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6000115141

a4 ^^-'h

ADDRESS

DBLnrSRBD TO THB

CANDIDATES FOR HOLY ORDERS,

Ilf

THE DIOCESE
OP ■

** Befbre I twcame a Frieitt which I had a deaire to be reiy young» I
had a very great veneration fiir that order. I considered it as honourahley
because its end was the honour of Godjand the reconciliation of Him to
men : as -weighty^ Ixicause the eternal happiness of many was proposed
to be gained by it s as delightftd, because the sulijects of it were leamingj
virtues and piety***— ArodUol Buturagt*

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR C. J. O. & F. RIVINGTON.
ST. Paul's church-tard, and waterloo-flace,

PALL-MALL.

MDCCCXXIX.

TO
TUX MOST RBTXRX3CD

WILLIAM,

LOMtD ARCHMOBOr OF CAHTEMMUMt^

ADDRE88 TO CAXDIDATS8 FOR HOLT OROKES,
,oiioiKALLv norrsD

FOR CIECVLAHOn IN THB AUIHOS^ OW* DIOCnB*
18 INSCRIBED,
WITH BTBRT SDrmiBirT OF ■UrSCT AMD GRATRtniB,
BT HIS GBAQB'i TBBT FARHFOL

AMD AFFBCnOVATB 8BBTABT,

W. H. BARBADOS.

My Christian Brethren,

After the satisfactory examination
which you have respectively passed
before the Archdeacon, your sub-
scription to the Articles of the
Church, and your declaration of
true and undivided allegiance to
the King, it might seem improper
in me to detain you for a moment
fromthose solemn reflections,which
must be now pressingwith so much
weight upon your minds, and from
that secret communion, which you
would hold, with your own hearts,

and with God in prayer, prepara-
Exod. xi. 12. 13. tory to the Service of

Luke vi, 12, 13. , . _

Acts xiii. 2, 3. the ensuing day.

In that Service the duties, the
difficulties, and the awfuhiess of the
ministerial office are exhibited in
the words of Holy Scripture : and
I would take this opportunity of re-
commending in the strongest man-
ner to each of you a stated recur-
rence to this service, at least on
every anniversary of your ordina-
tion, as to a documentary evidence
of promises made by youbefore God
coBTOit " Arch- and your brethren, a
lun^il^toclu^- tpst of past faithful-
r/thd/suK ness, and a guide for

ing the Articles." y^^ |^j^^ COUduct.

Comprehensive, however, and
affecting as this service is, it nei-

ther enters into all the particulars
of a Clergyman's duty, nor touches
on several matters which are highly
important in their effects, though
too familiar to be made the subject
even of a public address : it states,
generally, what a Christian minis-
ter ought to be in spirit and in
practice, but leaves the regulation
of his conduct under peculiar cir-
cumstances of time and place to his
own prudence, aided by the sug-
gestions of his ecclesiastical Supe-
riors. At all times, and in all
places, it is required of the spiri-
tual steward, that he ^* be found
faithfiil ;" yet must he, in the dis-
creet and conciliatory spirit of the
Apostle, strive with the help of
God*s grace, and without any com-

promise of principle to '^ be all

1 Cor. iv. 1-6. things to all men, that

x.'^r'^^' ^^ i^3,y by all means

^"^•^•^7-^*- save some V He that

* '^ As men are to be dealt with after that
manner, as may best serve to reclaim them, I
^hall use all the proper ways I can think of to
bring about that end. In my reproofs I will
humble myself to the lofty and great; be sharp
to the presumptuous ; meek, gentle and full of
entreaty (as there is occasion) to all: and J
hope, that when men see I am purely disinter-
ested from any worldly consideration whatever,
and rebuke them principally to win them to piety
and eternal glory, they will not take it ill, but
close in with my entreaties, and be reformed."
— Parochial Pasturage, by a Presbyter of the
Church of England, in a letter to his friend, 1722.

Let not the reverence of any man cause you
to sin against God : but in the matter of souls,
being well advised, be bold and confident ; but
abate nothing of the honour of God, or the just
measures of your duty to satisfy the importu-
nity of any man whatever, — ^and God will bear
you out. — ^Bp. Taylor's " Advice to his Clergy,**

would succeed in his ministry, must
acquaint himself with the state and
temper of his parish, and be con-
tent to feel his way before he
ventures on any important mea-
sure ; must labour to win the affeC"
tions of his parishioners before he
admonishes them ; must be scrupu-
lously attentive to the discharge of
his own duties, that he may the more
confidently press upon his flock the
performance of theirs : must watch
his opportunity that he may be
heard the more gladly : must jdeld
in trifles that he may carry greater
matters : must neither needlessly
offend the prejudices of his people,
nor unjustifiably encourage them
in their errors : must point out
their faults with tenderness; in-

B 3

struct their ignorance with pati^
^nce ; tend on them in their afflic-
tions ivith affectionate solicitude ;
and ever in his visits among them
shew that interest in their tempos
ra/^ which may enable him to exert
a salutary influence over them in
their spiritual concerns.

The Diocese in which your mi-
nistry will be exercised, is divided
into so many and distant portions,
that in no one Colony can any very
numerous body of Clergy be col-
lected : and even under the most
favorable circumstances, the na^
ture of the climate, the badness of
the roads^ and the want of proper
conveyance will prevent that fre-
quent and unrestrained personal
commiBfication with members ci

ey« add so materially to a Clergy-
man's own comfort^ and by the mu-
tual interchange of pastoral expe-
rieiice> advance the cause 6f reli-
gion among his people. Much
must consequently be. left to your
own discretion^ and you will have
need to pray fervently for God's
Spirit to be with you^ and to con-
sult diligently the Scriptures and
the writings of our most approved
Divines^ and to apply carefully to
the Rubrics and Canons of your
Church, for direction in the dis-
charge of your ministerial duties.

Wherever your station may be,
you can neither expect much so-
ciety, nor conscientiously engage in
it. Your chief acquaintance should

B 4

•

be the flock^ which you arebound to
feed*. A Clergyman can neither
afford the tune nor the expence of
much company. The little which
can be spared out of his annual in-
come^ is . but barely sufficient for
the occasional relief of the poorer
members of his flock, for the in-
crease of his own private library,
and for subscription to those reli-
gious societies in connection with
his Church, which will be found of
such important assistance to him

* '* The peasants of your parish are in many
respects the properest company you can keep.
You will not mingle with their pleasures and
diversions ; but the good pastor will often find
leisure to enter their houses and cottages^ and
see and hear what they are about ; and in this
duty he will find amusement." — Dialogw on
the Amusements of Clergymen,

in his pastoral labours. And with
regard to time, he has not a mo-
ment, which he can call his own.
'' A minister's is an p^^hiaj p„.
*^ herculean labour : his ^'**®*
work ends not but with his life,
in that new objects of his care
continually offer themselves."
Relaxation, indeed, he must have :
but relaxation not for its own sake,
but that he- may return refreshed
and more vigorous to the work,
whereunto he has devoted himself.
I am far, however, from intend-^
ing that you should seclude your-
selves from all society. Cultivate
the acquaintance of individuals re-
spectable for learning or piety ;
daily enter the schools of your
parish, and attach the young to

your persons and ministry ; visit
the dwellings of the poor^ and
search out then: temporal and spi-
ritual necessities. In this, as in
every other branch of ministerial
duty^you>have yoin: pattern in the
aohn^is.^'ords and example of

iy ^40—42. y^^^ divine Master. Let
Aets X. 88. yQijj. cLoors be ever open

to the hungry and naked ; to the
ignorant, who seek instruction ; to
the afflicted who apply for comfort,
and to the awakened sinner who
needs '^ some man to guide him."
Let them be open to the edifying
gravity of the serious, to the inno-
centxbeerfialness of the young, to
the wisdom of the aged, and well-
Tit i. 8. informed: *' be,** as the Apos<*
tie admonishes, ^' a lover of good

men ;" yet hold yourselves on the
watch to benefit every sotd under
yoiu- care. '' I am not Matt. ix. lo— is.
come to call the righteous^ but
smners to repentance.**

By thus mixmg occasionally m
the society of the place where he
dwells, a clergyman may very ma-
terially benefit himself and his peo-
ple. His presence will act as a
restraint, not on rational conver-
sation or sober cheerfiilness, but
on that which should be checked,
the profane oath, the obscene allu-
sion, the scoff of the infidel, and
the riot of the intemperate. If
the conversation be religious, he
will join in the discourse with the
visible satisfaction of a man to
whom the subject is at once dear

and £Euiuliar ; and be ready to re-
move erexy difficulty, corrit every
error, and communica:te liberally
of his own stores, for the edifica^
tion and coinfort of his hearers : if
Col. iv. 6. general, he will yet be on
the watch to give insensibly to it a
religious turn, or at least to draw,
in an easy unobtrusive manner,
some practical inference, which
may be of advantage to them in
the conduct of their after-life *. A

* ** The country Parson, wherever he is,
keeps God's watch ; that is, there is nothing
spoken or done in the company where he is,
but comes under his test and censure : if it be
)irell spoken or done^ he takes occasion to com-
mend and enlarge it ; if ill, he presently lays
hold of it, lest the poison steal into some young
fmd unwary spirit, and possess them, even be-
fore they themselves heed it : but this he doth
discreetly."— flierftcrf* Country Parson,

new4irection will thus be given to
his own thoughts^ and a grateful
relief afforded to his spirits^ when
depressed by the weakness of the
fleshy or agitated by disappoint-*
ment or opposition; whilst from
the passing events around him^ he
will often gather much valuable
information and experience for his
pastoral instructions ; and^ what is
of the utmost importance, he will
have an opportunity of acquiring
a more full andinthnate acquaint-
ance with the dispositions and
pursuits of his flock.

But in order to secm'e to him-
4self his fiill influence in society, a
clergjrman must never forget that
he is a clergyman : he must never
suppose that he can for a moment

lay aside his sacred character. In
his looks, in his dress *, in his con-
versation, I had aknost saidj in
every gesture, must be seen the
Minister of God ; serious without
moroseness, cheerful without le-
vity, kind without weakness, cour-
teous without servility, affable
without familiarity, conversable
without loquacity, sound in speech
without dogmatism : ^' in meek-

2 rim. n. 24, 26. ^^^^s iustructiug those
Rom. lu. 16-18. ^^^ oppose them-

* '' I am not a little solicitous about the
dress of a clergyman, whicli I think a matter
of more consequence than the generality of
people will perhaps allow. I think it an argu-
ment of great lightness in a Clergyman to en-
deavour, as far as he can, to adopt the lay-
habit." — Dialogues on the Amusements of Clergy-
meUu

selves •/* not quick to take offence,
nor over-anxious of personal re-^
spect, but, " as much ■ as in him
lieth, living peaceably with all
men ;" ever ready, as far as may
be consistent with his sacred cali^
ing, to engage in social recreation ;
yet with such a prudent reserve,
that if at that moment called to
perform the most awfiil part of his
ministerial duty, he may feel him-
self, and appear to others, in a
proper state to enter upon it. He
is expressly, as his name denotes,
KXfjpog, the liOrd^s lot : at^iopitrfuvog,
separated off to the Lord. The
importance of character to a cler-
gjnnan can never be too often nor
too strongly enforced. " When
he putteth forth his own sheep/'

1 Tim. iu. 7. saith our Lord to the

i'^m"iv:i2. good shepherd, '^ he

2 Cor. yi ^10, g^gff^ lefofe them^

And the Apostle Paul^ among his
many other admonitions to his
own son in the faith, adds, " Be
thou an example of the beUevers,
in word, in conversation, in cha-
rity, in spirit, in faith, in purity */'

* '' The country Fkrson is exceeding exact
in his life, being holy, just, prudent, tempe-
rate, boldj grave in all his ways." — Herbert.

" Lead your flock by your example, as well
as by your doctrine, and then you may much
better hope that they will foUow you. If the
people observe their ministers to mind nothing
but the world all the week, they wiU not be-
lieve them in earnest, when on the Lord's day
they persuade them against it." — Bishop Stil"
Ungfieet's Rights and Duties of the Parochial
Clergy.

" A minister is obliged to holiness in a
double capacity, both as a Christian, and as a

I am sensible of the difficulties,
with which, from the present state
of our society, a Clergyman, a
young Clergyman more especially,
has to contend. I know how much
judgment is necessary to refiise
without offending, and accept with-
out suffering offence: yet let a
Clergyman make himself respected
for his character, and half his dif-
ficulties are over. None will then
invite and insult hun by impro-
priety of conduct ; or should any

xxunister ; as a minister, his calling obliges liim
to l>e almost perpetually conversant about holy
things, which he profanes if he be not himself
a holy person. He profanes God's holy wor-
ship, his holy word, and his holy sacrament ;
and God will most certainly and severely punish
such profaners of his sacred things/' — Btskiop
SuiPs Charge ** On the Principal Branches of
the Pastoral Office."

be so lost to the common decen-
cies of life, they cannot be sur-
prised at his refiisal to expose
hhnself to a second insult in their
company*.

* '* There is a habit I strongly recommend
my yomiger Brethren to attain early in life,
that is> the habit of soUkde .* to be able com-
fortably to pass a series of days without society.
It will be understood, from what I have before
said, that I by no means advise a seclusion from
the world. Far otherwise : all I recommend to
a young Divine is, that he should so interest
himself in his home employments, that he shall
feel no vacuity, when at times they form his
only engagements. The contrary habit tends
to dissipate all serious thoughts. If, when the
mind grows a little weary, relief is immediately
to be sought in company, and hot in a change
of home occupations, the inclination to these
occupations will gradually diminish, and the
labour as well as the study of the parochial mi-
nister, will dwindle down to the lowest possible
proportion. This habit likewise leads to the

But I pass to the more imme-*
diate duties of the pastoral office.
These are usually divided into a
Clergyman's pubUc and private du-*
ties. The former embrace the
reading of the Prayers, and the
Holy Scriptures in the Congrega-
tion, the preaching of God's word>

most fatal consequences. The situation of most
young men renders it highly improbable they
can constantly find proper society : if, therefoiey
society is deemed indispensable, whither can
such men go, but where the dereliction of their
duty must hurry themselves, and their sanction
and example hurry their companions, into cer-
tain destruction ? Let me advise the young ec*
clesiastic to encourage if he has, and endeavour
to attain if he has not, a propensity to reading ;
by habit he will acquire a fondness for his books,
and this habit will preserve him from the dan-
ger I have just pointed out, and it will be a
source of profit and pleasure to him during hi^
whole life." — Vwrish Priest's Manual,

and the administration of the sa-
craments and other offices of the
Church. The latter, the disci-
plining of the heart by self-exami-
nation^ meditation^ and prayer^ and
the daily acquisition of fresh stores
of sacred knowledge by the study
of the Bible, and the writings of
pious and learned men *. How
much will depend on your faithfiil
performance, imder God, of these
duties ! If no time be given up
to the improvement of your owii
hearts, and to the searching of
God's word, how can you be either
an ensample of holiness to your
flock, or a guide to them in the

• " Prayer without study is presumption:
and study without prayer^ atheismy'^Bishop
Sanderson^

way of truth and life ? p.^,^ i. ,6__2i.
If aU is cold and R^"^- «• n-^s.

barren within, how can your pub-
lic prayers be warmed with devo-
tion, or your sermons rich in the
treasures of heavenly wisdom?
Before Isaiah opened his mouth,
the angel of the Lord, we are told,
touched his lips with a coal from
the altar of God; and from the
same altar, through the , .

\ ^^ Isaiah vi. 6—8.

powerful intercession Mattxiii. 62.

^ 2Tim. ii. 16.

of prayer, must a flame
descend to warm and purify the
heart of every minister of Christ :
and '^ every scribe," saith our di-
vine Master, " which is instructed
into the kingdom of heaven, is
like unto a man that is an house-
holder, which bringeth forth out

of his treasure things new and
old *."

In the service of the day your
manner should . be simple^ grave,
and impressive ; your articulation
clear, your voice audible, your em-
phasis calculated to convey the
sense of every passage ; your read-
ing throughout easy, yet diversi-
fied ; supplicatory in the Prayers,
animated in the Psahns, didactic in
the Scriptures ; not tediously slow,
nor artificially laboured, still less
careless or hurried ; but as Herbert

* As theology is a practical science, so the
knowledge of it thriveth best in a practical
course ; and laying out here, a means of gather'
ing in: and a hearty endeavour to communicate
and do good, is not the smallest help to our
own proficiency. — Baxter's Practical Works,
vol. iv. p. 376.

in his " Country Parson" happily
expresses it, '' with a grave live-'
liness, between fear and zeal,
pausing yet pressing, perform
the duty'* Minister, as in God's
presence, and under the deep oon*-
viction that every, even the slight^
est word, may awaken, or contort,
or instruct a fellow-creature, and
^^ save a soul alive." It was a pious
and just remark, that '^ to read the
Prayers of our Church well, the
mind should be in a posture of
prayer," and the remark is appli-
cable to every other part of the
service *.

* " It becomes me," sajrs Bishop Patrick
to bis clergy, '^ to beseech you constantly to
compose yourselyes with the greatest serious-
ness and reverence and affection, to perform
. divine service in the Church. This will keep

For the pulpit the best prepara-
tion is the cottage of the poor, and
the bed of the sick and dying. He
that is thfis made acquainted, dur-
ing the visitations of the week,
with the faults, the doubts, and the
weaknesses of his people, and with
the trials and afflictions to which

up the majesty of our worships and preserve it
from contempt. For I can see nothing that
should move those that dissent from us to call
it dead and formal, hut only the deadness and
formality that hath appeared too often in him
that officiates. Stir up yourselves, therefore, to
officiate in every part of the divine service with
a hecoming gravity and deliheration ; and yet
with such life and affection, as may express
your concern to have your petitions granted,
and the word of God regarded.*' — Work of the
Ministry, — Bishop Sprat's Discourse to his
Clergy, printed in the ** Clergyman's Instruc-
tor.'' — Archdeacon Balguy's Discourse on the
Duties of a Christian Minister, vol. ii. p. 19. 21*

they are subject, will always speak
to their hearts on the Sabbath *.
From the Bible, as a whole, from
his own experience, from the pass-
mg events within his parish, arid
from those stores of human learn-
ing, with which he will be daily
making himself more and more
famiUar, he will draw the matter
of his discourses ; and God's Holy
Spirit, which works with him, will
not fail through him to work on
his hearers. Let your manner in
the pulpit be dignified, as becom-

* ** We Bee sometbing is wanting to render
public preacbing more useful and. successful ;
and tbis I take to be a personal insigbt into,
and knowledge of tbe bearers, a knowledge of
tbeir tempers and dispositions ; tbeir manner of
life and conversation." — Parochial Pasturage.

eth the ambassadors of Christ;
earnest f for you *' watch for the
souls" of your people, " as they
that must give an account ;" qff^ec^
tionate, for you are the ministers
of Him, who laid down His life for
man. Let the stifle of your ser-
mons be adapted to your congre-
gations; never vulgar nor collo^
quial, but always plain; never
personal, for they are addressed
to a congregation — but always
local*. *' I remember once to

• "

There is a closeness and strength of rea-
soning, which is too elaborate for common im-
derstandings ; and there is an affected fineness
of expression, which by no means becomes the
pulpit ; but it seems to be like stroking th0
consciences of people by feathers dipt in oil.
And there is a way of putting Scripture phrases
together without the sense of them, which

have h6ard it asserted,** (I quote
the words of one, who still lives to
animate, instruct, and warn the
Church by the warmth of his piety,
the vigour of his eloquence, the
depth of his learning, and the ex-

those are most apt to admire, who understand
them the least; but for those who have not
adorned their mind by education, the plainest
way is certainly the best, provided it be not
flat, and dry, and incoherent, or desultory,
going from one thing to another without pur-
suing any particular point home to practice,
and applying it to the consciences of the hear-
ers ; and give me leave to tell you that mere
general discourses have commonly little effect
on the people's minds ; if any thing moves
them, it is particular tqtplicaHon as to such
things, as their consciences are concerned in.'*
— BuAop StiOinsfieet.

"' In the reproof of sins be as particular as
you please, and spare no man's sin, but meddle
with no maxk' a person "-^Bishop Tmflor,

perience of a long life,) '' that no
discourse for one congregation
will exactly suit any other. Par-
ticular circumstances distinguish
almost every congregation, not
only of different, but even of
the same, habits and capacities.
How widely different was the
polite and skilful address of St.
Paul to Agrippa, and his most^
able opening of his sacred com-
*' mission in the heart of Athens !
^' How did both of those differ
from his reproaches of the vo-
luptuous Corinthians, and his
*' keen irony at their depreciation
" of his ministry ! How did all
*' these differ from the abruptness
'* and the cogency with which he
'' combats and remonstrates with.

€(

€€
f<
€C
€(

*' the obstinacy and refractoriness
^^ of the Judaizing Christians !
*^ However unattainable the excel-
'*^lent wisdom and eloquence of
the Apostle, still the same varies
ties of style and maimer are ab-
solutely necessary to the effect
'' of our instruction."

Let the matter oi your dis-
<;ourses be essentially Christian :
let not the Gospel be found in the
text only, but diffiised throughout
the whole sermon. Ground every
precept on faith ; and let all faith
be tried by, and made conducive

to practice. In the ^"^ »• 20, 21.
*^ 26,27.

choice of a text pre- ^^* ▼• ^•
fer such passages of Scripture, as
are plain, and practical, ^.nd easy
to be remembered ; select these as

much as possible^ out of the Epis^
-tie, or Gospel, or Lessons of the
day* ; and take occasion in the
course of your sarmon, to explain
any difficulties of language or mat-
ter which may occur in the Ser-
vice, and be likely to strike your
people, and require explanation;
this will shew an attention to their
wants, and a care in preparing for
the instruction of the Sabbath,
which cannot fail to secure for
you in return an attentive and af-

• The way before us lies

Distinct with signs — ^through which« in fixed

career.
As through a zodiac, mores the ritual year
Of England's Church — stupendous mysteries I
Which, whoso travels in her bosom, eyes
As he approaches them with solemn cheer.

Wordsworth's EcckaiasiUal SkHckes.

fectionate audience. I would sa.y,
compose all your own sermons,
did I not fear, that at the com-*
mencement of your ministry you
will have scarcely leisure or ability
for the composition of two ser-
mons during the week : yet every
week he careful to prepare one
sermon, even if at the first you do
not prea<:h it; for the habit wiU
not only secure an increasing
readiness m composition, but
act directly on the heart by with-
drawing the thoughts and affec-^
tions from the world, and fixing
them for the time on heaven and
heavenly objects. " We are ex-
'* horted," remarks the same excel-
lent Person already quoted, " to
*' divide the word qf truth, which
^' should appear to be a personal

c 4

€€
U
(f
(€
U
<€
(€
t€

act. The act of preaching the
Gospel of Christ is necessarfly
connected with the study of the
Holy Scriptures. In order to
collect^ arrange^ and shape oui^
materials to any effective pur-
pose, we must daily ransack and
explore those holy books. We
shall conscientiously preach the

'' whole of them. We shall keep

" back none of the counsel of God.
— The act of preaching will
(thus) present a perpetual mo-

" tion and incitement to this our
bounden duty and service. It
will impart a marvellous activity

" to our labours and meditations,
But it cannot, I think, be expect-
ed, particularly at a distance
from theological exertion, and

(^ in a separation from learned

** men, that the same motive for
" searching into the treasures of
^' Holy Writ can existin those who
*< deliver the best discourses com-
'^ posed by others, as in those who
*' constantly and zealously divide
^^ the word of truth for them"
'^ selves J*

Always siq)pose your congrega-
tion before you, whilst yoi; are en-
gaged in composition, and you will
wAte Ideally, intelligibly, oxidjeel-
ingly* ; always know that they
are before you, whilst you are
preaching, and you will not merely

* Omnia^ de quibus dicturi erimus^ personse^
quasstionesy apes, metus^ habenda in oculis, in
affectus recipienda. Pectus est enim, quod
disertos fiacit^ et vis mentis. — Quinctilian, lib. x.
cap, vii. •

read^ still less huny throjogh
yoiir sarmon^ but really preach it>
^vith all that varied intonation of
voice^ earnestness of look^ and im-
pressiveness of manner^ which will
at once arrest the attention of the
hearer/ and prove your own sin-
cerity.

Si vis me flere^ dolendum est

mmum ipsi tibi.

Be carefiil not to make your ser-
mons too long, lest you weaken
the effect of what you may have
said well by saying too much.

I would add one other remark.
Place before your people, in the
fullest and most forcible manner,
the great and distinguishing doc*-
trines of the Gospel, but not as if

you were cont]x>vertilig opposite
opinioni^^ or contending with indi-*
vidual sects or persons. Let the
doctrine of the text be clearly
istated ; and its truth proved from
reason and Scripture ; then draw
the practical inference^ and leave
the discoinrse to work its effect on
the hearts of your hearers by the
conclusiveness of your arguments^
the earnestness of your manner^
and the blessing of Almighty God.
The village pulpit is not a place
for controversy, but for instruct
Hon *• And generally I would say,

* '' It is one stratagem of the arcb-enemy of
mankind (and when we know his wiles^ we may
the better be able to detect him,) by busying
men of great and useful parts in by-matters, and
things of lesser consequence to divert them from
following that wwm necessaritan, that which

appear not to know that you have
a dissenter in your parish, but ga
on in the quiet and steady per*-

should be tbe main of aU our endeavours^ the
heating down of Hn, the planting of faith, and
the reformation of manners. Controversies, I
confess, are necessary, the tongues necessary,
histories necessary, philosophy and the arts ne-r
cessary, other knowledge of all sorts necessary
in the Church ; for tndh must be maintained.
Scripture-phrases opened, heresy confuted, the
mouths of adversaries stopped, schisms and no^
veUies suppressed. But when all is done, posi-
tive and practique divinity is it must bring us
to heaven ; that is it must poise o\a judgments,
settle our consciences, direct our Uves, mortify
our corruptions, increase our graces, strengthen
bin: comforts, save our souls. Hoc opus, hoc
studium; there is no stisdy to this, none so
well worth the labour as this, none that can
bring so voxxs^ profit to others, nor therefore so
much glmy to God, nor therefore so much
comfort to our own hearts as this." — Bishop
Sanderson's Third Sermon, ad Ckrvm, p. 57*

formance of youi' own pastoral du-
ties, interfering with none, ready
at the call of all, and after the
Apostolic admonition, " speaking
** the truth in love!* Eph.iv.i».
Prove your attachment to your
own Church, and your conviction
of the superiority of her doctrines
and dicipline, not hy inveighing
against other Churches, but by a
more strict conformity with the
Rubrics of your own, by a more
grave, affecting, and becoming ad-
ministration of her offices, and by
a more unwearied attention to the
spiritual wants of all her members.
The best, and I had almost said
from the frequent abuse of every
other, the only Christian weapon
against dissent and dissenters is

a 'minister's own faithAilness. I
mean not to disparage the many
able and excellent treatises which
have been written in defence of
our Church; but these are the
arms of the learned and more ex*
perienced; fidehty in our calling
is within the reach of all. Where
religious differences unhappily pre-
vail^ be careful to separate the man
from his opinions, lest you forget

erring, brother, and be betrayed
into a breach of charity ; in public
discourse abstain from directly
attacking an opinion as Ms, lest
you appear to be contending ra-
ther for victory over the man,
than for advancing the truth, as it
is in Jesus. Be to your flock the

Biild, the simple^ aad the humble
teacher ; not the subtle^ acrimoni*
ous, and self-opimoned disputant.
Preach not yourselves, but Christ
Jesus the Lord; and your- scor-ms.
selves the servants of your flock for
Jesus 'S sake. As love is a nobler
principle than fear, prefer to win
men to their duty rather by the
sweet mercies of the Gospel^ than
by its threatenings ; ^ ^^ ^ ^^^
yetknowing^'theter- |%"Sii!V»27-2t

rOrS of the Lord/' and ConsultB^hop Tay-
lor's ** Rules and

the inflence of fear Advices concerning

Preaching," in the

cm the neart ot man^ clergyman's in-

- structor. — Bp. At-

by terror also " per- terbury'* charge.

T „^^ T> • Works, vol. ii.263-5.

^'suademen, "Uem- — Archdn. sharp's

^, M J. • ^ -,i. ** Three Discourses

<" Stant m season, out on Preaching," and

«<rf season," at aU ^'5:rE».^
Aiines,inaU places, to S:^^.^^^:^
•.dlpersoi]is."Conten<i ^ ^y-

earnestly for the faith once deliver*

*ed to the SaintS^'-^lirayeovi^icaOa^ is

the expressive word employed by
the Apostle. Strive rather to pre^
vent the growth of error, than wait
till it has taken root. Preventives
are ever better than remedies. Let
education do its work, and there
will be httle room for the adver-
Matt. xiiL 2(^. sary to sow his tares.

In administering the offices ,pf
the Church consult carefully the
Rubric, that every thing may be
1 Cor. xiv. 40. douc '^ deccutly and in
order;*' and remember that, as
in these offices a Clergjnnan is
brought into closer contact with
the individuals of his flock, so
must his care in the administra-
tion of them be the greater, that
there be nothing in his manner

to offend^ or weaken those religious
impressions which the occasionii
are so fitted to make. I allude more
especially to the offices for Baptism^
for the Burial of theDead^ and for
the Visitation of the Sick.

This last office is perhaps the
most difficult part of a clergjonan's
duty*. To be performed well,
there is need of much presence of
mind, and knowledge of the human
heart ; much quickness in detect-

* The visitation of the sick is an office that
certainly carries in it not only the most grate-
ful performances to the nature of mankind^ but
the most suitable to the dispensation of the
Gospel, and Him that preached it. All the
highest acts of compassion are contained in it ;
for if we take it in its just kditude, it has re-
gard to the sick in mind, as well as body, to
those that are destitute or distressed any way.
— Bishop Compton's Episcopalia,

ang its hidden £a£img&, much art
in convicting without irritating the
sick person; much judgment in
imnting out, and tenderness in
applying the remedy; much power
of reasonings much happiness of
^luddation^ and above all^ a fami-
liarity with Holy Writ. One pas-^
sage of Scripture, plain and to the
point, is of more value to a dying
man than the strongest deductions
of mere unassisted reason. At the
end of the Clergyman's Instructor,
(abook which you should have con-
stantly in your hands, from the va-
luable treatises, which it contains,
on the Pastoral Office,) there is a
tract on Visiting the Sick, which
should be carefully studied ; and I
would recommend you not to use

.the whole Office^ as given in the
Prayer Book at one visit, (unless
Where the case is very urgent,)
ll>ut to divide it into three or four
parts, which will suggest themr-
selves on your referring to the ser-
vice ; only taking care to begin and
end every visit with the opening
and concluding versicles, prayers,
and blessing. As the office is ne*
cassarily general, you will lose no
tinje in providing yourselves with
prayers for particular occasions out
of the many excellent collections
which have been pubhshed ; and I
would suggest your having the mi^
nistration of Private Baptism of
Children in Houses, and the Order
for the Visitation of the Sick bound
together in a portable size, with

suitable devotions^ and passages
of Scripture, forming at once a
summary of Christian doctrine and
precept, and a running commen-
tary on the Creed, the Ten Com-
mandments, the Lord's Prayer,
.and the Sacraments — so arranged
in opposite colmnns, that the eye
may easily rest on them as you
are conversing with the sick per-
son. Where a prayer has been
found particularly to affect him, or
contains a petition for some grace,
of which, though as yet imcon-
vinced himself, he stands in great
need, it will be desirable to leave
a written copy for his own perusal,
or to be read to him by his fiiends
or attendants. Appropriate por-
tions of Scripture should also be

pointed out ; and often a book or
tract left in his hands^ which may
serve to keep up during your, ab-
sence, and perfect, under God's
blessing, his conviction of those
truths, which you have been en-
deavouring to impress upon him.
Wait not to be sent for to the
sick-room, but be often the first to
offer your services ; and delay riot
an instant when you are summon-
ed. Let your first visit be short,
rather to familiarize the sick per-
son with your voice and manner,:
and break through the restraint of
a first interview. Never make
your visits too long, lest you weary
and exhaust the patient ; speak
low, and in your natural tone of.
voice : be always serious and ear-

nest, but never tremulous, and
agitated yourself, lest you agitate
him. Approach his bed without
fear ; yet if the complaint be of an
infectious nature, be careful not to
inhale the breiith of the sick per-
son, nor omit those simple, but
well-known precautions, which the
fullest trust in God's gracious Pro-
vidence, not only justifies, but de-
mands from us. Forget not, whilst
addressing the sick person, that
there are others in the room, who
are but too much disposed to ap-
ply to themselves, and often on
insufficient grounds, every encou-
ragement which you are holding
out to the dejected and alarmed
sinner, and thus pervert the ten*
der mercies of God into an argu-

ment for their own continuance in
ill doing. Quench not in the dy-
ing penitent the embers of hope ;
kindle not in the living the fire of
presumption ♦.

• tt

I have experienced that nothing endears a
minister more to his people than his care and
wiUingness to visit and comfort thti sick. There-
fore I have resolved to he very diligent and la-
horions in this duty. I have ventured my life
before now on this occasion^ and I am ready te
do it again^ if called thereto. Travelling som*
miles in a dark rainy night over craggy hilk,
through by-ways and among many deep and
uncovered mines (which threatened destruction
both to man and beast,) did not deter me firom.
visiting a poor man dying a violent death by a
sadden and lamentable accident, nor shall the
greatest danger, I trust, deter me, where I have
any hope of doing good to men's imtnoortal
souls." — Pmroehial Pasturage.

'* There are persons in every parish besides
the absolutely sick that call for the attention
of the pastor ; I mean those, who, though not

I come lastly to the duty, on the
part of every Pastor, of superin-
tending the daily and Sunday-
schools in his Parish, and of cate-
chising, agreeably to the Rubric
and Canons, and ancient customs

under the influence of disease, yet from age or
infirmity are unable to attend the public service
of the Church. To these the Church should
in some measure be carried. The parochial
minister should as often as the extent and po-
pulation of his parish will admit, visit them,
read some of the prayers of the Liturgy to
them, and discourse with them upon religious
subjects. He will always find they receive com-
fort from these visits, and generally advan-
tage. Their minds will be kept in a proper
frame for that change, to which they are ap-.
proaching ; and they will by this means be kept
not only in righteousness, but most probably in
the unity of the Church."— Pom* Priesfs
ManucU.-^Bishop FleetwootPs Primary Charge,
1710.

of his Church, the ignorant of all

ages and descriptions *.
^' Pastors and Schools/* said the

great German Reformer, '* are

" councils ; small indeed, but per-
petual and usefiil : they have a
precious office and work, and are
the very jewels of the Church. I

*' would that no one were chosen a

'' preacher, who had not prepared
himself for it by an attendance
on schools, for in teaching chil-
dren, we learn how to teach
men.'- We do more ; we are

preparing the fiiture man to profit

* ^* Preacliiiig without catechising will not
be fiujfficient. For if people be not well in-
structed in the necessary principles of religion
when they are young, they will hardly attain
to any sound knowledge when they are old."
Bishop BuM.

€i
f(

€C

by our public instructions : every
hour^ which a minister spends in.
the parochial school^ is a day gain-
ed for his after-ministry. We are
besides improving ourselves *• A
minister cannot devote a portion of
each day to the instruction of the
child in the deep and practical
truths of religion without feeling
himself Yfhsi he is teachings and
having to exercise much selfnlenial
and himuhty^ much patience, and
tenderness, much, in a word, of
that necessary qualification for the
fulfilment of the ministry, which

* Ctyus giEtii tandon vivimus nos senes,
qnkm quod tenene «tatis homines cureinii8«
edncemufi, instituaiiitts ? Atqae baud scio, ni^un
quioquam perinde doceat senem^ ac earando-
rom liberorum ratio. — MarUmi Lutheri LibeUus
de IttStit. Pueris. p. 440.

the great Apostle has 2Tiio.u.2i.
expressed in the term SiSaicrifcov *•
The parochial school should be
among the most cherished objects
of ministerial care. The benefit
derived firom the school is incalcu*

* Ego verb, ut de meipso dicam scilicet, ta-
metsi Doctor ac pnedicator sam, turn minori*
ut opinor, ciim dootrinft turn ezperienti& pne-
ditus, qukm ii qui tanta de se prsesumunt, et ad
tantam securitatem perveuerunt, haudquaquaxn
tamen imitari me pueros pudet, sed quexnad-
modum illofl Catechismum docemus, ita et ego
man^, aut quandocumque vacui aliquid tern-
poris datur, ipsam orationem Dominicam, de-
cern pnecepta, articulos fidei, Psalmos aliquot
&C. mecum ipse quasi ad Terbum recito. Et
quanquam adhuc quotidi^ lectionibus et studiis
vaco, attameu ne sic quidem possum pervenire
qu6 cupio, aut prsBstaxe que volo. Ita fit ut
puerum ac discipulum Catedusmi etiam bodi^
me profiteri necesse habeam, profiteorque li«
benter.— JIf. lAUheri Pr€tf. CatecUm, MdJ.
torn. y. p. 645.

lable. From the child it is reflected
on the parent : from the parent it
diffuses itself through the neigh-
bourhood. The child looks up to
the Pastor : the parent loves the
Pastor for his care of the child-
There is a kindly feeling at work
in every part, and the Pastor moves
through his parish, the friend and
the father of his flock *.

* *' As to the youths there shall not one be
neglected, but all that wiU, one way or other,
shall be taught to read. For I beseech you, is
it probable Christians should either know or
practise their duty well, who are ignorant of
all letters?" It is possible indeed, because
^very thing is so to the inspiring grace of God.
But otherwise, and ordinarily speaking, they
.must needs be in a very sad and deplorable
case, who cannot go to those well-springs of
heavenly life and knowledge, as oft as they
want, are weak, or thiisty, and be refreshed.

Still the labours of the week axe
but preparatory to the more strictly
religious instruction of the Sab-
bath. The daily and Sunday
schools should always exist toge-

Besides, God's word is so very necessaryj
whereby to get a stock of spiritual ideas, lan-«
guage, and desires — ^whereby to improve in tba
divine duties of prayer and meditation — where-
by to know the will, the providence and love
of God, — ^whereby to learn exactly the threats
to deter our disobedience, and gracious pro-
mises to provok6 our obedience'— wherein ta
read the very words of our dear Saviour, the
Lord Jesus, and his amazing tenderness to our
weak natures, — ^wherewith to comfort us in our
hours of affliction, and moderate our passions
in those of prosperity, with innumerable other
such religious privileges — ^that I cannot but
think it my duty to endeavour to the utmost
of my power that every soul imder my care,
may have the privilege of consulting it, and
making the proper use of it, which they ought.
Parochial Fastwrage.

ther. The latter takes up and
perfects the work of the former,
lii the Sunday school should be
found the old, who have never
been instructed ; the young, who
have lately left the daily school ;
Smd the children, who yet attend
it; the old—- that they may be
able to read for themselves the
charter of their salvation ; the
yoxmg — that they may retain what
they have learnt, and be prepared,
under the eye of the minister, for
the seasonable and Apostolic rite
of confirmation : and the still
younger — that they may be encou-
raged to emulate their elders, and
be more attentive to the instruc*
tions of the week, A Stmday
school well conducted, especially

if in some open space within the
Church, will often draw thither
many a parent and neighbour, and
the mouth of the child, the friend,
^uxd the dependent be made an af-
fecting vehicle of religious truth.
Then are the questions and expla-
nations of the minister of the high^
est value ; and often will the hum-
ble stool of the catechist, as the
pastor thus sits amid his flock, be
more effectual to touch the hearts
of his people, than the throne of
the preacher *•

* Ecce Catechistes humili sermone tenelli
Os balbum format pueris animosque, docetque
Et sapere et fan. Sacro de codice sumpta
Dogmata proponens, digitoque notante sequaces
Attrahit inculcans oculos ; stat parvula pubes
Ezpectans monitus, pendetque docentia ab ore«
Praescriptas iterans voces et non sua verba :

D 4

In the discharge of these your
several duties I am sensible that a
West Indian diocese presents its
peculiar difficulties ; but I know of
none, which will not yield, under
God's blessing, to a holy and dis-
•creet zeal. Shew yourselves ready
to spend, and be spent for your
flock. Live amongst them, and
John X. 14. for them *• Be much and

Dvlces blanda sonos inhianti devorat ore,
£t mirans docili matertera plaudit alumno.
! quantum est tenerse pietatis semina menti
Indere, Christiadumque fututam condere gen-
tem!

Burton's Sacerdos panBcialis Rusticus,

* i€

He that is a stranger to his flock> and
only visits them now and then, can never be
said to watch over them,'* — " They have very
mean thoughts of their holy function, that think
the main part of it lies only in the pulpit — ^I

often in prayer to God for them

wish even tliat were minded more — but all the
ways you can do good among your people are
within the compass of your duty i not merely
to instruct them in religion^ but to prevent
quarrels, and contentions, and meetings for de-
bauchery, which tend to corrupt men's minds,
and draw them off from the principles as weQ
as practice of true religion. It is your duty to
make them live like good GhristianB, and good
neighbours, and to set patterns yourselves of
sobriety, meekness, charity, and of every thing
praiseworthy." — Bishop StiUingfle^.

" A clergyman's parish is, in some sort, his
house and home ; there is his business^ there
his family; there all his time, his care, his
pains and diligence should be expended : and I
call every man's heart to witness, whether, the
more months he lives in his parish, the more
duty he performs in it, the more care he takes
of it, he does not think himself the more ap-
proved of God and of all good men, and of his
own conscience, and does not think he shall
give a more joyful accoimt of his charge in the
day of judgment." — Bishop Fleetwood,

and for yourselves •• " One hum-
ble, and private prayer to God to
assist your eflforts in His service,
and in the furtherance of His Son's
Gospel, will do more,* it has been
forcibly remarked, '' in influenc
ing the hearts and affections of
your flocks than all the treasures
of human wisdom, and all the
powers of human eloquence with-

* " Content not yourselves with reading
prayers at Churchy but take care also that there
be daily prayers in your families, at least morn-
ing and evening ; and some time every day re-
tire to your studies, and there upon your bend-
ed knees, earnestly beseech Almighty God to
have mercy on you, to direct and assist you in
your studies, and to give you good success in
your labours. Pray for the souls of the people
committed to your charge ; pray for your own
souls, that vilwle you preach to others, you yout'
tdoes may not be taH^anoays,** -^Bishop Bulh

out itr The great Apostle, when
he was wedk,io\aMi \vax\&QM strong.;
he spake and wrote and taught
not by hiunan aid, but by the
grace given unto him. Respect
every constituted authority, and
respect your vows to Christ
*' Render unto Caesar Matt.xxa.21.
the thuigs that are Caesar's ; and
unto God the things that are
God's/' Every soul is God's pro-
perty ; every soul in your parish
inust be your care. The soul of
the master, and the soul of the
slave, will equally be required at
your hands*. ^' Meditate then

* " 'E^ dvSfuirog vavrag C^rct. Ati'Xac coi
daXac fi4 vircpii^aVci. aXXd /ifiH aitrol ^v<rc8(r-
Okurav, d\K' tic ^o^av OtS ttXcTov SsKevsruttrav, cva
Kpeirrovoe HKBvOtpiaQ H/xueiv iirb Oti^-^Sti,

upon these things* Give thyself
wholly to them, that thy profiting
may appear to all« Take heed
unto thyself and unto i Tim. w. 15, i«.
the doctrine; continue in them^
for in doing this, thou shalt both
save thyself, and those that hear
thee."

Ignatii Epist ad Foh/carpum, — Cotelerii Pair.
Jpost, torn. ii. p. 91-

APPENDIX.

FOR THE USE OF THE:CLERGY.
(From Jffek's Devotions.)

DEVOTIONS OF THE CLERGY:

consisting — of passages of Scripture re-
lating to the duties of the ministerial
futictions, and exciting and disposing to
a conscientious attendance thereon ;*-
and of prayers suited to the particular
exigencies of those /who h«^ve the care
of souls.

The duties of the Clergy, as set forth
in the Holy Scriptures, are,

1. to have the heart affided with an

ardent love of Christ, and a zealous con-
cemfor the salvation of souls.

John xxi. 15 — 17.

2 Tim. iv. 2.

1 Cor. ix. 16—23.

1 Thess. ii. 1.

— _ 3_5.

— — 8.

_ _ 10—12.

2 Cor. xii. 14.

— — 16.

2. to apply seriously and constantly to
the study of the Holy Scriptures: and to
teach nothing, as required of necessity to
eternal salvation, but what may be con-
cluded and proved by them.

1 Cor. ii. 1 — 6.

— ui. 6.
8—15.

2 Tim. iii. 14—17.

2 Tim. i. 8.

— ^ 13, 14,
1 Tim. vi. 3—6.

— — 20.
Titus ii. 1.
Titus il 7, 8.
1 Tim. iv. 13.

— — 16, 16.

8. to give diligent heed to instruct the
people committed to their charge in the
principles and duties of Christ's holy reli-
gion.

1 Cor. iv. 1, 2.
1 Pet. iv. 10,11.
Eph. iv. 7.

— 11—13.
Col. i. 28.
Rom. xii. 6 — 8.
Tit. i. 9.

11.

— ii. 13.

Tit. ii. 1.
-^ 15.
Ezek. ii. 6, 7.
2 Tim. iL 1.

— —3.

— —15.

_ _22— 25.

4. to live suitably to the sacredness of
their character ^ that they may he whole--
some patterns to the flock of Christ.

1 Tim. iv. 12.
Matt. V. 13—16.
Rom. ii. 17—22.
Luke vi. 39—42.

The considerations proper to excite
and dispose us to conscientious attend-
ance on the duties of the Ministry, are,

1. the example of onr Lord Jestts
Christ, the great Shepherd and Bishop of
our souls.

Matt. ix. 35—38.
_ _ 10_i3.

— xiul7— 20.

— xviii. 11.
Johnx. 11.

— 14, 16.

— XV. 13—20.

— xvii. 1.

— 4.

— 6.
John xvii. 8.

^ 11—16.

— . 17—26.
Heb. iii. 1, 2.

2. the examples of the holy Apostles,

Acts XX. 17 — 36.
2 Cor. vi. 1.

— — 3—10.
2 Cor. ii. 14—17.

— iv. 1,2.
-, — &— 11.

2 Cor. xi. 21—31*
Phil. iii. 17.
Heb. xiii. 7.

3. the great reward promised to those
who discharge the pastoral duties faith-
fully.

1 Pet. V. 1—4.

2 Tim. iv. 6—8.
Dan. xii. 2, 3.
Luke xii. 42—44.
Matt. xix. 28.

4. the severe punishments that mil be
inflicted on them, that are negligent or
remiss in any part of their office.

Luke xii. 45 — 48.
Ezek. xxxiii. 7 — 9.
Mai. ii. 1 — 9.
Jer. X. 19—81.
Mic. iii. lU 12.

Ezek. xxxiv. 2 — ^4.

— — 7.

— — 10.
Zech. xi. 17.
Jer. xxiii. \, 2.

— — 11,12.

— — 15.
Jer. xxiii. 30.

— — 39.

_ _ 39,40.

God be merciful to me a sinner !
Our Father, which art in heaven, 8fc,

Prayer^for tlie faithful and siuxessful
discharge of the duties of the ministry.

Almighty God, the giver of every
good gift, who hast appointed divers
Orders of Ministers in Thy Church,
mercifully look upon me, Thy most un«

worthy senrant, whom of Thy divine
providence Thou hast called to the holy
oflSice of (Priest or Deacon) ; and vouch-
safe me, I beseech Thee, all those gifts
and graces of Thy Holy Spirit, which
may enable me to perform the duties of
my important calling, and to discharge
aright the great trust committed to me
in it.

Give me, O Lord, the spirit of know-
ledge and understanding, that I may be
apt to teach, and skilful to direct and
bring up all those who are under my care,
in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord; give me the spirit of wisdom and
counsel, that I may instruct with meek-
ness, admonish with prudence, rebuke
with authority, and minister suita'ble
assistance to their several necessities. .

Lord, make me diligent and indus-
trious, in all parts of my sacred func*
tion, that I may give attendance to
reading, to exhortation, to doctrine;

that I may meditate on these things,
and give myadf whollj to tbem. Pos*
seas my mind with a just and tender
regard for those precioas souls commit-
ted to my charge, that I may watch
over them with a faithful and true
heart, as one that must ive an account :
that I may do it with joy, and not with
grief.

And because the form of knowledge
and godliness, without the povi^r will
neither be profitable to me, nor to those
that hear me, grant me Thy grace, that
I may take heed to myself, as well as to
my instructions, that, while I teach
others, I myself may not be cast away ;
but may shew myself, in all things, a
pattern of good works, an example to my
flock in word, in conversation, in cha«
rity, in spirit, in faith, in purity : that
my profit may appear unto all for their
edification.

Neither pray I for myself alone, but

for those also over whom Thou hast
been pleased to appoint me Thy minis-
ter : sanctify them. Holy Father, with
Thy truth, and preserve them in it ; that
not one of them may be lost in the day
of the Lord Jesus : make them of quick
understanding in the fear. of the Lord,
which is the beginning of wisdom, that
they may first seek Thy kingdom, and
the righteousness thereof ; and put Thy
laws, I beseech Thee, into their minds«
and write them in their hearts, that they
may all know Thee, from the least to
the greatest, and daily improve in this
saving knowledge. Give them a ready
apprehension, and a ready memory, that
they may receive and keep all profitable
instruction ; and a diligent and teach-
able disposition, that they may observe
and practise them.

O Lord, bless and prosper our joint
endeavours: and grant that after an
honest and faithful discharge of our

respective duties, in that state of life
which Thou hast appointed for us, we
may receive the end of our faith, even
the salvation of our souls ; through the
merits and mediation of Thy blessed
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving for the benefits of the
Christian Ministry ; and prayer, that I
and all others^ who are admitted into Holy
Orders, may fulfil the solemn promises we
made at our ordination.

Almighty Ood and heavenly Father,
who of Thine infinite love and goodness
towards us, hast given Thine only and
beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our Re-
deemer, and the author of everlasting
life; who, after he had made perfect
our redemption by his death, and was
ascended into Heaven, poured down his

gifts abundantly upon men, making
some apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to the edifying and making perfect His
Church ; for these so great benefits of
Thine eternal goodness, and for that
Thou hast vouchsafed to call me, Thy
most unworthy servant, to the same
office and ministry appointed for the sal-
vation of mankind, I render unto Thee
most hearty thanks ; I praise and wor-
ship Thee ; and I humbly beseech Thee
by the same Thy blessed Son to grant
unto me, and all others the Pastors of
Thy Church, that we may continue to
shew ourselves thankful to Thee for
these and all other Thy benefits: and
that we may daily increase, and go for*
ward in the knowledge and faith of
Thee, and Thy Son, by Thy Holy Spirit ;
so that as well by us Thy Ministers, as
by those over whom Thou bast ap-
pointed us Thy Ministers, Thy holy

name may be for ever glorified, and Thy
blessed kingdom enlarged, through the
same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord»

To this end grant, I beseech Thee,
that I and all others who minister in
holy things, may be mindful of the dig-
nity of our office, and of the many great
and solemn engagements we brought
ourselves under when we were admitted
unto it.

Grant, that we may always have im*
printed in our remembrance, how great
a treasure is committed to our chaise ;
that the church and congregation whom
we serve, is no less than the spouse and
body of Christ; His sheep whom He
purchased with His death, and for whom
He shed His blood.

Grant, that duly considering the vast
importance of this our trust, we may
jgive faithful diligence, always so to
minister the doctrine, and sacraments,

and discipline of Christ, as the Lord
hath commanded ; and may teach the
people committed to our care with all
diligence to keep and observe the same.
Grant, that we may be ready, with
all faithful diligence, to banish and
drive away all erroneous and strange
doctrines contrary to Thy word ; and to
use both public and private monitions
and exhortations, as well to the sick as
to the whole within our cure, as need
shall require^ and as occasion shall be
given.

Grant, that we may be diligent in
prayer, and in reading the Holy Scrip-
tures, and in such studies as help to the
knowledge of the same ; laying aside
the study of the world and the flesh.

Grant, that we may be diligent to
frame and fashion purselves and our
families according to the doctrine of
Christ ; and to make both ourselves and

them, as much as in us lies, wholesome
examples, and patterns to the flock of
Christ.

Grants that we may maintain and set
forward, as much as lieth in us, quiet-
ness, peace, and love among all Chris-
tian people ; and especially among them,
that are committed to our charge*

Grant, that we may reverently obey
our ordinary, and other chief ministers,
unto whom are committed the charge
and government over us; following
with a glad mind and will their godly
admonitions, and submitting ourselves
to their godly judgments.

Finally, grant that both we and the
people committed to our care may so
faithfully discharge our respective du-
ties, that we may continue sound mem-
bers of Thy Church militant here on
earth ; and may live eternally in the
society of the Church triumphant in

heaven, singing praises and hallelujahs
to the ever blessed and glorious Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three
persons in one God. Amen,

THE END.

Printed by R. Gilbert, St. John's Square, London.

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