Convinced, however, of my own natural failings and infirmities, I requeft my friends to make thofe favourable allowances for me which Chriftian candour requires. I fhall, at the fame time, esteem myself under additional obligations to them, for plainly and affectionately acquainting me with whatever they may perceive amifs in my temper or beheaviour, and joining with me in imploring divine grace, to enable me to fulfil my refolutions of living an exemplary life, and walking worthy the holy profeffion I bear. I wish always to act both in public and private, with a view to that folemn period, when the fecrets of all hearts will be disclosed; when the fincerity or hypocrify of our intentions and defigns will be made manifeft before the affembled world of men and angels, and every one treated according to the motives by which he was actuated, and the good or bad deeds done in the present ftate,

For this purpofe, let me call upon you, my Reverend Fathers and Brethren, and you the People of my Charge, and all you who are prefent as witneffes to this folemn fervice, to pray to God in my behalf, that I may make continual improvement in the knowledge of the facred oracles; experience all neceffary affiftance in the dif charge of the duties of my minifterial and pastoral office; and have virtue and fortitude, amidst every temptation

temptation or oppofition, to preferve my integrity, and maintain the credit of that noble. caufe in which I am engaged. Join your prayers with mine, that I may be faithful to God and Christ, to my own confcience and the fouls of men, and enjoy the pleafing fatisfaction of "feeing the work of the Lord daily profpering in my hands;" that when earthly ordinances fhall ceafe, and the ties of friendship and affection, which unite minifter and people together here below, fhall be diffolved by death, we may together meet around the throne of God; renew our friendly intercourfe; and with one heart engage in the grand and exalted fervices and employments of the heavenly ftate, without wearinefs, without interruption and without end.

You,

You, my Dear Sir, have now made a good confeffion before many witneffes. The fentiments you have delivered, and the refolutions you have expreffed, correfpond to the expectations, which those who know you beft had formed concerning you. They are worthy of the station you occupy, and give you reafon to expect, that your labours. will be accepable, and that the bleffing of God will crown them with fuccefs. To his bleffing we fhall now proceed devoutly to recommend you and the people of your charge: not doubting their cordial concurrence with us on the prefent occafion.

A CHARGE