ministry would be enabled "to labour more abundantly" "in season and out of season," and more efficiently too: for study, learning, and much reading are necessary, so to preach the gospel in large places, where the people are well informed, as not to disgrace Christ, and the christian religion.

But some have urged that St. Paul wrought with his hands at tent making, to minister to his necessities, that he might not be burthensome to the churches.

The poverty and unsettled state of the church might justify the apostle in doing this for a short time, but he contended that it was voluntary, and that his claims were as valid as those of the other apostles.

Many illustrious individuals have frequently imposed upon themselves, indignities or self-denials; humbling them below their state, and privileges, for the sake of encouragement and general example.

So Julius Cæsar would go bare-headed, and on foot, both in the hot sun-shine and in foul weather, before his soldiers to inspirit them.

The only confirmation I shall bring forward on this point, is from Benjamin Keach; who says, the word of God calls "not only for the maintenance of Ministers, but for such a plentiful contribution, as may make them partakers with you in all good things.

1. "The Minister is bound to attend wholly and only upon his calling in the ministry; and not "entangle himself in the affairs of this life" that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; and nothing but real

necessity may admit the contrary; his whole time and strength is little enough to be employed, in the work and service to which he is called. "He must give himself to the ministry of the word and prayer; and "continue in reading and meditation." Thus he is excluded from the means of providing for his own subsistence, and surely it is not meet he should be left to conflict with the thorny cares of a necessitous condition, whilst those to whom he ministers have the means to prevent it.

2. "It is no less the duty of a minister than of other men, to provide for his family, that they may not be exposed to a thousand miseries and temptations when he is no more. I confess, (of all men in the world;) a covetous, raking disposition, worst becomes a minister; but we greatly mistake if we think he must divest himself of the due affection of a husband towards his wife; and a father to his children; or that the fruits thereof, which are justly commended in others should be esteemed a fault in him.

3. "He is under a special charge to "use hospitality" and to be an example of charity and compassionate bounty to the poor, and therefore ought to be provided for, so as to be capable of giving proof of the possession of these graces by exercising them as occasions may offer."

And at the close of this chapter I would remind the church that the field is large, "the harvest great, "the labourers few; "pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth more labourers into his harvest."

And I would recommend to every Pastor to prove his

divine vocation, "by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned" and endeavour to imitate the Apostles in spirit, in zeal, in labours, in character, in conversation, and in conduct and although, he may find many impediments, weaknesses, trials, and conflicts; the promises, supports, and consolations shall be sufficient for him.

To conclude. The work of the "Pastoral Office" is a great work, a solemn work, an awfully momentous and deeply responsible work; which no natural or acquired qualifications alone, can enable any individual successfully to perform. Supernatural and divine aids are requisite ; "our sufficiency is of God." Every pastor must be a subject of Christ's kingdom; a living branch in the true vine; the temple of the Holy Ghost. His head must be anointed with the unction of the Holy One; his heart filled with the constraining love of Christ; and the hands of his arms made strong that he may not run in vain, nor labour in vain; and be clear from the blood of all men.

CHAPTER IV.

THE EXCELLENCY OF THE PASTORAL OFFICE.

"From the infancy of the church to the present hour, preaching has more aroused and engaged the attention of mankind, than every thing else which was not miraculous."-DWIGHT.

EVERY work, ordinance, and institution of God, must be good. This is illustrated and confirmed in the earth, in the elements of nature, and the senses of the human body.

For God to have worked immediately and directly upon the soul of man, and removed his darkness, guilt, and sin, would have superseded both Divine revelation, and human instrumentality. But it would have been incompatible with the nature of man, and with the plan of salvation; so far as it is connected with the testimony of man, and faith in his report.

A ministry of Angels would also be unfit for the work of the "Pastoral Office;" for they could not, without human weaknesses and sympathies, know how to succour and support men, and there would be something unnatural and astounding in such an ordination.

The excellency of the "Pastoral Office" may be seen : In the spirit it breaths. In the materials it employs. In the influence it secures. In the blessings it imparts. And in the glory it promotes.

The appointment of men, therefore, to the "Pastoral Office" "of like passions with" themselves who were once, like others, "in the horrible pit," and in the devil's arms; but who have been awakened and humbled, and have drunk the wormwood and the gall, and have "groaned being burthened with guilt; when the arrows of conviction stuck fast in their conscience, and drank up their spirits; and when Christ's blood has been applied; and peace and joy and love have overflowed their soul, they become (in point of feeling and zeal) the best instruments God can employ to save others.

The constraining love of Christ is the moving soul of all successful ministerial efforts. This is the sap flowing through the living branches; the baptism of fire; the secret of success. This leads them to deny themselves. Self is no longer the governor and reigning influence in the spirit, but the love of Christ now regulates and stimulates all the affections. It constrains them to universal and constant obedience; and implants such tender and deathless sympathy for souls, and such zeal for God's glory, and the extension of Christ's kingdom; that we may it is the first and grand qualification for the "Pastoral Office."

say

The grand question therefore, nay the only one that our Lord put to Peter, was, "lovest thou me;" and then he