may teach the people of our cure and charge with all fidelity to keep and observe the same. We must be ready with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's word; and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick, as the whole within our cure. To be diligent in prayers and in reading the holy Scriptures, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh; and also in framing and fashioning our own selves and our families according to the doctrine of CHRIST, that they, as well as we, as much as lieth in us may become wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of CHRIST." O, how much,-how very much,-do we need the heavenly grace and blessing of our most merciful FATHER and GOD, that we may be clothed with righteousness; and that His word, spoken by our mouths, may have such success that it may never be spoken in vain; and that in all our words and deeds we may seek his glory and the increase of his kingdom through JESUS CHRIST Our Lord. My Reverend Brethren,* about to be admitted to the order of priesthood, and the respected person about to be ordained deacon,† these thoughts should come home to your hearts on the present occasion with fearful solemnity. The transaction of this day, in which you are to renew the vow that binds you to the service of your GoD and Saviour; and in which, at the sacred altar, you are to assume higher responsibilities corresponding with the "good degree" which is to be secured to you, will materially affect your interests in eternity. According as you are found faithful, it will seal you very high exaltation in the kingdom above; or, dread alternative! become the means of your everlasting condemnation. How much does it behoove you, therefore, to give all diligence in "following after righteousness, godliness, faith, charity, and peace." For "the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all * The Rev. Thomas Meachem and the Rev. Thomas Clark. + David Griffiths. 1 Tim. iii. 13. men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves."* "War, therefore, a good warfare, hold ing faith and a good conscience;"t" enduring hardness as a 66 "Neglect not§ the truth good soldier of JESUS CHRIST." committed to you." Study to show yourselves approved unto God; workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."|| You are to "meditate" in the sacred Scriptures, to "give yourselves wholly" to the work of the ministry, "that your profiting may appear unto all men;"--to "take heed unto yourselves and unto your doctrine, continuing in them, for in so doing you shall both save yourselves and them that hear you."¶ "I charge you, therefore, before GoD and the Lord JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom :-preach the word, be instant, in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine :"** that at the end of your conflict, having "fought a good fight, finished your course, and kept the faith, there may be laid up for you a crown of righteousness which the LORD, the righteous Judge, shall give you at that day; and not to you only, but unto all them that love his appearing.”†† My Brethren of the Clergy and the Laity, let us all unite with one heart to advance the cause of CHRIST's Church and his holy religion; encouraging each other, and all within the sphere of our influence, to turn unto the LORD; to come up unto his house, that they may learn his ways and walk in his paths. Thus will the Zion on earth resemble the beautiful order and purity of the Zion above, the city of the heavenly King. Thus will the pious members of the Church militant be admitted hereafter, in the world to come, into the Church triumphant, of which the earthly sanctuary is but the type. And thus will the house of God, the Church on earth, be indeed the gate of heaven, opening through the merits of a divine REDEEMER, and * 2 Tim. ii. 24, 25. + 1 Tim. i. 18, 19. 2 Tim. ii. 15. 2 Tim. ii. 3. ¶ 1 Tim. iii. 15, 16. tt 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. the sanctifying influences of the eternal COMFORTER, free access into the city of God the Father. To whom, three divine persons, in the unity of one only eternal Godhead, be ascribed, by the Church militant on earth, and by the Church triumphant in heaven, all honor, power, might, majesty, and dominion, henceforth and for ever!Amen. H YM N. GREAT LORD of all thy churches, hear May every pastor from above Revive thy churches with thy grace, May young and old thy word receive, May aged saints, matured with grace, Thus we our suppliant voices raise, HYMN. WHAT contradictions meet, In ministers' employ ! It is a bitter sweet, No other post affords a place Who can describe the pain The Saviour's dying love, The soul's amazing worth, Their utmost efforts move, And draw their bowels forth: They pray and strive, their rest departs, Till CHRIST be form'd in sinners' hearts. If some small hope appear, Too oft they find their hopes deceived, But when their pains succeed, The ripening ears proceed, MISSIONARY AT LENOIR COUNTY AND PARTS ADJACENT, N. C. 1 Thes. v. 17.-" Pray without ceasing." WHATEVER Views we may be led, by these words, to entertain of the exact extent to which we are bound to carry our devotion, they can at least leave no doubt upon our minds as to the importance of prayer in general. Language so strong must mean something. Prayer is the great appointed channel of divine communication to man. To every one who understands the connexion between a devout and a holy life, or who casts an eye of faith upon the pages of the New Testament, its necessity, both as a source of spiritual life, and an act of commanded duty, will readily appear. It is through this principally that the Christian has any reason to expect the aid of the Holy Spirit, or any other of those good and perfect gifts which come alike from the Father of lights; but only come in connexion with our embracing and acting upon the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find." GOD, who alone is perfectly acquainted with all the wants and necessities of man, has likewise, in his holy word, commanded us to pray. He has enforced the duty with a clearness and decision which must satisfy us it can be neglected only at the peril of the soul. How forcible also on this subject are the example and the precepts of our blessed Saviour. He who said, that " men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" who has taught us the value of prayer by the very encouragement he held out to the VOL. IV.-6 |