The Christian ministry

Preface

PAGE

vii

Part I. General View Of The Christian Ministry . 11

CHAP.

I. The Divine Origin and Institution of the Christian Ministry 11

II. The Dignity of the Christian Ministry . . . .14

III. Uses and necessity of the Christian Ministry . . .17

IV. The trials and difficulties of the Christian Ministry . . 20 V. The comforts and encouragements of the Christian Ministry 26

VI. The qualifications of the Christian Ministry . . .31 VII. Preparation for the Christian Ministry .... 38

Sect. I. Habits of General Study 39

II. Special Study of the Scriptures .... 55

III. Habits of Special Prayer 63

IV. Employment in the Cure of Souls ... 66

I

The Scriptural warrant and character of Ministerial success ; together with the symptoms of want of success .

The withholding of Divine Influence the main cause of the want of Ministerial success ......

The enmity of the natural heart a main cause of the want of Ministerial success .......

IV. The power of Satan a main hindrance to Ministerial success

TAGS

Local hindrances to Ministerial success .

The want of a Divine call a main cause of failure in the Christian Ministry 88

Part III

CAUSES OF MINISTERIAL INEFFICIENCY CONNECTED WITH OUR PERSONAL CHARACTER

I. Want of entire devotedness of heart to the Christian Ministry

II. Conformity to the world

III. The fear of man .

IV. The want of Christian Self-denial V. The Spirit of covetousness

VI. Neglect of retirement .

VII. The influence of spiritual pride VIII. Absence or defect of personal religion IX. The defect of family religion ; and the want of connection of the Minister's family with his work X. Want of Faith ....

154 161

Part IV The Public Work Of The Christian Ministry . 171

I. The institution and importance of the ordinance of Preach

ing

II. Preparation for the Pulpit Sect. I. Composition of Sermons II. Habits of Meditation III. Special Prayer .

III. The Scriptural mode of preaching the Law

Sect. I. The preaching of the Law — its character — uses — and obligations ....

II. The connection of the Law with the Gospel

172 175 179 190 193 202

203 208

CONTENTS.

CHAP.

IV. The Scriptural preaching of the Gospel .

Sect. I. Doctrinal preaching of the Gospel

II. Experimental preaching of the Gospel

III. . Practical preaching of the Gospel

IV. Applicatory preaching of the Gospel V. Discriminating preaching of the Gospel

VI. Decided preaching of the Gospel V. The mode of Scriptural preaching .

Sect. I. Topical and expository preaching II. Extempore and written Sermons VI. The Spirit of Scriptural preaching Sect. I. In Boldness II. In Wisdom

III. In Plainness

IV. In Fervency V. In Diligence

VI. ■ In Singleness VII. In Love .

PAGK

Part V, The Pastoral Work Of The Christian Ministry 307

I. The Nature and importance of the Pastoral work II. Treatment of cases in the Pastoral work .

Sect. I. The Infidel ....

II. The Ignorant and Careless .

III. The Self-righteous .

IV. The False Professor .

V. Natural and Spiritual Convictions

VI. The Young Christian .

VII. The Backslider ....

VIII. The Unestablished Christian IX. The Confirmed and Consistent Christian

III. The Visitation of the Sick

IV. Pastoral Ministry of the Young

VI CONTENTS.

CHAP. ' PAOB

Sect. I. Catechizing 352

II. The Sunday School — its importance, constitution,

and superintendence ..... 354

III. Infant Schools 365

IV. Weekly Schools 368

V. The Treatment of the Young in a hopeful state of

impression ....... 370

VI. Young Men 373

VII. Practical suggestions on Confirmation . . . 376

V. Sacramental Instruction ...... 390

Sect. I. Baptism 398

II. The Lord's Supper 403

VI. Clerical and Church Communion ..... 408

Sect. I. Clerical Communion ...... 409

II. Church Communion 411

VII. The office and uses of Helpers 422

VIII. Miscellaneous 430

Part VI. Recollections Of The Christian Ministry . 437

APPENDIX . 469

INDEX 483

PREFACE,

The Work now presented to the Public originated in a letter to a beloved friend upon the interesting subject of Ministerial inefficiency ; which, at his desire, and by the disinterested kindness of the Editor of the Christian Observer, was subsequently inserted with a few enlargements in that valuable Miscellany j 1 and an impression taken from thence for private circulation. Several applications having been made for its separate publication, the Writer was induced to reconsider the subject in a more extended range, and to avail himself of the suggestions of friends, until the small pamphlet has gradually swelled into its present extended dimensions.

As to the "Work itself — the Writer desires to be with his brethren "in weakness, and in fear, and much trembling/*' 2 He is aware that his proper situation, both in authority and experience, is at the feet of many, who are thus constrained to listen to him ; and it would be to him a subject of the most painful regret, if he were supposed to advance any pretensions to a standard of zeal, earnestness, or Ministerial attainment, above his brethren. He has not described what he is, but what he ought, and what he trusts he desires to be ; and if, (after the model of the Country Parson) he has ' set the mark as high as he could ;' it is, because ' he shoots higher that threatens the moon, than he that aims at a tree.' 3 He has endeavoured, however, to write in the first instance for himself; and to point every arrow of conviction at his own heart — " Thou that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself ?" 4

The Writer will be found to have dealt rather largely in illustration — not only, as being more suited to his relative situation with his brethren than didactic instruction ; but as exhibiting that sympathy of care and anxiety, which gives to us a peculiar place in each other's remembrance, an interest in each other's prayers, and a witness in each other's hearts. " The same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world.'' 5

i Christian Observer, March, April, 1828. 2 1 Cor. ii. 3.

3 G. Herbert's Preface to ' The Country Parson.' * Ro m . £-21.

5 1 Peter v. 9.

Vlll PREFACE.

The materials for this work have been brought from different departments of the territory of the Church. Though the Writer has had a special regard to the Ministry of the Establishment (to which he is bound by the strongest and most endearing ties, and which occupies in his view the most commanding station in the Church of Christ) ; yet he would be sorry to refuse a cordial admission, and to neglect a diligent improvement of the acknowledged excellences of the honoured men of God in other communions. 1 If he should be thought to have been too large in his references, he can only apologize by his anxiety to shelter his own statements (which in themselves could possess but little weight) by the strength of accredited authority.

After all, he is deeply conscious, that this most responsible work has suffered — perhaps materially — from the unskilfulness of its treatment. He would desire, however, to be " accepted of his brethren,'" 2 in a sincere attempt to subserve the grand cause, to which they, equally with himself, are consecrated ; and he would beg to express his earnest desires to be favoured with private communications for the improvement of a second edition (should it ever be called for) ; for which purpose he subjoins his place of residence at full length.

For his work he has no other wish than that of the Country Parson : 4 The Lord prosper the intention to myself, and others, who may not despise my poor labours ; but add to those points, which I have observed, until the book grows to a complete pastoral.' 3

For himself — he would be animated by the concluding exhortation of an eminent Minister to his Student and Pastor — ' And now go thy way, O thou son greatly beloved ; and work in thy lot lively, and prayerfully, and cheerfully to the end of thy days ; and wait and look for what the glorious Lord will do for thee at the end of thy days ; in those endless joys, wherein thou shalt shine as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever.' 4

i The Christian spirit in one of the dignified advocates of our Establishment is truly admirable, which admitted the Life of Philip Henry (often referred to in these pages) into his collection of Ecclesiastical Biography — with the admission, that any Nonconformist of superior piety would also have found a place in his work. Wordsworth's Ecelesiastical Biography — Preface, p. xviii.

2 Esther x. 3. s p re face to ( The Country Parson.'

4 Conclusion to Mather's ' Student and Pastor.'

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

The Writer has been induced to send out this New Edition in what will probably be considered a more convenient form. Feeling with the eminently learned, and modest Melancthon, that ' to be single-handed is to be weak,' 1 he thankfully acknowledges assistance derived from various sources of substantial profit. Though his work has swelled far beyond its original dimensions, he trusts that it may be a Manual of Ministerial responsibilities, privileges, and encouragements, illustrative of the elevated standard of our Ordination engagements, and stimulating to their more devoted and cheerful exercise. The time allowed him for revision enables him to bring out this Edition with far greater satisfaction to himself than any that have preceded it. He only entreats, that those who gain from it any instruction or interest, will follow it with their prayers, that it may conduce to the grand designs of the Christian Ministry. May the prayer of an old Writer 2 upon this subject be speedily and largely fulfilled, that our ' God would give unto his Church pious and faithful Pastors, and unite us together that we may be One in Him ; praising Him with heart, tongue, and whole life, so that in a blessed immortality freely vouchsafed to us, we may enjoy the presence of the Chief Shepherd, our Mediator Jesus Christ, throughout eternity.'

Old Newton Vicarage,

September 17, 1835.

1 Scott's Continuation of Milner, ii. 180

2 Nic. Hemmingii Pastor. Pref. As his book is little known, the Writer is tempted to transcribe the beautiful dedicatory prayer, in the spirit of which he has endeavoured to conduct his own more extended work — ' Te, principem pastorem, Domine Jesu Christe invoco ; qui solus animam tuam pro ovibus dedisti, ut eas e faucibus lupi, qui est Diabolus, eriperes. Solus oves tuas in ovile tuum humeris tuis portasti. Solus sanguine tuo pretioso lavisti. Spiritu tuo sancto sanas, et pabulo sterna^ vitas pascis. Tibi supplico, ut mihi indignissimo servo tuo adesse tua gratia velis, et ea scribenti suggerere ex fontibus verbi tui digneris, quae ad piam faciant instructionem eorum, quibus oves tuas pascendas commendasti, quibusque nomen quod tibi soli proprium est, communicasti ; nempe ut dicantur . ovium tuarum pastores, tuam solius vocem sonantes, quam solum ut oves tuse agnoscunt ; ita te solum norunt, et sequuntur pastorem. Nam in te uno omnes sinceri pastores unum sunt ; quia una est vox omnium, qua tu aggregas oves tibi, quaque pascis in amamissimis tuis pratis aggregatas, ac fontibus salutis liberalissime potas ac reficis. Ut igitur Ministris tuis, quos pastorum nomine dignaris, optimi vivendi, agendique modum praescribam, tu efficito: et simul da gratiam, ut ipse cum illis juxta disciplinae praescribendae normam, vitam totam peragam; donee, curriculo vitae prsesentis expleto, tibi, qui Episcopus animarum nostrarum es, tradam spiritum quern dedisti. Tibi pastori animarum nostrarum, ac soli Deo cum Patre et Spiritu Sancto, sit benedictio, et gloria, et sapientia 5 et gratiarum actio, honor et virtus, et robur in secula seculorum. Amen. Amen.

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SIXTH EDITION.

The Writer, not willing needlessly to extend the dimensions of his work, has refrained from much enlargement, except in one chapter — (Part v. Chap, v.) where the importance of the subject appeared to call for a more full consideration. This Chapter — for the use of the Purchasers of the former Editions, as well as from a desire to give a more comprehensive view than the limits of this work would admit — he has published in a separate and enlarged form.

Feeling as he does the circumstances of the times, to give a deepened tone of responsibility to our work, he has only to commend to his beloved — specially to his younger brethren — the two Apostolical determinations, as comprising all the principles of Ministerial efficiency:

" We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word." Acts vi. 4.

" I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. " 1 Cor. ii. 2.

Old Newton Vicarage,

THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

Chapter I. The Divine Origin And Institution Op The Christian

MINISTRY.

The Church is the mirror, that reflects the whole effulgence of the Divine character. It is the grand scene, in which the perfections of Jehovah 1 are displayed to the universe. The revelations made to the Church — the successive grand events in her history — and, above all — the manifestation of " the glory of God in the Person of Jesus Christ" — furnish even to the heavenly intelligences fresh subjects of adoring contemplation. 2

The means also employed in the building of the Church are equally illustrative of the wisdom of their great Author. The exhibition of Almighty " strength made perfect in weakness" effectually secures the important end — " that no flesh should glory in his presence." A separate order of men were consecrated to the great work of laying the foundation, and raising the superstructure, of his Church. Twelve only were included in the original institution, with a commission, bounded at first within the scanty extent of " Immanuel's land ;" but afterwards enlarged with a tender of the promised blessing to " every creature." 3 As the work increased upon them, the necessity for a corresponding increase of labourers became apparent. To provide for this exigency, the Great Mediator had delegated the power of his own commission tc

i See Ephes. lit. 10. 2 See 1 Peter i. 12.

3 Matt. x. 1—6; xxviii. 18—20. Mark xvi. 15. Luke xxiv. 47.

his faithful labourers. 1 Thus invested with plenary authority, they " ordained elders in every Church," (who were acknowledged to be " made overseers over the flock" by the appointment of the Holy Ghost" 2 ) and entrusted the power of ordination successively to others, 3 for the continuance of the function — according to the special promise — " unto the end of the world."* Not indeed that tiie Lord has transferred to men his supreme authority ; but he has exercised the right of the master workmen in the choice of his own instruments. And as in fact no instrumentality was needed, his selection of the delegates of his commission, and the representatives of his person, is an act of grace ; exercising our humility in the submission to men of like infirmities with ourselves, and our love in this cementing bond of reciprocal interest. 5 * Thus every step in the way of our salvation hath on it the print of infinite majesty, wisdom, and goodness ; and this among the rest, that men, sinful, weak men, are made subservient in that great work, of bringing Christ and souls to meet ; that by " the foolishness of preaching" (or what appears so to carnal wisdom) the chosen of God are called, and come unto Jesus, and are made wise unto salvation ; and that the life, which is conveyed to them by the word of life in the hands of poor men, is by the same means preserved and advanced.' 6

The Great Head of the Church has ordained three grand repositories of his truth. In the Scriptures he has preserved it by his Providence against all hostile attacks. In the hearts of Christians he has maintained it by the Almighty energy of his Spirit — even under every outward token of general apostacy. 7 And in the Christian Ministry he has deposited " the treasure in earthen vessels" for the edification and enriching of the Church in successive ages.

This sacred office is administered by agents, Divinely-called through the medium of lawful authority, 8 and entrusted with the most responsible and enriching blessing ; 9 rendering the highest possible service to their fellow-men, because that most nearly connected with the glory of the Saviour. In the comprehensive view given of the office (Eph. iv. 7 — 16.) the grandeur of its introduction is shewn to have been prefigured by the glorious descent and ascent of Jehovah upon Mount Sinai. 10 This inestimable gift to the

i See John xx. 21. 2 Acts vi. 1—6 ; xiv. 23 ; xx. 28.

3 2 Tim. ii. 2. Titus i. 5. * Matt, xxviii. 20.

5 See Calvin's Instit. Book iv. c. iii. 1. Compare Leighton's Exposition of Isaiah vi. 8. Works, Vol. ii. 406, 407, Jerment's edition.

6 Leighton on 1 Peter v. 2. ? Compare 1 Kings xix. 18, with Rom. xi. 4, 5. s Gal. i. 1. Acts xiii. 2, 3. 9 1 Tim. i. 11.

10 Compare Psalm lxviii. 7—18, with Ephes. iv. 8 — 10.

DIVINE ORIGIN AND INSTITUTION. 13

Church, in its original grant and institution, belongs to the media torial work of the Son of God, as the purchase of his humiliation, and the immediate result of his investiture with glory. 1 The high pre-eminence of this gift, as well as the efficiency of its operations, appears in its distributive variety of office. 2 The privileges communicated to the Church by its instrumentality, are union with her ^glorious Head, and the communion of the several members with others in their diversified relations, and mutual dependencies. Thus the body "cometh in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man." 3 Each member contributes to the establishment of the system. That tossing instability of profession, which is connected with so much of doctrinal and practical error, is powerfully resisted. Party spirit melts away in the atmosphere of love. 4 The whole body, " growing up into its Head in all things," is enriched by the mutual impartation of the gifts severally distributed to the members, each of whom readily forgets his own proper individuality in a considerate regard to the general interest. 5 How decisively does this entire view of the Christian Ministry mark its Divine original ! And surely it is not easy to conceive of a machine better adapted for the grand purposes which it was intended to subserve — the completion of the Church and the regeneration of the world. Suppose it to be in its full effective operation — how admirably is it framed to make the Church the most important blessing to the world ! What an extensive medium of pouring forth the light and life of the Gospel upon a benighted world ! What a vast and valuable body of moral influence would it spread throughout its widely expanded sphere ! How would its wise and kindly control of " the madness of the people" impose a check even upon the political convulsions of the earth ! And what an unlimited flow of national, social, and individual blessing would be communicated to our own, and to every land through this divinely-appointed channel !

We may remark in this great system of agency, the illustration of the Unity of the Divine will and purposes in the administration of the Church. From each of the Sacred Persons in the Godhead did this holy office originate : " God hath given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation."* Yet was it also, as we have seen, the gift of his exalted Son — promised by him to the Church before his departure from the earth ; 7 communicated as the first act of his glorious power in " filling all things ; 8 and sealed in every instance

i Verses 8—10. 2 Verses 11, 12. 3 Verses 12, 13.

7 Matt, xxvii. 19, 20. 8 p sa i m fc^ ig. with Eph. iv. 10, 11.

by his joint commission. 1 — At the same time is this office emphatically called " the Ministration of the Spirit." 2 It is his authority, that calls to the work 3 — his guidance, that directs in it 4 — and his influence, that supplies the needful furniture of gifts and graces. 5 Thus do the institutions of the Gospel exhibit its deeper and more mysterious doctrines. 6 The three adorable persons are severally and distinctly glorified. The ministry has an equal concern and dependence upon each, and owes equal honour and service to each. Tracing therefore this sacred ordinance to the footstool of the eternal throne, with what prostration of soul should we bind ourselves to its solemn obligations ! " Mine eyes" — saith the Evangelical prophet — " have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts — Here am /" — was his answer to the sacred voice — " send me""*

Nor can we wonder to see " the chiefest of the Apostles" unable to express his overwhelming sense of his responsibility — " Who is sufficient for these things ?" s Who, whether man or angel, " is sufficient" to open " the wisdom of God in a mystery" — to speak what in its full extent is " unspeakable" — to make known that which " passeth knowledge" — to bear the fearful weight of the care of souls ? Who hath skill and strength proportionate ? Who has a mind and temper to direct and sustain so vast a work ? If our Great Master had not himself answered these appalling questions by his promise — " My grace is sufficient for thee ;" 9 and if the experience of faith did not demonstrably prove, that " our sufficiency is of God ;" 10 who, with an enlightened apprehension, could enter upon such an awful service ; or, if entered, continue in it ?

But how solemn is the sanction — infinitely above all human authority — stamped and engraven upon the sacred office ! And how tremendous the guilt of rejecting its commission ! — " He that heareth you, heareth me ; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me • and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me." 11

Chapter II. The Dignity Of The Christian Ministry

The Divine original of the Christian Ministry has already opened a view of its dignity far above any earthly honour or elevation,

1 Gal. i. 1. 2 2 Cor. iii. 9. 3 Acts xiii. 2. * ibid. xvi. 6, 7.

5 1 Cor. xii. 7—11. 6 See Ibid. 4—6. t Isaiah vi. 5—8. 8 2 Cor. ii. 16.

9 Ibid. xii. 9. 10 Ibid. iii. 5. " Luke x. 16.

ITS DIGNITY. 15

and such as the infidel scoff can never degrade. An institution — introduced into the world, and confirmed to the Church, with such solemn preparation — conversant with the interests, and entrusted with the charge, of immortal souls — ordained as the main instrument for the renovation of the world, and the building up of the Church — cannot be of inferior eminence. The office of " fellow-worker with God" 1 would have been no mean honour to have conferred upon the archangel nearest the everlasting throne. It formed the calling, the work, and the delight of the Lord of glory during his last years' of abode upon earth ; and was established by himself as the standing ordinance in his Church, and the medium of the revelation of his will to the end of time. He has not indeed (as the judicious Calvin observed) — l called his ministers into the function of teaching, that, after they have brought the Church under, they may usurp to themselves the government ; but that he may use their faithful diligence to associate the same to himself. This is a great and excellent thing, for men to be set over the Church, that they may represent the person of the Son of God.' 2 The dignity however of the sacred office belongs to a kingdom " not of this world." 3 It is distinguished therefore, not by the passing glitter of this world's vanity, but by eternal results, productive, even in their present influence, of the most solid and enduring happiness. 4 For surely it is < the highest dignity, if not the greatest happiness, that human nature is capable of here in this vale below. to have the soul so far enlightened as to become the mirror, or conduit or conveyor of God's truth to others.'* The chastised apprehension of this high calling, so far from fostering a vain-glorious spirit, has a direct tendency to deepen self-abasement and reverence. For can we help recoiling from so exalted an office — from handling such high and holy things ? What ! We to convey life, who ourselves

1 1 Cor. iii. 9. 2 Cor. vi. 1. This association is evidently that of a Minister with God — and not, we think, (as Doddridge and Macknight have supposed) — of one Minister with another. Comp. Rom. xvi. 3, 9, 21. Phil. ii. 25, iv. 3. Philemon 1 , 24. " Yet all is of God." For this co-operation is " God working in us to will and to do." The strength for the work is imparted — not natural; nor was there any "fellow-worker" in the first principles of strength, or in its subsequent increase. ' Eximium elogium Ministerii, quod, cum per se agere possit Deus, nos homunciones tanquam adj uteres adsciscat. et tanquam organis utatur.' Calvin in 1 Cor, iii. 9.

2 Calvin on John iii. 29. 3 John xviii. 36

4 Burnet beautifully illustrates the honourable designations of the holy office. Pastoral Care, ch. 1. Compare also, Chrysostom De Sacerdotio, book iii. Gregory Nazianzen's Oration, appended usually to Chrysostom, and Bowles' Pastor Evangelicus — 1665. 12mo. Pref. An old writer expatiates upon no less than forty-three Scriptural appellations of its dignity and usefulness. Sal Terras, cap. ii. by T. Hall. 12mo. Francof. 1658. Another writer counts sixty names, more or less applying to " the diversities of operations," in the Ministry. Hottingeri Typus Pastoris Evangelici. l2mo. Basil. 1741. The remark of one of the Reformers carries with it a valuable lesson, — ' De nomine observandum — vocari Ministerium non Magisterium.* Buceri De Vi et Usu S. Min.

5 Mather's Student and Pastor, p. 161.

are dead ! We, so defiled, to administer a service so pure, so purifying- ! " Woe is me" — said one of old, when contrasting this honour with his personal meanness — " for I am undone ; for I am a man of unclean lips." 1 How can we think of this vast commission — this momentous trust, but as an act of most undeserved favour P

But let the remembrance of this sacred dignity give a deeper tone of decision to our ministrations. ' A Pastor' — remarks Bishop Wilson — ' should act with the dignity of a man, who acts by the authority of God' 3 — remembering, that while we speak to men, we speak in God's stead.' And this is the true Scriptural standard of our work — " As we were allowed of God" — said the great Apostle — " to be put in trust with the Gospel," (the highest trust that ever could be reposed in man) " even so we speak ; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." 4 Let it also connect itself with its most responsible obligations — that we disgrace not the dignity — that we live under the constraint — of our high calling — " Ye are the salt of the earth. Let not the salt lose its savour. Ye are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men" — are the impressive exhortations of the Great Master.' 5 " Neglect not" — said the great Apostle — " the gift of God that is in thee : stir it up" 6 by the daily exercises of faith, self-denial, and prayer. Q,uesnel observes — ' What courage, what boldness, what freedom ought the dignity of the Ministry to give a bishop or priest ; not for his own interests, but for those of the Church ; not through pride, but fidelity ; not while he employs carnal means, but while he makes use of the armour of God." 7 ' The moment we permit ourselves to think lightly of the Christian Ministry, our right arm is withered ; nothing but imbecility and relaxation remains.' 8 But let the weight of this dignity be relieved by Evangelical encouragement—The ministration of the Spirit and of righteousness constitutes the chief glory of the evangelical economy. " Therefore," says the Apostle, after an exhibition of its pre-eminent excellency — "seeing we have this Ministry" — so richly endowed, so freely vouchsafed — "as we have received mercy, we faint not?*

A sense of the dignity of our office — accurately formed, carefully maintained, and habitually exercised — is therefore of the highest importance. It elevates the standard of Christian consistency even in the prospective consideration and choice of the work. For what

1 Isa. vi. 5. 2 See Eph. iii. 8. 1 Tim. ii. 12.

3 Sacra Privata. Comp. 2 Cor. v. 20. 4 1 Thess. ii. 4,

5 Matt. v. 13 — 16. See an awakening appeal in the conclusion of Bishop Taylor's first sermon on the Minister's duty in life and doctrine. Works, Vol. vi.

6 1 Tim. iv. 14. 2 Tim. i. 6. 7 On 2 Cor. iii. 8. Comp. Daven. in Col. i. 1. 8 Hall on the Discouragements and Supports of the Ministry, p. 51. 9 2 Cor. iv. 1.