachest thou not thyself ? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal ? Thou that say- " est a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit •« adultery ? Thou that abhorest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, thro* breaking the law, dishonourest thou God ? For the name of God is llasphemed among the Gentiles through ^* you as it is written,'^ Thus, you see, Bretln*en, how essential is tlie good and holy example of a Gospel jSlinister, to the success of his labours. But in order that a Minister of Christ may " make f ill proof of^^ his " ministry,*^ it is not sufficient, that he should merely exhibit, in the sight of men, a conduct directed by the laws of that religion which he preaches to the world : it is, moreover, necessary, that he should regulate that conduct in such a manner as will clearly shew, that the secret springs and motives which govern him, arc directed by the Gospel ; and that the outward regularity and virtue of his life, naturally express the sentiments and temper of his heart. There are tw^o dif- 9 ferent characters which every man sustains ; to-w it,^ the character which he has with men, or the reputation which is given him by the world ; and the character which he has with God, or the place which he hohls in his esteem. The first of these, arises from his visible deportment in society ; — the second, not from that alone,» hut from that, in its connection with the principles and dispositions of his heart. This distinction runs through the whole of the sacred scriptures. It is expressly made, hy the author of our text, in his Epistle to the Romans. *' He is not a Jew who is one outwardly ; — but he is a Jew^ who is one inwardly^ whose praise is not of men, but of «< Gorf." The Gospel of Christ is evidently designed to purify the dispositions of the heart of man, as well as to direct the measures of his life. In order, then, to "ma/cc J'ull proof of'^ his « ministry,^* a Minister of the Gospel must feel the power of that internal piety which the Gos- pel was intended and is fitted to produce in the hoart of every man by whom it is believed ; and, from thence, he must exhibit to the world, the example of a virtuous and holy life. This internal piety must spread its influence through the whole of his deportment ; but it must, in a more especial manner, enter into the sacred and peculiar fuctions of his Ministry, In these, he ought to be awak- ened to an affectionate and feeling sense of sacred things, and to be conscious of that influence in himself, which it is the purpose of his several ministrations to promote in the minds of men. When, for instance, he conducts the worship of a Christian Assembly, and expresses, in their name, that homage of the heart with which they ought to worship God, he ought, then, to feel the power of that internal homage in himself, and speak only what pro- ceeds from the genuine impressions of his own heart. When, preaching to a Christian Assembly, he would lead his hearers to a suitable idea and impression of eter- nal things, he should, himself, then, be filled with the Heavenly impression ; and draw from thence, the des- criptions and enforcements he sets before them. In a word, in every sacred ministration in which he is em- ployed, he must study to become, in the real sentiments and dispositions of his heart, and in the eye of God^ whQ 2* 10 sees tlic lieart, what lie outwardly appears to be, what he J wishes to be reputed in the public eye, and what it is the professed intention of his sacred ministrations to pro- mote amonj^ mankind. To be thus directed and dispos- ed, in the duties of the ministry, is, I apprehend, the proper and full signification of the Apostle's injunction in the words of our text : make full proof of thy miti' Suffer me now to call your attention, as was proposed, in the Second place, to the importance of maintaining such a walk and conversation, as is here required of the Ministers of Christ. And the first light in which I would consider it is, in point of duty and sincerity. Besides the general obliga- tions to religion and morality, incumbent upon every man, there are special obligations which arise from men^s particular profession in society. When they act suita- bly to these, their character is generally marked with honour and esteem ; but when they depart from or vio- late them, their character is generally mai^ked with dis- honour and contempt. In like manner, in the particu- lar profession of a Gospel Minister, that internal piety which the Gospel was intended to promote, is essential to the propriety and virtue of his character. By the na- ture of his office, he must assume the outward form of piety : nay, he must assume it often, in the immediate presence of his maker ; and, w ith an air of importance and solemnity, express before him, the effusions of a heart devoted to his service. If, nevertheless, there is nothing corresponding with this outward form in the real state and temper of his soul, a greater impropriety in manners cannot be conceived of : it is, indeed, more than impro- priety : — it is falshood and insinserity : — for what can be a greater, or more odious insincerity, than, with a seri- ous and solemn air, to counterfeit a character, of which we are not really possessed ; and that, not only in the sight of men, but, in the immediate eye of God ; — nay, under the disguise of an immediate address to his adora- ble majesty ? — This counterfeited character, withal, must be maintained through the daily business of life ; whence, it will be very difficult for such a man to preserve a suit- 11 able regard to candour and sincerity, in any instance of his conduct. The Clcri^y Iiave been lon,!^' reproached, as prone to betray a peculiar strain of slyness and hypocri- sy," in their conduct with the world. I hope this censure has been pronounced on them, much oftener, and with much more severity, than they have dessrved. But if, at any time, the censure has been just, what has been ob- served may lead us to a natural explication ot this pecu- liarity. A studied and deliberate hypocrisiy, in the sa- cred functions of the Ministry, i. e. in tlie most serious and solemn parts of human life, will, insensihly, root out every principle of candour from tlie heart ; and, by a na- tural transition, mix itself in every other circumstance of life, ft oui^ht, here, however, to be remarked, that this affords no just reflection against the Ministerial of- fice ; but only against the man by whom it is abused : nay, he who, in the way which 1 have endeavoured to point out to you, is qualified for his office, will, from that unseen and accurate sincerity which he studies to ob- serve in the functions of his Ministry, natively improve his sense of candour and sincerity, in every other action of his life. While, therefore, the dishonest clergyman, is, indeed, the likeliest of all other men, to become tho- roughly acquainted with the arts of imposture and dis- guise ; yet, he who is sincere in his profession, is as like- ly to become a man of the most delicate integrity, in e- very part of life. From these few remarks, it may ap- pear, how very important, in point of duty and sincerity ^ it is, that a Minister of the Gospel should make full proof of his ministry,-' If he do not, he does not only act an inconsistent and improper part ; but is truly* in the sight of God, an insincere and worthless hypocrite ; and, could he candidly reflect upon his own conduct, he would see himself in the same contemptible and odious light. But, the importance of a Minister's maintaining such a holy and exemplary life, may be further seen, if we consider it, in the view of its utility and advantage to the world. In tfiis way alone, can he set before the world a suitable example. Here, it will, at once occur to you, that the good example of a Minister is highly requisite^ to add authority and weight to his instructions 5 and. 12 tha*- an opposite example will not only weaken and des- troy this authority ; but, in the thou.i^hts of many, will furnish an apolo,j^y for, and give a kind of opposite au- thority to wickedness. The undistinj^uishing, which is by far the j^reatest part of mankind, will be hereby tempt- ed to believe, that religion is nothing, at the bottom, but a fabulous imposture ; or, at least, an agreeable and spe- cious theory, fit for the teachers uf rJigion to display ; but unfit for the business and practice of the world. But, besides this, the good example of a minister which is fit- ted to give weight to his instructions, must immediately proceed from the piety and goodness of his heart ; and be the natural expression of what he feels, oris conscious of, within himself. Like the good man whom our Sa- viour describes, he must bring forth his good thingSf from the good treasure of his heart.** From prudence, or a sense of decency, a Minister may so adjust the mea- sures of his conduct, and guard all appearances before the world, as to be exempted from reproach j and thus, he may avoid the danger of corrupting: others by the force of his example. This, however, is far short of what is requisite, not only in point of candour and sincerity, but, in point usefulness^ and, in order to promote the enda of his profession. There is a peculiar degree of abstrac- tion from the vanities and vices of the world, and a pe- culiar pitch of eminence in the virtues of the christian life, which is expected by the world from, and is indeed implied in the profession of a Gospel Minister. That habitual attention which it calls upon him to bestow on Spiritual and Heavenly things, ought, natively, to raise him to this peculiar excellence ; and a Minister of Christ, to do justice to society, should labour to acquire, not on- ly a superior knowledge of religious truth, but also a su- perior experience of its purifying power upon the heart ; and from thence assist the rest of mankind, to surmount those opposite impressions from the world, to which they are laid open from their different situation. In no other way, however, can such a distinguished excellence and virtue be expressed in a Minister's example, than by his being qualified for the duti es of his function in the man- ner which has just been deiscribed. Prudence or atteu- 13 tidn to tlie opinion of the world, may lead a man to imi- tate this character ; but the copy will be easily distin- guished from the true original, by every deserning eye. Those artificial and affected principles, will cither leave the man by whom they are assumed in a state of spirit- less indifference ; or, they will betray him into an unna- tural ostentation and excess. There is always something natural and open in the conduct of an honest man ; and a freedom and simplicity in his manners, which cannot be expressed, but when it comes immediately and freely from the heart. This, now, is the example which a Min- ister is called to set before the world ; a*id by which he is to season and support the instructions which he gives : and this, indeed, will give him a peculiar authority. Re- ligion, when exhibited in real life, without affectation and formality, especially on trying and difficult occa- sions, will give the world an idea and conviction of its excellence, which no description can attain ; and, with- out which, the most accurate description will appear no more than a display of ingenuity and art ; and the min- ister himself, a performer on the public stage, for his own reputation or advantage. To this we may add, that a good example, in the con- duct of a Minister, is likely to be accompanied with some particular advantages. From observation of the world, ^ve shall find, that, in all the different societies, in which men are closely linked together, there is usually some leading influence, which forms the taste of the society, and gives it its peculiar character. This influence is usu- ally acquired, by means of some distinguishing station and ability. The station of a Minister, and those offi- ces of life, in which, by his profession, he is called to be employed, naturally tend to give him such an influence in that religious society, with which the Providence of God hath immediately connected him. As our blessed Lord ex- presses it, he is " as a city set upon a hilW^ which "cftTi- V not he hid.^' He acts his part under the inspection of the public eye ; therefore, his example is likely to have the more extensive influence : and, corrupted as the world is, there is still something respectable in the station of a Minister. If it is filled by him in a worthy manner, and. 14 with proper dignity and wisdom, it will hardly fail, to command', at least a secret veneration and respect; and, to give him a peculiar direction of the sentiments and manners of the people committed to his charge. Further, hy maintaining such a walk and conversa- tion as our text requires, a minister will exert himself, and employ the talents God has given him, to the hest advantage in his power, for answering the ends of his profession. There is a certain point of perfection in e- very business of life, to which, every man, who acts in the genuine spirit of his profession, will endeavour to at- tain. Though the faithful minister of Christ puts no confidence in himself, or in any little abilities or improve- ments of his own, knowing that the success of all his la- bours must depend on God ; yet, from the nature of his pj'ofession, he knows it is his duty to perform the part whic h is assigned him, in the best manner he can ; and, in this way, to rely on that assistance which is promised in the Gospel. In every sacred ministration in which the teacher of religion is called to be employed, there is, undoubtedly, a certain method of performing it, which is the best, and most conducive to the end for w hich it was designed. In every religious instruction he is called to give, thore is a certain point of light in which it should be placed, in order to do justice to it, and to convey it, with the best advantage, to the view and apprehension of his people ; as there must be a certain method of address- ing it, by which it is the most likely to reach their hearts. There is, withal, among the various topics of religion suggested in the Gospel, a certain selection to be made, from time to time, which is best adapted to the circum- stances of the people to whom they are addressed ; and which, in their particular situation, is the most likely to be accompanied with suitable effects. The judgment and ability of doing all this, is, I apprehend, the peculiar art of a Minister's profession ; and a principal part of that wisdom, of which the scripture speaks, by which he v« winneth souls.'* To arrive at this peculiar wisdom and ability, the faithful Minister of Christ, will dedicate the labour- of his life ; and exert every talent God has given him, to the utmost of his pow er. To this he will 15 feel himself obi 1(^6(1, — that he may do justice to the cha- racter and comraissiou which he bears, to that Divine Reli.^ion which he preaches to the world, and to the souls of men who are committed to his care. He sees, that the ends of his profession are of infinite importance to the happiness of men ; for, tliey are no less than, to bring them from darkness to light, and from the power of Sa^ tan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sin, and an inheritance among the Saints, by the faith that is in Jesus Christ.'^ The feelings of humanity, cher- ished by tfie sense of his religion, will deeply interest him in the accomplishment of these designs ; and it would give liim a singular affliction to believe, that these were obstructed in his hands, by any criminal omission, or misconduct of his own. Animated by the same great i- dea of the ends of his profession, he will reckon it his du- ty, to cultivate ihe faculties which God has given him ; and to be, every day, adding to the improvements he has made, as a teacher of the Gospel. He will hate a life of ignorance and sloth ; and retreat, as much as he decent- ly can, from that insipid waste of time, in the frivolous conversation and amusements of the world;, which are a hindrance to every valuable improvement. New fields of knowledge, essential to the sacred character, or con- ducive to its usefulness and dignity, will be ever opening to his view. Although he knows, that the gracious in- fluence of God alone, can reach the consciences, or change the hearts of men, yet he also knows, that those peculiar qualifications which belong to his profession, are in their nature, fitted to accomplish these designs ; and that a Minister is most likely to obtain this gracious influence from God, when, with an humble dependence on it, he ex- erts and cultivates the talents God has given him to the utmost of his power : relying, therefore, upon God, it is, alike, the business and the pleasure of his life, to be add- ing, every day, to his improvements. The exhortation which the Apostle Paul gives to Timothy, he takes con- tinually to himself: Meditate upon these things ; give « thyself wholly to them ; that thy profiting may appear to aW.'* He will, withal perceive, that, to answer the ends of his office, an equal share of preparation and improve- menf may be requisite, in every situation in which a Minister is placed, and in preaehinj^, even to the lowest and the least discernin.i^ part of mankind. If the sole end of a Minister's profession were, merely to acquit himself to the approbation and acceptance of dispeople, to grat- ify their taste, or to excite some temporary emotions in their minds ; — to all this, in many situations, very small improvements might suffice : — nay, sometimes the mean- est talents, and the most insipid and absurd performances, are, in this way, able to procure the highest popularity! But it is a very different thing, to persuade our people to resist their sinful passions, and amend the evil of their « ways, — to turn them from darkness unto light, and from « the power of Satan unto God.^^ Although no man, of himself, is " sufficient for these things yet, it is allow- ed by all, that there are certain qualifications and im- provements belonging to the office ot a Minister, by which he is prepared to be the instrument of God in ac- complishing these designs : and, if this be acknowledged, it will, perhaps, be found to be a consequence, that^ in order to promote them, an equal share of these qualifica- tions may be requisite, in addressing the hearts of men, in every rank of life; — for, in this way, it will be found, that their hearts are equally shut against the efficacy of the Gospel ; and, with equal difficulty, " brought into, subjection and captivity to Jesus Christ.'* The conver- sion of a prince, or of a peasant, from their peculiar ha- bits of iniquity, are, I believe, with equal dijQSculty, to be achieved. The faithful Minister of Jesus, who, in the manner al- ready stated, makes full proof of his Ministry, will also be prompted, with invariable constancy and fortitude, to declare unto his people, " the tvhole counsel of God.** He will, faithfully, and fairly set before them, the whole ex- tent of their religious and moral obligations, with all that minuteness and detail, with which they are delivered in the Sacred Scriptures ; and which, he sees, the circum- stances of his people may require. No aversion which their ignorance, their prejudice, or their sinful passions may suggest on this account ; — no unpopular, injurious epithets, that may be givea him, as a legal, or moral 17 preacher, will prevail upon him, eitlier to conceal or to dis.^uisc, any part of that Divine Rclii^ioii, upon which, with the deepest earnestness, he founds the prosjicct ot' his own salvatiosj.. He will, with all the diligence and candour of vvhicli he is capahle, searcli the Holy Bihle, — look for i;;cnuine religion there, and, from thence, rather tliau from any iuunan system upon earth, learn vvliat ho is to teach, as a Minister of Christ. Again : By maintaining such a walk and conversation as is implied in making full proof of his ministry, a Min- ister of the Gospel will he furnished w ith a peculiar ta- lent of instruction, of great importance to tlie success of his ministry, of which he cannot otherwise he possessed. The great ohjects of religion, which the Apostle calls the things of God,'^ cannot he perceived, in their proper light,' — their dignity, importance, and extent, cannot he perceived, but by him who is upright and pure in heart. «• The natural man receives them not ; — neither can he *'« know them ; — because they are spiritually discerned,'' Hence it is, that moral and religious obligations, a!id the laws of christian piety and virtue, when explained in their genuine and full extent, are usually regarded by the vicious part of mankind as empty fictions, which exist only in the fancy of recluse and visionary men ; and all pretensions to that piety and goodness which the Gospel has prescribed, are treated by them, either as delusion or hypocrisy. To this it was ow ing, that the Pharisees, who were covetous, derided the instructions of our Sa- viour, in which he enjoined the love of God, and the con- tempt of this present world. As the sentiments which ho expressed were totally above the comprehension of their covetous and selfish minds ; and as they were sentiments to which they felt nothing correspondent in themselves ; they were treated by them as ridiculous and fanciful. To this also it was owing, that the piety and purity of life which the Apostles taught the Gentile world, and sup- ported by the doctrine of a crucified Saviour, was, by the Greeks, at that time the most enlightened nation up- on earth, disdainfully rejected, as absurdity and foolish- ness. The Apostle Paul gives this account of it. " If the Gospelf'^ said he be hid,'' — if its wisdom, its im- 3* 18 portance, and its excellence be hid, « it is hid to them, whose minds the God of this world hath blinded — whose moral and religions sense of thin,^s, has been dark- ened and debased by the impressions of this world. If this, now, be a just representation of the matter, the in- ference is obvious, that a teacher of reliejion, who has no experience of its purifying; power upon himself, is not in possession of that peculiar talent of instruction, which be- longs to his profession. Relijajion has not yet appeared to liim in that lij^ht in which it is perceived, when it makes its way into the heart of man. In the language of the Apostle, God hath not ** shined into his heart, to give him the light of the knowledge of his Glory. Being desti- tute of this peculiar light, when he attempts to represent the things of God,^* he must do it from a light and knowledge which is not his own ; like a man who never saw, when, by the force of imitation, he describes the vi- sible creation, without any Just ideas of the things which he describes. . If religion were nothing more than a the- ory of speculative truth, to be seated in the heads of men, the moral and religious dispositions of its teachers, would n ^t be of so much consequence : but the religion which a Minister of Christ is called to teach, is a practical and moral thing, the intention of which is to purify the heart of man ; and therefore, cannot be fully understood and taught, but by what the Apostle calls the spiritual dis- cernment, or by that light of understanding, which is di- rected by the sentiments of a devout and honest heart. An accurate and extensive knowledge of the evidence and doctrines of religion, and a regular education, in various important parts of human learning, are indeed most de- sirable and important branches of ministerial furniture ; but these alone, are not sufficient, to qualify the teacher of religion. In the fine arts, it is not by studied rules, or by critical remarks, — at least, it is not by these alone, that one is qualified to perceive their peculiar excellence, or to feel those delicate enjoyments, they are fitted to communicate. To the knowledge of the rules of art, there must be joined that internal sense of beauty, which is called taste ; and that peculiar sensibility which is ori- ginally planted by the author of our nature, and is eul- 19 tivated by acquaintance with the best examples of the kind. Thus too, it is, in the holy and divine art of life itself. To all this we may add, that this internal preparation of the heart, is what alone will enable the teacher of re- ligion, to attain that natural, simple, and persuasive elo- quence, with which the Gospel should be taue^ht. In e- very kind of composition or discourse, genuine and real eloquence, is the language of the heart ; — or the natural expression of those sentiments and feelings, which the subject on which it is employed, is fitted to inspire ; and, the immediate effect of it is, to leave the minds of those, to whom it is addressed, filled with that same idea and im])ression, which the author had conceived and felt with- in himself. Hence, it follows, that the great objects of religion must be previously seen and felt in their genuine dignity and moment, e're they can be represented with that natural and simple eloquence, which is fitted to en- lighten and affect the heai't. In this natural and inter- esting manner, was the christian religion first revealed. In the Gospel, as it lies before us, in the discourses of our blessed Lord, we meet with nothing of that laboured elo- quence, which is the mark of human art; and tends rather to excite a vain applause and admiration of the art itself, than a serious impression of the things themselves, which it is designed to represent : — nor do we find here, that la . boured artificial arrangement, of speculative truths, in which the wisdom and philosophy of man display them- selves. Jesus was, in this respect, a singular instructor ; and it is not difficult to see the cause. He did not give his Gospel to the world, as a curiously investigated theory, — • the work of genius and art ; — but as a doctrine which ho had from God ; and which proceeded immediately from the dictates of that grace and truth, with which he was inspired. The holy laws of life which he prescribed, — the Heavenly sentiments of wisdom which he studied to imprint upon the hearts of men, he copied from the vir- tues of his own heart, as their purest and most beautiful originals. On this account, a man of a discerning and unbiassed mind, will be able to perceive a consirlef-able dif- ference between the gospel, as it lies before as in its nativo 20 and original simplicity, andtliose descriptions of it, that are given in those laboured and artificial forms, into ^vhicll it has been modelled by the hand of man : — a dif- ferenre not very unlike that which is to be found, in all the other works of God and man. The works of Gcd arc solemn and majestic,- and, by their inexpressible j^randcur and simplicity, enlarii^e and elevate t!ie heart : the works of men, though modelled by the nicest art and skill, are but little and diminutive ; and, how much soever they may amuse the fancy, seldom raise any great or elevating emotions in the heart. For this reason, it might at least deserve inquiry, if it would not better serve the original intentions of the Gospel, to represent it to the world, as nearly as possible, in that artless and divine simplicity, in which it was delivered by its blessed and divine author, rather than as a laboured theory of speculative truths, curiously distinguished and arranged, according to the rules of human art. But there is one other light, in which I would further set before you, the importance of maintaining such a walk and conversation as will afford s( riptural evidence, that a Minister of Christ makes full proof of his ministry ; and that is, in the view of that comfort and advantage, which it will afford himself , The happiness of every situation, arises, chiefly, from the hopes and prospects which it o- pens to the minds of men. It is a constant succession and variety of these, which constitutes the charm of hu- man industry, in every sphere of life. But that Minister who is not, himself, governed by the power of religion, must be totally cut off from this fountain of enjoyment. The duties of his office must become a tedious and insipid round of insignifirant employments, to which, no animat- ing ho])e or pn)spect is annexed, especially in a church, \vl;fTe there is so very little, to favour the projects, either of ambition, or of avarice. To this w e may add, that, in order to preserve the decorum of his character, he must often put himself to a painful and unnatural restraint ; and be forced to a severity of manners, which he secretly contemns. But, he who is disposed, from t<=e piety and goodness of his heart, to do the duties of his office, will draw from them, the highest satisfaction and dclighi. ^1 T!icy are immediately suited to the taste and temper of his mind ; ar.d sii2;gest the most interesting^ andenliven- r.ic; prospect upon earth ; — !io less tlian that of beiii!^ a fellow worker with Almighty God, and the blessed Jesus, in promotin.!:^ the immortal happiness of men. Hence, the A])()stle Paul expresses so much ])Ieasure, in the thouja^ht « ■ executing' the commission which was given him. — •• ^Vom of these things more me, neither count liny life dear unto myself so that I mi^ht finish ray course with joy, and the ministry tvhich Iha-ce received of the Lord Jesus, to tesify the Gospel of the grace of God,^' 1 miglit further observe, that t!ie temper and character, whicii in this discourse I haveendeavo sred to describe to you, will best enable a Minivstcr to overcome the difficul- ties and discoura,gements he may meet with, in the course of his ministry, or to bear them with tranquility. Difticulties and discourai^ements, of various kinds, are scarcely to be avoided, in the oMce of the ministry. Li- centiousness and iniideliiy create aversion to the charac- ter of a faithful minister of Christ; and dispose the vi- cious part of mankind, to depreciate or oppose it. Un- reasonable prejudices, likewise, may arise a.i^ainst amin- istcr himself, from the ignorance and folly of hispeojde. Nothin,:^, however, will so effectually tend to sofcen and remove these prejudices, and chan.e^e aversion into friend- siiip and esteem, as that faithful, upright ciiaracter, which I have endeavoured to describe to you : — Or, if this cannot be done, as possibly may be the case, with some persons of a dark, sullen, and suspicious nature, or of ahaughty unrelenting^ heart, yet, in spite of every pre- judice, a noble tranquility will be enjoyed by the faithful minister of Christ. The approbation of his own heart, a sense of merited esteem, and confidence in the master whom he serves, will disarm the power of ignorance, of prejudice, and of enmity, and give him an enjoyment of himself, which they Vv ill not be ahle to disturb. With the Apostle Paul, this is his rejoicing, " the testimony of , his conscience, that ^ in simplicity and godly smcenty, not i with fleshly wisdom, hut by the grace of God^hehas his I conversation in the VJorldJ^ ^ I might here add, that t!ie preparation of the heart ou 22 which I have already insisted, is what alone will enabl the Minister of Christ, to maintain a steadiness and uni formity of conduct, in every circumstance of life. Yes Brethren : the sincere and faithful minister of Chi'ist, aided by the master whom he serves, will feel an inde pendency and strens^th of mind, and a security and com fort from himself, that will render him superior to every temptation, with which the world can assail him. Guid- ed by the dictates of an honest heart, he is uniform throughout, and consistent with himself, in every part of life. While he gives no just occasion of complaint, he nevertheless, in doing what his conscience or his Judg- ment prescribes, is indifferent about the ignorant and uncharitable censures of the world ; knowing, that, if he sought to please men, at the expense of his integrity, h could not be a servant of Jesus Christ.'* j But the highest, and most peculiar happiness and sa-J^ tisfaction, which the sincere and faithful minister o£^; Christ must feel, in the duties of his ministry, arisesj fj'om the prospect of that glorious reward, which thef master whom he serves, has promised to bestow upon hij^ faithful servants : for, he knows, that, " when the chief Shepherd shall appear^ he shall receive a crown of glory, thaf fadeth not away, ^' To conclude : — Tlicre is a special circumstance attend- ing the profession of a minister, which adds greatly to the weight of his peculiar obligations ; to-wit, that the same qualifications which fit him for the duties of his of- jice, will add to the goodness of his private character; an Pif his function, and totiiose which api pertain to domestic devotion, should mark tiiat man's cha- racter, who enters into this sacred office ! When you take this view of your situation, are you not constrained to exclaim, with the great Apostle of the Gentiles, " Who ** is sufficient f 07' these thm^s Yes ; ray dear brother: if the Apostle Paul, v. hose gifts and graces were so em- inent, — who was caught up to tlie third Heaven, — who heard tlie voice of God, and saw tlie vision of the Al- miii^hty, — who performed so many signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds, — who was not a whit behind the high- est of the Apostles,— who was honoured as the instru- ment of planting so many churches, and of converting so many souls: — if he felt such a deep sense of his own in- sufficiency, on the contemplation of the greatness of the work to which he was called, — well may I, — well may you, — well may my Reverend Fathers and Brethren now present ; — yea, well may all those who have undertaken, the great work of the Gosj)el Ministry, reiterate the ex clamation, <* TVho is sufficient for these things?^^ — But, our grand consolation is, — a consolation, in which, I trust, you will experience an enlarged share, — that our suffi- ciency is of God, Tliis consolation supported the Minis- tering servants of Christ, in all ages of his church ; and you too, my brother, may place on this, the utmost re- liance; for,<*Lo /" said our Divine Master, '*Iam with you <« alway, even unto the end of the worldJ' Let this, then, be your encouragement, to persevere in the various du- ties of your arduous calling. Let it serve to excite your diligence, to awaken your seal, to strengthen your gra- ces, and to animate your devotion. I am very sensible, that no minister of the Gospel stands more in need of ad- monition and exhortation, — that no one stands more in need of being stirred up and aroused to the lively excr cise of those graces and virtues which are essential to the sacred office, than I do myself : — and, therefore, whilst yielding to the injunction of my Reverend Fatheis anc Brethren, who have assigned me the duty I am now en- deavouring to discharge, — whilst, conscious that it is our united duty, to admonish one another,'' and to pro- voke unto love and to goodworks^'' I remind ^^oMof the 25 sacreelnssf? of your office, the awful responsibility attach- ed to it, the indisjieusible riecc.vsity of uiires Tvetl ridelity and unwearied dili.^ence iu every part f)f your duty, — and the awful consequences of Oein.:^ faitiilcss, ne.i^li.ejent, or unconcerned ; — whilst I endeavour to s;\\eyo2i a live- ly rej)resentation of these thinj^s, I would, at the same time, most earnestly desire, that tiieir weii^ht, their im- portance, and their solemnity, mi^ht be suitably ijnpress- ed (m my ownhearc. Suffei*, then, my deai* Brother, the word of exhortation ; — that, havinj^ your own mind deep- ly impressed witli Divine thin.i^s, you may, with the more autbority, and consequently, with the e^reater zeal and earnestness, exhort otliers to holiness of life. Li't Christ Jesus, and him crucified, be the main foun- dation, t!ie sum and substance of all your preaching*. Like Paul, be determined, to know nothin,i^ amon,i> those to wbom you minister; but Christ Jesus, and him crucified. Remember, that he is " the end of the taw for righteous^ ness^ to every one that betievethJ' By leaving him out of your discourses, yon may, indeed, gain tbe applause of the men of the world : — you may acquire the reputation of being an eloquent man, among those who practically say, of the Redeemer of Israel, TVe will not have this man to rei^n over us but, those who are hungering after the bread, and thirsting after the waters of life, you will send empty away : To them, any instruction which speaks not of him, who is " the way, the truth, and the life,'' will be empty, insipid, and unsatisfactory.—. " Christ crucified,'' is indeed to the Jews a stumbling- block, and to the Greeks foolishness but, to <^ those <^ who are called, he is the wisdom of God, and the power of God to salvation." Be faithful, in declaring the whole counsel of God.— • Keep nothing back. Let it be to you " a small thing, to be judged of man's judgment." Beware of being influ- enced by the fear of man ; but, with undaunted firmness^ plead boldly, the cause of your redeemer : And, let me beseech you, never loose siglit of tliis solemn truth ; — that the Gospel you preach, will be, both to yourself, and to ill those who hear you, " either a savour of life unto lifCf or a savour of death unto death," 4# 26 Read much ;^study much ; — pray frequently, fervent* ly, and importunately ; and make it tlie sole business of your Wf^ to promote God's glory, in the salvation of sin- ners. Cultivate, with prayerful care, that temper of mind, which will irresistably incline you to say, with the in- spired Apostle, <* Brethren, my hearths desire and prayer « to God for Israel is, that they may be savedJ^ Although we all believe, and are fully persuaded, that you have not deliberately resolved to enter upon the sa- cred office, without sitting down, and counting the costj yet, on this occasion, it w^ould betray a want of fidelity, truly reprehensible, not to forewarn you, that, in the exer- cise of the various duties, to which, in the course of your ministry, you will be called, if you are faithful to your trust, you may expect to meet with many difficulties, tri- als, and afflictions ; and even to encounter much opposi- tion and ])ersecution. To meet these, with that resolute firmness whicli becomes a Minister of Christ, your faith must be strong ; and your reliance unshaken on that master, in whose service you are engaged, who has pro- mised, that, ** as thy day, so shall thy strength and who has graciously said, ^* My grace is siiffident for thee ; for my strength is made perfect in thy weakness : — I will « never leave thee nor forsake thee.'* As a high sense of the sacredness of your office, will excite your diligence in improving your own Ministerial qualifications; so, when God, in his Providence, calls you to act in his judicatory, to judge of the propriety of entrusting to others, " the keys of the Kingdom of Hea- Te?i," it will be necessary lor you to exercise much cai^e and caution, lest any novice, — any unskilful or un- qualified person, should intrude himself into the sacred office. Inattention to this duty, in the Judicatories of Christ's Chui-ch, will not fail to be productive of conse- ' quences the most ruinous to the interests of Zion. Lay ^* hands suddenly on no man,*' is an Apostolic injunction on this subject, which ought never to be lost sight of, by a faithful Ministry. In the discharge of every duty, whether of a public or private nature, keep your mind fixed on the General Judgment. Of that awful period, never lose sight : so 27 shall you be the better prepared to give up yeur account with joy, when he who has put you into the ministry, will call you to give an account of your stewardship. But, as the hints contained in the discourse you have just heard, must be fresh inyourrecoUection, it is not ne- cessary to multiply advices. For further instruction, I must refer you to the word of God, which, I trust, will be your constant companion ; and especially to those ex- cellent Epistles of the Apostle Paul to Timothy and Ti- tus, which you cannot too frequently read ; and to a few passages from which, I will call your attention, e're 1 close this address. For therefore^^ said the inspired Apostle, ^* we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in « the livins; God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. Let no man despise thy youth ; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conver* sation, in charity^ in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Take heed ^mto thyself and unto thy doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this, thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Je* svs Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these ** things, witJwut prefemng one before another^ doing nO" ^' thing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, *' neither be partaker of other men^s sins : keep thyself pyA-e*, For the love of money is the root of all evil : which, while some coveted after, they have erred from thefaith, " and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, 0 man of God, flee these things ; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a, good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who be fore Pontius Pilate wit' ^« nesseda good confessim ; that thm keep this command' ** ment, without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Study to shew thyself approro* ** ed unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Bnt shun profane *J and vain babblings / for thetj will increase mto mors £8 ungodliness, Jind the servant of the Lord imist not strive ; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, <* in meekness instructing those thatojypose themselves ; ij (^od veradventnre will give them repentance to the oc- " knowledging of the truth; and that they may recover them- " selves out of the snare of the Devil , who are taken captive by Mm at his will. I charge thee, therefore^ before God, " and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge t'-.e quick and " the dead at his appearing and his kingdom ; Preach " the word ; be instant in season and out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.-—' " Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy Ministry. Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine : in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works : in doctrine, ** shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, " that cannot be condemned ; that he that is of the contrary " part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Let no man despise thee.^^ And now, my dear Brother, with these Apostolic pre- cepts, I dismiss you ; " commending you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and " to irive you an inheritance among all them that are sancti^ THE TO THE To the people of tliis coll^?^e^ation, T am now to offer a few hints, suggested by a review ot this tUiy's solemni- ties. My Dear Brethren ^ You have heard the rhar2:e, wfiich has just heen given to your ministoi' ; and, 1 trust, many of you are suitably impressed with a sense of the importance of that relation, which, on this day, has taken place, between you and him. That his duties are sacred and important; and involving, both to you and to him, eternal conse- quences, you will all be ready to acknowledge. But, it is necessary to remind you, that, of you also, tliere are duties required ; — duties which are strongly binding on you ; and, the faithful discharge of which, are necessary to the success of his labours, and to tlie efficacy of his ministry. The more solemn and important the duties of a Gospel Minister are, the more needful it is, tliat he should meet with suitable encouragement ; and that his hands should be held up and supported, by the people to whom he ministers, in holy things. To this end, it is absolutely essential, that in the fi/st place, you give a regular and constant attcnchmce, to liis public instructions. When the house of God is deserted; when his public worship is neglected, and his ordinances treated with contempt, God's gracious design, in sending his only begotten son into this world, to save lost sin- ners ^ and in instituting a Gospel Ministry, for tlie pui'- so pose of publishin]^ the glad tilings of salvation, is impU ously defeated. Let not, the'n, this aggr avated sin lie at your door. Do not, thus, trample under foot, the son of God, or put him to an open shame. Do not, thus, prac* tically say, that you have neither part nor lot in the great Q ilvation, which the blessed Immanuel purchased with his precious blood ; but. on the contrary, exhibit to the world, a convincing proof of your gratitude to the gi^at head of the church, for instituting the ir inistry of reconciliation, and sending his servant, to beseech you in his steady to <» be reconciled to God — for tliis signal manifestation of his loving kindness, do you, my brethren, testify jour gratitude, by a constant, faithful, and devout attendance, on the preached word ; and on all the Ordinances of God's Louse. But, in order to hold up your Minister's hands, and to afford hira suitable encouragement in his labour of love, it is not only necessary, that you should give his public ministrations a regular personal attendance ; but, that yo;i should also, listen with attention, to the truths he delivers ; feel your own deep interest in them ; and faithfully apply them to your respective cases and cir- cumsftances. Remember, that the Gospel he preaches, is not designed for your entertainment or amusement ; but to ])romotethe Glory of God, who will, most assuredly, be magnified in those that perish, as well ps admired in those that are saved ; and that, if you fail to improve the instructions of the Gospel, those very instructions wili rise up in judgment against you, and condemn you. Ei- ther everlasting salvation, or eternal condemnation, will be the sure consequence of your having heard the messa- ges of the Gospel ; and should you finally be found to be unprofitable liearers of the word, it will gi^eatly add to your condemnation, " that light is come into the world, and that you loved darkness rather than lights beaiuse ijour deeds were evil.** I beseech you, then. Brethren, lay this deeply to heart. Do not subject your Minister to the painful apprehension, of seeing any of you, at the left hand of the judge of all the earth, at the last day. Do not, thus, requite his labours of love among you ; — but so improve the Gospel message which you receive from liioj^ 31 that ye may all be happy seals to his Ministry ; and prove Lis crown of rejoicin.^ in tlie day of the Lord. It is further necessary, that your conduct towards your Minister should be such, as to encoura,^e him, to deal fairly and impartially with you, in declarin.^ unto you, the whole counsel of God. Witliout this, even did he dis- play the learnin,^ of a Paul, or the elofjuence of an Apol- los, his preaching will be wholly useless to you. Let no consideration whatever, tempt you to reject the truth, how much soever, it may condemn your life, or i*eprove your conduct. Beware of fallina^ into the error into which some of the Galatian Christians once f( II, when they esteemed the Apostle Paul their enemy, because ho told them tiie truth ; but rather esteem your minister as your truest friend, when he faithfully warns you of your danger. Should you hear him utter truths harsh to fas- tidious ears, or offensive to licentious prejudices, let this ei^ite your gratitude rather than your resentment ; and, if you regard your own vital and essential interests, you will make a serious application of them to yourselves : but, as for your minister who delivers them, b^very care^ ful, that you neither discourage nor deter him fr^Mn the faithful discharge of his duty ; for, he has, this day, so- lemnly engaged, that, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear, he, for his part, will not fail to de- clare, the whole counsel of God. It likewise demands your consideration, that the Min- isters of the Gospel are men of like passions with your- selves ; and therefore liable to those infirmities, vhich necessarily proceed from the indwelling corruption of the human heart. Be candid, therefore, towards your Minister ; and expect not from him, absolute perfection. This, indeed, is not, even by the very best among us, at- tainable in this life ; but, as your Minister is a yoiing man, and just entering upon his arduous duties ; — it is your duty to make allowances for many short-comings in him, which must necessarily flow from inexperience ; and which more advanced years in the exercise of the ministry, should the Lord prolong his days, may enable him to surmount. Mistake me not here, Brethren : I do not say this, with a view to extenuate any material er- ror in point of conduct, ov to excuse any essential failure, ill point of duty, in your Pastor. (h\ this subject, t humbly triistj you will have no cause to complain. But, bcirii^ yj)an/5 in ^hfe Ministry myself, I know, from expe- rience, that a youthful ministry stands in need of much tcirJcj'ness, and forbearance. To these hints, 1 shall only add, what, I trust, yotfr own hearts have previously suf^gested. Let your impor- tunate supplications frecpiently ascend to the throne of g- ace, on behalf of your Minister, that his labours of love amoni^ you may be abundantly successful. Remember, that, althougii a learned Paul may plant, and an eloquent Apollos may water, it is Cod only that g-iveth the in- crease. To that God, then, do you look, for a blessing "j'o.i the labours oi your Minister. To him, freqiiently ^VV^y ; pleadin.s^ the atojiine; merits of the Lord Jesus Christ; and, casting yourselves, unreservedly, on his sovereign mercy. May he take you into his holy keeping. May he make you all, subjects of his grace, and heirs of JjIs ev. blasting kin.^dom And his shall be all the glory. Loth now and evermore. Jimen.