But our doctrine may be sound, and our adherence to it stedfast, and yet the ministerial character incomplete. What then more is requisite? "FAITH 66 AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS." Those dispositions of the heart towards God and man which the mysteries and mercies of Christianity so powerfully inculcate. It is not opinion but principle for which we must entertain a godly jealousy, and we must, therefore, make our faith, and our attachment to sound doctrine, the means of personal holiness. We must illustrate the rectitude and the firmness of our principles by the beautiful agreement of a pious and exemplary conduct; drawing near to God in the constant devotion of the heart-and to man in all the charities of daily life; and thus giving no advan→ tage to the scoffer; occasioning no discouragement to those who by our counsel seek to free themselves from the power of sin; no grief to those who reverence our holy calling; but "by manifestation of the "truth commending ourselves to every man's con"science in the sight of God," and "letting our 'light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in ❝ heaven.”

Such is the spirit of the Apostle's injunction to Timothy. Such, my brethren, is the spirit of the solemn pledge we all of us, at our Ordination, gave

at the altar of God. And how admirably does the constitution of our Church provide those who engage in her pastoral labours, with the means of fulfilling these sacred obligations! They are exempted from the excessive pressure of secular cares, and enabled to devote their chief attention to the objects of their holy calling. They have opportunities and constant need to consult the Scriptures, and to bring all the light of knowledge and experience to the illustration of these Oracles of God. They are provided with a "form of sound words," so that the language of prayer and praise which they employ in their ministrations, brings the whole counsel of God continually before their eyes and their hearts. By the calm uniformity of their sacred occupations they are protected from the delusions to which an unsettled habit of life is exposed, and by their acquaintance with the real feebleness of man's nature, they learn the fatal mistake of those who represent man as sufficient to his own salvation, without the aid of divine grace; and they live under circumstances which will not allow forgetfulness of faith and love. Confined to a limited sphere of ministration, they are, by the constitution of their Church, protected from the temptation to "stretch themselves

beyond their measure," and to substitute the reputation of the mere preacher for the enduring

praise of the faithful pastor: a temptation to which

those are exposed, who are not restrained by such salutary limits; and hence less difficulty may be encountered in cultivating stedfastness of principle, and those affections towards God and man, which are endangered by a mere popular and cursory exercise of the ministerial office. For we must not deceive ourselves-the Gospel is only " a savour unto life" when it becomes a principle of life, and shews itself forth in the habitual conduct of the Christian. It is easy to awaken temporary feelings of devotion, but not so, to turn the heart of the sinner, in unseen but effectual penitence to God-and to induce him to "shew forth his faith in meekness of wisdom." For this a Christian adviser, to whom he may become firmly attached, is wanted: one, who has known his manner of life; who is conversant with his infirmities; who has brought comfort and advice to those who are dear to his heart: one, whom he has learned to reverence for his work's sake, and with whose sacred office the first thoughts of religion were connected in his opening mind. The Parish Priest affords him all this, and from him, as from the patriarch of a united family, the continual influence of repeated and well-applied admonition, and the silent efficacy of example, and sympathy in all the joys and sorrows of life, may be felt by all who will avail themselves of this inestimable means of cultivating pure and undefiled religion.

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How highly then should we reverence the charac ter, and how earnestly should we endeavour to preserve, amidst all the novelties of social life, the simplicity, and the usefulness, of the Christian pastor! In endeavouring to realize to ourselves all that this privileged condition of life may afford, we must meet with many obstacles; and in the present day, they will be found very serious; but we must persevere" through evil report and good report;" we must remember that our labours will not be estitimated by the Lord of the harvest according to their success, but according to their faithfulness, and therefore we must "in the morning sow our seed, and in the evening not withhold our hand,

although we know not which shall prosper." We must not turn away from a holy enterprise because we meet with worldly discouragements; but it is our bounden duty to continue to "hold fast the "faithful word as we have been taught." "In all

things shewing ourselves patterns of good works; "in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sin"cerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, "that he that is of the contrary part may be "ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us." Let us thus labour and God will give the increase. Let us not be wanting to ourselves, and the blessing of God will not be withheld from us.

And let it be your care, my Christian brethren, to whom we are commissioned to preach the word of salvation, to aid us by your affection, your prayers, and your zealous co-operation in all things that may advance the success of the appointed ministry of the Gospel. Thus will TRUTH, and STEDFASTNESS, and faith, and love, be preserved amidst the conflicts and dangers of the world; the harmony of the Christian family on earth will be secured" in the

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unity of the spirit and in the bond of peace," and we shall all appear as "one flock under one shep"herd, Jesus Christ the righteous."

THE END.