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 THE 
 
 CHARGES^ 
 
 OF 
 
 JEAN BAPTISTS MASSILLON, 
 
 BISHOP OF CLERMONT. 
 
 ADDRESSED TO HIS CLERGY. 
 
 ALSO, 
 
 TWO ESSAYS : 
 
 THE ONE 
 
 ON THE ART OF PREACHING, 
 
 FROM THE FRENCH OF M. REYBAZ, 
 
 AND THE OTHER ON 
 
 THE COMPOSITION OF A SERMON, 
 
 AS ADAP TED TO 
 
 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, 
 Sec. See. 
 
 We should attentively read the Treatises \vi-itten by wise and good 
 Men concerning- the Duties of God's Ministers : to see if we are 
 such as thev describe, and stir up ourselves to become such as \v(; 
 oug-ht. — Abp. Secker. 
 
 BY THE REV. THEOPS. ST. JOHN, L. L, B. &c. 
 
 NEW-YORK:- 
 
 PRINTED BY D. & G. BRUCE, 
 BRISBAN & BRANNAN, 186 PEARL-STREET 
 
 1806. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 INTRODUCTION .-.-.. v 
 
 CHARGE I. 
 
 On the Excellence of the Priesthood - - - 21 
 
 CHARGE II. 
 On Propriety of Character 39 
 
 CHARGE III. 
 
 On Zeal -.---._. 53 
 
 CHARGE IV. 
 
 On being appointed to the Christian Ministry - - 74 
 
 CHARGE V. 
 
 On Reflection on the Success of our Ministry - - 8T 
 
 CHARGE VL 
 
 On Solicitude for the Salvation of Souls - - - 100 
 
 CHARGE VII. 
 
 On Solicitude to Suppress Vice - - - - 113 
 
 CHARGE VIII. 
 On a Good Example 132 
 
 CHARGE IX. 
 On the Excellence of the Ministry - . . . 14.4 
 
 CHARGE X. 
 On the Manner in which the Clergy are to Conduct 
 themselves among Men of the World - - - 156 
 
 CHARGE XI. 
 
 On the Prudent Conversation and Behaviour of the Clergy 1 72 
 
VI 
 
 CHARGE XII. 
 
 On the Solicitude the Clergy ought to shew for their Peo- 
 ple, when confined by Sickness - - - - 182 
 
 CHARGE XIII. 
 
 The pernicious effects of Avarice in the Clergy - 194 
 
 CHARGE XIV. 
 On Mildness and Gentleness 204 
 
 CHARGE XV. 
 
 On the Necessity of Prayer - - - - - 11 7 
 
 CHARGE XVI. 
 On Study and Knowledge 234 
 
 A Letter on the Art of Preaching, translated from 
 the French of M. Reybaz 253 
 
 Thoughts on the Composition of a Sermon, as a- 
 dapted to the Church of England - - - - 281 
 
 A Prayer ^ 32i 
 

 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE perusal of Massillon's Synodal Discourse'^, 
 or Ecclesiastical Charges, having sometimes re- 
 freshed my mind with comfort, and sometimes 
 filled me with reproof ; I was induced to translate 
 such of them as are more immediately applicable 
 to the ministry of the Church of England ; after 
 which, thinking that other men might, like my- 
 self, be quickened to greater diligence, and more 
 active exertions, in the prosecution of their holy 
 calling, by reading them in our ov/n language, I 
 at length determined to commit them to the press. 
 I have an additional encouragement to do this, in 
 the persuasion, that young men designed for holy 
 orders may — if they condescend, as I trust they 
 will, to read them — be enabled to form, perhaps^ 
 a more exact judgment of the awful obligations 
 the ministry imposes on them ; and may, at the 
 same time, be stimulated to discharge those obli- 
 gations, as soon as they undertake them, with 
 more credit to themselves, advantage to the 
 Church, and glory to Almighty God, than might' 
 otherwise ht^ invariably, the case. 
 
VI 
 
 iVIassillon is an author, who cannot be read 
 with pleasure, nor even endured, in a literal trans- 
 lation: he multiplies words with such abundant 
 profusion, that an English reader, not perceiving — 
 it being impossible to preserve — the graces of his 
 style, would be fatigued^ and even disgusted, by 
 the same idea so often, with, scarcely, a change 
 of words, presented to his mind. I was, there- 
 fore, reduced to this delimma — either to abridge 
 and translate the author — and of consequence, 
 e-ometimes unavoidably, to weaken his sense, and 
 retain, to a certain degree, the * idiom of his lan- 
 guage — or to express his sentiments in my own 
 style ; — and had I preferred the latter — and had 
 even succeeded — I should have offered to the 
 reader, at best, but an imperfect imitation. 
 
 I am aware that one objection will be made ta 
 these Discourses — independent of the want of ele- 
 gance and ornament, which may, I fear, be just- 
 ly attributed to the translation — viz. that the same 
 thoughts, even in this abridgment, more espe- 
 cially in the first eight Charges, too frequently 
 occur. I could not, however, prevail with my- 
 self to reduce them to a smaller compass ; the sen- 
 timents being so exceedingly important, that they 
 
 * Whilst the reader is perusing the following Charges, 
 should he be disposed to censure me, I must request him to 
 bear in mind, as my apology, the observation of the first of 
 critics and the best of men, Dr. Johnson, that — "No book 
 was ever turned from one kmguage into another, without im- 
 partin^j something of its native idiom." 
 
Vll 
 
 cannot, in my judgment, be too often inculcated 
 nor too earnestly impressed. The last five are 
 termed Conferences, denoting a plain and familial' 
 manner of address : the others are called Synodal 
 Discourses, or Ecclesiastical Charges ; the tend^ 
 ency, indeed, of them all, is the same— to illus- 
 trate the nature, and enforce the duties, of th^ 
 Clerical character. 
 
 <« As the duties," says the Editor, " of the ec- 
 clesiastical profession, are very different from 
 those prescribed to the rest of Christians, this part 
 of the works of Father Massillon, in which he 
 confines himself to the instructions of the Clergy, 
 may not,, perhaps, appear so interesting as his 
 Practical Discourses; w^e may, notwithstanding, 
 justly assert, that the public, in general, may de- 
 rive from them the highest advantage. For all 
 men may now know, w^hat sort of labourers they 
 ought to supplicate of the Almighty, for the cul- 
 tivation of his Vineyard. Taught by these Ex- 
 hortations, the solemn obligations imposed on 
 the Christian Ministry, all men may see, that 
 nothing is so deplorable as the blindness of pa- 
 rents, in bringing up their children to the Church, 
 who have not talent and dispositions adapt-. 
 ed to the calling, thereby becoming the destroy- 
 ers of the souls of their offspring, as also of an 
 infinite number of Christians, lost by the unpar^ 
 donable negligence of those Ministers, who, un- 
 qualified as to talent, and indisposed as to prin». 
 
YlU 
 
 ciple, obtrude themselves as labourers in the Gosr 
 pel-field. 
 
 *' The species of eloquence which prevails 
 throughout these discourses, is not that of Sermons, 
 Energy and warmth become the pulpit ; the tone 
 of the Charge in general, and especially, that of 
 Ecclesiastical Charges, should be more mild and 
 gentle. This is what Father Massillon strictly re- 
 gards : he addresses his Clergy, as men acquainted 
 with their duty, in the observance of which, he 
 labors to establish himself, and to the conscientious 
 fulfilling of which, he expresses the utmost solici- 
 tude to recal the Shepherds of the flock : he does 
 not urge those strong and forcible remonstrances, 
 which are sometimes delivered from the pulpit, to 
 awaken men from their insensibility ; but he repre« 
 sents, in the most feeling and pathetic manner, the 
 melancholy and dreadful consequences, which arise, 
 not merely from the profligacy, but even from the 
 indifference, or the ignorance, of the Clergy ; that 
 the Preachers of the Gospel cannot bring ruin on 
 themselves alone ; but that, with their own, they 
 involve the destruction of a number of souls, for 
 whose redemption the Son of God vouchsafed to 
 shed his most precious blood." 
 
 *' The Charges, which I denominate Episcopal, 
 because they were composed during the Prelacy 
 of the author, are in that style in which a Bishop 
 should address his Clergy. He varies his voice ia 
 
1% 
 
 a thousand different ways ; but it is always thj 
 voice of a father, or rather of a brother, who ad- 
 dresses his fellow laborers in the ministry ; he de- 
 scends to the most minute and simple details, which 
 he ennobles and renders interesting, by the turn 
 he gives them, and the expressions in which they 
 are conveyed." 
 
 This amiable Prelate discovers a thorough know- 
 ledge of the human heart. The most conscientious 
 Clergyman, may, after perusing these Charges, be 
 surprised to find, that, in many instances, in which 
 he had, as he might think, discharged his duty, 
 comparatively well, he has been seduced by indif- 
 ference, or diverted by inattention, to the neglect 
 of some parts of his vocation, which have a power- 
 ful effect in deterring the profligate from vice, dis- 
 turbing the lukewarm in indifference, and confirm- 
 ing the religious in piety. 
 
 When Massillon delivered these discourses, the 
 Clergy of France, were rapidly declining from the 
 professional diligence and exemplary demeanor, 
 by which they had formerly adorned a Church, 
 whose doctrines are inconsistent with truth, and 
 whose ceremonies are repugnant to reason. The 
 reader will perceive the good Father's solicitude 
 to restrain them from the paths which led to 
 national evil, and individual ruin — which subject- 
 ed their religion to censure and reproach, and 
 themselves to scorn and derision. He does not 
 exercise their understandings, by profound argu- 
 
ments, or learned disquisitions ; but, always keep- 
 ing in view the inestimable value of salvation, and 
 the indescribable horrors of reprobation, he brings, 
 them at once, before the Tribunal of God, and 
 introduces the souls lost by the profligacy of 
 their example, and the inefficacy of their ministry, 
 into the divine presence, as testifying against 
 them. From the inattention and degeneracy of 
 the French Clergy, have arisen, it is said, all the 
 calamities with which that unhappy nation hath 
 been visited. 
 
 This translation, ifreadinthe Northern Schools^ 
 which every year supply the Church abundantly, 
 and if in the Universities, previous to the first de- 
 gree, may impress young minds with a sense of 
 the awful obligations, on which they are about to 
 enter. It may also be equally serviceable to con- 
 scientious men, who, disappointed in other profes- 
 sions, or not succeeding in trade, enter, if they have 
 good connections, into the sacred ministry. Pa- 
 rents often, we see, prevail with their sons to take 
 orders, contrary to their inclinations. A father 
 may, in this translation, understand what all men 
 are required to be, to support the ecclesiastical 
 character, without incurring guilt themselves, and 
 without endangering the salvation of the souls 
 entrusted to their charge ; and if his sons do not 
 promise, by diligence in study, by steadiness of 
 behaviour, and piety of life, to ** save both them- 
 selves, and those that hear them," he will, it 
 may be hoped, have the integrity to renounce 
 
XI 
 
 a probable, or even a promised, advantage, and will 
 suft'er them to pursue that course which is more 
 congenial to their dispositions, and better adapted 
 to their talents. This publication will shew the 
 PRINCIPLE by which the Clergy should be actu- 
 ated, and the ability they should possess: and 
 to those in whom such principle and ability are 
 not found, it is to be wished, that the door of the 
 ministry should not be easily opened. 
 
 I submitted these Exhortations to the perusal of 
 a very respectable Clergyman, who would have 
 dissuaded me from publishing them, under the idea 
 that they would be considered as reflecting a de- 
 gree of censure on the Clergy of the Established 
 Church. I was astonished at this suggestion. For 
 no man, as my friend well knows, however high his 
 station, venerable his character, or enviable his pre- 
 ferment, has either a greater attachment to the 
 Church, or a more exalted opinion of her Clergy, 
 than myself; and my attachment arises, neither 
 from gratitude for past, nor expectation of future, 
 favours. The Clergy I consider, and svich they, 
 I believe, are very generally considered, as Schol- 
 ars, as Divines, as Christians, the most learned, 
 useful, and examplary body of men, of which so- 
 ciety can boast. But is this to preclude me from 
 offering to the world, in an English dress, the dis- 
 courses of a Catholic Prelate, which, had the 
 Clergy of his nation observed, their religion, would, 
 it is probable, have been now flourishing, and them- 
 selves, instead of dein^ murdered by the Assassin, 
 
xu 
 
 6r scorned by the Infidel, have been thought wor-^ 
 thy, after having '' been put in trust with the Gos- 
 pel," of being continued to dispense its blessings ? 
 Happy would it be, for society in general, would 
 the Clergy direct their united endeavours to restore 
 our own Church to its former splendor — by bring- 
 ing back those, who having, with unbecoming 
 precipitation, and unnatural degeneracy, first de- 
 serted, would afterwards, either betray it by stra- 
 tagem, or overturn it by violence — by persuading 
 those who affect to be of her Communion, to at- 
 tend her services, to observe her ordinances, and 
 to conduct themselves like men who enjoy the 
 preaching of the Gospel in its genuine purity, 
 unadulterated by wordly wisdom on the one hand, 
 or by crafty mysticism on the other hand : The 
 accomplishment of this blessed end depends solely 
 on the Clergy themselves. My observations on 
 this subject I offer with deference, I hope, there- 
 fore, without offence, but not, I implore the Al- 
 mighty, without effect. First, let every Clergy- 
 man enquire, impartially, of his own heart — and 
 the enquiry is to be one day made by him " to 
 whoni all hearts are open, and all desires are 
 known" — whether Religion has, in his parish, 
 failed of its influence, either through negligence in 
 the discharge of his duty, or impropriety in the 
 conduct of his life ? Whatever be the answer 
 which his conscience gives, let him next enquire 
 — whether he reads the public prayers with so 
 much devotion as to inspire his congregation 
 with a spirit of piety ? If he reads them with 
 
XIU 
 
 irreverent, precipitation, or with disgusting tedi^ 
 ousness, instead of inducing men to '' pay their 
 vows in the great congregation," he is, without, 
 perhaps, being conscious of it himself, the cause of 
 aUenating their minds from the service of their 
 Maker ; and the absence of his parisioners from 
 the House of God is to be attributed, either to his 
 want of seriousness, of consideration, or of judg- 
 ment : next let him enquire — whether the dis- 
 courses he delivers, produce the eifect which 
 was intended to be produced by the preaching of 
 the Gospel ? Has he the satisfaction of perceiv- 
 ing decorum triumphing over degeneracy, sobri- 
 ety over intoxication, and piety over profaneness ? 
 If he fail entirely of success, either the subjects 
 of his sermons, or his mode of treating, or of 
 delivering them, are not applicable to the wants, 
 or not powerful over the affections, of his pari- 
 sioners ; and having, therefore, neglected, wheth- 
 er to cultivate the soil with diligence, to select 
 the seed with judgment, or to sow it with all re- 
 quisite care, he cannot be surprised that he has 
 not an abundant crop at the time of harvest. I 
 presume to suggest these considerations, as it is 
 by their having an universal influence, that thou- 
 sands who have deserted the Church, are to be 
 brought back into the fold; and, that the vast 
 numbers, who call themselves Churchmen, but 
 who live some without the profession, and many 
 without the practice, of Religion, may be deterred 
 from evil courses, and established in virtuous 
 habits. 
 
XIV 
 
 Observation on the state of the Church, has 
 confirmed me in the opinion, that some improve- 
 ments are wanting, to attach men more steadily to 
 her service. We see in the mornings large con- 
 gregations in many parishes ; and in the afternoons 
 we see the very persons, of whom those congre- 
 gations were composed, sitting in their houses, or 
 standing at their doors, regardless of their obliga- 
 tions to go a second time " to the House of the 
 Lord." This prevailing inattention takes its rise, 
 I apprehend, from three causes — either, that their 
 attendance on the service of the Church, in the 
 morning, proceeds from custom almost independ- 
 ent of religous principle, and that they persuade 
 themselves they thereby sufficiently discharge their 
 duty; — or, that they receive little edification, and 
 feel little interest in the celebration of divine ser- 
 vice ; — or, lastly, that they can when they are dis- 
 posed say their prayers at home, and that there is, 
 therefore, no occasion, to go to Church for that 
 purpose, seeing there is jio public instruction. The 
 almost universal neglect of evening service, owes its 
 prevailance,! doubt not,to one of these three causes. 
 If, which seems most probable, to the last, the ob- 
 jection may easily be removed. The Clergy, 
 indeed, allege, that their parisioners would not, from 
 the influence of confirmed habit, be prevailed with 
 to attend evening service. I know some conscien- 
 tious Clergymen, who instituted evening sermons ; 
 but they complained, that their Churches were not 
 so well attended as the conventicles, and there- 
 fore, precipitately, unadvisedly, and I had al- 
 
XV 
 
 most said, irreligiously, discontinued tlieir instruc- 
 tions from the pulpit. Patient labor, and unre- 
 mitted perseverance, might, accompanied by God's 
 blessing, have been ultimately successful. Had 
 my friends^instead of being discouraged by ob- 
 stacles, which diligence might have, gradually, 
 lessened, and judgment, eventually, surmounted — 
 prepared awakening and pathetic discourses, level 
 to the understandings, and interesting to the affec- 
 tions, of their hearers, and enforced their public 
 preaching, by personal visits, applauding and con- 
 firming the attention and piety of the well-disposed 
 among their people, they would not, I am per- 
 suaded, have had reason to complain, either of the 
 indisposition of their hearers to instruction, or the 
 inutility of their own labors. But I would sug- 
 gest an attractive improvement in preaching, or 
 rather, I would substitute a more efficacious mode 
 of improving the morals, and informing the under- 
 standings, of men. Would every Clergyman, 
 after the morning service, give notice, that, as a 
 Psalm, or Lesson, or the Epistle, or Gosple, seem- 
 ed either peculiarly striking, or not easy to be 
 understood, or often misapplied, the explanation 
 of it should be the subject of the evening instruc- 
 tion, he would soon, without question, have a re- 
 gular congregation. 
 
 It were greatly to be wished, as an additional 
 incentive to attend public worship, that the elocu- 
 tion of the Clergy of the Church of England, were 
 more impressive than it is — an acquirement not to 
 
SVl 
 
 be generally attained — unless the two Universities, 
 seeing the indispensable necessity of it, should 
 consider public speaking, as an essential part 
 of an academical education. Of what use to nine 
 parishes out of ten, is the best critical scholar, or 
 the deepest mathematician, if he is not able to de- 
 liver a sermon, so as to engage the attention, and 
 affect the heart, of his hearers ? He, feeling his 
 professional deficiency, accompanied, at the same 
 time, with a consciousness of superior learning, 
 despises them ; and they, not knowing how to ap- 
 preciate, and deriving no advantage, from, his 
 knowledge, disregard him. Thus is the bread of 
 life, when distributed by his hands, deprived of 
 its vital sustenance. Had he employed a part of 
 his leisure, in the University, in cultivating the 
 talents of a public speaker, that he might have 
 become, agreeably to his designation, an instru- 
 ment *' of turning many to righteousness" — he 
 would, instead of being professionally useless, have 
 <* converted many from the error of their ways." 
 What possible advantage can a congregation de- 
 rive from hearing a young man, Avho is entirely 
 unacquainted with the art of public speaking, 
 read for fifteen or twenty minutes, an elegant es- 
 say, or an ingenous disquisition, equally adapted, 
 with a few verbal alterations, to an assembly of 
 Catholics, Jews or Mahometans — ashamed all the 
 time of looking them in the face ? Such an one 
 might have been active as a shopkeeper, skilful as 
 a farmer, diligent as a tradesman, and may, per- 
 haps be distinguished as a philosopher — but it is 
 
xvu 
 
 with difficulty, we can bring ourselves to believe, 
 that he " was moved by the Holy Ghost," to 
 preach the Gospel. 
 
 The Bishops, before they ordain a candidate for 
 holy orders, from either of the Universities, very 
 properly, require him to produce a certificate from 
 a Divinity Professor, of his having attended a 
 certain course of lectures. But, what ever be his 
 classical, philosophical, and theological knowledge, 
 if he cannot address a popular assembly — if he can- 
 not, by his mode of speaking, secure the attention 
 of the wandering, suppress the levity of the giddy, 
 and attract the mind of the inquisitive, hearer — he 
 may engage by his example, edify by his conver- 
 sation, and instruct by his writings, but he will 
 not be an useful Preacher. 
 
 Solicitous to uphold the credit of the Church, 
 and to promote the success of the Gospel, I ex- 
 press a most fervent wish, that the Northern 
 Schools, which prepare very many young men 
 for the Church, would establish the custom 
 of frequent public speaking, and — which is still 
 more desirable — that the several Colleges, in the 
 two Universities, would, as an indispensible pre- 
 liminary to a degree, require of every one in 
 their Society, to repeat in their chapel, in every 
 term, speeches, declamations, parts of sermons, 
 Stc. &c. An University education, would then 
 qualify, as it was, originally, designed to do, 
 all who enter into holy orders, to discharge the 
 
XVlll 
 
 popular part of their vocation, with honour to 
 themselves, and benefit to their hearers ; and the 
 good Shepherd would have the comfort, not al- 
 ways awaiting dignities and preferments, of seeing 
 his flock daily " grow in grace, and in the know- 
 ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 
 
 I introduce to the reader, without any comment 
 or observation, a passage from my Lord Bacon's 
 Works, which he will not, perhaps, think inap- 
 posite. 
 
 Speaking of a custom that formerly prevailed^ 
 which was, as he expresses it, '' the best w^ay, to 
 frame and train up Preachers, to handle the Word 
 of God as it ought to be handled, that hath been 
 practised — the Ministers did meet upon a week 
 day, in some principal town, where there was some 
 ancient grave Minister that was President, and an 
 auditory admitted of gentlemen, or other persons 
 ©f leisure. Then every Minister, successively, 
 beginning with the youngest, did handle one and 
 the same part of Scripture ; spending severally 
 some quarter of an hour or better, and in the 
 whole, some two hours : and so the exercise be- 
 ing begun and concluded with prayer, and the Pre- 
 sident giving a text for the next meeting, the 
 assembly was dissolved. Every practice of sci- 
 ence," he continues, ''■ hath an exercise of erudi- 
 tion and initiation, before men come to the life : 
 only preaching, which is the worthiest, and wherein 
 it is most danger to do amiss, wanteth an intra- 
 
xix 
 
 ductio7i, and is ventured arid rushed upon at the 
 frst." 
 
 He next proceeds to say, it is his wish, *' that 
 the same exercise was used in the Universities, 
 for young Divines, before they presumed to pre?xh, 
 as well as in the country, for Ministers." 
 
 Massillon having given his Clergy no directions, 
 respecting either the delivery or composition of a 
 discourse, I oifer to the rea.der, a Translation of a 
 Letter on the Art of Preaching, by M. Reybaz, a 
 Minister of Geneva. I also subjoin such senti- 
 ments as have occurred to my mind, on the nature 
 of a sermon, in so far as preaching affects the 
 Church of England. The younger Clergy may 
 not, perhaps, be displeased, that I add a Prayer, 
 which may, by those who have not previously 
 composed one of more fervor and piety, be read 
 devoutly in the study. 
 
CHARGE I. 
 
 ON THE EXCELLENCE OF THE PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 Behold^ this child is set for the fall and rising agai?} 
 of many in Israel, 
 
23 
 
 CHARGE I. 
 ON THE EXCELLENCE OF THE PRIESTHOOD 
 
 Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again 
 of many in Israel. 
 
 HOW could the just and devout Simeon, it 
 may be enquired, unite so melancholy a prophecy 
 with the grand and interesting solemnities which 
 were fulfilling in the Temple ? The only-begot« 
 ten of- the Father makes his first appearance ; takes 
 possession of his new priesthood ; exercises its 
 first public duties, in offering himself to his Father ; 
 substitutes, for the blood of bulls and of goats, 
 his own body as a sacrifice ; and among circum- 
 stances so conducive to the present welfare, and 
 eternal happiness of men, the good old Simeon, 
 addressing himself to the mother of Jesus, pro- 
 claims, that this New Priest, who is *' the light 
 of the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel," is, not- 
 withstanding, ordained to be both *' the fall and 
 the rising again of many in Israel ;" — that is, 
 the salvation of some, and the condemnation of 
 others. 
 
 Our blessed Lord, taking public possession of 
 his ministry in the Temple, seems the representa- 
 tive of every Minister of the Gospel, when he 
 
24 
 
 first appears in the House of God, duly ordained 
 to discharge the sacred offices of ReUgion. And 
 to him may be addressed these awful words — 
 '* Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising 
 *' again of many in Israel;" — thou art ordained 
 to the service of God, to become the instrument 
 of life or of death to many : and it is literally true 
 of every one of us, that we shall either build up 
 or destroy ; that we shall become a saviour of life 
 Or of death among Christians. 
 
 With what sentiments, then, do we contemplate 
 that holy calling in which we have engaged ? 
 Some take it upon them with the expectation of 
 being advanced and exalted ; accustomed, by do- 
 mestic and familiar conversation, to view the 
 awful obligations of the ministry through the flat- 
 tering medium of wealth and dignity. Like the 
 profane Heliodorus, they enter into the temple 
 only, because they expect to find vast treasures, 
 which were originally designed, not to encourage 
 the insolence of pride, and the splendor of dis- 
 tinction, but to protect the widow, and support the 
 orphan. 
 
 Others, influenced by the suggestion of a calm 
 and easy temper, repose themselves in the Lord's 
 vineyard, merely to shun the troubles, and escape 
 the embarrassments, of business, as in a safe and 
 tranquil port, where they promise themselves an 
 exemption from corroding cares, and security 
 from vexatious engagements. 
 
i5 
 
 Some feel an inherent propensity to ambition, 
 and embrace, in the sacred professon, the oppor- 
 tunity of displaying conscious excellence, or os- 
 tentatious merit ; and, from the exertion of their 
 talents, anticipate, not so much the salvation, as 
 the applause, of their hearers. 
 
 Such are the views by which many are actuated 
 in devoting themselves to the ministry, not consi- 
 dering that, when we have once engaged in it, we 
 become public men ; our talents eloquent instruc- 
 tors, our lives amiable examples : we are, as it 
 were, the chief corner-stones on which the whole 
 edifice rests ; and hereafter we can neither conti^ 
 nue firm without supporting those around us, nor 
 can we fall without involving them in our ruin. 
 
 To a Minister of the Gospel, whether his sta- 
 tion be exalted, or his lot obscure, are entrusted 
 the interests of mankind : he is to carry daily to» 
 the throne of grace the wants and necessities of 
 God's heritage. The princes of the earth expect 
 that the complaints and requests of their subjects 
 be laid before them by their immediate servants, 
 and that their graces and favors may, through the 
 same medium, be diffused : such is the order esta- 
 blished of God in his Church ; and hence it is 
 that the Canons enjoin every Minister to read 
 daily the public prayers, persuaded that the pray- 
 ers of God's Ministers are the channels of public 
 blessings. 
 
25 
 
 Now he whose heart is devoted to the worlds 
 cannot participate in the things of God ; he who 
 reluctantly retires a few moments from secular 
 business, or enticing pleasures, to draw near to 
 God with his lips, — -what blessings can such an 
 one reasonably hope to obtain for others, of a Be- 
 ing whom he does not know, and whom he is 
 afraid to address in his own behalf? What advan- 
 tage is derived from his ministry to the society in 
 which he lives, and more especially to the souls 
 committed to his care ? Does the Church perceive 
 in him a defender, an intercessor, a guardian of her 
 doctrines^ and a supporter of her holiness ? Will 
 not the degeneracy of manners, and the want of 
 faith among men — will not the evils which afflict, 
 and the divisions which rend, the Church, be con- 
 sidered, at the tribunal of God, as his work ? Will 
 he not, in that terrible day of the Lord, bear the 
 reproach of many weak and unhappy souls, who, 
 had their efforts been encouraged by his piety, 
 and their perseverance supported by his prayers, 
 might have repented of their past sins, and adorned 
 their Christian profession? He is placed in the 
 sanctuar)^ as a cloud without water, and dark at 
 the same time, which is not merely dry, but 
 which prevents the influence of heaven from falling 
 on the earth. 
 
 Whence proceed, do you suppose, the neglect 
 of worship, the decay of piety, the profligacy of 
 manners, which are so injurious to society, and 
 dishonourable to God ? From the negligence and 
 
27 
 
 unconcern of the Ministers of the Gospel. We 
 are too frequently the first cause of degeneracy of 
 Conduct, and forgetfulness of God. 
 
 A Minister is a mediator with God for men. 
 Now, what blessings can be expected from the 
 intercessions of him who shall appear never to 
 have received, or having received, shall have 
 wickedly extinguished, the spirit of his sacred 
 calling ? What, alas ! but schisms and divisions 
 in the Church, an alarming ignorance of the genius. 
 of the Gospel, and an universal increase of depra- 
 vity of morals ? If, in the infancy of the Christian 
 Church, sickness and unprepared deaths were the 
 consequence of an unworthy receiving of the 
 Holy Communion, what severity^ O God! wilt 
 thou not inflict on impure sacrifices and profane 
 oblations. 
 
 Unworthy Pastors, like Jonas, are disobedient 
 prophets, who occasion those storms and tempests 
 which have so often nearly shipwrecked the vessel 
 of the Churchy and which would have drowned it 
 in the waters, had the gates of hell been able to 
 prevail against the promise of our Lord; and had 
 he not put bounds to the impetuous waves of the 
 sea, which they were not allowed to pass. So 
 many people separated from the unity of the faith, 
 carried about with diverse and strange doctrines, 
 will one day rise up against and condemn those 
 worthless Ministers, whose unpardonable negli- 
 gence and guilty lukewarmness have provoked the 
 
28 
 
 divine justice to permit heresy to increase, and a- 
 bound more and more. Hear how God complains 
 hy his prophet,- — " Many pastors have destroyed 
 " my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under 
 *' foot, they have made my portion a desolate wilder- 
 " ness : they have made it desolate, and being de- 
 *' solate, it mourneth vmto me ; the whole land is 
 " made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart." 
 What calamity, then, may not one single Minister, 
 who is unworthy his sacred office, bring upon the 
 Church ! — '' He is set for the falling of many." 
 
 A Clergyman is a fellow-labourer with God in 
 the work of salvation : he delivers to men the 
 word of life and of reconciliation ; he supports 
 them with the bread which came down from hea- 
 ven, the word of truth. But he who is unworthy 
 the sacred office, becomes a fellow -w^orker with 
 Satan, in the seduction and ruin of his brethren : 
 and that such men have, at every period, crept into 
 the Church, cannot be denied ; men who have 
 entered into this holy calling without a conviction 
 of its importance, and a knowledge of its duties ; 
 who undertake it without zeal, and discharge it 
 without judgment ; incapable of discriminating 
 when to feed with milk, and when to nourish with 
 strong meat. Innumerable are the evils with 
 which the Ministry of such men afflicts the Church ; 
 — the security and impenitence of sinners — a dis- 
 regard of the Ordinances of Religion, more espe- 
 cially an entire neglect^ or an unworthy receiving, 
 of the Holy Communion ; — the ridicule ajid scoi& 
 
29 
 
 of many, when, in the discharge of our professional 
 obhgations, we undertake to undeceive them ; — ^ 
 and lastly, their thoughtlessness and unconcern 
 when lying on the bed of death. To these igno- 
 rant dispensers of the word it is owing that the 
 very face of Christianity is changed. 
 
 Now a Minister, worldly in his aflections, and 
 irregular in his conduct, although he should do 
 no other in'ury to religion than exhibit his own 
 life, introduces an accumulation of evils into the 
 Christian Church, What secret satisfaction ! 
 what encouraging apologies for excess, when ma- 
 ny find their follies countenanced, and their vices 
 authorised, by his depravity ! We preach to them 
 in vain : the life of the Clergy, of Vv4iich they are 
 witnesses, is, with the generality of men, the 
 Gospel ; it is not what we declare in the House 
 of God, it is what they see us practise in our 
 general demeanor*- ; they look upon the public 
 ministry as a stage designed for the display of 
 exalted principles, beyond the reach of human 
 weakness ; but tliey consider our life as the reality 
 by which they are to be directed. 
 
 Yes, my Reverend Brethren, we are as lamps 
 set up on high to enlighten the House of God ; 
 
 * " And here, I conceive, it is, that we of the Clergy are 
 chiefly apt to fail. We do not always appear in the common 
 Intercourses of Life sufficiently penetrated with the Importance 
 of our I'unction, or sufiicientiy assiduous to promote the Ends 
 ©four Mission." — Abp. Secker. 
 
 
 
30 
 
 but from the moment the malicious breath of the 
 evil one has extinguished them, we diffuse on 
 every side a noxious vapor, which darkens, which 
 defiles every thing, and which becomes ** a savor 
 of death unto them that perish:" we are the pillars 
 of the sanctuary, which, if overthrown and scat- 
 tered in public places, become stones of stumbling 
 to them that pass by. 
 
 But the Church is not, God be praised ! dis- 
 graced by many of so profligate a character : yet 
 it cannot be dissembled that there are some, who, 
 by their lukewarmness in Religion, or their attach- 
 ment to the world, weaken the efficacy of their 
 ministry*. For not keeping alive in their breasts 
 the spirit and the grace of their calling, by prayer, 
 by mediation, by a life of sanctity and holiness, 
 they have neither power nor inclination to speak of 
 the things of God. They perform the duties of 
 their sacred function without zeal, and without 
 interest, and, by consequence, without a bles- 
 sing : they pronounce the most awful and affect- 
 ing truths with an indifference and insensibility 
 which deprive them of all their force; the cold- 
 ness of their heart freezes the words on their 
 tongue ; and it is not possible that they can in- 
 spire their hearers with the ardor of Religion, the 
 
 * Too possibly a great part of our People may like the 
 lukewarm amongst us the better for resembling themselves, 
 and giving them no Uneasiness on Comparison, but seeming 
 to authorize their IndifTercnce. But then, such of us can do 
 them no good." — Abp. Secker. 
 
31 
 
 divme fire' of the love of God, when they do not 
 feel a smgle spark of it in their own breasts. For 
 we must apply our leisure to meditation, and en-- 
 gage our heart in piety, if we would expatiate on 
 the holiness of the Gospel, with glory to God, and 
 edification to our herirers ; if we would inspire 
 those who violate its precepts with a dread of God's 
 displeasure, if Ave would persuade them to avert 
 his wrath, and secure his favour. Hence it is, 
 that where " holiness to the Lord^' is not eminent- 
 ly conspicuous in the life and conversation of the 
 Mhiisters of the Gospel, many people depart from 
 the service of the Church, unconcerned for their 
 sins, and indifferent about their salvation : hence 
 the preaching of the Gospel without success, the 
 prayers of the Church without avail, all the Ordi- 
 nances of Religion, and all the means of salvation 
 unedifying and unserviceable to Christians, 
 
 Although we should not perform any of the 
 public offices of Religion — for I do not at present 
 enquire whether it is allowable to enter into the 
 Church, and to continue in it unemployed — al- 
 though we should not discharge any of its duties, 
 do we not still continue to be examples to man- 
 kind ; and do not all men, after we have taken 
 upon us the sacred profession, look to our mo- 
 rals for encouragement in virtue, or for a sanction 
 in vice ? 
 
 The Word of God informs us that the most 
 dreadful punishment which the Lord can inflict 
 
32 
 
 upon cities and kingdoms, is to send wicked Min- 
 is- ers among them : in this manner did he punish 
 Jerusalem for all its transgressions. ** I will give 
 *' them pastors," said he, " who shall call evil 
 " good, and good evil; who shall not build up 
 ''that which is fallen; and who shall walk ac-> 
 *' cording to their own ways." This is the most 
 terrible of his punishments. When he is not 
 thoroughly provoked, he contents himself with 
 arming kings against kings, and people against 
 people ; he reverses the order of the seasons ; he 
 strikes the country with barrenness ; he spreads 
 desolation, famine, and death on the earth. But 
 when he says in his wrath, what chastisement have 
 I yet in reserve to inflict on my people, and what 
 is the last mark of mine anger that I can shew unto 
 them — ''They," says he, " which led them, shall 
 cause them to err." 
 
 Gracious God ! what is my lot among thy Min- 
 isters \ I have not surely so far forgotten thee as 
 to devote my ministry to the service of the ene- 
 my of mankind, and to lead to perdition those 
 souls whom thou hast redeemed by the precious 
 blood of thine own Son ! If, notv/ithstanding, I 
 pollute the ministry of thy word with a lukewarm 
 spirit, or a carnal heart, "I am set for the fall 
 of many;" and thou hast, perhaps, reserved me 
 unto these times of supineness and degeneracy, 
 as the most severe scourge with which thou canst 
 punish the indolent inattention of sonie, and the 
 daring profligacy of others ! But, if an unworthy 
 
Minister be set fcr the fall and ruin, a godly INfm- 
 ister is, on the other hand, ordained for the rismg 
 and salvation, of many. 
 
 A pastor is charged with the welfare of God's 
 people; he is one of those messengers who are 
 continually ascending and descending the ladder - 
 of Jacob: he descends from it in order that he 
 may acquaint himself with the necessities of the 
 Church ; he ascends by prayer, that he may bear 
 them before the throne of God, and open the bo- 
 som of inexhaustible compassion upon the wants 
 of the Gospel-fold. Abundant are the graces, 
 manifold the blessings, Avhich the prayers of a 
 righteous Minister bring down upon the Lord's 
 vineyard. They are the supplications of a pastor 
 ordained of God, who prays by virtue of his office 
 in the name of the w^hole body of Christian peo- 
 ple, and to whose prayers, through the merits and 
 mediation of Christ, the ears of the Fa.ther are al- 
 ways open. 
 
 There is nothing which the intercessions of a 
 godly Shepherd of the fiock cannot obtain of the 
 Father of Mercies. We read, that the Almighty, 
 unwilling to be prevented from punishing the Is- 
 raelites, who had grievously offended Him, conde- 
 scended to entreat Moses and Aaron not to with- 
 hold his arm, lifted up to chastise the iniquities of 
 his people, but to suffer him to " pour upon them 
 his hot displeasure ;" as though it had not been 
 possible for him to withstand the power of their 
 supplications, A pastor, who is a man of prayer, 
 
34 
 
 may, indeed, be said to be ordained for the salva- 
 tion of many. 
 
 A Minister appears in the sanctuary as the 
 representative of Jesus Christ, beseeching the Fa- 
 ther of Mercies to protect the Church against the 
 attacks of error, to unite in its bosom those 
 who have separated from its worship, and to di- 
 rect and govern it in all its proceedings, wherever 
 it is established : in this character he offers pray- 
 ers and supplications " for kings, and for all that 
 are in authority," that they may, by their au- 
 thority, preserve the peace of the Church, and, 
 by their example, enforce the sancity of its wor- 
 ship. 
 
 To the fervent supplications of godly Ministers 
 the Church is indebted for religious princes, faith- 
 ful pastors, the birth of distinguished men, whom 
 God raises up from time to time to awaken man- 
 kind to defend the faith against the subtilty of 
 error, and to prevent vanity from usurping the 
 place of truth : to the same source must we attri- 
 bute unexpected occurrences in public calamities ; 
 the suspension of punishment ; the termination of 
 wars, in conjunctures which threatened a long 
 continuance. Those who judge of circumstances 
 by the view which human reason presents, ascribe 
 them to the wisdom of princes, and the policy of 
 their ministers ; whereas, could they perceive 
 events in their causes, they might find them to be 
 produced by some obscure Pastors, who have 
 
35 
 
 greater interest, and more powerful sway, in pub- 
 lic events, than those important men who appear 
 at the head of affairs, and seem to hold in their 
 hands the fate of empires. What a treasure, then, 
 has the earth in a godly Pastor ! how inestimable 
 a blessing is he, not merely to the Church of which 
 he is a member, but to society at large, to which 
 he belongs ! Powerful, then, my Reverend Breth- 
 ren, are our motives, and animating our induce- 
 ments, to renew within us the spirit of our holy 
 calling, and never to suffer that first fervor which 
 consecrated us to the service of the alter, to cool 
 into negligence, or be smothered with lukewarm- 
 ness. 
 
 But a Minister of the Gospel is a fellow-laborer 
 with God in the salvation of souls by the preach- 
 ing of the Word, by the administration of the 
 Sacraments, by the discharge of all the pastoral 
 duties which conduce to the everlasting happiness 
 of mankind. A holy and enlightened pastor is 
 the instrument of various blessings to the world. 
 How many righteous men are, through his means, 
 supported in piety ! how many careless sinners 
 made sensible of their danger, awakened from 
 their impenitence, converted to the truth by the 
 force of his arguments, and the persuasion of his 
 life ! If he preach the Word, he informs the 
 ignorant, convinces the doubtful, confirms the 
 pious : and such is the prevalence of his example, 
 that it at once instructs and persuades, and is even 
 
36 
 
 more instrumental in bringing sinners to God than 
 his public discourses. What blessings then may 
 not one apostolic Minister diffuse among men ! 
 Twelve only *\vere employed m the conversion of 
 the whole earth. 
 
 Although a righteous Minister shall confine all 
 the good he does to the efficacy of an exemplary 
 and edifying life, although he should only appear 
 as a private character, his engaging demeanor, 
 and pious conversation v/ould authorize us to af- 
 firm that he is ordained for the salvation of many. 
 Great, then, is the blessing to mankind, when 
 God sends an holy Pastor, whose instructive piety 
 is an object of admiration to men and angels! 
 Such an one is a perpetual Gospel, which mankind 
 have constantly before their eyes, and against 
 which they have nothing to allege. If his exam- 
 ple does not reclaim, it at least inspires them with 
 a respect for virtue ; it compels them at least to 
 acknowledge that there are still some righteous 
 men upon earth; it repairs the injury which is 
 done to the sacred character in the public estima- 
 tion by unworthy Ministers, and rescues it from the 
 contempt into which it is fallen by the irregularity 
 of their manners ; it corrects, at least, the censures 
 and derisions which profane men are continually 
 throwing out upon the sacred ministry ; it adds, if 
 I may be allowed to say it, honor to the charac- 
 ter. For it is, my Reverend Brethren, against 
 us, chiefly, that the world delights to level its most 
 poignant darts ; it forgives nothing in a profli-- 
 
37 
 
 gate pastor ; the more he appears to love it, to be 
 attached to it, the more he becomes the object of 
 its satire, of its contempt, and indignation. 
 
 In one word, a godly Minister is one of the 
 greatest blessings which God can give, or society- 
 receive. What were the mercies promised to the 
 Israelites, by his Prophet, if they would return to 
 him, and renounce the evil of their doings ? — 
 What ? — the empire of nations ? — the entire de- 
 struction of their enemies? — a cessation of the 
 evils which afflicted, and of the calamities which 
 overwhelmed, them ? — -a land flowing with milk 
 and honey ? — He had, it is true, in preceding ages, 
 made these magnificent promises, but the posses- 
 sion of them had not been sufficiently powerful to 
 confine the Israelites to the observance of his law, 
 nor to prevent them from offering their homage to 
 strange gods : — He renounces, then, these splen- 
 did promises, so admirably calculated to make 
 an impression upon a people, whose actions were 
 all suggested by carnal and worldly motives ; but 
 it is only for the purpose of making them a pro- 
 mise unspeakably greater, infinitely more pre- 
 cious: — *' Turn, O backsliding Israel, saith the 
 *' Lord, and I will bring you to Zion, and give 
 *' you pastors according to mine heart, which shall 
 *' feed you with knowledge and understanding." 
 Raise up, O God, faithful priests in thy Church, 
 and pastors according to thine heart. We ask not, 
 Father, an end of the calamities with which thou 
 afflictest us, the cessation of wars and of tumults^ 
 
 D 
 
38 
 
 happier seasons, the return of abundance and of 
 prosperity -.—give us holy pastors, and with them 
 thou wih give us every thing! 
 
 I comprise the substance and utility of this ex- 
 hortation in one reflection ; I can neither singly 
 destroy nor save myself; from the moment I be- 
 came one of the Lord's Ministers, I have been 
 either a scourge in his hands for the affliction of 
 men, or a blessing sent down from heaven for 
 their salvation. 
 
 How powerful a motive to fidelity in the dis- 
 charge of my duty, to vigilance over my conduct, 
 to zeal in my ministry, to hope or dread in the 
 expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christy 
 who will present to me the souls he had entrusted 
 to my care, either as my condemnation, if they have 
 perished, or as my glory and crown, if, through 
 tny ministry, they are admitted to life and salvation t 
 
CHARGE II. 
 
 ON PROPRIETY OF CHARACTER 
 
 They brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to 
 the Lord, As it is written in the J^aw of the 
 Lord J every male that openeth the womb shall 
 he called holy to the Lord, 
 
41 
 
 CHARGE II. 
 ON PROPRIETY OF CHARACTER. 
 
 IT was prescribed in the Law of Moses, that 
 every first-born among the Jews should be dedi- 
 cated to the service of the temple and the altar ; 
 or, as it is expressed by St. Luke, " called holy 
 to the Lord." 
 
 Christ Jesus, the first-born among his brethren, 
 represented by the first-born among the Jews, ful- 
 filled this law, and explained what was figurative 
 and mysterious in it. His consecration to the altar 
 is the foundation of our holy ministry ; we are, as 
 it were, the first-born of the new-covenent ; suc- 
 ceeding, in this instance, to the Jewish privileges. 
 
 We, who are an holy priesthood, are separated 
 from the world, that we may avoid all profane in- 
 tercourse with it ; that we may so devote ourselves 
 to the offices of Religion, as never afterwards to 
 desert the sanctuary, in order to enter into *' the 
 tents of ungodliness." 
 
 The demeanor of the Clergy ought not, it is 
 true, to be marked by unsocial rigor, and forbid- 
 ding austerity : called, as we are, to bring sinners 
 to salvation, and, as their visible angels, to con^ 
 
42 ' 
 
 duct them, we must seem in some degree, to imi- 
 tate their customs, and adopt their manners. 
 
 Our ministry, indeed, necessarily occasions an 
 intercourse with men ; and if we would avoid all 
 society with sinners, we must, as the Apostle 
 speaks, *' go out of the world ;'* but the spirit of 
 the Christian priesthood leads us to conquer its 
 temptations, by withstanding^ and not, by per- 
 sonal flight, to escape them. 
 
 It is not, indeed, the love of the world which 
 pleases by its kindness, and engages by its atten- 
 tions, that I shall now either combat with argu- 
 ment, or reprehend with severity. No ! it is that 
 love of the world which exposes us to shame, 
 which familiarizes us to dissipation, dishonors the 
 priesthood, and gives oifence to every pious mind ; 
 it is that powerful attachment to its cares and plea- 
 sures, which weans us from the holy duties of 
 the sanctuary ; it is that useless, idle, worldly life, 
 which hurries us from one folly to another ; en- 
 chains us to the conviviality of sinners, to the 
 delights of their conversation, and the allure- 
 ments of their voluptuousness ; and leads us, by 
 imperceptible degrees, from the engagements 
 of the world to its amusements, from its amuse- 
 ments to its dangers, and from its dangers to its 
 sins*. Now nothing, surely, is so incompatible 
 
 * '-'■ If practical Christian Piety and Benevolence, and Self 
 Go\ emment, vvitli constant Zeal to promote them all upoa 
 
with therholiness of our calling, and the spirit of 
 our ministry, as this life of dissipation, of perpetual 
 engagements, of general inattention, pursued, it 
 may be, without the remotest design of evil. Let 
 us illustrate this truth : — it is sufficiently impor- 
 tant of itself to form, not a principal part^ but the 
 sole object, of this exhortation* 
 
 The spirit of our ministry is a spirit of Separa- 
 tion from the World ; of Prayer ; of Labour, of 
 Zeal ; of Knowledge ; of Piety :— let us observe 
 each of these characteristics. Now, they all be- 
 come extinct amidst worldly avocations,and secular 
 engagements* 
 
 L A spirit of Separation from the World. I 
 mention this first : the ministerial office consecrates 
 us to whatever concerns the reality, or the appear- 
 ance, of Religion, and exempts us, at the same 
 time, from a discharge of many of the public of- 
 fices of society. From the period we are ordained 
 we cease in one sense, to be citizens and mem- 
 bers of the state : united with other men, by gen- 
 eral duties, to its interests, v/e form a separate 
 
 Earth, are not the first and chief Qualities, which your Pa- 
 rishioners and acquaintance will ascribe to you ; if they will 
 speak of you as noted on other accounts, but pass over these 
 articles ; and when asked about them be at a loss what to say, 
 excepting possibly that they know no harm of you ; all is not 
 right : nor can such a Clergy answer the design of its institu- 
 tion any where ; or even maintain its ground in a country of 
 freedom and learning, though a yet worse may in the midst of 
 ^l^Yery and ignorance.*'-— Abp. Secker. 
 
44 
 
 people. It is not that we plead exemption from 
 obedience to the laws, and '' the powers that are 
 ordained of God ;" we are to exhibit to the rest 
 of men an example of allegiance ; we do not cease 
 to be members of the state, because we are not 
 . called upon to discharge the civil offices it requires 
 of the rest of its members. The celebration of 
 the Ordinances of Religion becomes our chief, 
 and, almost, our only, duty; works of piety and 
 charity, as fiu' as is in our power, our indispens- 
 able obligations, thereby recommending our char- 
 acters, and adorning our lives ; the study of the 
 Holy Scriptures, our highest pleasure, and pro- 
 fessed avocation. 
 
 In a Minister of the Gospel, then, every thing 
 is holy and separated from common use : a Clergy- 
 man ought to be distinguished by inherent gravi- 
 ty, the more readily to command respect from 
 others, and by that degree of veneration which is 
 necessary to give solemnity to his admonitions, 
 and effect to his exhortations. 
 
 II. The spirit of our ministry is, in the second 
 place, a Spirit of Prayer* : prayer is the ornament 
 of the priesthood, the leading principle of our 
 character ; without prayer, a Minister is of no use 
 to the Church, nor of any advantage to mankind : 
 he sows, and God gives no encrease ; he preaches, 
 and his words are only like '' sounding brass, or 
 
 * Vide, Charg-e XIV. • 
 
45 
 
 tinkling cymbal :" he recites the praises of God, 
 *' whilst his heart is far from him." It is prayer 
 alone, then, which gives the whole strength and 
 efficacy to our different administrations; and that 
 man ceases, if I may use the expression, to be a 
 public Minister, from the time he ceases to pray : 
 it is prayer which supplies him with consolations 
 in all his labours ; and he celebrates the Ordi- 
 nances of Religion as the hireling performs his 
 work — he considers them as a heavy task, or a 
 severe imposition — if prayer doth not assuage its 
 troubles, or console him for the want of success. 
 
 It will not be considered a deviation from the. 
 subject to examine — Whether, after departing 
 from a profane assembly, where many dangerous 
 objects have fastened on your mind — whether, af- 
 ter withdrawing from a scene of noise and riot, 
 where every thing was unlike Religion, you felt 
 in yourself those dispositions to piety, and attach- 
 ments to godliness, by which a Christian minister 
 should, invariably, be distinguished — whether 
 your mind did not hold a closer converse with the 
 world than with God — and whether, of course, 
 your ministry, which ought to be a ministry of 
 reconciliation and of life, will not become a minis- 
 try of condemnation and of death? Appeal to your 
 own hearts. As soon as the world shall have ex- 
 tinguished in you the spirit of prayer, you will 
 lose, by little and little, all regard to the duty, 
 and all delight in the exercise, of it ; you will per- 
 form it seldom ; you will be careless and irreverent 
 
46 
 
 whilst you arc employed in your devotions, and 
 ivill soon entirely neglect to fulfil them ; — you, 
 whose indispensable duty it is, ** to weep between 
 ** the porch and the altar," for the sins of your 
 people, you will not even be concerned for your 
 own : you will extenuate the vanities, and justify 
 the pleasures, of the world, by partaking of them ; 
 and instead of alarming your piety, and awakening 
 your zeal, they w^ill flatter your taste ^ and corrupt 
 your innocence*". 
 
 III. The spirit of our ministry is also a spirit of 
 Lctbour ; the priesthood is a laborious dignity ; the 
 Church, whose ministers we are, is a vine, a field, 
 an harvest, a building not yet finished, an holy 
 warfare ; all which expressions indicate trouble, 
 and imply diligence ; they are all so many symbols 
 of application and industry. A Clergyman is placed 
 in the Church, as our first parent was in paradise^ 
 to till, and to defend it. 
 
 Thus, a Minister of the Gospel is accountable 
 to society for his time : every part which he em- 
 
 * " I do not say that Recreations, lawful in themselves, are 
 imhuvful to us ; or that those which have been formerly- prohi- 
 bited by ecclesiastical rules, merely as disreputable, may not 
 cease to be so by change of custom. But still not all things 
 lawful are eocfiedient^ and certainly these things, further than 
 they are in truth requisite for health of body, refreshment of 
 mind, or some really valuable purpose, are all a misemploy- 
 ment of our leisure hours, which we ought to set our people 
 a pattern of filling up well. A Minister of God's word, atten- 
 tive to his duty, will neither have leisure for such dissipation^, 
 public or doiBestic, ngr liking tQ them,— -Abp. Secker. 
 
47 
 
 plovs in frivolous and unnecessary engagements, 
 dl the davs that he passes in folly and dissipation, 
 all are days and moments .vhich he owes to the sal- 
 vation of his brethren, and for the just application 
 of which he must answer at the judgment-seat ot 
 Christ. His leisure, his occupations, his talents, 
 are consecrated possessions, the joint heritage of 
 his flock, which ought to be invariably adapted, 
 and judiciously applied, to Produce the amend- 
 tnent of sinners, the confirmation of the doubtful, 
 and the perseverance of the righteous. 
 
 Surely, then, a Christian Minister ought not to 
 be employed in going with idle curiosity from 
 house to house, from one scene to another. What, 
 shall he consume his valuable time in ease and in- 
 dolence! not only reproachful to his character as 
 a Clergyman, but even, in general estimation, im- 
 proper in any one who has the pre-eminence of an 
 intelligem, or the virtue of a moral, bemg? You '. 
 a man of God, an interpreter of his law, his am- 
 bassador among men-will you forget your title, 
 your calling, his imerests, his glory, and your 
 own?— and will you depreciate your dignity by 
 a conduct which renders you, not only the dis- 
 grace of the Church, but the very bane of civil 
 society, and an object of contempt in the eyes ot 
 those " who see nothing" in Religion "that they 
 should desire it ?" Every state hath its peculiar du- 
 ties: the magistrate, the soldier, the merchant, 
 the artisan, all have their several employments ; 
 a worldly Minister, whose cares, it might be ex- 
 
48 
 
 pccted, would increase in proportion as the vices 
 of men are multiplied, he alone hath no serious 
 employment ; he passes his days, if not in indo- 
 lence, at least in cares foreign from his profession : 
 and the life which ought to be the most occupied, 
 and the most respectable in society, becomes the 
 most disgraceful and contemptible. 
 
 So long as their are sinful creatures to reclaim — . 
 ignorant people to instruct- — weak men to support 
 — and gainsaying unbelievers to convince — ought 
 a Minister of the Gospel to be immersed in re- 
 proachful avocations ? It is related in the Sacred 
 Writings, that Nehemiah occupied in building the 
 temple, was solicited by the officers of the King 
 of Persia to meet them in the plain of Ono, to re- 
 new a covenant with them ; but this holy man, en- 
 gaged in so pious an u^idertaking, and not think- 
 ing himself warranted in interrupting it on so slight 
 an occasion, replied — " I am doing a great work, 
 *' so that I cannot come down: why should the 
 *' work cease whilst I leave it?" Is a Minister^ 
 occupied in repairing the spiritual edifice of the 
 Church, in raising a temple to the living God in 
 the hearts of men, charged with a work of less 
 importance ? And what should be his reply to 
 those, who, under frivolous pretences, would 
 engage him in the folly of the world? What — 
 but the wise answer of the Jewish chief—'' I am 
 " doing a great work, so that I cannot come down : 
 " why should the work cease whilst I leave 
 ''it?" What more worthy of his ministry, and 
 
49 
 
 more respectable in the eyes of men, then not to 
 suffer himsielf to be diverted, by the most importu- 
 nate solicitations, from the duties of his calling ? 
 than to act upon the persuasion, that all the time 
 which he unnecessary gives to the world, is so 
 much time which he alienates from the building 
 of the holy Jerusalem, and which delays the ac- 
 complishment of the work of God upon earth ? 
 
 IV. In the fourth place, the spirit of our mini- 
 stry is a spirit of Knowledge. " The lips of the 
 *' priest," says the Scripture, " should keep know- 
 *' ledge, and the people should seek the law at 
 *'• his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord 
 '^ of Hosts." We are commanded to read, with 
 attention, the Sacred Volume, devoting to it all 
 the labour of application, and fatigue of study, 
 which the profound subjects contained in it de-^ 
 mand ; we are to be supported by the bread of 
 life, derived from the heavenly writings ; we are 
 to adorn the inward part of our souls w ith the law 
 of God, as the Jewish priests ornamented the out- 
 side of their garments. The Holy Scriptures are 
 the substance, the foundation, of the Christian 
 priesthood. The Ministers of the Gospel have been 
 sometimes compared to the two great lights which 
 are placed in the firmament, to rule over the day, 
 and over the night ; over the day, in directing the 
 faith and confirming the piety of Christians ; and 
 over the night, in enlightening the darkness of 
 error, and expelling the evils of unbelief. We are 
 the interpreters of the law, appointed of God to 
 
50 
 
 resolve the doubts of his people, and to make 
 known his will ; the guardians of the Church, in 
 the midst of the schisms which divide, of the trou- 
 bles which afflict, and of the malignity which dis- 
 tracts it. 
 
 Fulfil now, if it be possible, these important du- 
 ties, in the midst of pursuits which alienate, and 
 of engagements which corrupt, the mind ; for the 
 knowledge required of a Clergyman is essential to, 
 and inseparable from, a right and conscientious 
 discharge of the sacred ministry. Now, nothing is 
 more adverse to the love of study, than the love 
 of the world; its pleasures and dissipations first 
 suppress, and afterwards extinguish, the taste for 
 reading, and the love of meditation ; if we would 
 possess and indulge an inclination to read, we must 
 have a mind accustomed to think, to rrbeditate, to 
 be collected within itself; wc must feel an ardent 
 desire progressively to advance in useful learning, 
 and professional knowledge ; we must so arrange 
 our life, and regulate our time, as to be able to 
 give an account to ourselves, whether the parts of 
 the day appointed for serious study and ministe- 
 rial avocations, be uniformly applied to the intend- 
 ed purpose. For the want of this proper arrange- 
 ment of time, and the right application of it, we 
 see some Clergymen more conversant with the 
 nature of diversions, of amusements, and of se- 
 cular business, than with their professional duties: 
 hence too many, who, by an ignorance of their 
 profession, disgrace the sacred character. When 
 
51 
 
 once study is neglected, piety declines. The 
 love of books, alone, my Reverend Brethren, can 
 render you superior to the love of diversions ; 
 and so long as you do not find within yourselves 
 a resource for indolence, the diversions of the 
 world will, it is too probable, become essential to 
 your happiness ; you will not be able to live with- 
 out them. In vain you may prescribe to your- 
 selves fixed limits, and certain rules ; in vain you 
 may form resolutions of appropriating your time 
 in part to your studies, and in part to your a- 
 musements : the love of the world will encrease 
 everyday, and in proportion as it encreases, the 
 love of books v/ill decline, and knowledge, pro- 
 fessional knowledge, will cease to be estimable. 
 Not only so, but your dislike to the study of 
 the Holy Scriptures will hourly gain ground ; 
 you will not be able to support a moment of severe 
 application, or serious reading ; and idleness and 
 dissipation will have such an ascendancy over your 
 pursuits and habits, that whatever remains of your 
 profession will serve but to reproach and condemn 
 you. 
 
 V. The spirit of our ministry is, in the last place, 
 a spirit of Piety. By a spirit of piety, I mean, not 
 only innocence of manners, but that peace of con- 
 science, that love of God, which the very appear- 
 ance of evil disquiets and alarms: the spirit of 
 piety is the great support of our ministry. We 
 may be said to live under its sacred influence. In 
 the midst of our congregations, in the preaching of 
 
52 
 
 the word, in private prayer, and in the study of 
 the Scriptures, we employ our time ; and if such 
 pursuits fail to maintain in our hearts the love of 
 God, and to produce the most salutary effects on 
 our conduct, wretched men that we are, " who 
 *' shall deliver us from the wrath to come l" 
 
 A life in which the love of the world is predomi- 
 nant, is incompatible with that dignified and edi- 
 fying piety, which should be the distinguishing 
 characteristic of the sacred ministry ; it is this 
 spirit of piety alone which can ensure to us utility. 
 For, after having freely mixed in the diversions 
 and follies of the world, can you appear in a Chris- 
 tian pulpit impressed Avith a sense of the impor. 
 tance of the Gospel, and zealous for its success? 
 With what face can you speak of the perils to 
 which we are exposed in the world, of the snares 
 which the Devil lays to beguile our innocence, of 
 the necessity of prayer, of vigilance, of the account 
 we are to render of an unprofitable life, and of all 
 those evangelical graces which are indispensably 
 requisite to adorn our christian character, when 
 scarce a vestige of them can be discerned in your 
 own ? in order to '' preach Christ, and him cruci- 
 *' fied," we, like the Apostles, must be '' cruci- 
 " fied with Christ," dead to the affections and 
 lusts of the world ; in order to inspire a love of 
 God, and of the things of heaven, we must possess 
 that love ourselves ; in order to impress the 
 hearts of our hearers, we must be actuated by 
 similar impressions. Now, should you even 
 
55 
 
 speak in the pulpit with an apparent zeal, should 
 you pronounce the most lively, affecting, and elo- 
 quent, expressions, in what view do you wish to 
 be considered by your hearers? What alternate 
 emotions of shame, of pity, and contempt, will 
 they not feel, when they hear you deplore the pre- 
 vailing degeneracy of morals ? Will not your la- 
 mentations sound in their ears as the artificial 
 lamentations of a theatre ? You will, it may be, 
 appear to them as having acted your part well ; 
 and all the holiness, all the majesty, all the terror 
 of the Gospel, will be no more in their estimation, 
 than a profane exhibition of despicable vanity ; no 
 more than the result of a classical judgment, and a 
 refined taste. 
 
 It is not easy, indeed, to support, in the midst 
 t)f the world, all the decorum of our ministry. 
 Success in our calling is only attached to ardor of 
 zeal, and innocence of manners. The appearance 
 of a Minister of the Gospel in places of public 
 diversions, common prudence, therefore, dictates 
 should be rare. In exhibiting ourselves in every 
 place of entertainment, we lose the reverence 
 which is interwoven with our character : it is dif- 
 ficult to be every nioment on our guard ; — and 
 the smallest deviation from the path of propriety, 
 is misrepresented by calumny, and exaggerated 
 by malevolence, into a sin of the deepest dye. It 
 is easy to lose, it is difiicult to preserve, our res- 
 pectability, when we enter into the public amuse^ 
 ments of life ; and, although we do not imitate 
 
54 
 
 the manners, and pursue the irregularities we sec^ 
 we assuredly, render our vocation less useful, and 
 our virtues suspicious. 
 
 Let us, then, endeavour to extinguish in our 
 hearts an attachment to the world and to its vanities. 
 Having devoted ourselves to the service of God, 
 having sincerely resolved to cast oif the love of 
 sublunary things, let us address ourselves to the 
 Almighty, in the language of good old Simeon, 
 = — '' Lord, now lettest thou thy servants depart 
 in peace," from the profane engagements of the 
 world, *' since our eyes have seen thy salvation/^ 
 
CHARGE IIL 
 
 ON ZEAL. 
 
 When he had made a scourge of small cords ^ he drov^ 
 them out of the Temple, 
 
57 
 CHARGE III. 
 
 ON ZEAL. 
 
 THE first office of our Lord's ministry in Jeru- 
 salem was an exercise and display of zeal against 
 the abuses which dishonour the glory of his Father, 
 and the sanctity of his Temple. That divine 
 meekness, which had hitherto distinguished his 
 whole conduct, was, on this occasion, changed in- 
 to an holy severity. He could not endure a pubUc 
 offence, which insulted Religion in the Lord's 
 sanctuary. In vain did the Pharasees tolerate this 
 abuse, in vain was it supported by universal and 
 ancient custom ; these seem the very considera- 
 tions w^hich awakened his indignation ; and the 
 more difficult and dangerous the remedy appeared, 
 the less delay and caution did he use in aboHshing 
 this profanation of the temple. 
 
 The first example which our Lord hath left to 
 his Ministers in the public exercise of their pro- 
 fession, is observable in the zeal which he exhibit- 
 ed against those vices that insult the glory of God, 
 and profane the holiness of religion. He sends us, 
 indeed, as lambs, who are to be silent and gentle 
 in the midst of ill-treatment j but who are directed 
 
5S 
 
 to raise our voice, and " to cry aloud/' when the 
 glory of the Lord, whose ministers we are, is dis^ 
 paraged by the neghgent, affronted by the careless, 
 and contemned by the profligate. He disapproved, 
 it: is true, the zeal of the two disciples who called 
 for fire from heaven on an unbelieving city ; but he 
 blamed only their unrestrained indignation, and 
 unhallowed bitterness : He condemned the zeal 
 w^hich would punish rather than reclaim, and 
 taught us, that, without charity, zeal is no more 
 than violence of temper, and not an impulse of 
 grace. 
 
 I this day propose to your attention, that a true, 
 religious zeal, is essentially requisite in the char- 
 acter of a Christian Minister, And, then, why 
 this zeal is so seldom found among us. 
 
 I. From the period in which the Church has as- 
 sociated us to the holy ministry, we become '*la. 
 *' bourers together with God," for the salvation 
 of our brethren ; we, in some measure, enter into 
 the priesthood of the blessed Jesus, who became 
 a priest for the purpose of destroying the domi- 
 nion of sin, of restoring to his Father the glory 
 of which the malice of men had robbed him,, 
 and of forming a spiritual, faithful people, an 
 assembly of saints, to glorify him throughout the 
 earth. 
 
 Thus, a Minister of the Gospel is charged with 
 the interests of the Lord, and with the holiness of 
 
381 
 
 fnen : his pVayers, his desires, his studies, his ex:- 
 ertions, are all to be directed to the salvation of 
 his brethren, as to their only end ; Avhatever does 
 not relate to this grand object is foreign to die 
 design of his vocation ; his time should be em- 
 ployed, and his talents devoted, to induce men to 
 *' worship their Father in spirit and in truth ;'' he 
 who is embarrassed with other cares, renounces 
 the dignity of his high calling. 
 
 Elijah ascending to heaven, and leaving the spi- 
 rit of his zeal to his disciple Elisha, w^as a type of 
 Christ, who, after having sat down at the right 
 hand of his Father, sent the spirit of zeal upon his 
 disciples, w^hich was to be the seal of their mission 
 and the credential of their ministry ; and, in con- 
 sequence, to reform mankind, and to carry to all 
 nations the know^ledge of salvation, and the love 
 of the truth. No sooner were they filled with 
 the Holy Ghost, than these m.en, before so timid, 
 and so diligent to conceal themselves from the 
 fury of the Jews, despised danger, and defied pun- 
 ishment : they bare testimony in presence of the 
 high priests, of the resurrection of Jesus, and 
 *' departed from the council, rejoicing to be thought 
 *' worthy to suifer shame for his name." 
 
 But the ardour of their zeal could not be con- 
 fined to the land of Judea ; they went from coun- 
 try to country, from nation to nation ; they spread 
 themselves throughout the extremities of the earth; 
 they preached " the. foolishness of the cross" to 
 
60 
 
 the most polished of all people, whose boast was 
 m the power of their eloquence, and the excellence 
 of their philosophy. The obstacles, which every 
 where presented themselves to their zeal, far 
 from discouraging, confirmed their resolution, 
 and enflamed their piety : the whole world conspi- 
 red against them ; and, in the midst of punishment, 
 and in the sight of death, " they cannot," they 
 say, " but speak what they have heard and seen." 
 Such was the spirit of the priesthood, and of the 
 apostleship which they had received. 
 
 Consider, now, to what we are dedicated, in re- 
 ceiving imposition of hands. The Church, it is true, 
 doth not require each of us to preach'the covenant 
 of grace and mercy to barbarous nations, and to 
 sprinkle with our blood the most distant countries, 
 in order that we may disseminate the Gospel, and 
 lead to a knowledge of its author, people who have 
 never heard his name. No ! What is required of 
 us is, to watch, lest the enemy of mankind sow 
 tares in this sacred field ; to cultivate the plants 
 which our heavenly Father hath there planted. 
 
 Now, should we deserve to bear the name of the 
 Ministers of the Holy Jesus, if we could, unmoved^ 
 perceive iniquity and sin predominant among men 
 — faith dead — holiness extinct — God almost un- 
 known among us, — and Christians, the peculiar 
 people, dishonouring the Redeemer, by excesses, 
 which, in them who have never " named the name 
 of Christ," would excite a blush ? 
 
61 ' 
 
 WlicnCe comes it, that the desolation of Christ^S 
 hevifage, of which we arc every day witnesses, doth 
 not sensibly more affect us ? Whence is it, that 
 we think ourselves discharged from our obliga- 
 tions, when we have repeated, often without de- 
 votion, the prayers which the Church requires of 
 us ? Can we, as the Ministers of the Lord, suffer 
 our brethren, who are the living temples of the 
 Holy Spirit, to perish ? Is not the most essential 
 of our obligations that into which all the rest are 
 resolved, the edification, and the salvation of men ? 
 The Church doth not acknowledge, in the sacred 
 profession, idle labourers, the work of which is 
 committed to us all ; for a Clergyman, who is 
 of no use to society, is an usurper of the priest- 
 hood : he hath no farther right to the title of a 
 Minister of the Gospel, than as he hath a zeal for 
 its duties. 
 
 11. Whence comes it, that zeal for the temple 
 of the Lord, this holy ardour for the salvation of 
 men, this lively desire to extend the kingdom of 
 God, this poignant grief to see his doctrine des- 
 pised, and the greatest part of mankind going the 
 way that leads to destruction; whence comes it, 
 that these dispositions, so congenial to our voca- 
 tion, so honourable to our ministry, so common, 
 formerly, among the first preachers of the Gospel, 
 are now so seldom to be found among the Pastors 
 of the Church ! Whence comes it, I again en- 
 quire, that this zeal more necessary at this day 
 than ever, should seem extinct in the greatest part 
 
 G 
 
6^ 
 
 of those, who, it might be expected, would be 
 invigorated by its principle, and enlivened by its 
 ardour. 
 
 The Church is, with one description of men, a 
 mere state of convenience ; tlley enjoy its revenues 
 from the patronage of the great, or the patrimony 
 of their families ; and are, therefore, they think, 
 authorized to lead an indolent and voluptuous life; 
 they consider their situation as a privilege which 
 exempts them from the laborious duties of the mi- 
 nistry ; and leave to the lower order of the Clergy, 
 I had almost said, all concern for God's glory, for 
 the honour of the Church, and for the salvation of 
 those souls for whom Christ died. We might, 
 therefore, conclude, that labourers are sent by com- 
 pulsion into the Gospel-field ; and that the Lord's 
 Ministers need neither be prompted by love nor 
 stimulated by zeal : we might, therefore, con- 
 clude, that to promote the work of Redemption, to 
 aid the grand scheme which the Son of God came 
 Into the world to execute, was reserved for those 
 whom indigence and poverty compelled to be em- 
 ployed in- it. 
 
 Now, by partaking so abundantly of the reve- 
 nues of the Church, are you thereby exempted from 
 the obligations of your profession ? When you en- 
 tered into the Ministry, did the Church confer 
 upon you the privilege of being indolent ? or did 
 it include you in the number of its labourers and 
 its Ministers ? How ! Because you have been 
 more fortunate, though, perhaps, less deserving. 
 
63 
 
 than other men ; because the Church hath blessed 
 you with its treasures, are you to be disobedient 
 to its commands, and neghgent of its duties ? The 
 abundance which you possess, as it would add au- 
 thority to your remonstrances, and weight to your 
 persuasion, ought to stimulate you to high exer- 
 tions in the discharge of your ministerial engage- 
 ments, and not to become a pretence for entrusting 
 the salvation of souls to the care of others. Whe- 
 ther our ecclesiastical situation be exalted or ob- 
 scure, it is equally incumbent on us to fulfil the 
 ministry we have received of the Lord. The great 
 Apostle considered it as a cause of glorying, and 
 of the success of his apostleship, to have preached 
 the Gospel without reward. To this noble disin" 
 terestedness, he attributed the abundant fruits 
 which the Word of God had produced among 
 mankind, by his ministry. 
 
 And indeed, does not a godly Pastor, who at 
 once administers to the wants of the body, and is 
 attentive to the salvation of the soul, excite a vene- 
 ration for a profession, calculated to render those 
 who have embraced it, liberal in the distribution of 
 the emoluments they receive from it? With what 
 blessings does a Minister of this character see his 
 labours accompanied ? What an impression do his 
 words and his exhortations make, upon hearts al- 
 ready prepared, by his liberality, for the reception 
 of the Gospel! Men reverence a Religion so com- 
 passionate towards the unhappy : and they are 
 equally affected with the blessings they receive from 
 it, and with the sins they have committed against it. 
 
64 
 
 A second cause of want of zeal is the cold and 
 languishing state of the heart ; it is the want of 
 love towards God, and of charity towards men. 
 In vain do we flatter ourselves with unimpeachable 
 regularity ; in vain do we challenge the acuteness 
 of enquiry to investigate our conduct ; we are, not- 
 withstanding, dead in the sight of God ; the love 
 of God, which is inseparable from the love of our 
 neighbour, is extinct in our heart : the vital 
 PRINCIPLE IS WANTING. Did wc, indeed, love 
 God, — were we impressed with a sense of our 
 duty to promote his glory, bound, as we are, by 
 the spirit of our ministry, — is it possible that we 
 could perceive, with indifference, his Majesty 
 every day, and in every place, insulted by the ex- 
 cess, and outraged by the profligacy, which per- 
 vade the whole earth ? 
 
 What are the characters, then, by which we may 
 know how the principle of the love of God ope- 
 rates in the heart of a Minister of the Gospel ? 
 He is impressed with a lively sorrow when he sees 
 the sovereign of the universe provoked, and his 
 law contemned, by the greater part of those, 
 whom, Avith the most gracious design, and for 
 the most benevolent purpose, the great Creator 
 called into being : he is actuated by an ai'dent 
 desire to confine to God alone the worship which 
 is due to his Supreme Majesty, and inexhaus-. 
 tible goodness; he is impelled by an holy zeal 
 to deliver up himself, to render his feeble ta- 
 lents subservient to extend the glory, and exalt 
 the name, of Ichovah, aad to iiispire all men 
 
65 
 
 with the same affections of fear, of love, of thanks- 
 giving, which preside in his own heart. We can- 
 not love an object, and be insensible to the insults 
 offered to the object of our love : and we cannot 
 be possessed of such sensibility, without employ- 
 ing every power, and exerting every facult}', to 
 prevent, or, at least, to avert them, especially 
 when, independent of the obligation common to 
 all, our ministry enjoins it, as a personal and in- 
 dispensable duty ; a duty which is the very foun- 
 dation, and which comprises in it all the other 
 obligations, of our sacred calling. 
 
 And although our zeal should not be productive 
 of any very unusual effects ; although the truths 
 which we preach to sinners should fall upon hearts 
 dead to all sense of Religion, we should possess 
 the consolation of having contributed to the glory 
 of God, by endeavouring, as much as possible, to 
 bring all men to a knowledge of the truth. The 
 Almighty doth not always comfort his Ministers 
 with the appearance of immediate and visible suc- 
 cess, lest man should attribute to himself that ef- 
 fect which is produced only by his grace : but his 
 word always v/orks in secret ; the holy seed, which 
 seems to have fallen upon an unprepared soil, is 
 not entirely lost, but will, sooner or later, bring 
 forth fruits of salvation. God has his moments : 
 and it is not for us to arraign his wisdom, or at- 
 tempt to prescribe bounds to his power : His spi. 
 rit works where, and when he pleases : we see the 
 changes he produces ; but the hidden admirable 
 
66 
 
 ways by which he produces them, no one knows : 
 they are the profound mysteries of Providence, 
 which will only be revealed in the great day of the 
 Lord. Of us he demands solicitude, labour and 
 toil ; he reserves to himself the increase : he com- 
 mands us to *' teach, to exhort, to reprove ; to 
 *' ciy aloud, and not to spare ;" on himself alone 
 depends the entrance of the good seed of the word 
 into the heart duly prepared to receive it^. 
 
 But it is not the apprehension of want of success 
 which makes us negligent of our duty. No ! the 
 true reason is, we ourselves are not impressed with 
 a sense of God's glory, and of the blessings of sal- 
 vation. And indeed, how should we, as St. James 
 observes, be affected with the interests of the Lord's 
 glory, whom we do not see, so long as we are in- 
 sensible to the wants of our brethren, whom we do 
 see ? Can we, without emotion, without reaching 
 
 * " Never despair, nor be immoderately grieved, if your 
 success be small : but be not indifferent about it : do not con- 
 tent yourselves with the indolent plea that you have done your 
 duty, and are not ans\ver?.ble for the event. You may have 
 done it as far as the law requires : yet by no means have dis- 
 charged your consciences. You may have done it conscien- 
 tiously, yet not with the diligence or address that you ought. 
 And as we are seldom easy in other cases, when we fail of our 
 end ; if we are so in this, it doth not look well. At least con- 
 sult your hearts upon this point. And if you have been defi- 
 ciei)t, beg of God pardon, grace, and direction ; endeavour to 
 do more for your people : Consult your brethren about the 
 means. Conversation of this nature will much better become. 
 Clergymen when they meet, than any which is not relative to 
 their profession." — Abp. Secker. 
 
63- 
 
 out a hand to assist them, perceive those whom 
 we love, perishing ; especially our brethren in 
 Christ Jesus, over whom we are commanded to be 
 vigilant, for whom we must give a strict account, 
 and whose fall will bring ruhi and condemnation 
 on ourselves. 
 
 Are we then, sensibly affected when we observe 
 so many, who call themselves Christians, walking 
 in the paths that lead to destruction? Public 
 morals every day become more corrupt, because 
 the zeal of the Lord's Ministers waxeth cold. The 
 generality of sinners live unconcerned in the midst 
 of their vices, because they no longer hear those 
 terrific calls, which are animated by the spirit of 
 God, are alone capable of awakening them from 
 the sleep of sin. We look upon profligacy of 
 manners as an evil without remedy, which had its 
 beginning with the world, and will continue to 
 the end of it : we think that the morals of to-day 
 have been the morals of all ages. The corruption 
 of Christianity, my Reverend Brethren, arises from 
 the want of zeal, and from the indolence which 
 pervades its teachers. The Church would soon 
 re-assume its original splendour, w^re we only 
 actuated by the same spirit as the pastors w^ho 
 planted it : all would change, were we changed 
 ourselves. This universal profligacy of manners, 
 then, is so far from justifying our insensibility, 
 that it loudly testifies against us, and renders us 
 still more criminal. 
 
6^ 
 
 But we excuse our indolence, by giving it the 
 specious names of moderation and discretion ; 
 under a pretence that our zeal is to be prescribed 
 within proper limits, we extinguish it altogether- 
 Let us not deceive ourselves : the truths of which 
 we are the interpreters, cannot please the world,, 
 because they condemn the world. When, indeed, 
 Vie address the lower classes of men ; we repro- 
 bate their irregularities ; we display before their 
 eyes the terrors of the Lord, with the most unqua- 
 liiied denunciations, and, often, without that mild- 
 ness which prudence suggests, and charity pre- 
 scribes. But, with the Great, we, as the Apostle 
 speaks, change our language : hardly dare we 
 shew to them, at a distance, truths which they dis- 
 like. Our chief object is, not to correct their 
 vices, but to avoid incurring their displeasure. 
 We persuade ourselves, that we ought not, by an 
 indiscriminate zeal, to deprive the Church of the 
 credit of their attachment, and the advantage of 
 their support ; as if men plunged in vice could 
 promote the work of God ; as, if, to escape the 
 imputation of indiscretion, we must necessarily 
 ** speak smooth things, and prophesy deceit." 
 
 The fear of men, then, may suppress in us the 
 love of the truth, and zeal for the salvation of 
 souls. To which may be added another cause, 
 but which, I trust in God, cannot often be attri- 
 buted to the Clergy, — I mean irregularity of con- 
 duct. 
 
69 
 
 It cannot excite surprise that a Minister, whose 
 heart is the receptacle of criminal passions, should 
 find himself without power, without inclination, 
 without courage, when it becomes his duty to re- 
 prehend and correct the like passions in other men. 
 What impression of zeal, and what sensations of 
 horror, can the commission of those vices, in our 
 fellow creatures, which we love, and in which we 
 indulge ourselves, produce in our hearts ? Thus, 
 when our situation requires us to publish the glad 
 tidl:5igs of salvation, and to censure, with freedom, 
 notorious offences — w^hat coldness, what constraint, 
 what outward shame, and inw^ard remorse! No, 
 my brethren, our private conduct ought not to blush 
 at our public censures. A Clergyman, who be- 
 lies by his immoralities, the truths which he 
 preaches, causes more infidels and unbelievers 
 than all the writings which hatred of the Gospel 
 can dictate, and all the arguments that the love of 
 vice can produce. Expressions, then of zeal 
 against profligacy are not becoming, nor service- 
 able, in the Church, but in the character, and from 
 the mouth J of virtue. '' Why," says the Psalmist, 
 *' dost thou preach my laws, and take my cove- 
 '' nant in thy mouth, whereas thou hatest to be re- 
 <^ formed?" Will the holy spirit, do you think, 
 speak by a mouth polluted with indecent and pro- 
 fane conversation ? Will he work the work of 
 righteousness and sanctification, by a worker of 
 iniquity and hypocrisy ? Will he employ a Minis- 
 ter of abandoned morals, as his instrument in pro- 
 .tnoting the salvation of his people ? 
 
 H 
 
70 
 
 But the Church is not to be reproached with the 
 irregularities of its Ministers. What the Clergy 
 are to be warned against, is, that state of luke- 
 warmness*, and of negligence, in the discharge of 
 their duty, which destroys the efficacy of it. And, 
 indeed, how can you, my Reverend Brethren, ap- 
 pear among your flocks, animated with the love of 
 God, and actuated by a desire to promote the salva- 
 tion of men- — you, who feel no solicitude, either for 
 your ov\n salvation, or the salvation of those over 
 whom the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers ZAf 
 you perform your ministry with indifference and re- 
 luctance, you will leave the same dispositions in the 
 hearts of those who hear you. A faithful Minister is 
 
 * " Clergymen, who are serious in their whole behaviour, and 
 the care of their families also, are often too unactive amongst 
 their people : apt to think that if they perform regularly the 
 ordinary offices of the church, exhort from the pulpit such as 
 will come to hear them, and answer the common occasional 
 calls of parochial duty, they have done as much as they need, 
 or well can, and so turn themselves to other matters ; perhaps 
 never visit some of their parishioners ; and with the rest enter 
 into the same sort of talk that any one else would do. Now St. 
 Paul saith, he taught the Ephesians both publicly and from 
 house to housc^ testifying repentance toivards God, and faith tO' 
 wards our Lord Jesus Christ ; and ceased not to warn every one 
 day and night. He also commands Timothy to preach the 
 word, and be instant in season and out of season ; at stated 
 times and others : not forcing advice upon persons, when it 
 was likelier to do harm than good : but prudently improving 
 less favourable opportunities, if no others offered. Thus, 
 unquestionably should v e do. And a chief reason, why we 
 have so little hold upon our people is, that we converse 
 with them so little, as watclimen over their souls. — Abp 
 Secker. 
 
71 
 
 uniformly distinguished by his zeal, his application, 
 his patience, his labor to overcome the obstacles, 
 which the world, the devil, the depravity of man- 
 ners, oppose to the success of his ministry ; and, 
 too often, alas ! notwithstanding his ardent zeal, 
 and unremitted pains, he has the mortification of 
 having '' laboured in vain, and spent his strength 
 for nought." What harvest, then, can a slothful, 
 negligent, labourer expect, from a field to which 
 he hath put only a feeble, and languishing hand, and 
 which seems to have been entrusted to him, rather 
 as a refuge from fatigue, than to be the object of 
 unremitted application ? What spectacle so afflict- 
 ing to the Church, as that of one of its Pastors, 
 bound by the most solemn obligations to prosecute 
 his calling with diligence and fidelity, careless and 
 indolent ! He, to whom is entrusted the enlarge- 
 ment of the kingdom of God, the reclaiming of 
 sinners from the evil of their ways — the improve- 
 ment of the wise, — and the edification of the vir- 
 tuous ! 
 
 But there is another cause of the want of zeal, 
 in some of the Ministers of the Gospel, which is, 
 a persuasion, that they are not well calculated to 
 discharge the public offices of Religion. 
 
 We every day meet with Pastors, whom a love 
 of retirement, together with extreme diffidence of 
 their talents, renders almost useless to the Church. 
 They prefer the leisure of study, to the active dis^ 
 charge of their duty : they think it sufficient that 
 
they edify the Church, by their example, without 
 supporting it by their labours, directed personally, 
 and individually, to those over whom they are pla- 
 ced ; that they be blameless in the eyes of men, 
 without devoting their time to their amendment ; 
 in a word, that, by leading an irreproachable life, 
 they are justified in neglecting the salvation of 
 their brethren. They give themselves up wholly 
 to reading and study ; but will such application, 
 however laudable in itself, and serviceable, as it 
 may, occasionally, be in its effects, to the commu- 
 nity at large, compensate for their neglect in per- 
 forming the public services of their peculiar func- 
 tions ; or, for performing them with carelesness, 
 and inattention ? But you think you had, better 
 leave the obligations of your calling, to be fulfilled 
 by those, who are more likely to benefit the hear- 
 ers. We possess all requisite talents, when we 
 have a love for our fiock, and feel an ardent desire 
 for their salvation : this is the treasure of which 
 our Lord speaks, and whence '^die Scribe, in- 
 " structed for the kingdom of Heaven, draws trea- 
 '' sures new and old." Nothing is more opposite, 
 says a Father of the Church*, to the spirit of the 
 Priesthood, than an indolent and inactive life, 
 which we are too apt to consider as the most desi- 
 rable. Nihil enim minus aptuin est ad JEcclesi^ 
 prarfecturam quam socordia £sP ignavia, qiiam alii 
 exercitationem quandam admirabilem piitant. 
 
 Heavenly Father, remove, we beseech thee, from 
 the hearts of thy Ministers, every obstacle which 
 * Chryostonir 
 
73 
 
 may hinder . them from bringing mankind to the 
 knowledge of the truth : animate them with that 
 spirit of zeal and wisdom with which thou didst 
 endow the first preachers of the Gospel : may thy 
 Church perpetually abound with labourers, power- 
 ful in word and doctrine, whose only end may be 
 thy glory, and the salvation of mankind ; and who 
 may esteem as nothing the opinions of men, so 
 long as they are instruments in thy hands of ex- 
 tending thy kingdom, and accomplishing thy will ! 
 Amen. 
 
CHARGE IV. 
 
 ON BEING CALLED TO THE CHRISTIAN 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 ■4s my Father hath sent me, so send I you. 
 
75 
 
 CHARGE IV. 
 
 ON BEING CALLED TO THE CHRISTIAN 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 YOU recollect the words of our blessed Lord to 
 his disciples, when he appeared to them, assembled 
 together, after his resurrection : his design was to 
 confirm their faith, by his presence, and to dispel 
 their terror by his Gospel, which he bequeathed to 
 them, as the blessed result of his victory, and the 
 dearest pledge of his remembrance. 
 
 It was not suificient to assure them that they 
 should be ministers of his evangelical dispensa- 
 tion:— Go, I send you, teach all nations in my 
 name. It was also necessary to raise their spirits, 
 sunk and dejected as they were, by his passion and 
 death, by inspiring them with high sentiments of 
 that important and sublime ministry, in which they 
 were soon to be employed. And to impress their 
 mind with the utmost force, he compares their 
 mission to his own, — '' As my Father hath sent 
 me, so send I you." 
 
 As though he had said to them; — As I have 
 been upon earth the ambassador of my Father, so 
 shall you be mine among men : as my Father was 
 
76 
 
 in me, reconciling the world unto himself, so shall 
 I be in you, exercising myself a ministry of recon- 
 ciliation ; as they who have seen me, have seen the 
 Father, they who see you, shall see me also ; and 
 ye shall be the representatives of my person upon 
 earth, and a striking image of my power and au- 
 thority ; as the Father abode in me, doing all my 
 vv^orks, so will I abide in you, and will baptize, 
 will give the Holy Spirit, and will speak, before 
 princes and kings. The Father hath placed me at 
 his right hand, '* and hath put all enemies under 
 " my feet : ye shall sit upon twelve thrones, judg- 
 '* ing the twelve tribes of Israel." The Father 
 hath given evidence from on high, by appearing 
 in the clouds : and I shall one day appear, on a 
 cloud of glory, surrounded by all the heavenly spi- 
 rits, to bear testimony of you, before the assem- 
 bled world. In a word, as I have glorified my 
 Father on earth, so shall I be glorified in you, by 
 your confessing my name, and promulgating my 
 doctrine : but, as the mission which I have receiv- 
 ed of my Father is the principle and foundation of 
 all my authority and greatness, the mission with 
 which I entrust you shall be alone the foundation 
 of yours : — " As my Father hath sent me, so send 
 I you." To this last reflection it is, that I confine 
 the subject of this discourse. The high parellel 
 presents us with sublime, and, at the same time, 
 awful ideas, of our ministerial calling. 
 
 " Let no one," says the Apostle, " take this ho- 
 " nour to himself, but he that is called of God, as 
 
" was Aaron." If Christ was sent of his Father, 
 in order to begin his work, we are to be -sent by- 
 Christ, in order to continue that same work ; and 
 as we are called to the same glorious ministry, it 
 is proper that the marks of our vocation be the 
 same. Now, were our Lord to appear this day in 
 the midst of us, as he formerly appeared to his as* 
 sembled disciples, could he say to each individual 
 among us—'' As my Father hath sent me, so have 
 I sent you?" 
 
 I shall not attempt to prove that we ought to be 
 called to this holy office of the priesthood, before 
 we take legal possession of it, for in so doing, the 
 legality of the call is implied; I had rather appeal 
 to your conscience, and prevail with you to enquire 
 of yourselves — Am I called ? Is it the calling of 
 Christ, or the voice of man, that has placed me in 
 the sanctuary ? Is this holy state, which I have 
 chosen, the state to which the Almighty hath ap- 
 pointed me ? Am I in my place, or do I occupy 
 the place of another ? — and, as Christ was sent by 
 his Father, am I sent by him^? 
 
 * I entirely omit the first part of this discourse, since little 
 advantage could be derived from it by a Protestant Clergyman ; 
 and likewise the second part, which relates to the approbdtion 
 of the Pastor by the people. The Prelate eloquently asks, " If 
 ip.any parishes would not say of their Pastors, we will not have 
 this man to preside over us ? If the people among whom I have 
 lived, had the choice of their minister, could I flatter myself 
 that their choice would fall on me ?" I may, I hope, without 
 offence, be permitted to observe, that, in the appointment of 
 ministers, it is greatly to be desired that the people over which 
 
 I 
 
78 
 
 That we may know whether we are called to the 
 sacred mmistry, we may judge from the mnocence 
 
 the pastor is commissioned to preside, should be a person 
 whom they approve. If, kr»owing his moral character, they 
 justly dislike them ; if, when they hear him in the Church, 
 they are unanimous in their opinion, that, from his manner of 
 reading and preaching, their Church and Communion will be 
 deserted ; or if, whatever be his qualifications, his voice is so 
 weak that it cannot be heard ; ought not every congregation to 
 h^ve the privilege of protesting against such nomination ? A 
 congregation cannot be happy in a Clergyman whom they 
 despise ; a congregation will never observe, uniformly and se- 
 riously, the Ordinances of Religion, under the ministry of a 
 Clergyman, however exemplary his conduct, and excellent his 
 discourses, whose elocution is such as to excite general dissa- 
 tisfaction ; and if the Church be large, and his- voice low, it is 
 impossible that those who cannot distinctly hear, should derive 
 any benefit from the discharge of his public duty. It is greatly 
 to be lamented, that there should be in our Church, and in 
 our Church only, such abundant cause of complaint on these 
 topics. 
 
 I would not be undei^tood to mean, that every congregation 
 ought to have the choice of its own Minister, God forbid ! for 
 a regulation so injudicious would banish from the Church eve- 
 ry good, and introduce into it every evil. But it cannot, surely, 
 be thought that the security of the Church, and the interests 
 of the Gospel, are promoted by imposing upon a congregation 
 a clergyman who is not calculated, in almost a single instance, 
 to obtain the approbation, and ensure the affections, of his 
 hearers. An appeal to the Diocesan, not originating in per- 
 sonal pique, in wanton caprice, or in previous attachment to a 
 more popular preacher, but founded on impartial justice, and 
 ^supported by incontrovertible reasoning, ought to be allowed. 
 And sure I am, the greatest good would result from such a 
 measure to the whole community : the State would receive 
 from it a most powerful support; the Church would acquire 
 such strength as to bid defiance to the insinuations of scepti- 
 
79 
 
 of our life, and from our attachment to. our pro- 
 fession. 
 
 Now our conscience is the best evidence of the 
 innocence of our life. But, as the irreproachable 
 manners of the priesthood have been the subject 
 of a former exhortation, I shall proceed to shew 
 the necessity of an attachment to the holy func- 
 tions of the sacred profession. Our Lord, at an 
 early period of his life, withdrawing from the 
 eyes of his parents, entered into the Temple, where 
 he was found among the doctors, making already 
 full proof of his ministry. Samuel, when a child, 
 stood daily in the Temple before the Lord ; and 
 the Scripture observes, that he awoke from his 
 sleep, when he thought that the commands of Eli, 
 the High Priest, called him to the discharge of 
 any duty which affected the decency and beauty 
 of the Lord's Temple. This anticipated predi- 
 lection, this previous attachment to the obliga- 
 tions of our vocation, has not, infrequently, ap- 
 peared in those whom heaven pre-ordained for 
 the service of the altar ; and it hath always been 
 considered as a sign of our calling, and a ha.ppy 
 presage of our proficiency in it. 
 
 cism, and the confibinations of schism ; and Religion itself, by 
 a more general and devout observance of its ordinances, would 
 be more uniformly practised. 
 
 It would be well if the second part of Massillon's Discourse 
 was seriously read by every Patron, before he presents to a 
 living, and by every Incumbent before he nominates to a cu- 
 cacy, whether perpetual ox stipendiary. 
 
80 
 
 But if you do not feel in yourselves a desire of 
 being employed as the ambassadors of God; if 
 you do not appear in your right place, when you 
 are fulfilling the duties of your holy profession, 
 judge ye yourselves, whether you are called into 
 the Lord's vineyard ? God implants in the heart 
 a love for the service to which he calls ; and bet- 
 ter would it have been for you to have felt that 
 it was not the ministry for which you were intend- 
 ed, than that you should possess a want of inclina- 
 tion for the performance of its duties. It is not 
 necessary that a voice from heaven should say to 
 you in secret, ''the Lord hath not sent you;" 
 your judgment, enforced by the dictates of your 
 conscience, tells you so. 
 
 It is, farther, requisite, that, in dedicating 
 yourselves to the ministry, you should possess pu- 
 rity of intention. " Our Lord came not to be 
 " ministered unto," that is, to fill the highest 
 places in the Synagogue,—" but to minister, — to 
 *' become all things to all men ;" He came to de- 
 clare the name of his Father ; to save the lost 
 sheep of the House of Israel ; zeal, love, holiness, 
 formed the essential and constituent parts of his 
 ministry, Are you influenced by the same mo- 
 tives ? Have you taken upon you the sacred cha- 
 racter, in order to minister, to labour for the sal- 
 vation of your brethren? Are you satisfied, in your 
 own minds, as to the purity of your intentions ? I 
 pretend not to penetrate the inmost recesses of your 
 l^eart : God knows them ; and to him must the 
 
81 
 
 decision, ultimately, be referred ; but, surel}^ 
 every one, before he enters into the sacred minis- 
 try, should, impartially, and severely, enquire of 
 himself, whether his motives are such as will be 
 approved by that God, whose servant he becomes? 
 If, then, we have not made the awful enquiry, let 
 us this day enter into judgment with ourselves. 
 What do I propose to myself, in that holy state 
 into which I have entered ? The salvation of souls 
 — the defence of the Gospel — the destruction of 
 the empire of the grand enemy of mankind ? Have 
 I chiefly, these laborious and momentous ends in 
 view, by becoming a labourer in the Lord's vine- 
 yard ? What would I appropriate to myself? 
 What do I expect to meet with in the Church ? — 
 its riches, or its duties ? — its dignities, or its la- 
 bours ? — the value of the fleece, or the salvation 
 of the flock ? What talents do I bring into this 
 holy warfare ? — A knowledge of the doctrines of 
 the Gospel — an interest in its success — reasoning, 
 to convince — and eloquence, to persuade ? — or, 
 igiiorance of the truth — unconcern about its re- 
 ception — languor in its defence — and unskilfulness 
 in its propagation. 
 
 It may be said, perhaps, that if you are promo- 
 ted to ecclesiastical preferment, which your morals 
 do not disgrace, it may be allowable to conclude,, 
 that you are entitled to it. But, to devote our- 
 selves to the ministry of the Word, merely because 
 we have the prospect of succeeding to preferment ; 
 because our expectations in the Church are more 
 
82 
 
 promising than in any other profession, or caUing ^ 
 because, through our family and friends, we may 
 hope to arrive at an enviable state of comfort and 
 independence ; because, hke the mother of the 
 sons of Zebedee, our connections have previously 
 solicited the highest places in the kingdom of hea- 
 ven : in a word, to enlist under the banners of Christ, 
 not because " he has the words of eternal life," 
 but because he multiplies the loaves and fishes in 
 the wilderness — -is the motive laudable ? — Is it 
 *' because we were moved by the Holy Ghost to 
 '' take upon us this office and administration ?" 
 
 But after all, it is not sufficient to have the tes- 
 timony of our conscience in our favour ; we must 
 farther examine, w^iether we have talents adapted 
 to our situation, and whether we may justly pre- 
 sume, that we shall be of real utility in the Church? 
 You can, perhaps, display all the talents which 
 would distinguish you in the world ; you can 
 please, by your conversation, and engage, by your 
 address : but what talents have you for the Lord's 
 vineyard, to build, to plant, to pull down ? When 
 Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, every 
 one brought splendid presents to contribute to- 
 wards its construction, — gold, precious stones, 
 purple, the skins of beasts. What can you con- 
 tribute, on your part, towards the building of 
 the heavenly tabernacle, the spiritual edifice 
 of the Church ? You may not bring gold and 
 precious stones ; for '* all are not apostles, all 
 " are not evangelists;" yet you will contributo 
 
83 
 
 something ; and that which is the least splendid or 
 brilliant, is not always the least useful. 
 
 Now, by what way can you become serviceable 
 to the Church ? — By your learning and your know- 
 ledge ? — But perhaps, impatient of restraint, and 
 averse to study, you have looked upon the priest- 
 hood as an exemption, if you should desire it, 
 from the toil of reading, and the acquisition of 
 knowledge. By your mode of delivery and grace- 
 fulness of elocution? — But eloquence must be 
 founded in piety, if you would render that talent 
 honourable to yourself, and advantageous to your 
 flock ; and what can be the advantage derived 
 from your instructions, when you destroy it by 
 your example ? By your irreproachable conduct ? 
 But if, without offending against the rules of mo- 
 rality, you betray in your whole demeanor a love 
 of the world, and an attachment to its vanities, 
 how. can you edify that world, whose maxims you 
 adopt, and whose fashions you sanction ? By your 
 name, and the distinction which you bear in 
 the world? — A celebrated name gives, without 
 doubt, additional authority in the exercise of the 
 ministry ; but alas ! the sole advantage which the 
 Church can expect to derive from you, is, that 
 your name will become an excuse for your irregu- 
 larities, and for the misapplication you shall make 
 of the Lord's patrimony. In fine, by the dignities 
 which you cannot fail of possessing in the Church 
 and which your birth and connections give you a 
 right to expect ? — But if by this motive only, you 
 
^4 
 
 are influenced; if a mere name is to exalt you to 
 sacerdotal dignity ; if flesh and blood are to put 
 you in possession of the priesthood of Melchize- 
 dec, which knows neither parents nor genealogy, 
 your name will but serve to render an unworthy 
 discharge of your duty more conspicuous: — you 
 will carry into the sanctuary, pride, haughtiness, 
 the very world, which has placed you in it. 
 
 What then can you offer to the Church, which 
 it can apply to the glory of God, and the salvation 
 of men ? For this is its only view in the choice of 
 its Ministers. The kingdom of God is, you know, 
 a field which requires labourers ; to be useless in 
 it, is to occupy, unjustly, that soil which another 
 would cultivate. If you find yourself unequal to 
 the task, the Church has no need of you : far from 
 being a support, you are but an incumbrance, and 
 a reproach to it. 
 
 From what has been said, then, we ought all to 
 enquire of our hearts — Does my mission resemble 
 that of Jesus Christ — and hath he sent me as he 
 was sent of his father ? If you have entered into 
 the ministry without being called to it, you will 
 bear the character of a minister of the gospel, it is 
 true, but it will be to you a character of reproba- 
 tion ; and in declaring that you were moved by the 
 Holy Ghost to take it upon you, you will have 
 *' lied, not unto men, but unto God." I say no- 
 thing of the infinite evils occasioned by your intru- 
 sion into the Church ; vour labours without a bles- 
 
85 
 
 sing ; your whole ministry without the approbation 
 of him, who purchased the Church with his own 
 blood ; the loss of so many souls, whose salvation 
 depended on the vigilance of a faithful Pastor, and 
 which have perished through your fault ; the 
 righteous justly offended ; the weak seduced ; 
 sinners confirmed in their iniquities : such is the 
 gulph into which you precipitate yourselves, by 
 entering into the sacred ministry, without a sense 
 of its importance, and a determination to discharge, 
 with conscientious fidelity, its several duties. 
 But, my Brethren, "we hope better things of you :" 
 we will not believe that you can, with impious 
 boldness, contemn the commands of Heaven ; that 
 you have made choice of the temple of God, to 
 profane, with more frequency, and less interrup- 
 tion, its holy mysteries ; and that you have enter- 
 ed into the sheep-fold, in order to seize, with 
 greater facility, and to destroy, with more success, 
 the sheep which the Father hath purchased at the 
 expence of his oWn blood. Let us, with all hu- 
 mility of mind and fervor of spirit, address our- 
 selves unto the Lord, saying, — Grant, O God, 
 that we may not be of the number of those who 
 speak in thy name, but who speak not for thine 
 honour ; who prophesy out of their own hearts, 
 and say, the Lord hath sent, when the Lord hath 
 not sent, them. May we be worthy of that holy 
 calling to which we are called ! Blessed are those 
 whom thou shalt choose to dwell in thine house ; 
 they shall be always praising thee. The cedars of 
 Libanus, which thou hast planted, shall be watered 
 
86^ 
 
 with the dew of Heaven ; they shall neither fear 
 the burning heat, the mighty winds, nor the de- 
 stroying tempests. But woe unto every plant 
 which thou hast not planted. The wind shall pass 
 over it, and it shall be gone ; and the place there- 
 of shall know it no more ; it can expect no better 
 lot than to be plucked up, and cast into the fire. 
 God, of his mercy, grant that none of us may be of 
 that number, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen ! 
 
CHARGE V. 
 
 ON REFLECTION ON THE SUCCESS OF OUR 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, with the laying 
 on of the hands of the Presbytery^ 
 
»9 
 
 CHARGE V. 
 
 ON REFLECTION ON THE SUCCESS OF OUR 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 THE reiterated advice which the Apostle ad- 
 dresses to his son Timothy, to *' give attendance 
 " to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine, and not 
 " to neglect the gift which is in him," is admirably 
 calculated to supercede that careless disposition, 
 and enfeebling negligence, to which we are prone 
 by nature, and induced by habit. Defects, are, in- 
 deed, inevitable in the prosecution of our calling; 
 by taking, therefore*, a review of your ecclesiasti- 
 cal cqnduct, by giving your attendance to reading, 
 and your mind to reflection, you may remedy them 
 in future. Our fervour abates, our spiritual pow- 
 ers decay, the man gets the better of the minister, 
 by reflection, therefore, you will re-animate the 
 languishing principle, and renew within you the 
 original spirit, of your ministry. Lastly, the Cler- 
 gy of this extensive diocese, have, in general, 
 
 * It may be proper to inform the reader, that it was a cus- 
 tom among the French Clergy, to assemble, at their Synods, 
 in some religious house, called the Retreat^ where their time 
 was devoted to meditation, prayer, and the exposition of some 
 parts of Scripture, for their mutual information. To this cus- 
 tom, Massillon, in these .Charges, frequently alludes. 
 
90 
 
 need of examples : you will supply them with one, 
 at once instructive to their minds, and attractive 
 of their affections, by so examining your past life, 
 as to enable you to fulfil your ministry with advan- 
 tage to your several flocks. 
 
 I. The duties of our calling are so holy, and 
 require such pious dispositions, that the most ex- 
 emplary and godly Ministers cannot always ex- 
 ercise them with fervour of zeal, and purity of 
 xaind, without which, oblations are vain, and in- 
 cense an abomination. We may be, frequently, 
 in this state, without, almost, being conscious o£ 
 it, and may, by such inattention and negligence, 
 lose those gifts which give dignity to the ministry, 
 and efficacy to its labours. How often do harsh- 
 ness and impatience take the place of zeal and of 
 charity ! How often do indolence, disgust, secret 
 antipathies, sometimes personal dislikes, induce 
 lis to refuse that assistance to our flock, which 
 their necessities, and our engagements, demand 
 of us ! How often, through the apprehension of 
 being thought troublesome, and esteemed ridic- 
 ulous, do we approve, perhaps imitate, the faults 
 and errors we condemn, and forget, in a cer- 
 tain degree, the decorum, and the sanctity of our. 
 ministry ! 
 
 '* 
 
 Notwithstanding, the regular discharge of our 
 duty conceals, even from our own minds, this part 
 of our character, so humiliating to ourselves, and 
 so injurious to our vocation, and does not leave us 
 
51 
 
 leisure to examine its rise, and contemplate its 
 deformity. By being so inattentive to our depoit- 
 ment in our holy calling, we collect a treasure ol' 
 wrath, unknown to ourselves ; and, as ignorance 
 of our state is the just punishment of our want of 
 self-examination, the more regardless we are of 
 our professional conduct, the greater is our conse- 
 quent indifference ; because the lights which were 
 designed to warn us, and to open our eyes, go out, 
 unperceived by us. And this, my Reverend 
 Brethren, is a principal cause of the irregularity^ 
 and very culpable negligence, of many who take 
 upon them the sacred profession. We are the 
 light of the world ; the smallest mist obscures this 
 splendour ; our faults become like eclipses, which 
 intercept the bright beams of grace in the hearts 
 of Christians, and leave in darkness, that part of 
 the Church, which we were commanded to en- 
 lighten. 
 
 By examining ourselves with minute attention, 
 by bringing before our eyes every part of our past 
 conduct, by going through the whole course of our 
 ministry, we shall discover the places, the occa- 
 sions, the cicumstances, in which we acted impra- 
 perly ; we shall perceive that, notwithstanding the 
 opinion of men, and the many encomiums they 
 may pass on the external regularity of our behavi- 
 our, it is well, if we be holy, and faithful. Ministers, 
 worthy to dispense the mysteries of God. The dis- 
 tance betwixt what we are, and what we ought to 
 be, greatly humbles, and strikingly alarms us. V/e 
 
lament over our past miscarriages ; we form many 
 holy resolutions, many projects of a life more se- 
 rious, more diligent more professional ; we enter 
 within ourselves, in order to ascertain the source 
 of the evil, and to discover the secret propensities 
 which have betrayed our vigilance, and facilitated 
 our fall ; we prepare, at a distance, previous pre- 
 cautions, and necessary measures, to prevent a 
 fresh surprize : thus, we enter into our obligations 
 fortified with new arms ; we enter with less of that 
 confidence, which always goes before a fall ; but, 
 at the same time, with greater security. The pilot, 
 escaped from shipwreck, is more cautious in fu- 
 ture ; and warned, by the misfortunes which have 
 befallen him, of the rocks on which he struck ; 
 apprehensive of the danger, and trembling for his 
 safety, he is, in proportion, active and anxious to 
 avoid them. '' Bring your ways only to remem- 
 ** brance ; see only how oft," in the discharge of 
 your professional duties, '^ you have offended ;" 
 and you will perceive, not without surprize and 
 sorrow, that the errors you discover in yourselves are 
 too common among those, who are called to the 
 holy ministry ; and that the regret, and the change, 
 produced by a frequent and serious examination, 
 are not, alas ! the general, and distinguishing, 
 characteristics of the sacred profession. The great- 
 er part of those, to whom this examination is 
 indispensable, finish their coarse as they had be- 
 gun it. We have sometimes the consolation of see- 
 ing men, who, from being notorious sinners, become 
 un example of regularity and piety, to their neigh- 
 
 I 
 
93 
 
 bourhood ; but this is not so frequent am6ng the 
 clergy ; what they once are, they are almost always. 
 
 II. But, although we should have been so hap- 
 py as to fulfil our ministry in such a way as to edi- 
 fy the hearts, and improve the morals, of our sev- 
 eral flocks, do we not feel within ourselves, that, 
 by being constantly engaged in the service of the 
 Church, the first fervor which devoted us to the 
 ministry grows cool, that the holiness of our duties 
 makes upon us, every day, still slighter impres- 
 sions ; and that we do but walk, with a feeble step, 
 in the paths in which we at first ran, with a zeal so 
 honourable to ourselves, and a celerity so benefi- 
 cial to mankind ? 
 
 This decrease of piety and fervor, observable in 
 those who make the fullest proof of their ministry ,, 
 is as a secret malady which undermines us, and 
 which, by little and little, leads to decay. It is an 
 evil, which, not shewing itself by visible and strik- 
 ing symptons, and, nevertheless, daily weakening 
 our strength, is seldom opposed by any remedies 
 sufficiently powerful to arrest its progress. Here 
 skill has no other resource than to remove the pa- 
 tient into a purer air. Now it is, in withdrawing 
 from the world, in retiring within ourselves, that 
 we discover when our piety is languishing — when 
 our zeal is growing cool— when our whole inward 
 frame, being disordered, threatens us with decay. 
 The longer we defer this self-examination, the 
 more the evil gains ground ; every thing around 
 
94 
 
 us encreases and exasperates it; the very observ- 
 ance of our sacred calling, far from rousing us 
 from our supineness, is no other than a worn- out 
 refuge, to which w^e have recourse, which, alas, 
 instead of healing, aggravates the wound. A situ- 
 ation this beset with dangers ; and it is still greater, 
 because it does not impress terror, or aw^aken ap- 
 prehension ; we think the day of death at a dis- 
 tance ; we comfort ourselves with certain desires 
 of a more holy life, which sometimes overcome 
 our lethargy, and leave us again to fall into it a mo- 
 ment afterwards. We think of ourselves what the 
 disciples thought of Lazarus : — '^ Lord, if he sleep- 
 '< eth he shall do well :" but our Lord, who sees 
 us such as we really are, judges of us, perhaps, 
 very differently. ^' Then said Jesus, unto them 
 plainly, Lazarus is dead." They are not heinous 
 offences which we have the most to fear : a foun- 
 dation of Religion, a virtuous education, an estab- 
 lished reputation of uniform conduct, veneration 
 for the holiness of our ministry, may all conduce 
 to preserve us from them : what we have most to 
 guard against is, that the spirit of piety, so essen- 
 tial to our sacred calling, may not become extinct :, 
 that we may not go to sleep, in a state insensible 
 to the joys of Heaven, accompanied with appa- 
 rent regularity, and devoid of genuine religion. 
 We do not perceive in our life any notorious sin ; 
 and we do not, at the same time, perceive, that 
 a life which is not founded in piety, is itself 
 sinful, in the eyes of God. In the hurry of the 
 world, we see irregularities, from which we are 
 
95, 
 
 exempt ; we, therefore, conclude, that God is sa- 
 tisfied with us, because men are, or, at least, that 
 they, in reason, might be. We say to ourselves, 
 that we are not, we thank God, like such and such 
 of our brethren ; this secret comparison is sooth- 
 ing to our mind ; it, perhaps, flatters our pride ; 
 and, destitute, as we are, of that spirit of faith, of 
 that warmth of zeal, by which we ought to be ani- 
 mated, self-love does not cease to call our morals 
 irreprehensible, to present to us a phantom of vir- 
 tue, which encreases our satisfaction, and encou- 
 rages our confidence. Then, my Reverend Breth- 
 ren, it is, that the Holy Spirit addresses us : — 
 <' Awake, thou that sleepest, arise from, thy lethar- 
 *' gy, and Christ shall give thee light." Enter 
 into yourselves, bring before your eyes the whole 
 course of your ministry ; — reflection will suggest 
 to you the degree of fervor, of piety, of charity, 
 of disinterestedness, essential to the discharge of 
 the duties of your sacred calling ; you will then 
 perceive what is the holiness God requires of 
 you ; you will look upon your apparent regularity, 
 that appearance, that mere rind, of virtue, '' as 
 *' filthy rags, and as an unclean thing." You 
 will find yourselves in the presence of God, with- 
 out light, and without life : the Almighty will speak 
 unto your souls, and these dry bones, like those 
 the Prophet saw, ^' shall come together at his 
 *' word, — O, ye dry bones, hear the word of the 
 *' Lord." You will become new men ; you will 
 feel yourselves, after a strict examination of your 
 hearts, enflamed with a new fire ; the Holy Spirit; 
 
96 
 
 will strengthen you against every prevailing ex- 
 ample, and every dangerous allurement, which 
 had heretofore undermined your virtue, and weak- 
 ened your piety : the success of your exhortations 
 will correspond to the new vital principle which 
 dictated them : you wdll see your flock awakened 
 and renewed with yourselves ; and the Blessed 
 Spirit, influencing both Minister and people, will 
 again declare, — " Behold, I make all things 
 new !" What consolation to a Miiiister of the 
 Gospel, to see the increase of the Word, in that 
 portion of the Lord's field, which is committed to 
 him, to see the souls of his hearers delivered from 
 the tyranny of the devil, and the slavery of sin, and 
 restored to him, who created and redeemed them 1 
 And, on the other hand, what an awful retrospect 
 for a Pastor, who " is not dead while he liveth," 
 w^hen he perceives, that, during the course of his 
 long ministry, he hath not withdrawn one soul 
 from the ways of perdition ! that he hath not cor- 
 rected one vice, either general or personal, in his 
 parish ! that he hath hot produced in it, any change ! 
 Will his life, irreproachable in the sight of men, 
 comfort him, for having been useless in his sacred 
 oflice ? And may he not look for the cause of it in 
 his own lukewarmness, in the coldness of his zeal, 
 rather than in the depravity of his congregation ? 
 It was after our blessed Lord's departure from the 
 wilderness, that he began his ministry ; after 
 withdrawing himself, from time to time, upon the 
 mount to pray, that he continued it, and that 
 he performed works, which no person before 
 
97 
 
 him had performed. This was not, it is true, ne- 
 cessary, '' for the furtherance of the Gospel;" but 
 his design was to leave a model of conduct, and 
 to address all his Ministers, in the persons of the 
 Apostles — *' I have left you an exampel, that ye 
 should do as I have done." 
 
 To these motives, so interesting in themselves, 
 and so calculated to affect the hearts of all who are 
 dedicated to the sacred profession, permit me to 
 add one other inflection. 
 
 III. The more extensive this diocese, the more 
 reason there is to fear, that the evangelical spirit 
 is becoming, by little and little, extinct. The dis- 
 tance of places is such, that we cannot come to a 
 knowledge of many of the evils which are prevalent 
 tliroughout it. 
 
 You, my Reverend Brethren, are that precious 
 leaven, which God preserves, not merely to pre- 
 vent the whole mass from corruption, but to sanc- 
 tify it, to extend it, to encrease it, and to multiply 
 its blessings ; from you it is, that the spirit of the 
 priesthood possesses the hearts of those, who are 
 taking upon them its solemn engagements. If 
 they do not imitate you, they have at least before 
 them an example worthy of imitation ; if your ex- 
 ample does not stimulate them to fulfil their sacred 
 duties, it does not, at least, allow them to conti- 
 nue ignorant of them. Shame, at a conduct so 
 unlike yours ; the education they have received, 
 
98 
 
 preparatory to their taking upon them the holy 
 ministry, will, sooner or later, awaken them, and 
 they will begin to follow your steps. 
 
 We consider you, then, as entrusted with the 
 spirit of the priesthood, which is preserved in your 
 hands, and which passes from you to those whom 
 we ordain to the service of the altar. Continue 
 then, my beloved Brethren, and do not grow faint 
 in this apostolical course : remember that you are 
 the principal columns of that grand edifice, which 
 is committed to our care. Assist us, then, in 
 supporting the weight of the pastoral office, vmder 
 which we should faint, if you, who are our fellow- 
 labourers, should not sustain, with us, a part of 
 the burden. Confine not to your own flock, your 
 zeal "for God's glory ; animate your brethren by 
 your examples, and by those insinuating graces 
 which gain the affections. Attract by the gentle- 
 ness of your temper, the confidence of those Cler- 
 gymen whose conduct is not correspondent to the 
 holiness of their engagements : consider, that in 
 gaining only one of the Lord's Ministers, you may 
 be the instrument of salvation to a whole parish. 
 Hearts insensible to the truth, are not, always, 
 equally insensible to the tender affections of chari- 
 ty : we may irritate the evil, by condemning it 
 without mercy , we sometimes save the patient by 
 kindly bearing with him. I am detaining you 
 long, because it appears to me, that such is the in- 
 fluence which the difference of behaviour, and of 
 conduct, has over the minds of both the exemplary^ 
 
99 
 
 and the dissipated, Pastor, as to keep them sepa- 
 rated from each other, by an, almost, infinite dis- 
 tance ; because it appears to mc, that the only- 
 preservative for the one, is the company of the 
 other ; and that it is essential to facilitate and pro- 
 mote such beneficial intercourse, to the end that 
 your examples may become diffusively useful, by 
 directing the judgment of the careless, and regu- 
 lating the morals of the dissipated. 
 
CHARGE VI. 
 
 ON SOLICITUDE FOR THE SALVATION 
 OF SOULS. 
 
 JVho is weaky and I am not -weak ? Who is offended, 
 and I burn not ? 
 
101 
 
 CHARGE VL 
 
 ON SOLICITUDE FOR THE SALVATION 
 OF SOULS. 
 
 THE subject on which I shall this day expatiate^ 
 is the portion of zeal every Minister of the Gospel 
 ought to feel for the salvation of the souls commit- 
 ted to his charge : and the sentiments with which 
 his paternal bowels ought to yearn over their offen- 
 ces. He, who observes, without concern, the ir- 
 regularities of his flock ; who is content with not 
 giving his approbation to the vices he perceives ; 
 who does not lament the loss of the souls entrusted 
 to him : — a Pastor of this character is dead to the 
 high sense of his calling. Zeal for the salvation 
 of men, is, then, the first duty of a Christian Mi- 
 nister : this is the principle which should inspire 
 him with resolution, and supply him with comfort, 
 in the discharge of the most laborious duties ; 
 which should be, as it were, the soul, and the chief 
 consolation, of his ministry. 
 
 In vain do we trust to irreproachable conduct : 
 it is not sufficient that we lead a regular and blame- 
 less life : if, with the outward appearance of virtue, 
 we are not penetrated with a lively sorrow, when 
 we observe those, for whom we must one day give 
 account, running hastily to destruction ; if we do 
 not insist upon the motives, and urge the exhorta-- 
 
 M 
 
102 
 
 tionS with which the Gospel furnishes us, to entice 
 them from the paths of folly, and the ways of sin ; 
 if we do not, '' iy season, and out of season, re- 
 prove, exhort, entreat;" if, content with not doing 
 wrong ourselves, we think our duty discharged, 
 by tacitly disapproving, or gently, condemning, 
 offences against God, and crimes against society, 
 we are not Pastors of the flock ; our inactive and 
 lethargic virtue, will be an abomination in the 
 sight of God. Let us not deceive ourselves; re- 
 gularity of conduct, in a Minister of the Gospel, 
 does not, as some seem to think, sanction indo- 
 lence ; because his people lose the effect of that 
 zeal, which his example would more strongly have 
 enforced : besides, however irreproachable his 
 demeanor he has no more than the appearance of 
 piety ; he is, in the sight of God, " dead whilst he 
 " liveth :" his regularity of life lulls him into a 
 state of dangerous security ; but a piercing sound, 
 and the clamours of the souls of those, who, 
 through his means, have perished, will, one day, 
 awaken him from his languor, will find him with 
 horror, and overwhelm him with dread ; he quiets 
 his mind, because he compares the regularity by 
 which he is distinguished, with the dissipation for 
 which some of his brethren may be notorious ; but 
 he will see, that his righteousness, was only the 
 righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees. 
 
 How ! my brethren, could a Minister of Christ, 
 sent to do his work upon earth, to hasten the build- 
 ing of the heavenly city, and the happiness of the 
 
103 
 
 Saints, observe the kingdom of Satan prevail over 
 the empire of his Master, in that part of the people 
 committed to his charge, and continue unmoved 
 in his mind, and inactive in his functions ? But, 
 aUhough vice should not be prevalent in his pa- 
 rish, were he a witness of it in other men, and 
 there remained in his heart one spark of love for 
 his Redeemer, he could not but mourn in secret ; 
 he could not but address himself to God, in anguish 
 of spirit, that he would, in his mercy, impress all 
 unthinking mortals with the bitterness of remorse, 
 and a resolution of amendment : nay, ought he not 
 to exercise the authority, with w^hich the dignity 
 of the Priesthood invests him, to endeavour to in- 
 spire those who have forsaken the law of the Lord, 
 with just sentiments of Religion ? And would not 
 such a Minister betray his ministerial trust, should 
 a criminal insensibility, or a timid prudence, sup- 
 press his feelings, and close his mouth '? Could 
 such an one believe himself innocent? But, if 
 observing the same profligacy in his own parish, 
 he should appear equally insensible, w^ould his 
 regularity of conduct dispel his apprehensions, and 
 calm his mind ? Can a shepherd see his flock 
 falling into a pit, without running to them, and at 
 least making them hear his voice? for, should only 
 one stray from the fold, it is his proper business, 
 and his incumbent duty, to traverse the mountains, 
 and undergo the greatest hardships, that he may 
 recover it, and bring it back. — No ! Such an 
 one is not a shepherd, he is an hireling ; he is 
 not a Minister of Jesus Christ, he usurps the 
 
104 
 
 honourable title ; and, notwithstanding the idea he 
 may entertain of his ov/n righteousness, he is a 
 vessel of reprobation, and of dishonour, placed in 
 the sanctuary of God. 
 
 But many, it is objected, are so impatient of 
 reproof, so untractable, and so rude, that a Cler- 
 gyman would expose himself to the mortification 
 of insult, and the brutality of insolence, should he 
 attempt to reform the abuses which he discovers 
 among them. What! my Reverend Brethren, 
 can the enormity of the evil become an excuse 
 and apology for indifference to it ? Your parish- 
 ioners are rude and untractable ! It is for this 
 very reason, that you should redouble your cares, 
 and persist in your importunity, in order that you 
 may soften their hearts, and reform their manners : 
 zeal would be useless, were the exercise of it 
 confined to moderated tempers, and gentle minds : 
 when you perceive those, for whom you must 
 give account, rebellious to the truth, you should 
 allow yourselves no rest, enjoy no comfort, so 
 long as they continue in their criminal dispo- 
 sitions. Because your parishioners have an high- 
 er claim upon your paternal solicitude, do you, 
 therefore, think yourselves absolved from the 
 exercise of it ? Would you become an useless, 
 idle labourer, because the harvest is abundant ? 
 Would the Gospel have been disseminated 
 through the world, and the cross of Christ have 
 triumphed over kings and people, had the apos- 
 tolical men, who preceded us, been disheartened 
 
105 
 
 by the opposition and deterred by the obstacles, 
 interposed through the pride of learning, and me- 
 naced by the arrogance of power ? What would 
 have been our situation, had the difficulties, 
 insurmountable to human prudence, abated their 
 zeal, and silenced their efforts ; and if, in the per- 
 suasion of finding us untractable and savage, they 
 had, unhappily, left us in the darkness of our origi- 
 nal ignorance ? You dread the difficulties ; but what 
 has the Minister to dread, who fulfils, with credit 
 to himself, and edification to others, the office 
 which he has accepted ? What ! contempt, calum- 
 ny, perverseness? Were such the return he met 
 with — did his people '* requite him hatred for his 
 <* good will" towards them ; he would not even, 
 in such a case be without his consolations. What? 
 Insults and provications ? — Proceeding from such 
 a cause, would they not be the most honourable 
 seal of his apostleship? But blessed, for ever 
 '' blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who hath called us to this holy calling ;" 
 we live in an age in which we are not only autho- 
 rized by the state, but encouraged by our congre- 
 gations, to explain the doctrines of the Gospel to 
 the understanding, and to enforce the precepts of 
 it on the heait. 
 
 Besides, those whom we represent as so uncul- 
 tivated in their manners, and so ungovernable in 
 their tempers, seldom shew themselves perverse 
 and violent towards an edifying and zealous Minis- 
 ter, They revere the virtue of a man of God : 
 
106 
 
 rude as they may be, in their deportment, and 
 gross in their conceptions, they are not without a 
 certain degree of the fear of God : their mind is 
 not prepossessed, nor their heart vitiated by the 
 insinuations of scepticism, and the maxims of irre- 
 ligion, both of which are, unhappily, too preva- 
 lent where luxury prevails, or dissipation abounds ; 
 they fear, and still reverence, the God whom they 
 offend ; and our exhortations are received with 
 more submission, and productive of happier effects, 
 in villages, than in cities and towns, where learn- 
 ing has puifed up some, and wealth intoxicated 
 others. 
 
 Say not, my Reverend Brethren, that morals 
 have undergone an entire change ; that the simpli- 
 city, for which we esteemed a great part of society^ 
 has degenerated into unrestrained licentiousness ; 
 that profligacy has with such overwhelming rapidi- 
 ty passed from towns to villages, that we know not 
 how to undertake to re-establish order, and a love 
 of the ordinances of religion ; that, when our pa- 
 rishes were less corrupt, a clergyman might hope 
 for success from his labours ; but that, at this day, 
 almost all have corrupted their ways, and that in- 
 difference to religion, and contempt of heaven, are 
 so visible in the conduct of men, of all ages and 
 conditions, as greatly to discourage, and almost 
 entirely to deter, a Minister of the Gospel from 
 making any attempt at a general, or even an indi- 
 vidual, reformation. — Now, allowing this to be 
 true, the question which naturally arises is, whence 
 
107 
 
 proceeds this alarming evil ? Whence originates 
 this general source of vice among mankind? 
 Whence is it, that villages are not, as formerly, the 
 abode of innocence and simplicity ? Let us appeal 
 to our own hearts. Is it, or is it not, to the ne- 
 gligence, to the dissipation, to the v^^ant of exer- 
 tion, in the Pastors, who preside over them ? This 
 is an awful question. You complain, that degen- 
 eracy of morals is prevalent throughout your par- 
 ishes: but examine yourselves, and see, whether 
 the most dreadful complaints may not be one day 
 made by your several parishes against yourselves ? 
 And whether, at the same time, we perceive peo- 
 ple living without religion, without the fear of God, 
 without any limits to their profligacy, except in 
 parishes where the priest is as negligent as the 
 people are wicked? 
 
 Again : were it true, that you had the unhappi- 
 ness to superintend a parish, which was pervaded 
 by a public and general relaxation of morals, your 
 soul ought to be possessed with the assurance, that 
 the almighty hath chosen, and sent you to that 
 sinful people, for the express purpose of reclaim- 
 ing their conduct, and amending their hearts. For 
 why are we called " the salt of the earth, and the 
 *' light of the world," but to prevent corruption, 
 and enlighten darkness? Because our professional 
 duties are multiplied by the encrease of sinners, 
 are we authorised to live in the utter neglect of 
 them ? Did Moses restrain his zeal, and suppress 
 his solicitude, when he saw the Israelites given to 
 
108 
 
 idolatr}% and worshipping the golden calf which 
 their own hands had made ? The whole earth was 
 sunk in corruption, when the first teachers of Chris- 
 tianity received their commission, "to go and 
 *' preach the Gospel to every creature :" Did they 
 deliberate, whedier they should go to extirpate 
 those passions, the indulgence of which, habit had 
 sanctioned ? In that general corruption, they felt 
 and acknowledged the divinity, and the necessity, 
 of their mission : they considered themselves as 
 Ministers, and instruments of salvation, sent 
 through the mercy of God, and the love of Christ, 
 to the whole race of men, sullied with guilt, and 
 abandoned to profligacy. Have we not succeeded 
 to their mission and ministry? Do we think, then, 
 that the Almighty would destroy all the sinners to 
 whom he sends us ? that his mercy, in sending us, 
 does not design to offer to them instruments and 
 Ministers of salvation ? And can we imagine, that 
 he approves of our unfeeling tranquillity, in delay- 
 ing our interposition, whilst he pours upon them 
 his judgments of wrath and indignation ? We 
 should not, in such circumstances, be sent to them 
 as their pastors, and their fathers, but as those 
 melancholy officers of human justice towards con- 
 demned criminals, in order to witness and approve 
 their punishment ; and our ministry, far from be- 
 ing a ministry of life and salvation, would be no 
 other than a dreadful ministry of condemnation 
 and death. 
 
109 
 
 Now, if from this multitude of sinners, of whom 
 we complain, we should bring back but one soul 
 to Christ, would not that precious gain be a suffi- 
 cient reward for the labours and troubles of a whole 
 life ? Should we not be sufficiently recompensed, 
 by being enabled to present that happy being to 
 the Redeemer and Judge of the world, and to hear 
 that soul, throughout the duration of ages, ac- 
 knowledging its obligations to us in the holy Jeru- 
 salem, in the presence of all the saints and angels? 
 Why should we doubt the power of grace over 
 the most hardened sinners? *' Is God's arm short- 
 *' ened that it cannot save," and the riches of his 
 mercy withdrawn from them whom he hath re- 
 deemed ? You might, indeed, be discouraged at 
 the sight of the transgressions of your people, if 
 you had no other reliance than on your own pow- 
 ers : but it is not of ourselves; Christ worketh in 
 us, and by us ; the weakest instruments are those 
 by whom he is often pleased to perform the 
 mightiest acts : fulfil your ministry ; this is all 
 which he requires of you ; — leave we the rest to 
 him. , ' 
 
 And, indeed, my Reverend Brethren, we talk 
 much of the vices of mankind, as though men were 
 too obstinate to be convinced, too stubborn to be 
 subdued, and too rebellious to be reclaimed r as 
 though the power of Religion itself were weak and 
 ineffectuaL To him belongeth judgment, as well 
 as vengeance ; and why should we condemn, 
 as irretrievably lost, those whom the Lord may 
 
 N 
 
110 
 
 absolve from nil their sins ? We hope well of our- 
 selves, — that the Almighty will one day change 
 our lukewarmness into zeal ; and we despair of 
 salvation, and regard as incapable of happiness, a 
 great part of society, whom ignorance, and the 
 misfortune of a bad education, more than a want 
 of moral principle, and of Religion, plunge into 
 criminal excesses. Do we think, that they who lead 
 a miserable laborious life on earth, are to endure 
 misery, without end, after death ? God forbid ! It 
 , is toAvards these, principally, that the Almighty- 
 will not exercise the severity of his justice : to 
 them his bowels of compassion are always open ; 
 *' He shall save the poor and needy, and preserve 
 *^ alive the souls of the poor." 
 
 But you will say, perhaps, that these are not 
 the motives which have restrained you, and which 
 have hitherto prevented the exercise of your 
 ministry, in order to correct the errors, and re- 
 claim the vices, which are too generally prevalent 
 in every parish : you are afraid, you allege, of 
 not being esteemed ; of passing for a violent and 
 imprudent Pastor, and of not producing any other 
 fruit from your zeal, than the hatred of your pari- 
 shioners. 
 
 There is, I allow, a zeal, proceeding from tem- 
 per or constitution, which borders nearly on im- 
 prudence. But the zeal which proceeds from love, 
 is mild and patient ; it does not provoke, it does 
 not enflame ; it hates the sin, but it loves the sin* 
 
Ill 
 
 her ; it opposes patience to insensibility ; it reck- 
 ons not its troubles and its solicitude ; it feels, in- 
 deed, the most pungent grief — not for its useless 
 labour, but for the danger of those, whose unto- 
 wardness is the sole cause of disappointment and 
 mortification ; it returns with greater fervour, and^ 
 more abundant love, after having been often resists 
 ed by perverseness, and withstood by insensibility : 
 it tries every thing, prayers, entreaties, holy indig- 
 nation, in order to bring back the sheep that have 
 strayed. No ! my brethren, let us not substitute 
 humour for zeal : let us display towards those 
 committed to our charge, more of love than of au- 
 thority ; let us endeavour to persuade, rather than 
 to subdue, them : let us not mingle the passions 
 and the severity of the man, with the zeal and for- 
 bearance of the Minister : let us not undertake too 
 much at once, lest we fail in every thing : let not 
 self-love induce us to urge too importunately a 
 work, which patience, directed by judgment, may 
 at length, happily, accomplish : let us oppose to 
 the obstacles we may meet with, zeal, suggested 
 by mildness, and tempered by love. 
 
 Suffer me, in conclusion, to exhort you to cul- 
 tivate in your breasts, the Christian graces of zeal, 
 love, patience, vigilance, labour. And enforce 
 your labours by your prayers. Speak more fre- 
 quently to God, of the irregularities of the souls 
 for whom you are to give account, than to them- 
 selves : complain more frequently to him, of the 
 obstacles which your lukewarmness throvvs in the 
 
112 
 
 way of their amendment, than of those occasioned 
 by their own obstinacy : attribute to yourselves 
 alone, the Uttle fruit produced by your ministry ; 
 as a tender father, excuse, in his presence the 
 faults of your children, and bring your accusations 
 only against yourselves ; bear them continually in 
 your heart, when you approach the throne of grace, 
 that your sorrow and lamentations over their tres- 
 passes, may warrant the success of your cares, and 
 promote the efficacy of your instructions ; and re- 
 member that you will always labour in vain, if your 
 prayers do not draw down upon your labours that 
 grace, which can alone render you useful. '* Pray 
 *' without ceasing. And may the God of peace 
 " sanctify you wholly. Amen, amen !" 
 
CHARGE VII. 
 
 ON SOLICITUDE TO SUPPRESS VICE. 
 
 I bear them record^ that they have a zeal for God, 
 but not according to knoxvledge. 
 
115 
 
 CHARGE VII. 
 
 ON SOLICITUDE TO SUPPRESS VICE. 
 
 I HAVE, on former occasions, attempted to 
 shew the necessity of zeal in the heeirt of a Minis- 
 ter of the Gospel ; but, as zeal may not always be 
 under the influence of judgment, I shall beg your 
 attention, whilst I now shew how it may be made 
 subservient to the welfare of mankind ; warning 
 you, at the same time, against whatever may have 
 a tendency to debase its spirit, and defeat its ef- 
 ficacy. 
 
 Now, as zeal is no more than what is, by St, 
 Paul, denominated, charity or love, " which ani- 
 mates and enflames us, not only with an ardent 
 desire for the salvation of our brethren, but, with 
 a lively and earnest affection, to be instrumental 
 towards it ; in order to be assured that our zeal is 
 just, in its principle, we have only to examine, 
 whether we can apply it to some of the chief and 
 distinguishing characters, which the apostle includes 
 in charity. For all zeal, which doth not resem- 
 ble charity, which will not be charity itself, active, 
 compassionate, humble, mild, patient, disinterest- 
 ed, will not be zeal, according to knov/ledge, — 
 zeal, which reflects honour on the ministry, and, 
 
116 
 
 which the Church expects, and exacts, of its Mi- 
 nisters. 
 
 I am aware, that zeal, Uke the spirit of God, 
 from which it proceeds, assumes different forms, 
 according to the different characters of those, 
 whose hearts are enflamed by it. In one, it is 
 more lively, in another, more gentle, and insinu- 
 ating ; in a third, more terrible and menacing. But 
 this diversity is always seen concentred, in the 
 fixed point of charity. These are but different 
 ways, leading to the same end ; qualities, all bear- 
 ing the divine character of the principle from 
 which they proceed. Every one has his gift, or 
 talent, which is marked by its distinguishing cha- 
 racteristics. Let us, then, examine some of the 
 principal features, which the Apostle attributes 
 to charity ; they are the same which constitute 
 true zeal. 
 
 Zeal, originating in charity, is patient ; for, cha- 
 rity, as the Apostle expresses it " suffereth long." 
 Secret pride grows weary, and is disgusted, when the 
 efficacy of its labours is not in proportion to the so- 
 licitude which suggested them; it would make grace 
 subservient to its own glory ; the moment it feels 
 disappointment, its zeal, which this secret and fo- 
 reign fire, alone, enkindled, soon begins to cool, 
 and then becomes extinct ; the work of the 
 ministry presents nothing but what is unplea- 
 sant and uninteresting ; wc consider it, almost 
 
117 
 
 useless, because self-love is not better rewarded 
 for its labours. 
 
 Sometimes, with motives, it would seem, more 
 pure and refined, we attribute the unworthy re- 
 ception of the Gospel to the obduracy of sinners ; 
 this insensibility excites dissatisfaction, and pro- 
 vokes impatience, rather than compassion and love : 
 we are cold in their interest, when, from our 
 knowledge of their moral wants, we are bound to 
 watch over them with paternal solicitude, and, to 
 embrace every opportunity of extirpating the love 
 of sin, and implanting, in its stead, a love of God. 
 The hard-heartedness of sinners, it is true, often 
 frustrates our utmost endeavours : but we are still 
 to feel for their miserable situation, and " to cry 
 mightily, to God," in their behalf; a sense of 
 their deplorable state, should awaken our alFection 
 and zeal, rather than suppress and extinguish our 
 efforts. 
 
 The Ministers of the Church are perpetually 
 complaining of the indocility of those who are en- 
 deared to them by the strongest ties ; they com- 
 plain of it, violently, to men, but not sufficiently 
 to God. They wish their labours to be effectual, 
 in promoting the reformation of their several flocks, 
 because it is flattering, and because we attribute 
 this reformation of sinners, always to ourselves : 
 those, who deprive us of this human consolation, 
 rob us of a glory, which we consider as our due, 
 
 o 
 
118 
 
 and refuse us that docility, ^vhicll we might, ac- 
 cording to our opinion, justly expect from them : 
 we, therefore, soon hold them in contempt ; we 
 leave them to their own insensibility ; and appear 
 as little affected with their miserable situation, as 
 they are with our ineffectual endeavours. 
 
 But the zeal of charity, says the Apostle, " re- 
 ** proves, rebukes, exhort-;" its affection en- 
 creases with the progress of the complaint, and to 
 new obstacles, opposes the patience, which pro- 
 duces hope ; that is to say, it gives the Christian 
 Pastor more abundant concern, and supplies him 
 Avith new models of instruction. Actuated by this 
 evangelical zeal, he continually supplicates the 
 Throne of Grace, that he may be an humble in- 
 strument in the hands of the Most High, in turn- 
 ing many to righteousness : the longer God, in 
 his wisdom, delays to hear his petitions, and to 
 grant his requests, the more he labours to render 
 him propitious, by redoubling his efforts, and 
 pouring out his sorrows ; the impotence of his mi- 
 nistry he attributes to his want of faith, and to hu- 
 man weakness, which, unhappily, mingle with his 
 sacred obligations. Those Pastors, who sow, but 
 receive no encrease, should all be directed by the 
 same spirit which guided the Apostle — " Master, 
 '' we have toiled," said Peter, " all the night, and 
 ** haA'c taken nothing : nevertheless, at thy word, 
 " I will let down the net." Hitherto, O Lord, all 
 my cares, towards the people thou hast committed 
 to my charge, have produced nothing. I do not 
 
119 
 
 oease to cast the net, and it returns to me empty : 
 — neither have I the consolation of drawing one 
 soul from the depth of the waters, and the abyss 
 of iniquity. Notwithstanding, thou commandest 
 me to labour still, and not to be weary ; thou 
 wouldest, that I should imitate thy patience, and 
 thy fatherly goodness, which often knock at the 
 door of a rebellious heart, and which, though 
 many times repulsed with rudeness, and rejected 
 with disdain, after once gaining admission, eagerly 
 enter in. Following thy blessed steps, I will not 
 abandon the pious work : Thou commandest, and 
 thy commands ensure success; Thou wilt grant 
 it, when it pleaseth thee; and my impatience, 
 far from hastening, retards it; thou wouldest that all 
 men should know, that he who planteth, and that 
 he who watereth, are alike, nothing, and that the 
 fruit of righteousness, in the heart, and in the 
 life, is the work of thy mercy, and the cftect of 
 thy power. 
 
 From patience proceeds kindness ; — *' Charity," 
 says the Apostle, " is kind.'' 
 
 But, when St. Paul includes kindness, among 
 the characters of genuine zeal, he does not mean 
 that softness, that pusillanimity, that courtesy., 
 which disposes us to suppress those arguments 
 which would first fill the sinner with terror, and 
 might, afterw^ards, lead him to repentance ; inso- 
 much, that instead of prevailing with him to for- 
 sake his evil courses, we confirm him in them. 
 
120 
 
 and furnish him with means to suppress the alarms, 
 or ekide the remonstrances, of conscience. 
 
 Zeal, which results from charity, assumes dif- 
 ferent forms, according to the several wants of 
 our flock. But it is always the kindness of cha- 
 rity which suggests the expressions, whether of 
 comfort, or of terror. The harshness, the seve- 
 rity of censure, honoured with the name of zealy 
 it totally disavows. Zeal, which would blaze 
 abroad the depravity it cannot correct, is not that 
 which originates in charity. The Pastor, who is 
 possessed of this, makes the irregularities of his 
 brethren the subject of his lamentations, and not 
 of his public animadversions : he does not ex- 
 patiate upon their faults to men, but, by a ten- 
 der application to themselves, strives to reclaim 
 their hearts, that they may obtain the favour of 
 God. • 
 
 Sometimes, indeed, under the pretence of zeal, 
 the Ministers of the Gospel discover towards their 
 people the utmost violence— pointing at them, as 
 it were with their finger, in their public discourses : 
 describing them, by characters, so personal, 
 and striking, that no one, in the congregation, can 
 fail of perceiving the unjustifiable, and unworthy 
 design of the Preacher^. 
 
 * I am unwilling to believe, that a Clergyman of the Church 
 of England, can prostitute the pulpit to so diabolical a pur- 
 pose. 
 
121 
 
 A Christian Minister cannot be too much on his 
 guard, cannot too frequently, nor too seriously, 
 exercise his judgment, on this important subject. 
 For, if his zeal be not according to knowledge, his 
 ministry is not merely useless, but odious, to his 
 flock : to the dislike which sinners have of virtue^ 
 he adds the hatred of him who preaches it. 
 
 Zeal, which results from charity, is respected, 
 and beloved, by those, whose irregularities it re- 
 proves, and whose profligacy it condemns. If it 
 does not render vice odious, it, at least, takes care 
 not to subject the ministry to contempt ; if it does 
 not withdraw men from the paths of folly, it, at 
 least succeeds in gaining their esteem for virtue. 
 Zeal which is according to knowledge, may be 
 compared to the behaviour of an affectionate mo- 
 ther to her children, who, by every effort which 
 ingenuity can suggest, and every toil, which pa- 
 tience can endure, strives to implant in them a 
 principle of rectitude, and a love of virtue : if her 
 maternal intentions are disappointed, her tears, and 
 her sorrows, are the only resentment she betrays, 
 at their ingratitude : the farther they deviate from 
 the paths of wisdom and prudence, the more 
 her love for them seems to encrease ; the nearer 
 she sees them on the point of perishing, the more 
 her tenderness is enlarged, and her affection awa- 
 kened : zeal is never excited by ill temper and 
 chagrin ; it is love, alone, which dictates its admo- 
 nition, and urges its rebukes. 
 
122 
 
 In the third place, this zeal, arising from chari- 
 ty, not only extinguishes in our hearts every de- 
 gree of impatience, but moreover, affords us sa- 
 tisfaction and pleasure, as often as we perceive the 
 ministerial labours of our brethren accompanied 
 with more, and greater, blessings, than our own 
 — '' Charity envieth not." 
 
 This mean jealousy is so repugnant to the spirit 
 of that zeal which proceeds from charity — they are 
 so opposite in their principles — that they cannot 
 subsist together. The former is a meanness of 
 soul, which grieves, even at the Repentance of sin- 
 ners, at the progress of the gospel, at the glory 
 of God, and the power of his grace, w^hen, by the 
 ministry of another person, the Almighty calls the 
 thoughtless, and the profligate from the evil of 
 their ways : when under '.ne influence of this de- 
 testable passion, we (^ " opose, to ourselves, 
 the salvation of our c- a — No ! only the idle 
 
 vanity of becoming, in our own persons, the in- 
 struments, and the ministers of it. We are no fur- 
 ther interested in promoting the glory of God, than 
 as we can attach our own to it : we could even 
 bear to see our brethren perish, rather than that 
 they should be saved by other cares, and other 
 talents, than our own. Provided that the Gospel 
 was preached, the Apostle rejoiced, although it 
 should be by the ministry of those, who misinter- 
 preted his views, and misrepresented his charac- 
 ter, to the Christian Church ; w^hereas, we would 
 stand alone, and suffer no one to participate with 
 
123 
 
 us, in proclaiming the truth, and impressing the 
 influence, of the Gospel, on the hearts of men* 
 whatever good is done by others, i^ insupportable 
 to us, and we consider the gifts which God is 
 pleased to confer upon our brethren, as subjects 
 of our confusion and disgrace. Alas ! that the 
 duties of the ministry, which should surely re- unite 
 all ordained to the same office, should divide them: 
 we look upon the labourers employed in the same 
 vineyard with ourselves, with an eye of jealousy ; 
 we depreciate, we mutually disparage, the talents 
 of each other ; we are eager to attract, and to con- 
 fine, to ourselves, general applause : and we 
 think, that we have promoted God's glory, by 
 withholding it from those, to whom, without our 
 artful interposition, it would have been given ; 
 as if public applause, rather than the secret effu- 
 sions of grace, would constitute us diligent work- 
 men, and faithful stewards, in the eyes of God. 
 But we do not stop here ; we arraign the principle 
 by which other men are actuated : and a ministry 
 of peace becomes a cause of war, and of dissen- 
 tion ; we disseminate the same spirit of division 
 among our hearers : — the jealousy of the Minis- 
 ters possesses the minds of their people ; some are 
 of Cephas, and others of Paul ; it is well, if one 
 among them be of Jesus Christ. What a subject 
 of affliction to the Church, and of triumph to its 
 enemies ! 
 
 Believe me, my Brethren, true zeal perceives, 
 with holy transports, the work of the Gospel^ pro- 
 
124 
 
 gressively going on, conquering, and to conquer, 
 in the hand of all its Ministers, employed by the 
 Church ; if the Gospel be preached, its desires are 
 satisfied. Possessed of this zeal, we are even 
 persuaded, that the talents of those, who are or- 
 dained to the same holy calling, are better calcu- 
 lated to be serviceable to the Church, than our 
 own, because we would willingly believe, that 
 they are not sullied by the same weaknesses. Our 
 hearts are only filled with sorrow, to see the har- 
 vest abundant, and so few labourers, either not 
 capable of the employ, or not hearty in the cause : 
 we demonstrate, by our whole conduct, that no- 
 thing is greater, and more worthy of Religion, than 
 zeal, sustained by charity ; and, on the other hand, 
 that nothing is so mean, so contemptible, so dis- 
 graceful, to the sacred ministry, as that zeal, which 
 betrays itself, in vexatious jealousies, and foolish 
 envyings. 
 
 But it would signify little, to preserve our zeal, 
 from the poison of jealousy, if we were not, at the 
 same time, upon our guard, to avoid temerity, and 
 imprudence. For " Charity doth not behave it- 
 *' self unseemly." 
 
 Fourthly. Zeal is a holy desire of becoming use- 
 ful to mankind ; but a desire, directed by judg- 
 ment, and tempered by prudence, which suggests 
 to us, the choice of means. Whatever presents 
 itself as good, is not always, on that account, pro- 
 per ; that which may be lawful, is not always ex- 
 
125 
 
 peciient. If you see that your zeal will rather ii * 
 ritate, than persuade, take care, lest you expose 
 yourself to contempt, and the Gospel to derision ; 
 lest you rather gratify your own impatience, than 
 relieve your brother's infirmities. 
 
 The Apostle, it is true, enjoins, that wt be *' in- 
 " stant, in season, and out of season ;" by which 
 he means, that the negligence with which our so- 
 licitude is received, is not to silence our exertions, 
 and deaden our sensibility : in other words, when 
 profligacy is gaining ground, we are to exert our 
 utmost efforts to suppress it : call this, if you please, 
 excess ; but it is an excess which charity pre- 
 scribes, and religion sanctions, which the com- 
 mand of Heaven exacts of us, and the consoling, 
 and unhoped-for success, with which it is, some- 
 times accompanied, always justifies. This is what 
 the Apostle means, by being " instant, in season, 
 and out of season:" but he would not, thereby, 
 signify to us, that the pretended sanctity of our 
 motives would excuse the irregularity, and the 
 rashness, of our proceedings. 
 
 We, frequently, see Ministers, whom an ungov- 
 ernable zeal, sometimes, involves in the greatest 
 perplexities. They undertake every thing ;, what- 
 ever promises them any good, animates, and puts 
 them in motion ; nothing seems to them impos- 
 sible ; and nothing appears to be in its right place ; 
 they would change, they would remove, every 
 thing: they begin, by throwing into confusion 
 
' 126 
 
 whatever they touch, under the pretence of rc-es- 
 tabhshmg order. Bold, restless spirits, who, if 
 they can exercise their turbulent zeal, are satisfied 
 with themselves, and think ^' they have fulfilled all 
 righteousness." These, notwithstanding are la- 
 borers, good in their intention, indefatigable in 
 their calling, irreprehensible in their morals, and 
 who are led into these extravagances, by the very 
 excess of their piety. It is lamentable, that among 
 the small number of Ministers the Church esteems 
 capable of serving her, by their appropriate ta- 
 lents, and exemplary life, any should be found, 
 whom indiscretion and temerity render, not only 
 useless in their station, but injurious to their cause. 
 
 But jealousy and rashness are the ordinary con- 
 sequences of pride, and of zeal without knowledge : 
 in order, therefore, to banish more effectually these 
 two vices, from their attendance upon this pastoral 
 virtue, the Apostle adds, that it is necessary to 
 suppress pride — '' Charity," he says, " is not 
 puffed up." 
 
 Fifthly. Zeal, indeed, is not puffed up, either 
 with its talents, or the success of them, nor with the 
 want of talents, and of success in others ; neither 
 with the vain praises, nor severe censures, of men, 
 neither with the favor, nor with the contempt of the 
 great : in a word, the poisonous breath of pride, 
 finds all the avenues of the heart closed by charity, 
 and is there refused any abode, to taint the gifts of 
 God. Zeal, that zeal, at least, which lam describ- 
 
127 
 
 ing, whose principle is love, attributes nothing to 
 itself; its first impression is, to annihilate within us 
 every high thought of ourselves; to efface all idea of 
 the man, and to substitute God alone, in his place. 
 
 Still, how seldom is it that man is not dazzled 
 with empty applause ! '' Rejoice not," said our 
 Lord, to his disciples, ** because the spirits are 
 ** subject unto you, but rather rejoice, because 
 '^ your names are written in heaven." It i§, alas ! 
 but too true, that we applaud ourselves, when our 
 exhortations, whether public or personal, produce 
 any apparent good — an effect which is to be attri- 
 buted entirely to God — whilst we look with indif- 
 ference on the infirmities which debase, and the 
 passions which defile, our own character ; and, af- 
 ter having striven with unremitted assiduity, to 
 prevail with your flocks, to make their peace with 
 God, that their names may be written in the book 
 of life, we ourselves may be called into another 
 scene of existence, before we are become the ob- 
 jects of God's mercy. What instances, even of 
 the most successful labour, can be compared to 
 that which attended the ministry of the great Apos- 
 tle ? Cities and provinces were brought, by his 
 unwearied exertions to the knowledge of the truth? 
 Notwithstanding he was apprehensive that, after 
 labouring to instruct and confirm mankind, in 
 the faith of the Gospel, he himself might be re- 
 jected — *' Lest," he says, " after having preached 
 " to others, I, myself, should become a cast- away." 
 To himself he arrogated nothing : but he feared, 
 
128 
 
 lest the gifts of God should make him forget the 
 weaknesses of the man. 
 
 The zeal, then, which we are describing, is per- 
 suaded, that God refuses to other men these exter- 
 nal gifts, only, that he may enrich them more abun- 
 dantly with the inward and inestimable blessings 
 of his love, and of his grace : far from exalting us 
 above them, by secret comparisons, it disposes us 
 to contemplate, with complacency, their more 
 perfect state of holiness and righteousness, whilst 
 it considers itself as a channel often dry, after hav- 
 ing refreshed the adjoining soil with its waters. 
 Great talents do not necessarily imply the greatest 
 virtues in their possessors : they render us more 
 useful to men, but we do not always become there- 
 by the most acceptable to God. *' He who giveth 
 *' to every man severally, as he will," hath, with 
 such infinite wisdom, dispensed his blessings, that 
 not always those to whom he seems to have allot- 
 ted the largest portion, do most abound in the 
 graces of his spirit ; on the other hand, those to 
 whom he refuses the most shining talents, he re- 
 compences by an abundance of grace, known to 
 himself alone, and often infinitely more deserving 
 of admiration, than that external shew, which at- 
 tracts the applause of men, and which, by theise 
 very means, leaves us, not infrequently, devoid of 
 grace, and full of ourselves, before God. 
 
 The last character of zeal I shall mention, is, 
 that '' it thinketh no evil." 
 
129 
 
 Sixthly.. It is a fault, peculiar to men actuated 
 by an intemperate zeal, to consider some sinners, 
 who seem insensible to their instructions, negligent 
 of their advice, and deaf to their remonstrances, 
 as in a state of inevitable perdition ; and the 
 more solicitous they are for the salvation of those 
 unhappy people, the less hope they entertain of 
 promoting it. They imagine, that they see God's 
 seal of reprobation engraven on the hearts of those 
 infatuated men : the warmth of their language 
 confirms the temerity of their thoughts ; they 
 loudly lament over them, as men already judged; 
 and, as though they were acquainted before hand 
 with the counsels of Heaven, or the Lord's mer- 
 cies were not more abundant, than their unchari- 
 tableness ; they look upon those as lost, whom 
 God is, it may be, about to receive into his fa- 
 vour, and bless with his protection. To entertain 
 such sentiments is an outrage, committed against 
 the power of his grace ; it is to regard the atone- 
 ment, made by the blood of his Son, as ineffectual ; 
 it is to make the time of this life, which is the pe- 
 riod of repentance and mercy, a season of his wrath 
 and vengeance. The children of the kingdom 
 may be cast out ; and God may, of very stones, — 
 of hearts, the most hard and insensible, — raise up 
 children unto Abraham. The conversion of Satan 
 alone, and of his angels, are the only things we are 
 forbidden to hope for ; but as to our brethren, 
 who live still among us, and for whom Christ died, 
 however sinful, and however wicked — the blood 
 Qf the true Abel may cry for them towards heaven, 
 
130 
 
 and supplicate, not their punishment, but their 
 salvation and their deliverance. 
 
 And you, who judge your brother before God 
 has passed sentence upon him, how know you, 
 whether, strong as you may appear in the power 
 of the Lord, you may not fall upon your own sted- 
 fastness, never to rise again ; and whether your 
 brother, whom you consider as fallen, everlasting- 
 ly, from the favour of God, may not rise, to fall no 
 more ? Who hath revealed to you the unfathom- 
 able depths of the mercy and justice of God, to- 
 wards men ! " Judge nothing," says the Apostle, 
 '' before the time :" — -May we all work out our 
 ow^n salvation, with fear, and labour to promote 
 that of others, with diligence ! 
 
 Let us never forget, my Brethren, that the zeal 
 of charity, '* like charity itself, suffereth long, and 
 ** is kind ; that it envieth not ; that it vaunteth 
 " not itself; is not pujfed up ; is not easily pro- 
 " voked ; thinketh no evil." Let us banish all 
 odious characters from our zeal ; let us humble 
 our own spirit ; and may the spirit of God, alone, 
 work and act in us ! Zeal hath vanquished the 
 world, in the mouths of the first Preachers of the 
 Gospel ; it will again in ours, if the Spirit of God 
 inspire us with what we shall think, and what we 
 shall speak. The world shew^ed a greater repug- 
 nance to the truth, when first proclaimed by the 
 Gospel : the severity of laws, the rage of su- 
 perstition, the wisdom of philosophy, all, with 
 
131 
 
 their united force, opposed to it, and all acknow- 
 ledged its irresistible power ; and it would, again, 
 be honoured with the same triumphs, were it en- 
 trusted with the same Ministers. Let us enter 
 into the spirit of our holy predecessors, and we 
 shall enter into the success of their labours : let 
 us imitate the same zeal, and we shall gather the 
 same fruit from it : the world is not more vicious ; 
 — No ! the ministers of the Gospel are less holy, 
 and less diligent. Let us render ourselves worthy 
 of being the preachers of the truth, and we shall 
 once more be enabled to deliver the world, by the 
 power of its evidence, and the efficacy of its per- 
 suasion. 
 
CHARGE VIII. 
 
 ON A GOOD EXAMPLE. 
 Be thou an example of the believers. 
 
133 
 
 CHARGE VIII. 
 ON A GOOD EXAMPLE. 
 
 THE character by which the Clergy ought to 
 be distinguished from other men, is not a spirit of 
 dominion, but a principle of love. " We are not 
 " to be lords over God's heritage, but examples of 
 ^* the flock, entrusted to our care." It is chiefly 
 in becoming " an example, in word, in conversa- 
 *^ tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity," 
 that we support the high title we have the honour 
 to bear. Christ himself, the great " Shepherd, 
 <' and Bishop of our souls, left not the glory which 
 *' he had, with the Father, before the world was," 
 in order to receive honour from men. No. ! 
 he was to become our example ; an example of 
 labour, of sorrow, of meekness, of charity, of 
 suffering. '' I have given you," says he, to his 
 disciples, " an example." He has left us, in his 
 place, for the very purpose of becoming, as is ex- 
 pressed by the Apostle, " an example of the be- 
 lievers ;" that we should do to others, as he hath 
 done to us. 
 
 Example is, then, the ground- work of a Clergy- 
 man's character ; without which, all the duties of 
 our station, however engaging, and eloquent, we 
 
 9. 
 
134 
 
 may be, in the performance of some, and attentive, 
 and punctual, in the discharge of all, only create 
 disgust and dissatisfaction. 
 
 The pastoral office is, in a great measure, useless; 
 it is not that the efficacy of the Sacraments depends 
 on the virtues of the Minister. The inestimable 
 blessings of God to his Church would be unstable 
 and uncertain, could our weaknesses, either anni- 
 hiliate their efficacy, or suspend their course. 
 
 But the piety, the instructions, the prayers of a 
 faithful Pastor, prepare his hearers to receive the 
 blessings of the Gospel, in such a way, as to gain 
 access to their hearts, and thereby, to render 
 them '' a people prepared for the Lord ;" where- 
 as, a Clergyman, who does not edify the souls, 
 committed to his care, dispenses, indeed, the 
 same treasures, and the same graces ; but they fall 
 upon an unprepared soil, upon hearts which his 
 example hath not only indisposed to receive them, 
 but hath also rendered inaccessible to all the 
 influences of grace : ''he strews, but he doth 
 not gather;" his Chnrch is a dry, and barren 
 field, which produces only thorns : his congre- 
 gation approach the holy Table with the same 
 irreverence as they discover in their Pastor, and 
 his instructions both find, and leave, his auditors 
 so prejudiced against his conduct, as to derive no 
 advantage from them. If he is called to visit the 
 sick, or attend the dying, his presence rather ex- 
 hibits to them this world, than eternity ; the love 
 
135 
 
 of the present life, much more than the expectation, 
 and the desire, of that which is to come. What a 
 misfortmie to a people whom God hath entrusted 
 to such a, Minister! a misfortune, still greater, if 
 that people feel the common calamities with which 
 Providence may have sometimes afflicted them, 
 and are not alive to the greatest and most severe 
 scourge with which he can afflict them ; which is, 
 to leave them to be conducted by ^ an unfaithful 
 guide. 
 
 And what is still more deplorable, as a Pastor of 
 this character seldom delights in study, and cannot 
 delight in prayer, he must, necessarily, pass his 
 time in company ; and the more he lives in society, 
 the less useful he is. For what benefit can man= 
 kind receive from his conversation ? What do they 
 see, in seeing him ? Nothing which can lead them 
 to cultivate the love of God, and inspire a love of 
 piety ; — nothing which eradicates the passions and 
 prejudices, indulged by those who are not under 
 the influence of religion. 
 
 On the other hand, we perceive the inestimable 
 advantage, which a parish derives from the exam- 
 ple and conversation of a respectable and godly 
 Minister. Wherever he is, his life, his morals, are 
 a continual lesson of instruction. Abundant is the 
 good we may do, by being faithful to our trust ; 
 and dreadful will be the account the Sovereign 
 Pastor will demand of us, should our conduct have 
 been an obstacle to the innumerable blessings await- 
 
ing a proper discharge of our duty, and which might 
 have actually been acquired, had an exemplary 
 Pastor filled our place. Let us often dwell on this 
 awful and humiliating reflection: — Had a worthy 
 Clergyman been at the head of the flock over which 
 J preside, and in the midst of whom my ministry 
 has produced no change for the better, — what sins 
 might he not have prevented? — what inveterate 
 wounds might he not have healed ? — what a renewal 
 of, piety throughout his parish ? — what a number 
 of souls might he have reclaimed, from the error 
 of their ways ? — how many, ready to fall, might he 
 not have preserved ? — how many might he have 
 rescued from the prince of darkness, and have pre- 
 sented them, washed from all their sins, in the 
 blood of the Lamb, at the throne of God? 
 
 But with what consternation will an useless Pastor 
 then appear, whose example, far from having edi- 
 fied those for whom Christ died, tended to corrupt 
 their ways, to darken their understandings, and to 
 harden their hearts? How will he appear, in the 
 presence of an assembled world, before the Supreme 
 Judge, invested with an holy character, which will 
 only encrease his condemnation ? The souls with 
 which he will be surrounded, will be those, who, 
 having been committed to his care, were confirm- 
 ed in error, by his example ; souls, wlio will re- 
 present to their Judge, that had he in his mercy, 
 sent them a priest '' after his own heart," a 
 Pastor, who would have been their guide, and 
 
137 
 
 their model, they '* like Tyre and Sidori, would 
 ** have repented in sackcloth and ashes." 
 
 Prodigious, then, is the evil, when the Pastor 
 doth not edify his flock, by his example, as he, 
 thereby, destroys the efficacy of his ministerial 
 office, prodigious is the evil, when, combating, by 
 his morals, the truths which he preaches, he there- 
 by weakens the force, and prevents the application, 
 of them, to the circumstances of his hearers ; 
 since the preaching of the Gospel, the principal 
 means appointed by God, for the salvation of the 
 righteous, and the conversion of the wicked, is, 
 in his mouth, inefficacious to those to whom it is 
 delivered. 
 
 But this is only the beginning of evil ; as the ex- 
 ample of such a Pastor, becomes, in the language 
 of the prophet, ** a snare of a fowler, in all his 
 '* ways, and hatred in the house of his God." 
 Not only is he an unprofitable labourer in the 
 Lord's vineyard, but he destroys, he lays it waste, 
 he makes it an habitation of devils. What im- 
 pression must the life of an unholy Pastor, which 
 they have continually before their eyes, be expect- 
 ed to make on an illiterate and simple people ? 
 Can you suppose, that a parish j composed of 
 such a description of men, can be actuated by a 
 vital principle of Religion ; when the very man, to 
 whose protection are committed the interests of 
 virtue, and the support of piety, becomes, by his 
 example, an instrument of seduction, and a pat- 
 tern of vice? Ignorance and corruption, even 
 
138 
 
 under circumstances the most favourable to Reli- 
 gion and morality, extenuate, in their minds, their 
 disorderly life ; and a faithful Pastor every day 
 sees his solicitude, his instructions, his example, 
 all insufficient to remove the veil from such un- 
 happy prejudices ; what, then, can be the remedy, 
 when a worthless Minister confirms them, by his 
 conduct. Men expect from him, temperance, 
 charity, and piety : they consider him, from his 
 office, incapable of beholding the vices opposed to 
 these virtues : what an agreeable surprize, then, 
 to see him, not only quietly observe, but publicly 
 approve, by the banctiua of his morals, those irre- 
 gularities ! what vestiges of Religion and piety, 
 can there remain, among the souls entrusted to his 
 care ! They are all persuaded that they may, with- 
 out danger, follow, a guide, who knows so much 
 more than themselves, and w^ho is so much better 
 instructed in what Religion allows, and what it for- 
 bids ; all remorse of conscience subsides, and 
 yields to this delusion. This profligate Pastor 
 becomes a living, and constant, apology, for vice ; 
 and if the corruption of nature is such, that a faith- 
 ful and good Minister, combating it perpetually, 
 in the midst of his people, is not able to arrest its 
 course, what an inundation of depravity will not be 
 let loose, throughout a parish, by the example of 
 one, neither restrained by moral principle, nor pro- 
 fessional decorum ? 
 
 If our parishoners often misinterpret our most 
 innocent actions ; if, as the Apostle directs, we 
 
139 
 
 often see it expedient, that we may not give of- 
 fence, to abstain from things the most indifferent in 
 their nature, and forbidden by no law, divine or 
 human ; how will they be astonished, with what 
 indignation will they not be moved, by the drunken- 
 ness and intemperance, by the sordid avarice, or 
 notorious profligacy, of a Minister of the gospel ? 
 If ignorant masreprcsentation, if unfounded suspi- 
 cions, defeat the efficacy of our public instructions, 
 what good can be produced by the holy word, in 
 the mouth of a profligate teacher ? It appears con- 
 temptible ; it loses, not only its power, but its 
 truth is called in question : Religion, in all its 
 parts, is considered only of human invention, insti- 
 tuted as a source of profit, and a fountain ofhonor^ 
 for those, who are no further observant of its pre- 
 cepts, than it is congenial to their inclination, and 
 conducive to their interest. 
 
 These blasphemies fill you with horror ; but we 
 are they who occasion them, when the purity of our 
 morals does not correspond to that of our character. 
 Through us it is, that " the name of God is blas- 
 ' ', phemed. ' ' The most hardened siiltiers pretend to 
 no other safety, in that deplorable state, and offer 
 no other apology for their vices, than the example 
 of a worthless Minister. Many, perhaps, of the 
 unhappy souls who have gone before us, and who, 
 in their place of torment, are separated from God, 
 to all eternity, owe their misery to the pernicious 
 examples of the clergy, among whom they have 
 lived : some, perhaps, I speak it weeping, may go 
 
140 
 
 into that region of horror, misled by our licentious 
 principles, and corrupted by our scandalous immo- 
 ralities. 
 
 So peculiar is the situation of a Minister of the 
 gospel, that if his character doth not promote the 
 interests of religion, it is injurious to them; if he 
 does not recommendpiety, by his whole deportment, 
 he introduces, he authorises, he encourages, vice. 
 The ministry, notwithstanding, which commits to us 
 the care of souls, seems, not to be generally consi- 
 dered as an awful and solemn engagement ; men 
 wish for it, they solicit it, they are happy when they 
 have obtained it, and they have, sometimes, re- 
 course to means, in order to obtain it, which pro- 
 priety cannot countenance, and religion must con- 
 demn. '* He that is not called, and that entereth 
 " not by the door, into the sheep-fold, but climbeth 
 '' up some other way, the same is a thief and a rob- 
 " ber." Now one certain sign of our being called 
 to the ministry, is an holy dread of sinking under 
 the weight which it imposes. Alas ! we consider it 
 merely as abounding with temporal advantages, and 
 we are eager in our pursuit of them, not that we 
 may possess the opportunity of being the instrument 
 of salvation to men, but that we may obtain riches, 
 and enjoy ease : we do not trouble ourselves with the 
 eagagements we enter into, and the obligations we 
 contract, towards the souls the Church hath commit- 
 ted to our care ; whereas, if only one perish, he who 
 redeemed them, will require of us a severe account , 
 and it will be incumbent on us to shew, that the 
 unhappy wretch was neither influenced by our so- 
 
141 
 
 Jicitude, nor instructions, neither by our example, 
 nor our prayers, or that he otherwise would not 
 have perished : we hold the place of Jesus Christ, 
 in the midst of this flock : and can we say to him. 
 as he said to his Father — '* of all those committed 
 '* to my care I have not lost one." 
 
 Suffer me, in conclusion, to address to you the 
 words of the Apostle — Seeing, my Reverend Breth- 
 ren, things are so, and seeing that your examples 
 are to be one great criterion whereby to judge, not 
 only of the state of your own souls, but also of the 
 salvation of the souls committed to your charge, 
 be steadfast and immoveable ; you, especially, 
 who discharge, with credit to yourselves, and edi- 
 fication to your respective flocks, the several du- 
 ties of your ministry ; — let not the examples of ne- 
 gligence, and of conduct, little correspondent to 
 the sacred profession, of some of your brethren, 
 occasion in you the smallest abatement of zeal, 
 in the faithful and diligent performance of those en- 
 gagements, which may promote the salvation, 
 or involve the ruin, of the redeemed of the Lord : 
 let not the abuses, authorized by too many, ever 
 prevail over you, in opposition to the precepts 
 which condemn them : let not the indolence, the 
 inattention, the attachment, to the perishable things 
 of this life, which seem to pervade not a small part 
 of the ministry, cause you to forget the holiness 
 of your calling, but rather fix, immoveable, your 
 minds upon it. Far from looking around you, 
 where you sometimes see, in your brethroti, sub- 
 
 R 
 
14^ 
 
 jccts of grief and lamentation, place, alwa3's, be- 
 fore your eyes, the Ministers who first preached 
 the Gospel of Christ ; those ancient and venerable 
 examples, to whose zeal, diligence, and virtue, 
 we dare not hope to attain. Never consider your 
 ministry, at any period of it, as a situation of ho- 
 norable repose: think not of appropriating any 
 time to yourself, if you can by a different applica- 
 tion of it, preserve only one soul from perdition : 
 content not yourselves with going through your 
 public and ordinary duties, after which, we are 
 ready to persude ourselves, that we are discharged 
 from every other : so long as you shall see among 
 your flock, abuses to correct, sinners to reclaim, 
 or weak Christians to support, consider not your 
 obligations fulfilled : let zeal and charity mspire 
 you with a soHcitude, which the letter of the Ca- 
 nons of the Church doth not seem to impose, 
 but which the spirit of them rigorously exacts : 
 measure your pastoral exertions, not by stipulated 
 rules, or by the decay of your constitution, but by 
 the wants of your parishioners. Let not age itself, 
 let not the long, and active, discharge of your mi- 
 nisterial avocations,. in which you may have grown 
 old, suggest to you a legitimate reason for ceasing 
 from the combat, and of, at length, enjoying the 
 repose, to wdiich, after so many years of labour, 
 in reclaiming men from vice, and encouraging them 
 in virtue, you may seem to be entitled : rather let 
 your youth be renewed, lik6 the eagle ; zeal may 
 supply powers which nature may, in appearance, re- 
 fuse ; these precious remains of decay, are honora- 
 
143 
 
 ble to the ministry : be the Eleazar of the new cov- 
 enant ; and let not old age become a motive to any 
 indulgences, which may not be strictly consistent, 
 at the close of a life, dedicated to the discharge of 
 the pastoral obligations. Continue to abound in 
 the work of the Lord. 
 
 The nearer you approach to the close of your 
 ministerial labours, the more ought your zeal to 
 be invigorated. How lamentable will it be, if, at 
 that period, you are wanting in courage and reso- 
 lution ; and if, by a premature repose, you forfeit 
 the reward of an entire life of exemplary diligence, 
 passed in the blessed employment of rescuing souls 
 from Satan, and of presenting them acceptable un- 
 to God ! 
 
CHARGE IX. 
 
 ON THE EXCELLENCE OF THE MINISTRY. 
 
 Th9u that makest thy boast of Gody and know est 
 his will, and approvest the things that are more 
 excellent, being instructed out of the law ; and 
 art confident, that thou thyself art a guide of the 
 blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an 
 instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which 
 hast the form of knowledge, and of the truth in 
 the law. Thou, therefore, which teachest ano- 
 ther, teachest thou not thyself F^^ 
 
145 
 
 CHARGE IX. 
 ON THE EXCELLENCE OF THE MINISTRY 
 
 YOU expect from me, no doubt, my Brethren, 
 some word of instruction and consolation : I will, 
 however, satisfy myself with beseeching you to 
 meditate frequently on the following awful passage 
 of the Apostlew To the faithful Pastors, it will 
 administer comfort ; to the careless and negligent, 
 it will be a source of confusion. 
 
 " Thou that maketh thy boast of God, and 
 " knowest his will, and approvest the things that 
 " are more excellent, being instructed out of the 
 ^' law ; and art confident, that thou thyself art a 
 '* guide of the blind, a light of them which are in 
 " darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher 
 " of babes, which hast the form of knowledge, and 
 " of the truth in the law. Thou, therefore, which 
 *' teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?" 
 
 " Thou that make st thy boast of God."— We, 
 then, whose highest honour it is to be the Ministers 
 of God ; we, who owe to Religion the distinction 
 which society has conferred upon us, let us not 
 weaken, by our morals, the reverence due to our 
 holy office ; let us not accustom the world to sepa- 
 rate our private conduct from our professional cha- 
 racter. Let us honour, in our persons, the priest- 
 
 ■^' 
 
146 
 
 hood, if we desire that it should reflect honour 
 upon us : we are, it is true, to be '* clothed'* 
 w^ith respect — but piety, alone, can render us res- 
 pectable ; and so long as men shall not perceive it 
 to be the predominating principle in our behaviour, 
 their contempt will encrease, in proportion to the 
 reverence which they conceived to be attached to 
 our profession : and what ought to attract their 
 regard and esteem, will serve only to heighten our 
 shame, and aggravate our reproach. The world 
 neither does, nor can, know any thing more con- 
 temptible, than an unprincipled Pastor. 
 
 " And knowest his will, and approvest the things 
 '^ that are more excellent, being instructed out 
 *' of the law." — We, who have, from our infancy, 
 been nurtured by the sacred truths of the Gospel 
 — we, who have, from our Earliest years, been 
 blessed with a religious education — how shall we 
 answer to God, if our morals have not been corres- 
 pondent to our information ; if, with more know- 
 ledge than the people we are to direct, we are, per- 
 haps, less religious, less charitable, less disinterest- 
 ed, less temperate than themselves ? A single truth, 
 proposed to an ingenuous man, often opens his 
 eyes, informs his understanding, and affects his 
 heart ; and shall we, who declare these truths, con- 
 tinue in our lethargy, and our want of sensibility ? 
 Our blindness seems to encrease, in the midst of 
 encreasing light that surrounds us ; and whilst we 
 are bearing the torch, which shews the path, we 
 wander from it ourselves, and perish in the very 
 act of saving others. 
 
147 
 
 «' And approvest the things that are more excels 
 ** lent, bemg instructed out of the law." — We, 
 who know the height to which we are to aspire, 
 and the advances we are expected to make, under 
 the blessings of the gospel, the vices we are to 
 renounce, and the virtues we are to practise, we 
 are more attached to the earth, to sordid interests, 
 more the slaves of sense ; we live less by faith, 
 than those ignorant men, who scarce distinguish 
 good from evil ; but in whom a love of religion, 
 and a fear of God, supply the absence of know- 
 ledge, and the defect of instruction. Ignorance, 
 indeed, oftens lead them to superstition ; but this 
 very superstition is no other than an excess of re- 
 ligion : their simplicity will plead before God, in 
 excuse for their weakness : they carry religion too 
 far, because their minds are not sufficiently en- 
 lightened with knowledge ; whereas we, although 
 instructed in the word and doctrine, discharge im- 
 perfectly our several duties ; enforced as they are, 
 upon our consciences, by the conviction, that God 
 will demand them of us, in proportion to the light 
 we have, and the opportunities we possess. 
 
 *' And art confident, that thou thyself art a guide 
 '' of the blind, a light of them that are in dark- 
 ness." — That is to say, what encreases our confi- 
 dence, ought to become the continual motive of our 
 most reasonable apprehensions. We are the light 
 of the blind — but do we guide, do we enlighten 
 them ? Does it appear, in the conduct of the people 
 committed to our care, that they have a leader and 
 
148 
 
 a guide ? Are they not as sheep without a shep- 
 herd ? Do we instruct them ? Do our examples 
 support our instructions? Are we not bUnd leaders 
 of the blind ? And will not both fall into the same 
 ditcTi, either by the carelesness with which our 
 instructions are impressed on them, or by the 
 degeneracy which we exhibit to them ? We are 
 the light of them that walk in darkness ; but prayer 
 and study are the means which render us the light 
 of men : prayer is the science of the heart ; study 
 that of the mind ; the one derives its utility from 
 the other. Now, hqw associate the habit, and the 
 consequent delight, of prayer, with the dissipated 
 life which many lead ? Our preparatory years are 
 devoted to study ; the priesthood obtained, books 
 disappear, and study is neglected : the moment 
 that some men are ordained to the pastoral office, 
 which supposes them capable of instructing man- 
 kind, they cease to acquire knowledge ; and often, 
 when they are so situated, as to have no occasion 
 to exercise it, they forget what they had previously 
 acquired. 
 
 " An instructor of the foolish." — The Sacred 
 Writings style those men fools, who "• set their affec- 
 *' tions Qji things of the earth, and not on things 
 " above." It is, then, peculiarly incumbent on us to 
 teach men, that the fear of God is the only true 
 wisdom, that every thing besides, is " vanity and 
 *' vexation of spirit ;" that, to devote reason, pru- 
 dence, judgment, diligence, understanding, mere- 
 ly to obtain the perishable things of this life, and 
 to build here, upon the sand, an abiding city, 
 
149 
 
 without thinking of that which is prepared for 
 us in heaven, is no other than the prudence of 
 fools, and the grossest of follies. Notwithstanding, 
 far from undeceiving them, our solicitude, our 
 anxiety to lay up treasures, our views confined 
 solely to the earth, our low and sordid avarice — do 
 they not confirm mankind in this deplorable error ? 
 The avarice of the Clergy has become so common, 
 that it has almost passed into a proverb : it is a 
 reproach, however undeservedly, cast upon the 
 whole order** 
 
 " A teacher of babes." The innocence of chil- 
 dren is entrusted to us ; their faith and their Reli- 
 gion, as an holy treasure, which God hath commit- 
 ted to our care : they derive from us the title which 
 makes them Christians! ; it is our duty then to 
 teach them to what this high title engages them ; 
 to cultivate those young plants, which we ourselves 
 
 * This reflection cannot be applied to the Clergy of the 
 Church of England, who are, very many of them, the most 
 humane and charitable of men. 
 
 t " Besides oiir general Instructions, it is very needful, that 
 we give the Youth under our Care, in particular, an early 
 Knowledge of our Religion, that may abide with them ; and 
 stand the Trials to which their riper Years v/ill of course be 
 exposed. I hope you are diligent in that most useful work of 
 Catechizing : and have done your utmost to prepare for Con- 
 firmation, those whom you present to me. And I earnestly 
 recommend it to you, that the good Impressions, which may 
 well be supposed to be made upon their Minds at this Season, 
 ^e not suffered to wear off again j but be improved into settled 
 Habits of Religion and Virtue, by still farther Exhortations, 
 and leading theni as soon as pogsjible to the Holy Communion/' 
 — Abp. Secker. S 
 
150 
 
 ^ave planted in the Lord's vineyard. You have 
 given them a Christian birth-right, by baptism ; 
 but immediately forsaking them, they become like 
 those children who are, by the inhumanity of their 
 parents, exposed, and live, and die, alas ! ignorant 
 of their titles, of their origin, that " they are heirs 
 ^' of God, and joint heirs with Christ;" the pro- 
 fligacy of their life is generally correspondent to 
 their neglected situation. Can you have them con- 
 tinually under your eyes, and not reproach your 
 insensibility towards those innocent victims, who 
 have, it should seem, received at your hands the 
 sacrament of regeneration, merely for the purpose 
 of depriving them, as far as in your power, of its 
 efficacy, and of stifling them^ if I may be allowed 
 the expression, in the cradle, by not supporting 
 them with the milk of the doctrine of the Gospel ? 
 You are shocked at the barbarity of a mother, who, 
 after having given life to a child, exposes and 
 abandons it ; but is not this a natural image of the 
 hard-heartedness of a Pastor, who, after having 
 given the life of faith to his children, exposes, 
 abandons them, and delivers them to a total igno- 
 rance of the faith they have received, infinitely 
 more pernicious, than the evils of hunger, and 
 the calamities of indigence. They will, it is true, 
 carry into the presence of God, the high and una- 
 vailing title of Christianity ; but it will be a title 
 of condemnation to you, rather than to them ; it 
 will rise up in judgment against you : you will 
 have made Christians, without Religion, and with- 
 out a knowledge of its Blessed Author : how then 
 
151 
 
 shall you ever be able to repair, as far as they are 
 concerned, the fault you have committed against 
 them ? How shall you be able to raise an edifice, 
 when you have laid no other foundation, than in 
 dreadful ruins ? 
 
 But what is the most lamentable is, that you 
 involve your successors in the same shame ; you 
 leave, after your departure, a curse in the midst 
 of you parishes, to which the zeal of the most 
 faithful Ministers can scarce apply a remedy. 
 Fpr what advantage can be derived from the minis- 
 try of the most vigilant Pastor, after your decease 
 in a parish in which he will find no knowledge of 
 Religion ;* where he must have recourse to the 
 first instructions of childhood, in order to inform 
 the minds of them that arrived at years of ma- 
 turity ? Shame alone, at becoming children, will 
 always impose an invincible obstacle to the soli- 
 
 * It is not improbable, that the extreme ignorance of Chris- 
 tianity, which generally pervades our parishes, arises from the 
 little instructions given to children in their early days. How 
 greatly is it to be wished that, not only in Lent, but at other 
 seasons of the year, the children in every parish were taught 
 the Church Catechism ; and that familiar lectures were given 
 upon the several parts of it ! The observation of Massillon, 
 is strikingly just— .that little good can be done by the most 
 zealous Minister, through the negligence of his predecessors, 
 in not having taught the children the elements of Christianity. 
 May I presume, without offence, to recommend it to the 
 Clergy, individually, to give, where it is practicable, to -every 
 family in their several parishes, that most useful of all tracts.. 
 the Church Catechism, broke into short questions ? 
 
152 
 
 citude of the most diligent Pastor, who must,- as 
 the Apostle observes, '' feed them with milk," in- 
 stead of a more solid nourishment : they will die 
 in ignorance of Jesus Christ, who has redeemed 
 them ; of the church, which has regenerated them ; 
 of the Holy Spirit who has sanctified them ; 
 and from the bosom of Christianity, and from the 
 midst of the light of the Gospel, will proceed many 
 souls, like those w^ho shall come from unbelieving 
 countries,^ and who shall appear before God in 
 all the darkness and ignorance of paganism and 
 idolatry. 
 
 Remember then, my brethren, that children are 
 the purest part of your flock, and consequently, that 
 w^hich you ought to esteem most, and which has the 
 highest claim on your affections ; the instruction of 
 children is the most consolatory, and the most ho- 
 norable, part of our ministry. Let us, in those young 
 and innocent souls, shew respect to that precious 
 treasure of the grace attendant upon baptism, 
 which they still preserve, and which we all have lost. 
 Let us look upon them as holy temples, where the 
 glory and majesty of God reside, which the breath 
 of Satan hath not yet sullied : let us enter into 
 these views of faith ; and the diligence which their 
 tender age demands from us, far from appearing 
 low and contemptible, will appear worthy of the 
 whole sublimity of our ministry. I will not carry 
 this reflection farther : my design, in what I have 
 already said, is rather to stimulate your fidelity, 
 than reproach your negligence. 
 
153 
 
 Hear the conclusion of the Apostle, it concerns 
 us all; and let us never lose sight of truths which 
 so nearly affect us. 
 
 *' Thou that teachest another, teachest thou not 
 " thyself ?" — You, then, whose duty it is to in- 
 struct others, and to shew them the way of salva- 
 tion, begin, by first shewing it to, and then walk- 
 ing in it, yourself. What fruit can you hope from 
 your instructions, if you, every day, contradict 
 them by your examples ? Your morals are, in the 
 estimation of your hearers, more powerful and 
 persuasive, than your discourses; they cry conti- 
 nually, to them that hear you — disregard what we 
 say, observe only what we do. 
 
 *' That the Name of God be not blasphemed." 
 — Here it is that the Apostle finishes this instruc- 
 tion. Yes, my Brethren, we are compelled to ask 
 the question — If faith be almost extinct among 
 Christians; if, at this day, there are many licen- 
 tious spirits, who treat with an air of derision and 
 of plasphemy, what we hold sacred : if there are 
 many who consider Religion as a matter of indif- 
 ference ; is it not the little piety, charity, regula- 
 rity, which they observe in our conduct — is it not 
 the idle and worldly life of the Clergy, which has 
 led them to such unwarrantable lengths : — Has not 
 '' desolation begun in the holy place?" 
 
 It is our example alone, which effaces from the 
 hearts of Christians, what still remains of the fear 
 
154 
 
 of God : the effects of our passions are brought 
 forward, m order to justify the same in themselves : 
 our example calms their remorse, and leads them 
 to place in morals, resembling ours, a security 
 which their consciences would have refused them : 
 they think, there can be nothing serious in the 
 duties of Religion, which its Ministers themselves 
 learn to despise; and that vice or virtue are only 
 names, which are given more by custom and habit, 
 than with propriety and truth. 
 
 Think not, my Reverend Brethren, that these 
 reflections extend only to profligate Pastors — I 
 have the confidence to believe, that there is not 
 one such who now hears me ; they extend to all 
 who lead a careless life, who may not, perhaps, 
 suffer great vices to appear in their conduct, but 
 who do not shew their people any virtue ; whose 
 morals have in them nothing notorious, but like- 
 wise, nothing which inspires piety ; nothing which 
 gives off'ence, but likewise nothing which edifies : 
 they are like the generality of men ; they love 
 pleasure, voluptuousness, dissipation, — they dis- 
 like prayer, study, reflection: they seek society 
 in the world, to divert them from their duties : 
 complaints are not made to us of their conduct ; 
 but they have no evidence of the good which they 
 do in their several parishes. 
 
 Now, if a Pastor does not edify, he gives of- 
 fence ; if he discover nothing in himself, in his 
 conversation, in his disposition, in his behaviour, 
 
155 
 
 in the whole tenor of his conduct, which excites 
 to virtue, he tacitly, at least, encourages vice : in 
 a word, if he is not more holy than his people, he 
 dishonours his ministry. May these interesting 
 reflections, my Brethren, call us often within our- 
 selves ; let us frequently, and seriously, consider, 
 that it is not any extreme degree of guilt, which 
 brings eternal ruin on our heads ; and that there 
 are more who shall be condemned, for not having 
 done good in their Churches, than for having com- 
 mitted the most heinous sins. The barren and 
 the dead tree are struck with the same curse : the 
 Gospel condemns to the same darkness, and the 
 same torments, the careless, and the unfaithful, 
 servant. 
 
CHARGE X. 
 
 ON THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CLERGY ARE 
 TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES AMONG MEN OF 
 THE WORLD. 
 
 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles;: 
 that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, 
 they may, by your good works, which they shall 
 behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 
 
157 
 
 CHARGE X. 
 
 ON THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CLERGY ARE 
 TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES AMONG MEN OF 
 THE WORLD. 
 
 NOTHING appearing to me of greater conse- 
 quence, in order to support the dignity of the 
 priesthood, than the manner in which we conduct 
 ourselves in society, I will beg your attention to 
 the following reflections ; which, as they are af- 
 fectionately offered, so they will, I trust, be wil- 
 lingly received. 
 
 Intended, as we are, to be the salt of the earth, 
 we must, necessarily, mingle with it ; we form 
 but one body with the men that inhabit it ; and 
 instead of seeking at a distance, a retreat from 
 their vices, we should, as far as lies in our power, 
 preserve them from plunging into any, which 
 might be either dangerous to their souls, or de- 
 structive of their peace. But, instead of stemming 
 the torrent of wickedness, which inundates the 
 world, we ourselves are, sometimes, carried away 
 by its force. In order, then, to avoid the evil to 
 which we are often exposed, we have only to lay 
 down the rules of prudence, and the obligations of 
 Religion, to which we are to conform ; whereas, 
 
158 
 
 the contempt of them may subject us to danger, 
 and involve us in dilemmas, out of which we can- 
 not easily get extricated. 
 
 The first rule relates to the choice of the per- 
 sons with whom you associate. For, if the world 
 sees you out of your sphere, at riotous meetings, 
 or with profligate companions*, will it suppose 
 you innocent in your mind, and exemplary in your 
 morals ? Is it allowable, in a Clergyman, whose 
 reputation is so precious to the Church, and so 
 valuable to himself — since the whole success of 
 his ministry depends upon it — to addict himself to 
 a sort of life, which excites suspicion of his princi- 
 ples, and causes doubts of his innocence ? He may 
 declare, indeed, that the secret murmurs, and pub- 
 lic clamours, with Avhich he is reproached, are 
 suggested by the malevolence, and encouraged by 
 the envy, of his enemies. But though he should 
 be merely imprudent, by giving rise to suspicions, 
 Vvould he be excusable, in not taking immediate 
 precautions to remove them ? It is not, however, 
 sufficient for a Clergyman to be free from im- 
 propriety of conduct, he must also avoid the ap- 
 
 * " Still I do not mean that we should be sour and morose : 
 condemn innocent Relaxations, and provoke Men to say, that 
 we rail out of Envy, at what we have absurdly tied up ourselves 
 from partaking of : but express our Dislike of them as mildly 
 iis the Case will bear ; slight with good Humour the Indulgen- 
 ces, in which others falsely place their Happiness ; and con- 
 vince them by our Experience as well as Reasoning, how very 
 comfortably they may live without them." — Abp. Secker. 
 
159 
 
 pearance of it. He must not sacrifice public opi- 
 nion, which is so essential to the character of a Pas- 
 tor, and to the honour of the Church, to a love of 
 unjustifiable amusements, or an attachment to im- 
 proper company. 
 
 It may be said, are we to withdraw from the 
 society which is the most pleasing to us, from 
 the friendships we have contracted, because some 
 persons may, without cause, represent them to 
 our disadvantage ? A prepossession unfavorable 
 to a Clergyman ought not to be entertained. " If 
 ** eating meat," says the Apostle, ^' offends, I w^ill 
 " eat no meat whilst the world standeth." Let 
 him shut the mouth of calumny, let him respect 
 hiso^^n character, and it will obtain respect, even 
 from those, who, otherwise, will have great delight 
 in misrepresenting it through meanness, and wound- 
 ing it through malignity. He may prevent misre- 
 presentation, by taking away occasion from those 
 that seek occasion. 
 
 Alas ! my brethren, what afflictions have been 
 brought on the Church, not merely by the miscon- 
 duct, but by the suspicions, to which the want of 
 caution in the Clergy, has given rise ! with what hu- 
 miliating contempt have they not loaded the sacred 
 ministry ! and what occasion have they not given to 
 mien, to blaspheme the name of God, and to attri- 
 bute to religion, the failings of its Ministers ! But 
 let us throw a veil over these reflections ; let us 
 not renew our grief in the presence of holy men of 
 
160 
 
 God, who demonstrate the truth of Christianity, 
 in their discourses, and who enforce its efficacy, by 
 their examples. 
 
 By consequence of the same rule, all inter- 
 course with those who declare, openly, in favor of 
 vice, and set virtue at defiance, is forbidden us ; 
 with men, whose only occupation is pleasure, and 
 whose ridiculous boast is, of their irregularity 
 and intemperance. What pretence can a Clergy- 
 man oiFer for being seen in such company ? If he 
 is agreeable to them, he participates of their 
 works of darkness ; if he gently, and not without 
 hesitation and timidity, disapproves, he is an hy- 
 pocrite, who is ashamed of himself, and not of 
 the excess of which he is a witness. What re- 
 proach to the Church, and what disgrace to the 
 profession, that a Minister of the Gospel should be 
 a member of an assembly, which derives all its 
 honour from its licentiousness and intoxication ; 
 in which he may perhaps be reckoned the most 
 distinguished, and may arrive at such an height 
 as to have no competitor ! 
 
 You will, no doubt, reply, that all meetings are 
 not of this description ; that we find, in our inter- 
 course with men, many of improved minds, and ir- 
 reproachable morals, with whom we can associate, 
 without endangering religion, or exposing ourselves 
 to any risk : but you will be pleased to observe, that 
 in the society of the world, however wise, we there 
 breathe the air of the world, and of its maxims ;. 
 
161 
 
 and that it, insensibly, takes place of that orderly 
 and correct deportment, which the dignity of the 
 ministry so urgently requires : I repeat, that in liv- 
 ing in the world, we adopt that behaviour which 
 the world approves, which is far removed from 
 the simplicity of the Gospel ; and that our power- 
 ful attachment to it arises from a conformity of 
 sentiments. A certain proof, that the inclinations 
 of the world are congenial with your own, and 
 that you are not in your proper sphere, unless 
 you are celebrating its revels, or sacrificing to its 
 follies. 
 
 But we have, you say, need of recreations, and 
 we cannot be, always devoted to serious pursuits. 
 Shall a Pastor of the flock, who walks by faith, seek 
 recreations in the midst of the world '^ And wiiat 
 will he find there, except errors and abuses, winch 
 habit sanctions, but which religion abhors ; the 
 Redeemer himself outraged in his maxims, ridicul- 
 ed in his ordinances, often in his servants ; charity 
 extinct through the prevalence of hatred, and the 
 jealousy of interest ; conversation perverted by the 
 whispers of calumny, and the insinuations of suspi- 
 cion ; God either provoked or forgotten ; and the 
 whole world become almost as dissolute, as much 
 covered with darkness, as it was before the promul- 
 gation of the gospel. Such is the world ! and can a 
 Minister of Christ see it, as it is, without feeling 
 the utmost concern for its ignorance, its blindness, 
 and profligacy ? The world can be no other than a 
 vale of tears, in the estimation of a Minister of 
 
162 
 
 the Gospel. He observes, with sorrow, the multi- 
 tudes of christians who are perishing ; their me- 
 lancholy fate he makes the constant subject of his 
 lamentations and prayers : — how, then, can he 
 rejoice over the ruins and the desolation of the 
 holy Jerusalem, — " the city of the living God?" 
 
 What, however, is the most unreasonable is, 
 that the Clergy, who plead the necessity of amuse < 
 ments, are, ordinarily, those who have the least 
 need of them, who most neglect their duty, and 
 the employment attached to their vocation. They 
 are indolent Ministers, enemies of study and of 
 meditation, and unfaithful to their calling ; who 
 loiter away their time, not to amuse, but to fly 
 from themselves. Their life consists in an habitual 
 indolence ; we see in them nothing serious, not 
 even the discharge of their professional obliga- 
 tions, which are often hurried over with an air 
 of fatigue, of reluctance, and of indecency ; what 
 ought to be their consolation is their trouble ; 
 they hasten into the world, where they may forget 
 their profession and themselves together. 
 
 A second rule, no less essential than the pre- 
 ceding is, that our communications with the 
 world be rare; corrupt as it is, it demands of 
 us^ virtue without a spot, and piety without a. 
 blemish. 
 
 The more indulgent it is to itself, the more severe 
 it is towards us ; it watches us, continually, with a 
 
16^ 
 
 scrutinizing and malignant eye ; an unguarded ex- 
 pression, the least levity of behaviour, becomes, in 
 its judgment,' an unpardonable crime ; and when, in 
 order to discover greater affection ibr it than for 
 ourselves, we seem to relax a little from the gravity 
 of our character, nothing escapes its observation. 
 It entreats us to partake in its licentious pleasures ; 
 and provided we suffer ourselves to be prevailed 
 upon, it returns our complaisance by abusive ca- 
 lumnies, and opprobious accusations. 
 
 Thus, my Brethren, we deceive ourselves, by 
 thinking that we gain the esteem and favour of the 
 world, by familiarizing ourselves with it, and by 
 frequently exhibiting our persons at its amuse- 
 ments, and devoting our affection to its pursuits. 
 The more it sees us, the less it esteems and res- 
 pects us : when, therefore, we mingle in society, 
 let us never forget that we are the Ministers of the 
 Holy Jesus. 
 
 If we observe the rule which has been prescrib- 
 ed, of appearing seldom in the world, it will be 
 easy for us to carry thither gravity, edification, and 
 zeal, which constitute the last rule I shall lay down 
 for conducting ourselves with propriety ; for these 
 are the characters which are to announce to men a 
 Minister of the Gospel. 
 
 I say, gravity. — Our manners, our conservation, 
 our whole behaviour, ought to support the holy dig- 
 nity of our calling : whatever is unbecoming our 
 
164 
 
 ministry, is unworthy of us. We often persuade 
 ourselves, that we ought to adopt, or acquiesce in, 
 the taste, the language, and the manners of the 
 world, that we may not be unacceptable compa- 
 nions ; but when the world courts, adopts, is de- 
 lighted with a Minister of the Gospel, that Pastor 
 gives a decisive proof, that he ceases to regard the 
 decorum of his station, and the respectability of his 
 character. And this is what we frequently observe : 
 all those Clergyman, with whose society the world 
 seems to be most delighted, are, generally, men of 
 worldly minds, who preserve little more of the pro- 
 fession, than the name : the spirit of the world ap- 
 pears in the levity of their discourse, and the un- 
 seemliness of their behaviour. " If ye were of the 
 ** world," said our Lord to his disciples, '' the 
 *' world would love his own ; but, because, ye are 
 " not of the world, therefore, the world hateth 
 *' you." No, my Brethren, the world does not 
 run after an holy, and respectable Pastor : it is not 
 solicitous to associate him to its convivial meetings, 
 or riotous entertainments. When men of the world 
 have need of consolation, under the afflictions with 
 which God afflicts them — when the approach of 
 death presents eternity to them as nigh at hand — 
 then it is, that they have recourse to a godly Pas- 
 tor. They then forsake those, whom they, before, 
 appeared so highly to value ; they perceive, that, 
 such characters are not calculated to give relief to 
 their minds, and consolation to their souls ; that, 
 however they may excel in the things of the world, 
 they are out of their sphere, when they are called 
 
165 
 
 to administer comfort to the dying, by the fer 
 vency of their prayers, and the piety of their 
 instructions. Let us not deceive ourselves ; to 
 purchase the friendship and esteem of the world, 
 we must sacrifice a certain part of the dignity and 
 gravity of our sacred ministry : the world does 
 not give up, in the smallest degree, its baneful 
 prejudices, and dangerous maxims, in order to 
 unite itself to us : No ! we must give up our 
 consistency of character, to be admitted into its 
 societies* 
 
 If we are witnesses of those abuses, which cus- 
 tom justifies in the world, we are to reprove them: 
 if w^e hear conversation which is offensive to de- 
 cency, and injurious to morals, the character we 
 bear, authorizes us to censure and condemn it. 
 For, as Tobit expresses in his prayer — "- God 
 '' hath scattered us among the Gentiles, that w^e 
 '' might declare his greatness, and extol him be- 
 '' fore all the living ; for he is our Lord, and our 
 " Father, for ever." — It is scarcely consistent 
 with the real character of a Clergyman, to mingle 
 in ^conversation with men, and let an opportunity 
 escape us of promoting their edification^. We 
 
 * Both the old Dissenters from our Church, and those who 
 are now forming new Seperations, gam and preserve a surpris- 
 ing Influence amongst then' Followers by personal religious 
 Intercourse. Why should not we learn from them ? At first 
 such Applications may by Disuse appear strange ; and have 
 both their Difficulties and their Dangers. But the most appre- 
 hensive of them will be the safest from them : and all will 
 
166 
 
 know not, but that a plain and edifying reflection, 
 made at a tim& when it is not expected, may 
 become to our brother a word of life, and of salva- 
 tion. Men go to hear our discourses from the 
 pulpit, as it were, on their guard, and prepossessed 
 against the doctrines we illustrate, and the pre- 
 cepts we enforce ; but, in familiar conversation, 
 truth takes the sinner by surprize : through 
 this medium, friendship, mildness, simplicity, 
 give, to unpremeditated and unexpected truth, a 
 force and pov/er, which other discourses usually 
 want ; but should it even be without effect, we 
 have, at least, honoured our ministry ; we have edi- 
 fied those whom we could not undeceive ; and, at* 
 tentive to the admonition of the Apostle, we have 
 
 improve their talents by Practice. On young persons you 
 will be able to make good Impressions by Discourse with them 
 before Confirmation : these may be renewed in private Exhor- 
 tations afterwards to receive the Sacrament : and the spiritual 
 Acquaintance thus begun, may be continued ever after. Other 
 Means may be found with grown Persons : on the first settling 
 of a Family in your Parish ; on occasion of any great Sick- 
 ness, or Affliction, or Mercy ; on many others, if you seek for 
 them, and engage worthy Friends to assist you. Even com- 
 mon Conversation may be led very naturally to Points of Piety 
 and Morals ; and Numbers be thus induced to reading proper 
 Books, to public, to private, to Family Devotion, to Sobriety, 
 Justice, Alms-giving, and Christian Love. When once you 
 are well got into the Method, you will proceed with Ease and 
 Applause ; provided your whole Character and Conduct be 
 consistent ; else you will fall into total Disgrace ; and parti- 
 cularly provided you convince your Parishioners, that you 
 seek) not theirs^ but Mew"— Abp. Secker. 
 
167 
 
 sanctified our whole conversation — " Be ye holy 
 " in all manner of conversation." 
 
 But have we not to apprehend, that we should 
 be considered troublesome, or should expose the 
 truth to the derision and contempt of those who 
 hear it ? Surely not. A worldly, and dissipated. 
 Clergyman would not act consistently with his 
 general character, were he to converse upon edify- 
 ing subjects, among men devoted to the world : 
 he forfeits that privilege, by his misconduct : it 
 would be ridiculous to suggest to the minds of 
 others, truths which he seems to have forgotten, 
 as useful to himself. The doctrine of piety would 
 blush in his mouth ; it would be heard with deri- 
 sion and contempt ; and his companions would 
 enquire, with bitter taunts — "■ Is Saul also among 
 ^' the prophets ?" But the opinion and advice of 
 a godly Pastor, because they are edifying, are 
 always well received ; the world may, indeed, re- 
 ject the truth, but it secretly esteems him that de- 
 clares it. Upon these occasions, prudence must, 
 invariably, \>e our guide ; charity, whose object 
 always is to become useful, reminds us, that we 
 are to make a proper choice of opportunities ; and 
 how many are presented to a godly Minister, in 
 his conversation with men of the world ? They 
 converse with him upon their projects, their dis- 
 appointments, their embarrassments ; — now, many 
 are the occasions which present themselves of 
 deploring the miserable and distracted state of 
 those, *' whose affections are set on the things 
 
168 
 
 of the earth," and of shewing them the wis- 
 dom, whatever be the issue of their schemes 
 here, of providing for themselves a '' trea- 
 *' sure, which neither moth nor rust can des- 
 '' troy, and where thieves cannot break through 
 " and steal?" 
 
 Besides, there are innumerable occasions where 
 we need not be apprehensive of being esteemed 
 importunate, and where zeal, alone, ought to 
 predominate. A Clergyman is a public Minister, 
 to whom the glory of God, and the interests of 
 religion are committed among men ; wherever 
 he may be, he ought not, through complaisance, 
 or timidity, to listen to any one — be his rank or 
 consequence what it may — whose discourse is di- 
 rected against religion, who contemns its pre- 
 cepts, who proposes doubts of its divinity, or 
 treats its holy mysteries, or distinguishing ordi- 
 nances, with derision, who justifies vice, or ridi- 
 cules virtue : in a v/ord, whose licentiousness 
 and impiety dishonour our presence, in such cases, 
 zeal, under the direction of prudence, should be 
 alive in our breasts. Entrusted as religion is, to 
 our preservation, we " should know no one accord- 
 " ing to the flesh ;" we should forget the names, 
 the titles, the distinctions, of those who forget 
 themselves ; and it may be right, sometimes, to 
 ** answer a fool according to his folly ;" to hum- 
 ble his pride by exposing his ignorance. We 
 vmdertake with eagerness, and support w^ith 
 warmth, the defence of a friend, whose name 
 
169 
 
 is calumniated, and whose interests are injur- 
 ed ; and, in order to stop the mouth of impiety, 
 and to support the interests of Him, *' who calls 
 '* us not servants, but friends," shall we not shew 
 the same zeal, shall we not exhibit the same 
 spirit ? Can we persuade ourselves that we have 
 fulfilled what the honourable title of a Minister of 
 the Gospel requires of us, by dissimulation, by 
 silently disapproving the attacks made upon that 
 Gospel, which we preach, and by sacrificing, 
 through a weakness, esteemed mean by every 
 observer, the name and glory of him, who sealed 
 the truth of it with his blood ? No, my re- 
 verend Brethren, we are no longer the friends 
 whom the blessed Jesus hath chosen ; the title 
 which we bear is a reproach to us, when his 
 name, outraged by folly, and denied by blasphemy, 
 does not awaken our love, and enkindle our zeal. 
 
 Such is the manner in which we are to live 
 in and associate with the world ; a certain so- 
 ciety we are to shun ; we are not to devote our 
 whole time even to that which is allowed us ; and 
 gravity, edification, and zeal, are always to accom- 
 pany us. 
 
 Do you, O man of God, as the Apostle styles 
 a Minister of the Gospel, conduct yourself ac- 
 cording to these rules, lest you cause those, to 
 whom you deliver the word of life, to blaspheme 
 against it. 
 
170 
 
 I address to you, in conclusion, the words of 
 the Apostle—'^ Thou, O nian of God!" Were 
 you men of the world, its interests, errors, and 
 prejudices, would be your heritage ; you would 
 then, not inconsistently, conform to its maxims, 
 and adopt its language. But you are, individu- 
 ally, men of God upon earth ; in the midst of the 
 world, you are entrusted with the interests of 
 God, with the support of his glory, and the main- 
 tenance of his worship. An ambassador of a 
 prince speaks only in the name of his master; 
 he lays aside the private, he exhibits only the 
 public, mM\ — the representative of a king. And 
 we, my Reverend Brethren, who are men of God, 
 in the midst of the world, shall we lay aside 
 this holy and public character, with which we 
 are honoured, in order that we may, with the 
 greater freedom from restraint, become men of 
 the world ? Shall we blush to speak the lan- 
 guage and enforce the doctrines, of him who 
 sent us ? 
 
 Forgetting the majesty of him whom we repre- 
 sent, and the dignity which he hath conferred 
 upon us, by commissioning us to confess his name, 
 and preach salvation to his people ; shall we sanc- 
 tion, by our conduct, the maxims of that world, 
 which is at enmity with him ? Thou, O man of 
 God ! Let us bear the high title on our fore- 
 head ; let us be, on every occasion, men of God .' 
 Let our most common actions, our conversation, 
 
171 
 
 our engagements be ennobled, and sanctified, by 
 this holy and honourable character ; let us never 
 disgrace ourselves, by laying it aside. Let us 
 never forget, that the world will respect us in it, 
 so long as we shall respect ourselves. 
 
CHARGE XL 
 
 ON THE PRUDENT CONVERSATION AND BE- 
 HAVIOUR OF THE CLERGY. 
 
 Let your moderation be known unto all men. 
 
173 
 
 CHARGE XI. 
 
 ON THE PRUDENT CONVERSATION AND BEHA^ 
 VIOUR OF THE CLERGY. 
 
 REPRESENT to yourselves the Lord, whose 
 Ministers we are, continually present with us ; and 
 as we are entrusted with the interests of His glory, 
 His eyes incessantly upon us, lest,- by levity, we 
 should disparage, or by indecency, profane it. 
 
 Nothing is more strongly recommended to the 
 Ministers of the gospel, than propriety of conduct. 
 The same decorum, the same circumspection, 
 which accompanies them to the sanctuary, ought to 
 accompany them every where : and as they are 
 every where the ambassadors of Christ, and repre- 
 sent His person, they are expected on every occa- 
 sion, to support the dignity of their character, by 
 their prudent conversation, and in the whole tenor 
 of their actions. 
 
 I say, first, in their prudent conversation. You 
 know what the gospel requires of all, ^' who are 
 *' called by the name of Christ." Our Lord de- 
 clares, that all men shall give a strict account of 
 e^^ery word which they shall utter ; not only of those 
 
 w 
 
174 
 
 words, which according to the Apostle, ought not 
 to be named among us ; not only of filthy talking, 
 which as the same apostle expresses it, is not be- 
 coming saints — men who have taken upon them 
 the profession of Christianity ; — not only of those 
 words of bitterness, of hatred, of malignity, 
 which extinguish the spirit of Christian charity 
 in our hearts ; not only of those words proceed- 
 ing from wrath and passion, which rob us of the 
 serenity and mildness, inculcated in the gospel, 
 and indispensable in its professors ; but also of 
 every idle word.* Whence proceeds a severity 
 so little accommodating to the weakness of fallen 
 man? It proceeds from the first principle of our 
 Christian calling, that we are holy ; that out con- 
 versation is in heaven ; that the time of our pre- 
 sent life is but a rapid moment, intended to 
 '* work out for us, a far more exceeding and eter- 
 ^' nal weight of glory ;" and that we are not to pro- 
 stitute our words, or employ our conversation, on 
 topics which might pollute the mouth, as well as 
 defile the heart. 
 
 If, then, the gospel requires so much circum- 
 spection and reserve in the conversation of Chris- 
 tians, as to esteem an idle word to be a trans- 
 gression of it — what will it not require of its Mini- 
 sters ? 
 
 * Se6 the five last pages of the Tenth Lecture of the Bishop 
 of London, on St. MattheAv, VqI. I. 
 
175 
 
 Can the mouth of a Christian Pastor, employed 
 as it is^ in celebrating the praises of God, and 
 proclaiming the blessings of Redemption, open for 
 the purpose of foolish, or profane conversation ? 
 Can his tongue, after reciting the wonderful works 
 of Providence, after denouncing the terrors and 
 threatenings awaiting wilful disobedience of the 
 divine commands, pour forth, I do not say, oaths 
 and curses, but unseemly words, indecent allu- 
 sions, or disgusting levity ? No ! " Let my 
 *' mouth be filled with thy praise, that I may sing 
 *' of thy glory and honour, all the day long. My 
 " mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and 
 *' salvation, for I know no end thereof. My lips 
 " shall rejoice when I sing unto thee, and so shall 
 *' my soul, w^hom thou hast delivered." The lips 
 of the Priest are to keep knowledge : the law of 
 God is put into his mouth, to be delivered by 
 him, to the world ; and when the Holy Spirit calls 
 us to the ministry, he sometimes addresses us, as 
 he did the Prophet — *' I have put my words in 
 *' thy mouth, and I have covered thee with the 
 '* shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the hea- 
 *' vens, and lay the foundation of the earth, and 
 " say unto Zion, thou art my people ;" — that is to 
 say, that you make a new heaven, and a new earth, 
 of the people committed to your charge. What 
 inference shall we draw from this?— That our 
 tongue is no longer our own ; that it is consecrated 
 to the service of God, and the edification of man- 
 kind. We are not to understand, that we are for- 
 bidden the pleasures of innQ.qent society ; buttha^ 
 
J 76 
 
 our conversation is always to be grave, decent, 
 and reserved ; more especially when we are con- 
 versing witli " our brethren, partakers of the same 
 " holy calling," we are to promote mutual edifi- 
 cation, and to encourage, animate, and support 
 each other. We are, sometimes, witnesses of a 
 great indiscretion, and observe a lamentable want 
 of prudence, in Pastors : what is serious, edifying, 
 becoming their profession, w^e do not hear ; what 
 disgusts by levity, and offends by indiscretion, 
 may, sometimes, I fear, be attributed to us ; justi- 
 fying the observation, that where the heart is im- 
 pure, the lips are polluted. Are these, my Breth- 
 ren, the organs of the Holy Spirit ? Are these the 
 mouths consecrated to God, and appointed to bear 
 his name, and proclaim his will, unto the world ? 
 Are these the voices which are to cry aloud, and 
 not to spare ? Are these the heralds of heaven, 
 sent to prepare the way of the Lord, and to make 
 the crooked paths of sinners straight ? Are these 
 the ambassadors of Christ, dispersed throughout 
 the world, to declare unto it the word of recon- 
 ciliation? Or, are they sent by his enemy, the 
 prince of this world, in order to procure him fol- 
 lowers, and to extend liis wretched empire ? How 
 abominable, my Brethren, for a Clergyman to 
 pollute his lips, devoted to the delivery of truths, 
 the most awful in themselves, the most sublime 
 in their effects ! "He hath," says the Prophet, 
 '' made my mouth like a sharp sword. And he 
 *^ said unto me, thou art my servant, in whom I 
 ** will be glorified." What ! shall the mouth, pro* 
 
177 
 
 foned by licentious conversation, pronounce the 
 words of righteousness, and of salvation ! What 
 can proceed from a mouth so dishonoured, which 
 can either terrify the sinner, or comfort the right- 
 eous ? The language of piety must, in such lips, 
 *' l>e a strange language ;" insomuch, that the 
 Holy Word, designed to confound the wicked, 
 and to console the good, excites, in the one, con- 
 tempt, and impresses the other, with sorrow. Let 
 no one depart out of our company without deriving 
 from it, some degree of edification, without feeling 
 an additional respect for Religion, and its Minis- 
 ters. Let all men learn, in conversing with us, 
 how to render society, at once instructive and 
 holy ; let them learn, that circumspection, pru- 
 dence, and charity, in conversation j that an ami- 
 able allowance for the faults of our neighbour, tend 
 to make society more agreeable and desirable, 
 than the calumny, the levity, the indecency, of 
 ordinary discourse. Let us not, my Reverend 
 Brethren, be afraid of losing the friendship of the 
 Great, and the patronage of the Powerful, by the 
 observance of these rules ; they expect, from us, 
 the observance of them. They will not send to us 
 tp partake of their amusements, and join them in 
 their diversions, I acknowledge ; but they will send 
 to us when they want edification ; when, weary of 
 the world, and its vanities, they shall form the re- 
 solution of leading a more regular and Christian 
 life ; when, overwhelmed with adversity, they shall 
 have need of consolation ; when, struck by the 
 hand of God with sickness or infirmity, they shall 
 
178 
 
 have recourse to our ministry, in order to ap> 
 pease his wrath, and repent of those offences, by 
 which they may have become subject to his indig- 
 nation*^. 
 
 The next reflection to which I shall solicit your 
 attention is, that our very relaxations are to be 
 ifcuch as to give no offence. 
 
 That both the body and the mind have need 
 of relaxation is attested by general experience ; 
 but this indulgence is only proper and allowable^ 
 when it disposes us to fulfil our professional du- 
 ties, and when it facilitates a compliance with the 
 observance of them. Repose is necessary, to 
 supply us with new powers to continue our 
 course : all the avocations which alienate us from 
 it, which draw us aside, which create in us a dis- 
 like of our calling, propriety forbids, and Religion 
 condemns : the sports of the field, gaming, giddy 
 company, any of these delights, which powerfully 
 engage our mind, and chiefly occupy our time, 
 are surely unbecoming. For, independent of the 
 impropriety of an employment, so indecent in a 
 Clergyman, as addicting himself, from day to day, 
 to the destruction of an animal or a bird, is it an 
 exercise congenial to the humanity and gravity of 
 our character ? Does a Clergyman, with weapons 
 
 * The Second Part of this Discourse is confined to censures 
 respecting the dress of the French Clergy, which, not bein^ 
 at all applicable to us, I omit. 
 
179 
 
 of destruction in his hand, breathing only blood 
 and slaughter, represei:^the Great Shepherd, em- 
 ployed in conducting his flock in peace ; or the 
 wolf, prepared to devour, and to destroy it? 
 ** The arms of our warfare," says the Apostle, 
 " are not carnal, but spiritual, designed to com- 
 *' bat pride, avarice, and every high thought which 
 " exalts itself against God ;" faith is our buckler ; 
 zeal for the salvation of men our sword ; these 
 are the arms committed to us by the Church, 
 w^ien we become her Ministers. How indecent, 
 then, in a Pastor, to devote his time to diversions ! 
 He neglects his flock ; he does not deign to succour 
 those sheep who are perishing; and he observes 
 with vigilant attention, and pursues, with keen 
 impatience, the flight of a bird, or the course of an 
 animal. After indulging himself in this barbarous 
 exercise, does he feel disposed to go and present 
 his person, and pour out his prayers, for the 
 souls committed to his care, at the Throne of 
 Grace? Do not the recollection, the seriousness, 
 the holy fervor, essential to the proper discharge 
 of his spiritual avocations, suffer, by the riotous 
 dissipation, in which he has lately been so unholily 
 engaged? What veneration can the people have 
 for their Pastor, when they see in his hands the 
 consecrated elements, the pledge of our salvation, 
 whilst their minds are impressed with the reflection 
 that they had, perhaps, on the preceding day, seen 
 those hands employed in bearing destructive arms, 
 directed to carry terror and death to the wild and 
 unoffending inhabitants of the field ? 
 
18a 
 
 What I have said of rural diversions, I may say^ 
 also, of frequent play. A Clergyman, who is a 
 professed gamester, is a disgrace to the Church ; 
 he loses at the gaming table^ the time designed for 
 the salvation and the sanctilication of the souls 
 redeemed by the blood of the Son of God ; he 
 loses then, the attachment to whatever is serious 
 and sacred in his profession ; the respect and 
 the confidence of his flock ; the quiet and tran- 
 quillity of his mind : he loses there his soul, by 
 the passions inevitably attendant upon play ; 
 What does he not lose, since he there loses the 
 spirit of his vocation, and the whole advantage 
 of his ministry ? Such are the losses which can 
 never be repaired, with which the loss of money, 
 however severely it may be felt, can never be put 
 in competition. 
 
 Permit me, my Reverend Brethren, to conclude 
 this discourse with the words of the Apostle — " Ye 
 ^' have not so learned Christ ; ye, who are our glory 
 ^' and joy," do not thus dishonor your ministry ; ye 
 do not thus prostitute that sacred character which 
 ye have received of the Lord Jesus ; ye have not 
 thus learned Christ. Continue then, my brethren, 
 to conduct yourselves before your respective flocks, 
 in a manner becoming the holiness of your calling ; 
 ** See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, 
 " but as wise, redeeming the time, because the 
 *' days are evil." The reserve, the circumspec- 
 tion, interwoven in your whole deportment, cannot 
 
181 
 
 be too much, guarded ; what may be lawful, may 
 not be expedient : consider the people who sur- 
 round you, as so many censors, whose eyes, al- 
 ways upon you, pardon noihing, and are more 
 disposed to construe a slight dissipation into a 
 crime, than to excuse it, as an allowable relaxa- 
 tion. Let us not encrease the blindness of the 
 world, by confirming it in its profligacy, its errors, 
 or its prejudices, through our example ; let us not 
 become stones of stumbling, to those, to whom 
 we are to be guides in the paths of salvation ; and 
 let us not be the severest scourge with which the 
 Church can be afilicted ; — us, whom it has hon- 
 oured with its choice, and distinguished by its 
 confidence, to become the oracles of its truth, and 
 the dispensers of its blessings. 
 
CHARGE XII, 
 
 ON THE SOLICITUDE THE CLERGY OUGHT TO 
 
 SHEW FOR THEIR PEOPLE, WHEN 
 
 CONFINED BY SICKNESS. 
 
 Be not slow to visit the sick ; for that shall make 
 thee to be beloved. 
 
183 
 
 CHARGE XII. 
 
 ON THE SOLICITUDE THE CLERGY OUGHT TO 
 
 SHEW FOR THEIR PEOPLE, WHEN 
 
 CONFINED BY SICKNESS. 
 
 I AM this day to address you upon a subject 
 which will, I doubt not, arrest the attention, and 
 interest the heart, of every Clergyman who hears 
 me — which is, the care and solicitude we should 
 shew for our flock, when they are confined by 
 sickness. Negligence in other parts of our duty, 
 however inexcusable in the sight of God, may, 
 indeed, sometimes find an excuse in the judg- 
 ment of men, who do not consider the nature of 
 our engagements, and the extent of our duties : 
 but to neglect a dying soul, betrays such a want 
 of humanity, as to give great and serious offence 
 to a whole parish, alarmed at beholding a wretch 
 on the brink of death, without being assisted by 
 his Minister, to possess himself of the comfort 
 of hope, if he cannot arrive at the assurance of 
 pardon. 
 
 Can a father see his children taken from him, 
 without running to their support, and, at least, be- 
 stowing upon them his blessing, the last tokens of 
 his tenderness and affection ? Is he a Shepherd, 
 
184 
 
 or an enemy to the Rock, who perceives one of his 
 sheep weak, it may be dying, and who does not 
 deign to approach it, to see whether he can admi- 
 nister to it any relief ? The good Shepherd leaves 
 .his whole flock, to go after a single one that has 
 strayed ; and will you leave that which is dying 
 before your eyes, to perish, unattended to, in the 
 very midst of the fold ? 
 
 No, my Brethren, a Clergyman who fails to 
 visit those souls for whom he must one day give 
 account, when they are confined by sickness, 
 who goes, only, when he is sent for, in the last * 
 extremity ; who,^ after long delay, shews himself 
 — -when, from the violence of the disorder, nei- 
 ther the presence of the Pastor, nor the prayers 
 appointed to be read in his dying agonies, can 
 convey any comfort to the unhappy man ; can 
 there remain in the breast of such a Clergyman a 
 single sentnuent of Religion : can he be otherwise 
 than seized vvith horror at the reflection, that that 
 soul is going to appear before the awful tribunal 
 of God ? What will it answer, in the severe exa- 
 mination which it is to undergo, when it departs 
 from the body, of the use it has made of its sick- 
 ness, of the restitution of goods unjustly acquired, 
 of " repentance towards God, and faith towards 
 *' our Lord Jesus Christ ?" What will be the 
 answer it will make ? — He, Lord, whom thou 
 
 * The visits of the Clergy can, at that juncture, do no good, 
 und are rather to be discouraged, than promoted. 
 
185 
 
 didst appoint to Support my weakness, and encrease 
 my faith, in the sickness with which it pleased 
 thee to visit me, he, whose duty it was to have 
 taught me, by his instr.xtions, and enabled me 
 by his consolations, to bear it with submission, as 
 a just punishment for the sins of my life, left me 
 on that bed of sickness and of sorrow — although I 
 was about to hear from thy own mouth the decisive 
 decree of eternity — unwilling to give up any part 
 of his time to preserve a soul whom thou hadst 
 redeemed. Such will be the answer : and can a 
 Minister of a Parish be persuaded of this, and 
 dare to neglect those over whom he is appointed 
 to watch, in the time of sickness, and in the hour 
 of death ? The souls committed to your * care 
 should, in this state of weakness, claim the great- 
 est share of your attention, and their salvation 
 should be the constant subject of your prayers : 
 your condemnation, or your apology, will form 
 the first article of the severe examination they 
 
 * " Relieving, or obtaining relief for such as are dis- 
 tressed in their circumstances : hearing your people willingly 
 and patiently, though perhaps low in Rank, or weak in Under- 
 standing, when they would consult you upon any difficulty, and 
 answering them with consideration and tenderness ; disposing 
 them, to be visited when sick, praying by them with fervency, 
 exhorting and comforting them with fidelity, compassion, and 
 prudence ; and reminding them strongly, yet mildly, after 
 their recovery, of their good thoughts and purposes during 
 their illness ; will be further proofs, very beneficial and en- 
 gaging ones, of your seriousness ; which however you must 
 complete by going through every other office of religion with 
 dignity." — Abp. Secker. 
 
186 
 
 will undergo at the tribunal of God. What mo- 
 tive more interesting to prompt you to go to 
 their support ! to leave every engagement, in 
 order to administer to them consolation, to give 
 them the most affecting marks of your zeal and 
 love, and to melt them into sorrow, by the lively 
 and sincere interest you take in their salvation ! 
 
 Should you, on any other occasion, neglect to 
 discharge your duty, you may always flatter your- 
 selves that your negligence can be repaired ; but 
 if you suffer a sick person to die, without endea- 
 voring to prepare him for eternity, you are left 
 without a possibility of atoning for you fault. — 
 The unhappy being had, through your means, 
 lost those precious moments which the goodness 
 of God had reserved for him in the support of 
 your ministry : there is no resource ; his repro- 
 bation hangs, continually over your head : and 
 what shall you be able to offer unto God, to com- 
 pensate for the loss of a soul redeemed at so great 
 a price ? Moreover, the case of your sick parish- 
 ioners is the only opportunity you have of repeat- 
 ing and encreasing your assiduity and your con- 
 cern for them,of repairing all the negligences, which, 
 may, during your life, have rendered you account- 
 able for their salvation. It is an happy conjuncture 
 for you, which the Almighty seems to have put into 
 your hands, to the end that you may restore to him 
 a soul, whom your inattention, your want of pas- 
 toral solicitude, had left easy and unconcerned, 
 without a feeling of remorse, or, it may be, with 
 
187 
 
 scarce a desire of salvation. Can you, then, when 
 you are acquainted, that God has struck that soul 
 with sickness, prefer, to a duty, so awful and in- 
 teresting, both to him and yourself — an useless 
 visit, or an idle conversation — a party at play, or a 
 series of amusements ? Must the extremity of 
 sickness drag you by force, as it were, in spite of 
 yourself, and oblige you to repair to the sick per- 
 son, to whom, as I have already observed, your 
 presence and the prayers you offer up, can be of 
 no service ? What can be the motive of a Minis- 
 ter in going, after the most unjustifiable delay, to 
 a dying man? To inspire him with sentiments of 
 grief for his past life ? To exhort him to bring to 
 remembrance the number, and the continuance of 
 his sins ? All, alas ! is too late ; and can a clergy 
 man, in his conscience, believe himself clear from 
 all accusation of neglect of duty, in the sight both 
 of God and man, because he went, when he was 
 sent for, to read over him the prayers of the 
 Church, and administer to him, when his reason 
 had almost forsaken him, the Sacrament of the 
 body and blood of the Lord ? Can he beseech 
 God to send his holy angels to receive and defend 
 that soul from all the invisible powers of darkness, 
 and to supplicate these heavenly spirits to present 
 it in the presence of God ? What are they to pre- 
 sent to this adorable Being ? — They are to oflPer to 
 *^the Great Preserver of men," a soul, of whom 
 you, who was the Pastor, have become the cruel 
 destroyer. What, then, can you expect, but that, 
 like the servants, as related by our Saviour in the 
 
188 
 
 parable, they should beseech the Lord of the Har- 
 vest, that he would suffer them " to go and gather 
 up the tares" out of his divine field? That they 
 should solicit him no longer to permit souls, creat- 
 ed for the immortal society of saints and angels, to 
 perish through the negligence of so indolent a Mi- 
 nister? I cannot describe the uneasiness I feel, 
 when I hear of persons dying without any expres- 
 sions of repentance, without their giving any rea- 
 son to believe they have made their peace with God 
 — especially, when the Minister has failed in his 
 duty, which consisted in entreating them to call 
 earnestly upon God, if haply he would answer. 
 
 As, however, it sometimes happens, that the 
 most plausible excuses are offered by the Clergy, 
 in their justification, I will add one other reflec- 
 tion, which may not be inapplicable to many who 
 now hear me, and which may in a more especial 
 manner, awaken in them an attention and solici- 
 tude, which are indispensable on their part, to- 
 wards their sick parishioners. The discourses 
 which you deliver, from the pulpit, are generally 
 addressed to hearers in the full possession of 
 health : death, eternity, the future punishments to 
 be inflicted on the impenitent, are subjects which 
 health, spirits, the hope of long life, present to 
 them, as at a distance, and which, in consequence, 
 are cursorily noticed, or almost immediately for- 
 gotten : if they are affected at all, it is, ordinarily, 
 with a slight and transient emotion, which, only for 
 an instant, disturbs their peace, or awakens their ap- 
 
189 
 
 prehensions. ^Melancholy experience, alas ! often 
 makes us mourn over the small advantage derived 
 by our auditory from our exhortations, v/ith what- 
 ever judgment they arc adapted, and with what- 
 ever energy enforced ; and we have the renewed 
 sorrow of seeing many depart from the public 
 worship of Almighty God, after hearing the most 
 awful truths, and return, without compunction, 
 to the commission of those very vices, which we 
 had been endeavouring to convince them, would 
 subject them to the wrath of God, and the punish- 
 ment of the damned. But the instructions which 
 we offer to a sinner, overwhelmed with infirmities, 
 and menaced with death, are seldom delivered in 
 vain : he feels that the body, for which alone he 
 had always lived in subjection to disorderly pas- 
 sions, is ready to fall into corruption ; he antici- 
 pates death, eternity, hell, and all those torments 
 of which he had ahvays lost sight : the grand and 
 awful truths of the Gospel, which had appeared to 
 him no other than as phantoms, become real, and 
 alight at once, if I may use the expression, on his 
 affrighted soul ; one single exhortation then, dic- 
 tated by zeal, and accompanied with charity ; one 
 single reflection upon that forge tfulness of God, in 
 which he has always lived, and upon the account 
 he is going to give, is productive of the happiest 
 effects : not one of your words then '^ returns un- 
 to you void;" his eyes open, his heart — hitherto 
 engaged with the things of the world, which are, 
 he sees, fleeting and evanescent — fixes on the only 
 object which claims, or which deserves, his atten- 
 
190 
 
 tioii ; he deplores his error and his blindness ; he 
 acknowledges, with confusion, that God, alone, 
 hath had no part in the several occupations which 
 have filled the entire course of his life ; he feels 
 the whole unreasonableness, ingratitude, and enor- 
 mity, of his sins, and the just punishment w^hich, 
 he believes, he cannot escape ; you console and 
 support him, with the hope of pardon, founded 
 on the infinite value of the blood of Christ, and 
 upon the inexhaustible mercy of God, who never 
 rejects the sinner, w^hen, wath a sincere and peni- 
 tent heart, he returns to ** the Rock of his Salva- 
 *' tion :" you have the satisfaction of being wit- 
 ness to his sorrc^ and lamentations, and of seeing 
 the humiliation and remorse with which his heart 
 is penetrated, painted on his dying features ; and 
 should the moment, which separates the soul 
 from the body, arrive, how great is your conso- 
 lation, in being able to say — Go, Christian soul, 
 return into the bosom of God, from which you 
 originally proceeded, and present, at his tribunal, 
 your repentance, which will, we hope, be accept- 
 ed by the Father of Mercies, and the God of all 
 consolation*. Now, can a Pastor avoid being af- 
 fected with such an awful scene — a scene so cal- 
 culated to alleviate the cares, and recompense the 
 
 * This is a very dangerous doctrine. Let every Minister 
 inculcate upon his hearers the great support derived from an 
 exemplary fife, from the conscientious discharge of the seve- 
 ral duties of their station, rather than trust to the expecta- 
 tion of an holy death, the reality of ^yhich is, at the best, doubt- 
 in 1 ; and the e fleet uncertain. 
 
191 
 
 troubles of the sacred ministry ? Can a Pastor, b} 
 delays, deprive his sick parishioner — under any 
 pretence whatever — of the support which he so 
 justly demands of him ? Shall the rigour of the 
 season, the badness of the road, the interruption of 
 sleep, a slight indisposition, be alleged as excuses 
 for protracting, to another time, the exercise of a 
 function, when there is not a moment to lose >? 
 Such are the pretences by which Pastors, in other 
 respects irreproachable, suffer themselves to be 
 seduced. The rigors of the season ? — But would 
 this prevent you, when expedition was required, 
 from going to solicit a benefice, or take posses- 
 sion of a dignity ? and do you thing diligence less 
 necessary, when you are to go to assure your 
 brother of a place in heaven, and of an hereditary 
 title to an eternal kingdom ? Did the Apostolical 
 Ministers, whom we have succeeded, observe times 
 and days, in going to the support of their brethren? 
 They went, *' in fastings, in cold, and nakedness." 
 The difficulty of the way ? But the good Shep- 
 herd goes to seek his sheep across mountains, 
 which can scarce be traversed ; and shall the ways 
 seem difficult to a Minister of the Gospel, who 
 is going to shew to a soul the way to heaven ? — - 
 The interruption of sleep ? But, not to take from 
 your indolence an hour sleep, do you not dread, 
 lest, by your delays, you precipitate your brother 
 into the eternal sleep of death ? — Lastly, a slight 
 indisposition? — But let us, my Brethren, often 
 reflect, that Christ Jesus, in his last agonies, and 
 under the utmost severity of torment, did not re- 
 
192 
 
 fuse hl^ support to a wretch, expiring at his side, 
 who was acknowledging his power, and imploring 
 his mercy ; and shall a trilling interruption of health 
 render you insensible to the cries of a sinner, who 
 solicits the support of your ministry ? And does 
 it appear to you more dangerous to expose, for a 
 moment, your health, than the eternal salvation 
 of a soul, committed to your care, and w^iich is, 
 perhaps, on the brink of perdition ? Is it not then, 
 that you should adopt the language of the Apos- 
 tle — '' When I am weak, then am I strong ?" 
 My feebleness is on the point of becoming a new 
 source of power and courage. A Shepherd, surely, 
 should be always ready to lay down his life for 
 his sheep ; and do you not think a slight effort a 
 duty you owe to your flock, which might, at the 
 most, retard a few days the return of your health ? 
 We do not require of you the zeal and the courage 
 of the first Ministers of the Gospel, who consider- 
 ed death, to which they were every day exposed, 
 as the greatest gain, and the highest reward they 
 could receive for their labors. It is now, as it 
 was at the commencement, and will continue to 
 the end, that it is not for ourselves that we are 
 Pastors, but for the souls committed to oui" 
 charge : upon this fundamental truth is the sa- 
 cred ministry established : to those souls, over 
 whom the Church has made us overseers, we 
 owe, not only our solicitude, our strength, our 
 talents, but our very life ; and although, in or- 
 der to discharge so sacred and honourable an 
 obligation, we should exhaust our strength, ought 
 
19: 
 
 we to regret a loss, productive of such advantage 
 to others, and of such glory to ourselves* ? Would 
 not the weakness and infirmity which might arise 
 from our labours, and from an attachment to our 
 duty, abound with more consolation, and fill us 
 with greater satisfaction, than a life prolonged to 
 old age, passed in indolence, and consumed in va- 
 nity ? And should our days be often shortened, 
 ought we not to rejoice at having changed them 
 for days of happiness which will never end t ? 
 
 * I need not remind the reader, that these are the senti- 
 ments, not of a Protestant, but of a Catholic Prelate. 
 
 t An unhappy prejudice prevails among the Members of 
 our Church, which is, that if, upon their death-bed, a Clei'gy- 
 man prays with them, and administers to them the Holy Sa- 
 crament, however wicked may have been their lives, they may 
 die in the hope of salvation. It is, I believe, owing to this un- 
 fortunate, I had almost said, this fatal prepossession, that so 
 very many defer to " repent and amend,'* and communicate 
 worthily ; appeasing remorse, and suppressing alarm, with the 
 deceitful persuasion, that, by joining with their Minister in 
 prayer, and receiving, at his hands, the consecrated elements, 
 when they shall not have an opportunity of relapsing into sin, 
 their peace will be made with God. May it be the earnest 
 and successful endeavour of every Minister of the Gospel to 
 warn his hearers against so dangerous a delusion ! 
 
CHARGE XIII. 
 
 THE PERNICIOTS EFFECTS OF AVARICE IN 
 THE CLERGY. 
 
 The love of money is the root of all eviL 
 
195 
 
 CHARGE XIIL 
 
 THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF AVARICE IN THE 
 CLERGY. 
 
 IT may at first sight seem improper to expati- 
 ate on the revenues of the Church, before an as- 
 sembly of Clergymen, whose ecclesiastical incomes 
 are little more than adequate to their support. 
 The mediocrity which is your lot, exempts you, 
 in your judgment, from the suspicion of misapply- 
 ing the patrimony consecrated to the service of 
 the Church ; you mistake ; this mediocrity ought 
 to render every misapplication less common ; 
 whereas it often occasions the abuse, and is, in 
 your eyes, a justification of it. The abundance 
 does not produce the fault ; it is in the manner 
 of acqviiring, and of possessing it when acquired; 
 the danger does not always consist in your reve- 
 nues being great or small, but in the rapacity and 
 unfeeling manner in which you exact them — in 
 the attachment to, and sordid use you make of 
 them*. 
 
 * " A due Measure of Disinterestedness is one Requisite 
 for the Success of a Clergyman's Labours. You will there- 
 fore avoid all mean Attention to small Matters. You will be 
 very tender in your Demands upon the Poor, and very equi- 
 
196 
 
 It might be hoped, that no rapacity could well 
 be exercised, in collecting the revenues of the 
 Church : but this, unhappily, not being the case, 
 we are to remember what the Apostle exacts, as 
 the very first principle of the Ministers of the 
 Gospel — that they leave no room to suspect they 
 are '* given to filthy lucre." Our whole minis- 
 try is a ministry of charity, of disinterestedness, of 
 edification : what a character, then, for a Pastor 
 to sell, hardly and rigorously, his services to his 
 children — to be a severe and inexorable extor- 
 tioner, unconcerned about the ruin or the salvation, 
 of his flock, and solely occupied in the temporal 
 advantages, which he shamefully derives from it I 
 Are the instructions of a Pastor of this character, 
 without fruit? Do they *' return unto him void?" 
 — He feels no uneasiness. Is his whole life pas- 
 sed, w^ithout having established the principles of 
 Christianity in the heart, and produced the efiects 
 of it, in the conduct, of one single hearer ? — His 
 indifference leaves him without apprehension for 
 the event. He does not lament the inutility of 
 his labours : he does not, as he ought, view it 
 with sorrow, and contemplate it with horror ; 
 
 table towards the Rich ; though you will conscientiously pre- 
 serve all the material rights, with which you are entrusted for 
 your successors. If you find room and reason to improve your 
 income, you will prove that no wrong motive induces you to 
 it, by going as far as ever you are able in acts of good natured, 
 and especially of pious, liberality. For nothing gives greater 
 or juster offence, than to see a clergyman intent upon hoarding, 
 or luxurious, or splendid, instead of being charitable." — Abp 
 Secker. 
 
197 
 
 but, let his services not bring him the vile and ab- 
 ject recompense, that he expected for them, his 
 uneasiness is expressed on every occasion ; he 
 considers his diligence thrown away, and begins to 
 experience the chagrin, of being an useless work- 
 man. The dignity of our ministry, I feel, blushes 
 at such a charge being brought against a labourer 
 in the Lord's vineyard ; and, it is not without 
 reluctance, that, before an assembly so respectable 
 as that which I am now addressing, I introduce so 
 unpleasing a subject. But with whom can I 
 lament over such abuses, but with you, my Breth- 
 ren, who are not unacquainted with them ? Were 
 these concerns, like many others, concealed in the 
 bosom of the sanctuary, we might dissemble them ; 
 but by this mercenary rapacity, which is circum- 
 scribed by no bounds of decency or moderation, 
 the Pastor becomes odious and contemptible to 
 his flock, and Religion, in the judgment of a gross 
 and ignorant people, a sordid gain, a dishonour- 
 able traffic*. 
 
 * I once heard a distinguished Prelate, prove the utility of 
 tythes to the farmer, when paid, not to the Impropriator, (who, 
 however wealthy, is said to be invariably rigorous) but to the 
 Parson. The Rector, in general, does not demand more than 
 half the real value of the tythe : the landlord, if the laud be 
 tythe free, lets his farm at a rent, considerably above what 
 the farmer would pay to the Clergyman, in lieu of tythes; so 
 that the farmer gains the difference, of what he does not pay to 
 the Clergyman, and of what he would pay to the landlord. 
 But this reasoning is upon the supposition, that every Clergy- 
 man is very moderate in his demands. That this is a promi- 
 
198 
 
 I well know, that such a want of principle, and 
 such an absence of Religion, pervade many people, 
 that they would deprive you of your just rights : but 
 let me observe, that there are very many Clergy* 
 man, who, by their zeal, their piety, their disin- 
 terestedness, are, in the estimation of their parish, 
 
 nent feature in the character of the British Clergy, almost 
 every farmer, who compounds for his tythes, proclaims with 
 satisfaction, and acknowledges, with gratitude. But, among 
 so many beneficed Clergyman, it is to be expected, that a few 
 individuals, some compelled by necessity, and others, actuated 
 by avarice, will either claim, nearly the value, or receive their 
 tythes m kind : in which case, not only the advantages, accru- 
 ing from the payment of tythes, to the farmer, are, during such 
 incumbency, suspended, but quarrels and litigations often en- 
 sue, always pernicious to the interests of Religion, and to the 
 stability of the Church. To adopt any mode of compensation, 
 whereby, at once, to satisfy the clamorous, to preserve to the 
 Clergy their legitimate rights, and to render the ministry use- 
 ful, as it ought to be, has hitherto baffled the wisdom of the 
 wise, and overturned the plans of the speculative. 
 
 It may not be thought improper to add, that where the 
 great Tythes are in the hands of a Layman, and there is a ne- 
 cessity for the services of two Clergymen, arising either from 
 laborious duty— a Chapel attached to the Mother-Church, at 
 the latter of which tliere is service twice in the day — or from 
 any other cause — that the Impropriator, if he has both the 
 Vicarial and Rectorial Tythes, ought, in justice, to discharge 
 the whole ; if only the latter, the half, of the Curate's stipend. 
 The Legislature intended, no doubt, to do justice to the Cu- 
 rates ; but the great Tythes having, originally, belonged to 
 the Church, — if the Legislature felt themselves warranted to 
 alienate a part of the Vicar's pittance — would it have been 
 other than retributive justice to have bound the Impropriator 
 under the same obligation ? This subject will, I trust, soon be 
 illustrated and enforced by abler pens. 
 
199 
 
 most valuable Ministers, and who, far from going 
 to the extent of their claims, know how to abate of 
 their legal demands, and to compassionate the 
 wants of their parishioners, on occasions where 
 charity and humanity demand it of them. There 
 have been instances, however, where some have 
 refused to pay to their Pastor, the rights attached 
 to his office, being first irritated by the rapacity of 
 the Pastor himself, whose claims have been vuirea- 
 sonable, and his demands oppressive. It may in- 
 deed, generally, be said, that the altercations 
 which happen in parishes, between the Pastor and 
 his flock, are confined to those Clergymen, who, 
 in their conduct, are neither the most edifying, 
 the most charitable, nor the most exemplary, in 
 the diocese. 
 
 Such is the first abuse I had to mention — the ri- 
 gour in exacting your revenues : the second is, an 
 imposing avarice, which, after having been so 
 strict in the exaction, refuses them towards the 
 support of those who are in distress. 
 
 You know, my Brethren, and melancholy ex- 
 perience confirms the observation every day, that 
 the Clergy, the most severe, and the most rapa- 
 cious, in claiming their rights, often live w^ith 
 the greatest meanness. Were those Pastors, 
 who are so avaricious, charitable to their neigh- 
 bours, their conduct w^ould, in this, at least, 
 be worthy of our admiration, and entitled to our 
 applause : but a mean and contemptible avarice 
 
200 
 
 renders them still harder, and more insensible, to 
 the wants of the poor, whom they have daily be- 
 fore their eyes. 
 
 This vice seems to be a curse attached to the 
 priesthood ; and, to what disgrace does it not sub- 
 ject the dignity of our holy calling ? We see Cler- 
 gymen defile their characters, with the lowest and 
 most ignominious occupations ; running every 
 where; more skilled in making a bargain than 
 other men ; leaving their Churches, suftering the 
 souls entrusted to them to perish, that they may 
 not lose an opportunity of gain ; and appearing of- 
 ten at public meetings, in an unseemly and un- 
 clerical garb, and authorizing, by their intemper- 
 ance, drunkenness, and revellings, so common in 
 such * places. At this I am not surprised : an 
 avaricious and mercenary Pastor is capable of any 
 thing : every good principle is suppressed ; e very- 
 feeling that is honourable to human nature is ex- 
 tinct in his bosom ; charity, religion, even deco- 
 rum, and the respect that he owes to' his situation: 
 
 * Is it not exceedingly to be lamented that the Clerical Bills 
 lately passed, which afford universal satisfaction, did not pro- 
 hibit Incumbents from acting as agents to men of fortune ? I 
 know nothing more disreputable in itself, nor more injurious 
 to the cause of religion, than the custom now, unhappily too 
 prevalent, of Clergymen attending fairs and markets, to buy 
 and sell stock for gentlemen, whose servants they, virtually, 
 become ; estimating the value, and raising the rents, of farms ; 
 superintending Avorkmen, 8cc. 8cc. thereby debasing their cler- 
 ifcal character, and casting an indelible stain upon the Church. 
 
201 
 
 he is possessed of an inherent meanness, incapa- 
 ble of any of those noble sentiments, suggested by 
 the duties, and enforced by the reverence, of the 
 priesthood. When he is called into another scene 
 of existence, he leaves scandal and derision in the 
 public mind, mortification and sorrow in the hearts 
 of all those, to whom are entrusted the interests 
 of tiie Church, and the honour of Religion. — 
 " They that will be rich," says the Apostle, " fall 
 *' into temptation and a snare, and into many fool- 
 ** ish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in des- 
 ^' truction and perdition. For the love of money 
 ** is the root of all evil : which, while some 
 " have coveted after, they have erred from 
 " the faith, and pierced themselves through with 
 "^ many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee 
 *' these things ; and direct thy endeavours to " fol- 
 *' low after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, 
 " patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of 
 " faith ; lay hold on eternal life." 
 
 As to you, my Brethren, who are the support, 
 and the whole consolation of my Episcopate ; you 
 who know, that the Church hath not ordained 
 Ministers for themselves, but in order to be " men 
 *' of God," to whose exertions, the advancement 
 of his glory, and the preservation of his interests, 
 are committed, among mankind ; do you continue 
 to shun these abuses, so full of afiliction to the 
 Church, and of reproach to its Ministers. *' Fol- 
 ^' low after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, 
 *' patience, meekness." Continue to give to your 
 
202 
 
 people examples of exemplary conduct, and of 
 evangelical righteousness : let them learn, from 
 your disinterestedness, how much they ought to 
 detach themselves from the goods of this life. 
 Remember, that '* godliness is great gain" — that 
 a religious Pastor, who possesses the love and 
 confidence of his people, possesses every thing, 
 and wants nothing ;* and that his rights are incon- 
 trovertibly ascertained, seeing they are founded 
 on the affection and respect of his parishioners. 
 By invariably appearing, yourselves, always to va- 
 lue and reverence, whatever has any relation to 
 Religion and Salvation, you will induce your flock 
 to cultivate faith, and practise Religion : know 
 then, no greater gain than that of the souls who 
 are entrusted to you ; and let their salvation be 
 a recompense, of all others, the most honourable, 
 the most consolatory, and the most desirable of 
 your labours. Be tender-hearted, and charitable 
 towards them : suffer with them that suffer, and 
 weep with them that weep : be the common fa- 
 ther of your people ; ever ready to succour them, 
 in the day of necessity : charity makes no ex- 
 ceptions and remember, that whatever you have, 
 and whatever you are — you are all for them. 
 Do not be discouraged by an apprehension, 
 that the solicitude you feel, and the discourses 
 you deliver, to your hearers, are in vain; God 
 
 * The reader will recollect, that these Discourses were ad- 
 dressed to a body of men, who were forbidden the domestic 
 comforts, so wisely permitted to the Protestant Clergy. 
 
203 
 
 does not always recompense the Pastor, by the 
 instant and visible reformation of the flock ; make 
 a choice selection of the holy seed, sow it with 
 care, water it with diligence : He, *' who gives the 
 *' increase," will know how to make it fruitful, 
 in his own good time. Lastly, let not the faults 
 and misconceptions of the people committed to our 
 care, jU:=tify our warmth of temper, and deprive 
 us of that mildness and gentleness, in our carriage 
 towards them, which are so becoming the sacred 
 ministry ; let our engaging behaviour, uniformly 
 shewed towards them, be an indication of the af- 
 fections of our heart : zeal which exasperates, and 
 which excites to revolt, those whom it censures, is 
 the zeal of man, it is not the zeal of God : we must 
 gain their hearts, if we would render them atten- 
 tive to our instructions ; severe manners, rather 
 indicate our dispositions, than tend to correct 
 theirs. Not humour, rudeness, passion — No ! it 
 w^as charity, as described by the Apostle, which 
 established truth upon earth ; our Lord sent not 
 lions, but lambs, to preach it : their mildness, and 
 their sufferings, promoted the work of the Gospel; 
 and by these means must their successors continue 
 to spread it among men : by following this advice, 
 concludes the apostle — '' You will not only save 
 '' yourselves, but those that hear you." 
 
CHARGE XIV. 
 
 ON MILDNESS AND GENTLENESS; 
 
 Me patient towards all men. 
 
205 
 CHARGE XIV. 
 
 ON MILDNESS AND GENTLENESS. 
 
 I SHALL request your attention, whilst I this 
 day expatiate on a subject interesting to every 
 Clergyman — the mildness of temper, which, if he 
 be solicitous for the success of liis ministry, he 
 will invariably shew to the people committed to his 
 charge, in his intercourse with them. 
 
 From the time we are Fathers and Pastors of the 
 flock, mildness, tenderness, affection, should, with- 
 out question, constitute the reigning principle of 
 our character. It is, notwithstanding, but too 
 true, that we often substitute a wayward humour, 
 a false zeal, a spirit of dominion, for that engag- 
 ing affection which should entirely influence our 
 heart, and direct our conduct, as the only way, 
 whereby we can become useful in our calling. 
 My design is, as I have already intimated, to re- 
 commend mildness of temper, and gentleness of 
 carriage, in your behaviour and intercourse with 
 your parishioners. 
 
 Humour often predominates. If, when we wer^ 
 ordained to the sacred ministry, a change had been 
 
 2 a 
 
206 
 
 |)roduced in our mind, as well as in our situation ; 
 if our sentiments derived the same elevation as our 
 ciiaracter ; if the Holy Spirit, when we received 
 imposition of hands, suggested our principles, re- 
 gulated our morals, and repressed our inclinations, 
 it would be useless to recommend to you a virtue, 
 which would be inherent in us : but, unhappily, 
 we carry into this holy state, all the defects of our 
 birth and education ; the sacred character which 
 constitutes the Pastor, makes no change in that 
 which has formed the man ; and a Clergyman, 
 born with an ungracious, overbearing, haughty 
 spirit, when appointed to a parish, far from finding 
 in himself, the new quality of a Father and a Pastor, 
 to operate as a restraint on his inclinations, and 
 to become a powerful motive to mildness and gentle- 
 ness, finds only new occasions of pride, caprice, 
 and passion. Hence, so many complaints of the 
 violence, and haughtiness of the Clergy. Actu- 
 ated by such principles, what good can a Preacher 
 of the Gospel expect to do in his parish, when 
 the manners of its inhabitants, are, it is probable, 
 uncultivated and almost barbarous ? He will be 
 disgusted with the brutality of his parishioners; 
 and they, in their turn, will despise him, for the 
 severe and haughty spirit, which they perceive in 
 him : his ministry will be a perpetual scene of 
 trouble and vexation ; his temper will even pro- 
 fane the sanctity of the word ; his discourses 
 will be considered as public invectives against 
 his hearers ; and the Gospel, which breathes only 
 peace and reconciliation, will be, in his mouth, 
 
207 
 
 no other than a display of dissention aiid hostility : 
 these are not mere conjectures ; the complaints 
 which are frequently made, confirm our just ap- 
 prehensions. 
 
 We, who are Fathers, are to bear with the 
 perverseness of children : a Pastor, who has not 
 reduced his spirit to this submission, will never 
 be useful. His mildness and gentleness, I allov/, 
 are often put to severe trials : a gross and ignorant 
 people, do not always consider, what is proper 
 and becoming. Then it is, that we are to oppose 
 a paternal complacency to their rudeness, and to 
 restrain and soften them, by our conciliating ad- 
 dress, and engaging demeanor. It would be use- 
 less, as St. Paul recommends, more especially, to 
 ns, to '^ be patient towards all men," if we no v/here 
 had occasion for the exercise of " a meek spirit." 
 The reason we give way to impatience is, that, as 
 we are exposed, perpetually, to the rustic and 
 importunate manners of our parishioners, we do 
 not consider, that they only make use of their 
 privilege, in their applications to us: injudicious 
 they may be, in not consulting propriety, but 
 still, we cannot plead an excuse for not hearing 
 them : their indiscretions may, occasionally, try 
 our temper, but they do not lessen our obligations. 
 Thus, the grosser and more untoward our people 
 are, the more are patience and gentleness, neces- 
 sary in a Pastor, to restrain them. Notwithstand- 
 ing all their rudeness, a single word, uttered with 
 mildness, calms them : impatience and warmth do 
 
208' 
 
 not corregt their faults ; they only expose ours : 
 they do not shelter us from their importunities, 
 but they make us lose their love, and forfeit their 
 confidence. 
 
 A Pastor, concerned for the welfare of the souls 
 committed to his charge, will see it to be his 
 bounden duty, to sacrifice his natural impetuosity 
 of temper, in order to attach them to him, and to 
 open for his instructions, a way to their hearts. 
 The first Ministers of the Church, were sent as 
 lambs in the midst of wolves ; and the mildness 
 and gentleness of the one, subdued the fierceness 
 and violence of the other. We have succeeded 
 to their mission, as well as to their ministry ; we 
 are sent in their place, as lambs among wolves. 
 Had we, like our holy predecessors, to dread their 
 barbarity — were the most cruel torments the only 
 reward we could promise ourselves, for our inde- 
 fatigable labours, and unremitted zeal, we must 
 either renounce Christ and the ministry, or resolve 
 to attack them, until we had overcome their out- 
 rageous passions, and subdued their unruly wills. 
 What ! can we, my Brethren, be considered excu- 
 sable, by losing, on slight provocations, the com- 
 mand of ourselves, inseparable from a right dis- 
 charge of the Christian ministry ? Alas ! we act 
 upon a wrong principle — we are accustomed, to 
 demand to our person, the respect which is due to 
 our calling : we esteem ourselves as superiors, and 
 not as servants and Ministers. 
 
209 
 
 A second fault attendant upon our ministry is, 
 a spirit of dominion, than which nothing is more 
 opposite to that humility which ought to accompa- 
 ny us, in every rainistei ial function. The princes 
 of this world, as our Saviour observed to his dis- 
 ciples, exercise with rigour, the authority they 
 have over their subjects : pride, haughtiness, and 
 splendour, constitute their dignity ; gentleness, 
 humility, modesty, shall be the distinguishing or- 
 naments of yours ; they consider themselves as 
 lords over vassals ; you shaii be, in your own eyes, 
 as servants and brethren. Can the situation, 
 which, in committing souls to our care, renders 
 us bound to all, and responsible for all, inspire us 
 with pride, and exalt us with haughtiness ? What 
 is there to swell the heart in offices, the chief ad- 
 vantage of which is, to impose on us many la- 
 bours, and to exact a correct, and conscientious, 
 disciiarge of them ? 
 
 Notwithstanding, under the pretence of support- 
 ing the honours and aiithority of this ministry, we 
 are inexorable to the most trifling offences, which 
 seem to derogate from it ; we exact respect and 
 deference, not so much to ensure reverence for 
 Religion, as consequence to ourselves ; the smal- 
 lest infringement made upon our rights, alienates 
 our affections, and sinks deep into our minds ; wc 
 make of authority, a yoke which oppresses the 
 souls, whose charge we have undertaken, and not a 
 support, designed for their comfort : w^e forget that 
 our revenues are entitled to our estimation, only 
 
215 
 
 in proportion as they afford us an opportunity of 
 being serviceable ; that they have been entrusted 
 to us only, to facilitate the success of our labours, 
 and not to be an obstacle to them ; to attract more 
 reverence for Religion, and not more dignity to 
 our station; to render our virtuous examples more 
 public, and more beneficial, and not our authority 
 more burdensome and intolerable. Mankind are 
 but too much disposed to look with jealous eyes, 
 on the temporal advantages, of which some of the 
 Clergy are possessed; and from the moment that 
 they doubt the existence of virtue and Religion, 
 in our hearts, they doubt the validity of our title 
 to our revenues : the more exact and rigid we are 
 in the improvement of them, the more disputable 
 does our right appear ; the more severe we are, 
 the more do our parishioners withstand us; and 
 when, at length, we have recourse to the support 
 of the law, let us contrast our gain of money, 
 with the loss of their affections, and of their confi- 
 dence. Is this to honour our ministry, or to 
 make it useless. 
 
 But it is our duty, you say, to support the rights 
 of the Church. Yes. Let us support them, by the 
 superiority of our virtues : it is not for ourselves 
 that we are Ministers, it is for the people at large ; 
 let us devote ourselves to them, without reserve, 
 without interest, without any other view than that 
 of their salvation : let this motive alone lessen our 
 pains, and recompense our labours : let us be weak 
 with the weak ; let us weep with them that weep ; 
 
211 
 
 let us extend our hand to them that are falling ; 
 let us bear with them that resist, and, by our 
 patience, conquer their obstinacy ; let us, in one 
 word, " become all things to all men." There 
 is in a worthy Pastor, an engaging modesty, a 
 paternal disinterestedness, which impress more ve- 
 neration, and afford greater security to his rights, 
 than all the eagerness and vigilance which a worldly 
 Minister can exert in the support of them. 
 
 We allow, you observe, that a Clergyman, liv- 
 ing under the influence of disgusting pride, or 
 ungovernable passion, cannot preserve that pas- 
 toral gentleness which is so necessary to attract 
 the love, and ensure the confidence, of his parish ; 
 but how shall he correct the disorders which are 
 prevalent in it, if he does not discover a zeal, which 
 may seem almost incompatible with the mildness 
 now recommended? 
 
 You cannot countenance irregularities — you are 
 right ; but often in shewing a disposition to cor- 
 rect them, we provoke and exasperate the objects 
 of our reproof : some Clergyman speak to their 
 parishioners with the haughtiness of a superior, 
 and not with the tenderness of a father. Charity, 
 indeed, which is the parent of zeal, never faileth ; 
 it does not propose the ostentation of authority, 
 but the amendment of the transgressor. If we 
 appear to seek an occasion of indiscriminately cen- 
 suring our flock, they will look upon us rather as 
 hostile to their persons, than displeased at their 
 
212 
 
 bftences. Let us remember that our Blessed 
 Master passed for the friend of sinners, by the 
 divine mildness with which he received them, by 
 the holy familiarity with which he honoured them, 
 by the joy with which he assured them, that the 
 conversion of a single individual was a subject 
 of congratulation and joy to the angels in Heaven. 
 Let us call to mind his tears over unbelieving Je- 
 rusalem : He more frequeniiy wept over the sins of 
 the people, than aggravated them by his reproach- 
 es : his prayers for them always prepared success 
 for his instructions : Let us, my Brethren, mourn 
 and humble ourselves before God : Let us increase 
 our prayers, in proportion as the sins of our con- 
 gregations are increased ; and, instead of suffer- 
 ing our affections to be alienated fiom them, 
 through their obstinacy, let us strive to make our 
 vigilance more persuasive, and our zeal more 
 engaging. 
 
 I would not be understood, by recommending 
 to you mildness and gentleness, in the exercise of 
 the Ministry, to authorise indolence and insensi- 
 bility, in a Pastor, in the midst of the degeneracy 
 of his flock : the good temper required of a 
 Clergyman, is not without bowels of compassion 
 for sinners ; but he is full of indignation at their 
 vices. A Minister, whom the profligacy of his pa- 
 rish, of which he is a witness, does not affect, does 
 not interest, and who sanctions it by his silence, is 
 not kind and compassionate ; he is no better than 
 an idol, which hath eyes, and sees not, a tongue. 
 
213 
 
 and speaks not, an heart which does not feel. God 
 forbid that his inattention to the profligacy of his 
 people should proceed from a desire that they 
 should shew the same to himself ! No, my Bre- 
 thren, a Pastor who sees, with indifference, the 
 depraved morals of his parishioners, is either 
 without religious principle, or is himself as de- 
 praved as the sinners, at whose profligacy he cour 
 nives. 
 
 Not one of such a character, I persuade myself^ 
 will be found in this assembly ; but there is another 
 sort of mildness, and gentleness in a Minister, less 
 odious, it is true, though perhaps, not less danger- 
 ous : there are Pastors, who are inactive, more stu- 
 dious of their own quiet, than interested in the sal- 
 vation of the souls committed to them : they con- 
 nive at every thing, in order that they may not 
 irritate the minds, and alienate the hearts, of their 
 parishioners from themselves : in a word, in order 
 that they may enjoy, with more ease, and less inter- 
 ruption, a situation, the vigilance and exactness 
 essential to the proper discharge of which, might 
 have disturbed their repose. Now, this is not the 
 evangelical gentleness of which every Pastor ought 
 to be possessed ; it is the indolence of an hireling. 
 And what can be more reproachful to a Minister of 
 the Gospel, than to be esteemed and beloved by a 
 degenerate people, by whom his saviour is hated „ 
 or forgotton,or despised? What can be the advan- 
 tage of pleasing men, if he have the misfortune to 
 displease God ? If God condemns, can men justify, 
 
 2 B 
 
^14 
 
 liini ? Besides, does he not know that it is not pos- 
 sible to please men — if, in so doing, he is to neglect 
 his duty — and to be the servant of Jesus Christ ? 
 Whoever, in such a way, expects to conciliate the 
 love of his people, forfeits it : the more desirous 
 they perceive us to be of pleasing them, through 
 the fear of censuring negligence, and reproving 
 immorality, the less do they hesitate to occasion us 
 chagrin, and even to treat us with contempt. Let 
 us not deceive ourselves : the rudest and most 
 ignorant esteem us no farther than as they are con- 
 vinced we are possessed of upright principles, and 
 undissembled virtue. Aaron permitted the Israel- 
 to make a molten calf, and then to fall down and 
 worship it — what reward did he obtain for his un- 
 w^arranted indulgence ? That very people disputed 
 with him the sovereign priesthood. We lose 
 more than we gain, in the minds of our hearers, 
 w^hen we would conciliate their esteem by the sa- 
 crifice of our duty. 
 
 The pastoral tenderness which we should shew 
 for sinners, is mild and conciliating-— but it is iK)t 
 indulgent to their vices. Let the edification and 
 salvation of those committed to our care be our 
 only object, in the accomplishing of which we 
 may, with propriety, endeavour to please them : 
 let us strive to become agreeable, only, as w^e can 
 be useful: we are not to be judged by the love and 
 affection men may entertain for us, but by the be- 
 nefit they may have derived from our Ministry : 
 let us not seek ourselves in the discharge of our 
 
215 
 
 Ministerial duty, let us seek, only, the interest^ of 
 Christ, and we shall, without difficuhy, find, that 
 in the proper exercise of our pastoral functions, we 
 are equally to avoid both the excess of outrageous 
 zeal, and the timidity of criminal indulgence. 
 
 Such is the evangelical gentleness which I re- 
 eommend to your observance ; every other, w^hich 
 tends rather to please sinners, than to lead them to 
 be displeased with themselves, and which, through 
 the apprehension of disturbing our own quiet, re- 
 frains from alarming them with a sense of guilt, is 
 not ''the wisdom which comes from above," which 
 descends from the Father of Lights ; it is, on the 
 contrary, ''earthly, sensual, and devilish :" Where- 
 as genuine pastoral mildness, is distinguished by 
 very opposite characters. First, it is liberal and 
 disinterested. It is not personal advantage which 
 brings it into action : it seeks its repose and hap- 
 piness only in its duty ; the friendship of men is 
 no otherwise beloved, in its estimation, then as it 
 renders them the friends of God. 
 
 It is, secondly, peaceable. It is not in encour- 
 aging dissipation; it is in exciting by its remon- 
 strances, a remorse in the heart, that the true evan- 
 geiical mildness, by which a godly Minister is al- 
 ways actuated, brings real peace among his flock ; 
 his zeal alarms sinners, but it makes them angry 
 only with themselves ; in carrying war into the 
 heart, he, under such benign influence, introduces 
 tranquillity, and establishes comfort in families ;; 
 
216 
 
 the sword of the Word in his mouth, which pierces 
 the inmost recesses of the soul, changes it into an 
 habitation of peace and love : his pacific gentleness 
 calms all violent dissentions, conciliates the en- 
 raged mind, and teaches it the pardon of injuries, 
 and the delights of reconciliation, by paying kind- 
 ness, and accumulating blessings, in return for 
 provocations and outrage. 
 
 To comprise all the characters of gentleness in 
 one reflection : this divine wisdom has bowels 
 of compassion for the miserable and wretched. 
 Touched with their calamities and their miseries, 
 it reaches out to them an helping hand : it does 
 not content itself with weeping over them ; it de- 
 monstrates its feelings, by its support j it laments, 
 indeed^ that its circumscribed means are insufii- 
 cient for their wants : far from exacting, with se- 
 verity, its rights, it distributes to the needy of its 
 own substance : thus, it every day sees the fruits 
 of the ministry increase, together with those of 
 mercy and compassion. 
 
 Meditate continually, my beloved Brethren, on 
 these things, never lose sight of them in the exer- 
 cise of your ministry, in order that the public suc- 
 cess of your labours may become the glory of the 
 Church, and the eternal monuments of your zeal, 
 in your several parishes- — in order that both Min- 
 ister and people may enter together into the joy of 
 their Lord. 
 
CHARGE XV. 
 
 ON THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER. 
 Continuing instant in prayer. 
 
21V 
 
 CHARGE XV. 
 
 ON THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER. 
 
 TO be instant in prayer is not an obligation 
 peculiar to the sacred calling. ^ It is the most es- 
 sential duty of Christianity: every Christian is 
 expected to be a man of prayer : his views, his de- 
 sires, his hopes, his conversation, all, according to 
 the Apostle, are to be in Heaven : every Christian 
 is a citizen of the world to come ; all the external 
 objects which surround him here below, should 
 be, in his estimation, as bonds and obstacles, 
 which, retarding his course, and prolonging his 
 pilgrimage, ought to enflame his desires tow^ards 
 his own country ; the seductions of the world, in- 
 nocent as they may appear, should all conspire to 
 warn him to raise, continually, his thoughts on 
 high; to send up thither his sighs and prayers ; 
 to address himself ^' to the faithful and invisible 
 *' Witness in heaven," and to his only Protector, 
 from whom he receives consolation and support. 
 Every Christian, then, is a man of prayer : and a: 
 Cliristian who does not pray, is without God, with- 
 out Religion, without hope. This incontrovertible 
 truth once established, is it not our indispensable 
 duty to employ the most powerful arguments, and 
 
220 
 
 urge the most persuasive exhortations, to inspire 
 our respective flocks with the love, and devote them 
 to the practice, of prayer ? 
 
 But if Religion itself be, in fact, nothing more 
 than " an holy worship," wliich we offer unto 
 God, to declare his blessings, and exalt his Ma- 
 jesty, or to solicit his assistance and obtain his 
 mercy ; if its several ordinances are prescribed to 
 make of each of its professors a man of prayer ; if, 
 as hath been already observed, a Christian, who 
 does not pray, is without God, without Religion, 
 and without hope — what a monster must^ Pastor 
 be, a Minister of that blessed Religion, if he him- 
 self is not a man of prayer ; if he does not know 
 the use of it — that is to say, if he prays only with 
 his mouth, without attention, without any senti- 
 ment of piety, and even with so little reverence, 
 that his prayer is rather an insult offered to God, 
 than the homage of Religion, paid to his Supreme 
 Majesty? If, my Reverend Brethren, you do not 
 feel this truth, how ought you, and how ought I 
 myself to lament, in having to address such Minis- 
 ters, and such Pastors, of the Church ? In order 
 then, to our mutual edification, and to animate us, 
 individually, to the practice of a duty so consola- 
 tory in the discharge of our obligations, and so 
 inseparable from them, I will beg your attention, 
 whilst I expatiate on the necessity and advantages 
 of frequent and devout prayer. 
 
 Yes, we who are Ministers, who are Pastors oi 
 
the flock, we have need continually of the support 
 of prayer. The greater our intercourse with the 
 world, the more we are exposed to its allurements. 
 When we appear in it, we ought to appear clothed 
 with more virtue, more holiness, than the rest of 
 those among whom we live. It is difficult to a 
 Minister, if the practice of prayer have not esta- 
 blished him stedfast and immoveable in goodness, 
 to be incessantly in the midst of the corruption of 
 the world, and not be caught in its snares. He 
 carries thither an heart, void of those profound 
 sentiments of religion, which the practice of 
 prayer can alone inscribe upon it, and filled 
 with all those ideas, which make the world seem 
 amiable, and which, in our opinion, justify the 
 abuse of it. And although decorum should re- 
 strain him within certain bounds, yet, if he is 
 influenced only by a regard to men, and the decency 
 of appearance, which his calling requires, the 
 world no longer respects him as a Christian Minis- 
 ter, no longer perceives in him, the engaging 
 piety, the holy dignity, which bespeak a Pastor of 
 the flock. 
 
 But allowing that, in our intercourse with men, 
 we are " defended from all adversity which may 
 " happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts 
 '' which may assault and hurt the soul," and that a 
 sense of the danger to which we are exposed, did 
 not exact of us a constant application to God in 
 prayer, which is, alone, capable of enabling us to 
 support the dignitv, and the holiness of the minis- 
 
222 
 
 tfy — is not our consecration to the sanctuary, a 
 state entirely consecrated to prayer ? We are the 
 mediators between God and men — the public in- 
 tercessors, either to turn away his wi^ath, which 
 their sins perpetually provoke, or to suspend the 
 scourge, and avert the calamities, which those sins 
 prepare. They call for our ministry and our inter- 
 cessions ; they suppose us to have an interest with 
 God, and access to him ; but what interest, what 
 access can we have, if the use of prayer have 
 never united us to him ? How shall we intercede 
 for them, if we have not been accustomed to inter- 
 cede for ourselves? How shall we be mediators be- 
 tween God and our flocks, if God knows us not ; 
 if the neglect of prayer has disqualified us from 
 representing to him, the wants of his creatures — 
 prayer, which possesses the power of softening his 
 wrath, and, of moving him to compassion, at the 
 very moment when his punishments are hanging 
 over the souls entrusted to us ? 
 
 Although, in the general course of Providence, 
 and in the ordinary distribution of his grace, God 
 attaches the salvation of the flock to unremitted 
 vigilance in the Pastor : the blessing aw^aiting his 
 labours, is dependant on his prayers. They are 
 the means to be employed, to obtain for men those 
 holy dispositions, which render the ordinances of 
 the Gospel eflicacious : not one of the functions 
 which we exercise, ought to be performed without 
 -previous prayer, and a secret address to the 
 Author and Source of all the gifts and graces^ 
 
223 
 
 which the Mmister distributes in his name. Does 
 he administer the Sacrament of Baptism, at the 
 font? He should suppUcate the Ahnighty, that 
 that child, being born again and made regenerate, 
 should die unto sin, and live unto righteousness ? 
 Does he attend his flock to the Lord's Table, and 
 distribute the sacred elements, representing the 
 body and blood of their Redeemer ; how ought 
 his prayers to go up before God, that not one, 
 by an unworthy receiving, may forfeit the efficacy 
 of that heavenly Ordinance ? Is he called to visit 
 the sick, or attend the dying ? Upon such affect- 
 ing occasions, let him pour out his soul in the 
 most fervent supplications, that he may disarm 
 the severity of his awful Judge, in whose presence 
 that soul may soon appear, and may prevail with 
 the God of all mercy, to receive him into his 
 heavenly habitations. Go through the several 
 functions of the ministry, and see what good can 
 be expected to result from them in the hands of a 
 Minister, who does not accompany them with a 
 spirit of prayer. 
 
 Having shewn the necessity, I now proceed to 
 the advantages, arising from the practice of it. 
 
 Our calling subjects us to the danger of living 
 habitually, in the transgression of many duties, we 
 may consider as not essential, and of neglecting to 
 have recourse to prayer — the only support which 
 Religion offers — to awaken us from that stupefac- 
 tion* Thus we become Uable, either to profane 
 
224 
 
 holy things, or to use them in a w^y displeasing to 
 God, who, by consequence, alienates from us his 
 grace, and increases our weakness : for the consci- 
 entious observance of our several obligations, ei- 
 ther strengthens our faith and piety, or aggravates 
 our corruption and wretchedness. 
 
 In the second place, the pastoral duties, when 
 we would discharge them with fidelity, are some- 
 times attended with trouble and vexation. Would 
 we fulfil them with edification to our flock, and 
 satisfaction to our Judge, our time must not be at 
 our own disposal ; the engagement into which we 
 have entered, is sacred ; it leaves us no longer 
 our own, but dedicated to the service of our res- 
 pective parishes. We labour, indeed, not infre- 
 quently for men insensible of our kindness : we, 
 sometimes, excite the aversion, and provoke the 
 hatred, of the very persons, for whose salvation, 
 we are so solicitous. We then grow weary, see- 
 ing neither the end, nor the advantage, of our 
 vocation ; we no longer exert ourselves with the 
 same zeal ; self-love, not being encouraged by suc- 
 cess, secretly insinuates, that fatiguing and useless 
 cares never can be duties. Now, how can zeal 
 withstand this suggestion, if we do not derive new 
 powers from the frequent exercise of prayer ; if we 
 have not the consolation of committing our cares 
 and sorrows, to the great Shepherd and Bishop of 
 our souls, whose place we fill, and whose repre- 
 sentatives we are ? In his presence we shall be 
 overwhelmed with shame, at reckoning upon light 
 
225 
 
 afflictions in the discharge of our duty ; at com- 
 paring ourselves with those who yielded up their 
 lives for his doctrine: in his presence we shall 
 blush to be tempted to lay down our arms, before 
 we have begun the combat ; to be deterred and dis- 
 couraged, in our perseverance in the holy warfare, 
 by such easy exertions, whilst those righteous 
 Ministers set at nought tribulations, hunger, thirst, 
 persecutions, and all the fury of tyrants, which 
 were designed to " separate them from the love of 
 *' Christ:" from his presence, we shall depart, 
 with a greater delight in our ministerial calling, 
 with an additional zeal for the salvation of our 
 flocks. No ! my Brethren, let us not deceive 
 ourselves: without prayer, we feel all the dis- 
 gust and chagrin attendant upon our sacred voca- 
 tion ; we bear a yoke which overpowers us : with 
 prayer every thing is made easy ; the yoke is 
 no longer grievous ; our labours increase, but the 
 troubles accompanying them vanish. You, some- 
 times, complain of the weight, with which the 
 difiiculty of your situation oppresses you, and of 
 your feebleness to sustain it : address youi'self 
 often to him, who changes our weakness into 
 strength ; continue instant in prayer ; these diffi- 
 culties will disappear ; these mountains will be 
 made plain ; you will feel yourself a new man ; 
 and you will no longer complain of having too 
 much to do, and too much to suffer, for ■'' the 
 furtherance of the Gospel." 
 
226 
 
 But if prayer, alone, can remove the troubles 
 attached to our calling, it, alone, can likewise 
 prevent the dangers to which we are exposed. It 
 is but too true that the inward man, when we ne- 
 glect the duty and the exercise of private prayer, 
 insensibly becomes weak and feeble, even whilst 
 we are engaged in our professional avocations. 
 In directing our thoughts, and devoting our time, 
 to the salvation of other men, we lose that se- 
 cret and hidden life of faith, which is the vigour 
 and the energy of piety. In expressing our so- 
 licitude for others, and never for ourselves, the 
 powers of the soul w^ear out, and we *' no longer 
 delight ourselves in the .Lord." In the eyes of 
 men, we are holy and pious, but not so in the 
 sight of God*. The Almighty, w^hose support we 
 
 * " A Christian Temper consists of various Parts : but 
 the first Impression, which a genuine Faith in the Gospel 
 makes on the Sou!, and the ruling Principle, which it fixes 
 there, is a deep Sense of Love to God and our Fellow-crea- 
 tures, producing an earnest Desire that we and they may be 
 for ever happy in his presence. Whoever, therefore, is desti- 
 tute \)f this Feeling, ought not, though free from gross Yice,to 
 become a Clergyman ; and without obtdning it from the Giver 
 of all good Things by fervent prayer, no man is qualified to fill 
 the place of one. For, notwithstanding tliat he may preserve 
 some Form of Godliness^ without which he would be t,mis- 
 chievous and shocking in the highest degree, yet, not havmg 
 the reality and ponver thereof, he must profess, and seem- 
 ingly attempt, to make others what he is far from being him- 
 self. Consequently his endeavours out of th.e pulpit will be 
 infrequent, reluctant, faint : and in it they will at best be un- 
 natural and ungraceful, whatever pains he may take in his com- 
 positions j or v/hatever vehemence he may affect in his delivery. 
 
227 
 
 have not supplicated, leaves us to ourselves, and 
 generally, humour, dissatisfaction, vanity, hold an 
 higher place in the discharge of our several obliga- 
 tions, than a sense of duty, and a love of our breth- 
 ren. From these rocks we can be preserved only 
 by the exercise of prayer. 
 
 Another reflection, no less worthy your atten- 
 tion, is, that prayer is not merely indispensable 
 to preserve us from those evils ** which may as- 
 sault and hurt the soul," but even to assure us 
 of the advantage and usefulness of the duty. For 
 it is by the practice, that we know the utility, of 
 prayer. We plant, we water ; but God alone 
 giveth the increase ,; and how can we expect it, 
 if we are not diligent to supplicate it of him ? 
 We do not invoke him, who alone can render our 
 labours efficacious to our flock, and our solicitude 
 acceptable to himself. The want of prayer is 
 the principal cause of the little good the generality 
 of Pastors do, in their parishes, notwithstanding 
 they may exactly fulfill all the other duties- of 
 the ministry. They think they have performed 
 their part well, when they have performed what 
 is commanded, but by the small advantage ac- 
 
 Ilence he will be dissatisfied within, detected and disesteemed 
 by the judicious part of his hearers, and of little use to the rest, 
 if he is not even hurtful by misleading them. Or whatever his 
 case may be amongst men, his inward want of the piety, which 
 he outwardly pretends to, must render him uncommonly guilty 
 in the sight of God. Heaven forbid that I should have need to 
 enlai'ge on such a character in this audience." — Abp. Secker. 
 
228 
 
 cruing from it, they might perceive that there is 
 a something wanting ; and so long as their prayers 
 shall not interest the goodness of God, in the suc- 
 cess of their labours ; they will, like the apostles, 
 pass their days and nights in casting the net, and in 
 taking nothing : they will run a long and melan- 
 choly course, and will die without having brought 
 one soul to Jesus Christ — without having reclaim- 
 ed a smgle being from vice, or establised him in 
 •virtue and religion. 
 
 And indeed, what success can a Pastor, so little 
 accustomed to prayer, promise himself from his 
 instructions ? What success can a Pastor promise 
 himself in speaking of God, who never, almost, 
 speaks to him ? What barrenness in his dis- 
 courses ? He declares the truth, but it proceeds 
 only from his mouth, and not from his heart. I 
 appeal to yourselves ; is it not true,- that a holy 
 Pastor, a man of prayer, with only moderate ta- 
 lents, does more good, leaves his auditors more 
 affected with his discourses, than many others, 
 who, with shining abilities, have not derived, 
 from an intercourse with Heaven, that genuine 
 piety, which can, alone, speak to the heart ? A Mi- 
 nister, who does not habituate himself to de- 
 vout prayer, may deliver an animated discourse, 
 and substitute address and elocution for zeal and 
 piety ; but you will always see the man ; you 
 will perceive, that it is not a fire which descends 
 from heaven. For what impressions can his in- 
 structions make, if unaccompanied with prayer to 
 
229 
 
 draw down upon them that grace, which alone 
 can render them useful to those who hear him ? 
 He will speak only to the ears of his people, be- 
 cause the spirit of God, who alone knows how to 
 speak to the heart, and who, through the neglect 
 of prayer, not having taken up his abode within 
 him, witl not speak by his mouth. The Ministry 
 of the word, will be a duty, not of choice, but of 
 necessity ; or he will make of it a theatre of vanity, 
 where he will rather attract the notice, and obtain 
 the applause of his hearers, than effect their amend- 
 ment, and promote their salvation. 
 
 But although prayer were not so indispensable, 
 as we are taught to believe it is, in order to ac- 
 company our labours with a blessing — is it not 
 our bounden duty, to pour out our souls, in our 
 closet in secret,, for the salvation of those, for whom 
 we must give an account ? Are we not command- 
 ed, in the character we sustain, ^' to pray for 
 *' them without ceasing?" We are to lay before 
 God their wants : we are to lament before him, 
 over the vices in which we see them indulge them- 
 selves, and which our solicitude cannot prevent, nor 
 our zeal correct, we are to supplicate strength for 
 the weak, remorse for the hardened, and perseve- 
 rance for the righteous. The more numerous their 
 wants, the more ought our prayers, in their behalf, 
 to be lively and fervent : when we appear before 
 God, it should always be like the High Priest 
 under the law, carrying, written upon our 
 
 2 D 
 
^30 . 
 
 liearts, the names of the tribes, that is to say, tho 
 names of the people who are entrusted to us. 
 
 A Pastor, who does not pray, or who contents 
 himself with reciting the prayers commanded by 
 the Church, is not a representative of the good 
 Shepherd ; such an one is not, what he is re- 
 quired to be, a father — he is an hireling; the chris- 
 tians who are committed to his care, are not, as 
 might be expected, his children — they are orphans ; 
 his heart, his bowels say nothing for them : he 
 loves the title by which he presides over them ; 
 but he feels no comfort in the reflection, that he is 
 to be the instrument of bringing them into a state 
 of salvation, and of prevailing with them, to make 
 their peace with God : he loves only the place of 
 the shepherd ; he has no affection for the flock : 
 for, if he loved them, could he behold their irregu-. 
 larities, and the eternal evils they are bringing on 
 themselves, without incessantly addressing himself 
 to him, who alone can change their hearts, to 
 the end that, not one of those whom the father has 
 given to him in charge, should perish ; What do 
 I say ? A Pastor, who does not pray for his peo- 
 ple, not only does not love them ; he refuses 
 them that which is their due : depriving them 
 of his prayers, he robs them of a resource, to 
 which the goodness of God had attached the graces 
 and assistance designed for his heritage ; he re- 
 fuses what his parishioners had a right to expect 
 of him ; he occupies the place of a godly Pastor, 
 whose prayers might have drawn down upon them 
 
251 
 
 a thousand blesfeings, and he is accountable for all 
 the sins which his prayers might have prevented. 
 When you are disposed to complain of the negli- 
 gences and irregularities of your parishioners, and 
 of your being useless among them ; examine your- 
 selves, whether you are faithful in representing 
 to '^ him that heareth prayer," their necessities 
 and their miseries ; whether you are solicitous, 
 whether you are importunate, to obtain for them 
 the protection and favour of the Almighty, who 
 seems to have abandoned them : the prayers of a 
 Pastor are seldom ineffectual ; God, who has com- 
 manded us to pray for sinners, has also promised 
 to hear us. We lament over the degeneracy of 
 our flocks, whilst — the reflection ought to make 
 us tremble ! — it may be attributed almost solely 
 to ourselves. 
 
 But how, it may be said, amidst a variety of 
 avocations, which the care of a parish imposes, 
 shall we find leisure to devote ourselves continu- 
 ally to prayer? Alas! among all our pretended 
 cares and labours, how many hours pass unem- 
 ployed ! how many days given up to indolence, 
 to amusements, little becoming, it may be, the 
 gravity and the holiness of our ministry ! HoW 
 many moments in which idleness itself, is a trouble 
 to us, and in which we are a burden to ourselves ! 
 Blessed God ! a Minister, commanded to offer the 
 supplications of his people, has not time to offer 
 his own, and to pray for himself; a Dispenser of 
 divine grace, indisposed to have any communicatioh 
 
232 
 
 Xvith him, who hath entrusted to him this glorious 
 ministry, and in whose name he speaks and acts I 
 a Minister of the Gospel, unwilling to give an 
 account to the Almighty Being of the gifts and 
 riches he is commanded to distribute, and of the 
 use which the souls, whose salvation is entrusted 
 to his superintendance, make of them I 
 
 But it is not, that we require your life to be pas- 
 sed in prayer. — No ! it is rather a spirit of prayer, 
 which is every where to accompany .us : what is 
 becoming us, as Pastors, is, to beseech of God, 
 that spirit, which will direct us aright as Chris- 
 tians, and make us, as Ministers, instruments of 
 salvation — to accustom ourselves to this secret and 
 continual communication with God ; to find him 
 every where — to find ourselves every where with 
 him — and to derive, from every thing, an opportu- 
 nity of raising our minds to him. In this way, 
 should a Minister be a man of prayer. 
 
 Heavenly Father, give, we beseech thee, unto 
 thy Ministers, a tender and paternal heart, to- 
 wards their several flocks : they will then know 
 in what manner to address thy Divine Majesty 
 in their behalf ; they will then need no exhor- 
 tations to animate them to call daily upon Thee, 
 to " pour down upon them, the abundance of 
 *' Thy mercy." A Pastor, O my God, who re- 
 fuses all heavenly intercourse, who neglecteth 
 to interest Thy Providence, and supplicate thy 
 Grace, in the protection and repentance of his 
 
233 
 
 flock, is not a Pastor and a Shepherd ; he is a 
 stranger, an usurper, and an intruder into a family, 
 whose children neither awaken his solicitude, nor 
 engage his tenderness. Gracious God, open thy- 
 self the eyes of the chief Shepherds ; enlighten our 
 Ministry, direct our choice, to the end that '*■ we 
 *' may lay hands suddenly on no man," but may 
 choose those only, whom thou thyself hast chosen : 
 suffer us not, in order to promote any interest of 
 our own, in order to confer a favour, or acknow- 
 ledge an obligation, to contribute to the troubles 
 and the disgrace of thy Church, by introducing 
 into it Ministers, who may render it contemptible 
 by their want of talents, or inefficacious by their 
 want of piety. Speak unto us, O God, thyself, in 
 secret, as thou formerly spakest unto Samuel — 
 ^* Neither hath the Lord chosen this :" or rather, 
 strike our hands, that they may become immove- 
 able, when we are about to lay them on the head of 
 a Minister, upon whom thy Holy Spirit hath not 
 vouchsafed to rest. 
 
CHARGE XVI. 
 
 ON STUDY AND KNOWLEDGE. 
 Give attendance to reading. 
 
2H 
 
 CHARGE XVI. 
 
 ON STUDY AND KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 IT cannot, certainly, require any proof that study 
 is an indispensable duty, and knowledge an essential 
 qualification in a Clergyman : it is obvious that 
 the Church considers us as an order of men, set 
 apart to prevent the infection of error, and to pre- 
 serve the purity of truth. 
 
 Upon this subject, you, no doubt, my brethren, 
 anticipate whatever arguments can be urged for the 
 conviction of your minds, or whatever eloquence 
 can be displayed for the persuasion of your affec- 
 tions ; whatever obligation of our calling, may be 
 proposed to your attention, nothing new can be 
 expected. 
 
 Thus,you are already acquainted with every thing 
 that can be said on the necessity of study, and of 
 knowledge in a Clergyman ; you are not ignorant 
 that we are the light of the world, the eyes of the 
 body of the Church, and that if they be darkness, 
 the Whole can be no other than darkness ; that the 
 Church, in the imposition of hands, h^s directed 
 
236 
 
 us — Go and teach ; that we are the pillars of the 
 New Covenant, and that, being ordained for the 
 purpose of instructing others out of it, we ought to 
 be instructed ourselves ; in a word, that an unedu- 
 cated Clergyman, has no right to bear the high title 
 of the priesthood, and that he is no other than the 
 disgrace of the Church, and the derision of the 
 world. ^ This, my brethren, you know well al- 
 ready ; and these fundamental truths were impressed 
 upon us, during our preparation for the work of the 
 ministry : we were, at first, affected with them, but 
 since that period, they, by becoming so familiar, ap- 
 pear to us less important : like those Priests and Le- 
 vites, who bare the ark in the wilderness, " when 
 
 * " A point of great importance to Clergymen is, that they 
 be studious. This will keep your money from being spent 
 unwisely ; and likewise your time from being thrown away 
 hurtfully or unprofitably, or hanging heavy on your hands. It 
 will procure you reverence too, as persons of knowledge : 
 whereas the idle will, even by the ignorant, be thought de- 
 ficient. And, which is the main thing, this alone will enable 
 you to understand the business of your station, and perform it 
 well. But then you must apply to such things chiefly, as will 
 fit you most to answer the great end of your employment ; and 
 determine^ with St. Paul, to k?io^ nothings comparatively speak- 
 ing, amongst your people, save Jesus Christy and him crucified. 
 The concern of a Parish Minister is, to make the lowest of his 
 congregation apprehend the doctrine of salvation by repent- 
 ence, faith and obedience ; and to labour that when they know 
 the way of life, they may walk in it. If he doth not these 
 things for them, he doth nothing : and it requires much con- 
 sideration to find out the proper methods of doing them, 
 and much pains- and patience to try one after another. — Abp. 
 Secker. 
 
237 
 
 4* the Lord went before them by day, in a pilllai* 
 ** of a cloud, to lead them the way ; and by night, 
 *^ in a pillar of fire, to give them light, to go by 
 *' day and night," the first appearance struck them 
 for a while with an holy fear, with additional 
 veneration for the commands of Moses, and for 
 the duties of their state; every thing promised, 
 on their part, a persevering fidelity ; but perceiv- 
 ing every day that miraculous appearance, they 
 considered it merely as an ordinary sight, and it 
 made upon them, at last, no impression : reve- 
 rence for Moses, zeal for the duties of the sacred 
 ofiice, grew Weaker, and they were soon mingled 
 with , the murmurers and the worshippers of the 
 molten calf, entirely degenerated from the holiness, 
 of their function. 
 
 This is a representation of our revolt, and espe- 
 cially of our dislike to study : we preserved, for a 
 certain time, a sincere desire to advance in the 
 knowledge indispensable to the right discharge of 
 our duty ; but indolence, dissipation, the example 
 of many of our brethren, have insensibly cooled 
 that first zeal: we thought that we knew enough; 
 and our previous study, far from serving as a foun- 
 dation of knowledge, to enable us to acquire all 
 necessary subsequent information, has become ex- 
 tinct, and we have forgotten the little we had once 
 learned. Would God, the experience of every 
 day did not warrant the assertion ! The priesthood 
 is, for the most part, the fatal termination of stu- 
 dv : we first endeavour to acquire sufficient know- 
 
 2 E 
 
258 
 
 ledge, to undergo the examination necessary to 
 qualify us for holy orders. Are we invested with 
 the sacerdotal character ? we are delighted in hav- 
 ing no account, in future, to give to men, of our 
 ignorance, or our attainments ; we reckon as no- 
 thing, the account we are to give before the tri- 
 bunal of God, nor the dishonour of the Church, 
 on whom we have imposed, by presenting ourselves 
 candidates for the ministry ; there we continue. 
 Thus the sacred character becomes the sole and 
 universal title, which authorizes ignorance and 
 idleness : but it is then — that taking upon us the 
 profession ofthe holy ministry — wisdom and know- 
 ledge, as we are constituted Pastors for the ser- 
 vice of the Church, become more necessary : the 
 Sacred character does not confer learning : it sup- 
 poses, that we are possessed of whatever is requi- 
 site : or rather, we enter into a new engagement 
 to acquire it : but you lay down the arms of the 
 holy warfare, the shield of faith, and the helmet of 
 salvation, at the very season the Church expects 
 you to undertake the combat : whereas, the priest- 
 hood, which puts these holy arms into our han^s, 
 makes us unwilling to retain them — we have no 
 more love for study — we no longer read — books are 
 useless appendages — we are sometimes without 
 any — and it is not without a degree oj* surprise, 
 that we meet, in some of the houses of those Cler- 
 gymen I am describing, with a single Bible.* 
 
 * What a description of the established Clergy of France ! 
 No wonder that a Church, thus supported, should fall. It was 
 said of many of those who sought refuge in this coiuitry, that 
 1 hey were deplorably ignorant. 
 
239 
 
 It is not expected, that study should become your 
 sole occupation, and that, devoted continually, to 
 your books, you should lose sight of the wants of 
 the souls committed to your care : it is solely to be 
 useful to them, that you ought to acquire know- 
 ledge ; it is to distribute among them, openly, the 
 riches which you obtain in secret. So that when 
 we exhort you to study, it is not to a study which 
 renders you invisible to your parishioners ; but 
 which enhances the value of your presence, and 
 renders your attentions more useful to them. In 
 giving yourselves up to curious and speculative 
 enquiries, which have no regard to their salvation, 
 you would make a wrong application of that time, 
 which is not your own, and which you owe to your 
 flock : it is not required of you, to investigate the 
 most abstruse subjects, and profound mysteries in 
 theology : talents requisite for such investigations, 
 are the portion of a chosen few, whom the Almighty 
 from age to age, raises up, in order to oppose them 
 to the enemies of the gospel, and to dispel, by their 
 wisdom, the clouds, which the petulence of pride, 
 akd the subtilty of error, attempt to cast upon 
 the purity of its heavenly doctrines. All are not 
 prophets, and the gifts of the Holy Ghost are 
 not communicated to all with the same splen- 
 dour, and in the same abundance ; but all ought 
 to know the evidences, and understand the doc- 
 trines, of Christianity : we ought all to be ac- 
 quainted with the nature, extent, and mean- 
 ing of the evangelical precepts ; to " meditate 
 -*' upop them," as the Psalmist speaks, <^ day 
 
240 
 
 *< and night;'' to make them, after his example, otir 
 support, and " the very joy of our heart ;" and to 
 draw from the divine source of revelation, such re- 
 medies as may always be applied to the wants, and 
 the various maladies, of the flock, which are en- 
 trusted to us. 
 
 The Scribes and Priests of the Law, persuaded 
 that a knowledge of its precepts, and of its ordi- 
 nances, was inseparable from the priesthood, dis- 
 played, with pompous ceremony, their phylac 
 teries, which were no other than large rolls of the 
 law, with which they bound the lower parts of 
 their robes — " They make broad their philacteries, 
 *' and enlarge the borders of their garments." 
 This, indeed, was a Pharisaical and ridiculous 
 ostentation ; it teaches us, however, that a Pastor 
 should never, any where, appear without carrying 
 with him the law, I do not mean, displayed on his 
 garments, but deeply engraven on his mind, and 
 on his heart. Even in the darkness of paganism, 
 the *^ idol priests" had no other employment, than 
 a diligent study of the fables and extravagances 
 of their mythology. And we, my brethren, or- 
 dained for the purpose of informing ourselves 
 clearly of the nature of a religion, in its origin 
 tftivine, in its effects transcendent, commanded to 
 contemplate, continually, this blessed revelation, 
 <* whichhath brought life and immortality to light," 
 feel no desire to be instructed in it, to read in it 
 by day, to meditate on it by night : we regret 
 the moments, in which we are, sometimes, oblig- 
 ed to consult it : we feel no shame at being igno- 
 
241 
 
 norant, not only of the most sublime and abstruse 
 parts, but even those the most essential to the dis- 
 charge of our ministry ; we content ourselves 
 with a slight an^ superficial knowledge : we do 
 not, by any serious application, enter into the full 
 and comprehensive meaning of the holy doctrine, 
 of which we are the interpreters ; how then, shall 
 we engage those whose instruction is committed 
 to our care, in the contemplation of it ? Are now 
 those to whom we preach, acquainted with the spi- 
 rit of Christianity, and with the sincere and vital 
 piety, which is to impress the hearts, and direct 
 the steps, of its professors ? Of the genius of the 
 Gospel they know but little : of some of its ordi- 
 nances, indeed, they are not altogether ignorant ; 
 but with the real nature of it, with its grand doc- 
 trines, with the obligations it imposes, with the 
 consolations it affords, with the promises it holds 
 out, they have no acquaintance : and how should 
 they know its evidences, appreciate its doctrines, 
 and apply its precepts, when the Pastors, whose 
 duty it is to explain and enforce them, have never 
 felt disposed to study them themselves ? 
 
 But many of the Clergy, are, you say, possessed 
 of such small revenues, that they are not in a situ- 
 tion to purchase all the books necessary for the 
 acquisition of such knowledge. Alas ! did they 
 love, and were they desirous of books, did they 
 feel a real want of them, they would not find it so 
 difficult to acquire them. And besides, are so 
 many books requisite to acquaint a Clergyman 
 
242 
 
 with the nature of his duty ? It is not the number 
 that is wanted : those that are indispensable are 
 reduced to a few; the previous requisites are, a 
 love of study ; a desire of becoming useful to our 
 parish ; a conviction of the necessity of deriving 
 from prayer that knowledge which study does not 
 aiford : of being impressed with a desire of salva- 
 tion, and of applying all the means of advancing in 
 evangelical wisdom, to inspire our flocks with a 
 iove of their duty, in order that they may, the more 
 easily, be induced to practise it ; in a word, it is a 
 sincere desire to fulfil our ministry : but you might 
 place the Pastors, of whom I am speaking, in the 
 midst of all the books that have been written since 
 the promulgation of the Gospel, and they would 
 discover an aversion, rather than an anxiety, for 
 the perusal of them. 
 
 But all men, you contend, are not born with cer- 
 tain talents, nor with a genius for learning. It is for 
 this very reason, that you, who hold such language 
 to us, ought to redouble your application, to the 
 end that closer study and greater diligence, may sup- 
 ply the defects, and confer the excellences, which 
 nature may have withheld. Besides, are such singu- 
 lar talents requisite to make yourselves thoroughly 
 acquainted with the genius of that dispensation in 
 which you have undertaken to instruct mankind ? In 
 a word, make amends by an holy life and active 
 ministry, for the want of those talents by which 
 others may be distinguished ; your examples will 
 compensate for what may be deficient in the ele-^ 
 
243 
 
 gance of your compositions, and the extent of your 
 learning : was the servant who had received only 
 one talent excused for the want of a right applica- 
 tion of it ? I repeat it, my brethren, are such trans- 
 cendent qualities essential, in the opinion of the 
 world, to the instructing of a simple people, and 
 building them up in our most holy faith ? We 
 have only to love them, and feel an interest in 
 their salvation ; we have only to manifest for them 
 the heart of a father, and a Pastor, concerned foF 
 their wants, and much more for their sins ; we 
 have only to offer up our frequent and fervent pe- 
 titions, that the kingdom of God may extend its 
 limits, and accomplish its purposes ; and that the 
 blood of Jesus Christ may not be shed in vain for 
 the souls committed to our care. The Pastor pos- 
 sessed of these dispositions, is both learned and 
 enlightened ; and happy are the people, in having 
 for their guide, a teacher so meek, so humble, so 
 little qualified in appearance, but so filled with the 
 Spirit of God ! May it be the distinguishing 
 character of the Church, to be blessed with such 
 Ministers ! 
 
 But, unhappily, among those Clergymen, who 
 to justify their indolence, and excuse their igno- 
 rance, allege either the want of books, or their in- 
 herent indisposition to learning, as we find in their 
 life neither application nor study, neither do we 
 perceive a love of prayer, or any of those pastoral 
 virtues, often more useful to the Church, more edi- 
 fying tha,n learning itself, which, not infrequently, 
 
244 
 
 pufFeth up : ignorance, idleness, dissipation, and 
 neglect of duty, generally go together. I am, in- 
 deed, unwilling to speak it, but do you speak for 
 me, you who see it every day ; what life do those 
 Pastors, without any study, ignorant, idle, and 
 dissipated in the midst of their parishes, generally 
 lead ? A life as low, as grovelling, and scarce 
 less innocent, than that of the people over w^hom 
 they preside : little anxious to make the field of 
 the Gospel productive, which they suffer to lie 
 uncultivated ; the solicitude to improve their be- 
 nefices, and to increase their incomes, constitutes 
 their chief employment. When their indolence 
 has not this resource, no book, no study engaging 
 them at home, their habitation becomes insup- 
 portable. What a life for a Clergyman, who, in 
 his parish, represents his master, as a dispenser 
 of his holy Sacraments, and of his evangelical 
 Graces ? 
 
 Such is the inevitable consequence of the indul- 
 gence of idleness, and tlie neglect of study, in a 
 Clergyman. Hence those*' conferences, so wisely 
 appointed by our predecessors,in this extensive dio- 
 cese, so religiously observed throughout the king- 
 dom ; those holy assemblies, so calculated to main- 
 tain a sacerdotal union among the Ministers ; a sa- 
 cred harmony,in order to animate us, individually, 
 to the uniform observance of the duties of the mi- 
 nistry of the Church, and a support, in order to 
 
 * Alluding to the retreat mentioned in Charge V. 
 
245 
 
 clear up, or remove the doubts, and obviate the 
 difficulties of it : these conferences, which, at first, 
 frequented with so much zeal, we have the morti- 
 fication, at the termination of our episcopacy, to 
 see deserted, and almost wholly done away in many 
 deaneries, throughout this diocese. Whence can 
 arise this desertion, so little edifying on your part^ 
 and so afflicting on ours ? We need not hesitate to 
 attribute it to its real cause : ignorance, indolence, 
 and the neglect of study, are the principal reasons 
 of this general absence ; not capable, for the most 
 part, of supporting, by their knowledge, these pious 
 societies, and still less anxious to profit by the 
 information of their brethren, they are ashamed to 
 expose themselves : such men make a schism in 
 the diocese, where the Almighty hath hitherto in his 
 mercy, established peace, and preserved union ; 
 and bring upon themselves the curse denounced 
 against those who *' separate themselves, being 
 ** sensual, having not the Spirit." 
 
 I implore you, then, my reverend brethren, to 
 obviate an evil, which represents you to yourselves, 
 and to each other, in so unfavorable a light : restore 
 to this great diocese, the high character which it 
 has always sustained, by the universal observance 
 of this salutary discipline : my course is already 
 far advanced ; suffer it not to end with the morti- 
 fication of seeing a practice, productive of such 
 substantial good, fall into entire disuse : spare my 
 old age this sorrow ; rather renew it with a fresh 
 vigor, by renovating your zeal for your duty, more 
 
 2 F 
 
246 
 
 especially for the conferences, which are so v/iselj' 
 prescribed : '' Fulfil ye my joy :" the love of 
 study, will be renovated with them. Second, then, 
 the wishes of a Pastor, who hath always loved you, 
 who hath never exercised, but with regret, his 
 authority over his Brethren, and who may, there- 
 fore, reasonably hope, that without having re- 
 course to severity, his remonstrances will, of them = 
 aelves, find the way to your hearts. 
 
 END OF THE CHARG&S. 
 
247 
 
 As all my readers may not be possessed of that 
 invaluable work, entitled The Elements of 
 Christian Theology, by the learned Bishop of 
 Lincoln, I shall add the catalogue of Books recom-^ 
 mended by his Lordship to the Clergy, 
 
 *^ I shall subjoin," says this amiable and distin- 
 guished Prelate, " a List of Books, with their prices, 
 which every Clergyman ought to possess ; and it is 
 greatly to be wished, that the purchase of them 
 should be considered as a necessary part of the ex- 
 pences of the education of a person, designed for 
 our holy profession. It will be remembered, that 
 I am not describing the library of a learned divine, 
 but of a respectable and useful Parish Priest." 
 
 Bible, with marginal references, 8vo. 
 Crutwell's Concordance of Parallels, 4ta. 
 Buttervvorth's Concordance, 8vo. - ., - 
 Patrick, Lowth, and Whitby, on the Old and New- 
 Testament, 6 vol. folio 
 
 Doddridge's Family Expositor, 6 vol. 8vo. - 
 Poole's Synopsis, 5 vol. folio - . - - 
 Collier's Sacred Interpreter, 2 vol. 8vo. 
 Jenning's Jewish Antiquities, 2 vol. 8vo. - 
 Lowman's Rational of the Hebrew Ritual, 8vo. - 
 Gray's Key to the Old Testament, 8vo. 
 
 Carried forward— /.. 15 15 ^ 
 
 Prices, bound . 
 
 L. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 9 O 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 9 
 
248 
 
 Prices-, boimd. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 Brought forward - - - 15 15 
 
 Home's Scripture History of the Jews, 2 vols. 8vo. 8 
 
 Parkhurst's Greek Lexicon, 4to. - - 2 2 
 
 Campbell's Translation of the Gospel, 2 vol. 4to. 2 2 
 
 Marsh's Michaelis, 3 vol. Svo. - - 1 1 
 
 Bowyer's Conjectures on the New Testament, 4to. 15 
 
 Macknight's Harmony, 4to. - - - 1 . ,1 
 
 > on the Epistles, 3 vol. 4to. -440 
 
 Lowman on the Revelation, Svo. - - - 6 
 
 Oliver's Scripture Lexicon, Svo. - - - 6 
 
 Macbean's Dictionary of the Bible, Svo. - - 6 
 
 StilIingfleet'sOriginesSacr2e,2 vol. Svo. - 14 
 
 Clark's Grotius, Svo. , . - - o $ 
 
 • Evidences of natural and revealed Religion,Svo 6 
 
 Lardner's Works, 1 1 vol. Svo. - - - 4 15 
 
 Paley's Evidences, 2 vol. Svo. - - - 14 
 
 Horse Paulinse, Svo. - - -070 
 
 Jenldn's on the Certainty and Reason of Christi- 
 
 nity, 2 vol. Svo. - - - - 10 
 Leland on the Advantages and Necessity of Reve- 
 lation, 2 vol. Svo. - - - . 
 — Viewof Deistical Writers, 2 vol. Svo. 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 Butler's Analogy, Svo. - - _ - 
 
 Campbell on Miracles, 2 vol. Svo. - - - 
 Newton on the Prophecies, 2 vol. Svo. 
 Rett's History the Interpeter of Prophecy, 3 vol. 
 
 12mo. - - - - - 12 
 
 Leland on the Divine Authority of the Old and 
 
 New Testament, 2 vol. Svo. - - 6 
 
 Burnet's History of the Reformation, 3 vol. folio 1 10 
 i- Exposition of the 39 Articles, Svo. - 7 
 
 Carried forwfird - - X 42 
 
249 
 
 Brought forward 
 Burnet's Pastoral Care, 8vo. 
 Pearson on the Creed, 2 vols, 8vo 
 Nicholls on the Common Prayer, 8vd. 
 Wheatly on Do. Svo. 
 Shepherd on Do. 2 vols. Svo. 
 Wilson's Parochalia, 12mo. 
 Wall on Infant Baptism, 2 vols. Svo. 
 Seeker on the Catechism, 1 2mo. 
 Seeker's Charges, Svo. 
 The Homilies, by Sir Adam Gordon, Svo. 
 Daubeny's Guide to the Church, 
 Appendix to do. 2 vol. 
 
 Cudworth's Intellectual System, 2 vol. 4to. - 
 Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, 3 vol. Svo. 
 Bingham's Antiquities, 2 vol. folio, 
 Broughton's Dictionary of all Regions, 2 vol. folio 
 Shuckford's Connection, 4 vol. Svo. 
 Prideau's Connection, 4 vol. Svo. 
 JEchard's Ecclesiastical History, 2 vol. Svo. 
 Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, 6 vols, Svo. 
 Bum's Ecclesiastical Law, 4 vol. Svo. 
 Common Place-Book to the Holy Bible, 4to. 
 Barrow's Works, 2 vol. folio 
 Tillotson's Works, 3 vol. folio 
 Clark's Sermons, 8 vol. Svo. 
 Sherlock's Sermons, 5 vol. Svo. 
 Seeker's Sermons, 9 vol. Svo. 
 Scott's Christian Life, 5 vol. Svo. 
 Whole Duty of Man, 12mo. 
 Scholar armed, 2 vols. Svo. - - 
 Tracts, by the Society for Christian Knowledge, 12 
 vol. 12mo. - : - - 
 
 Total - - Z. 74 
 
 Prices, bound. 
 
 L. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 42 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 Q 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 . 6 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 Q 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 
 
250 
 
 I beg leave to add, that the Clergy may, by con- 
 suiting the London Catalogues, frequently meet 
 with many of these books at not more than half the 
 price here subjoined. 
 
 The following books, may^ perhaps, by some be 
 thought well adapted, either to inform tht mind, 
 refine the taste, or edify the heart : 
 
 Stackhouse's History of the Bible, 2 vol. folio 
 
 Lightfoot's Works, 2 vol. folio 
 
 Elements of Christian Theology, 2 vol. 8vo. 
 
 Bishop Porteus's Lectures on St. Matthew, 2 vol. 8vo. 
 
 Wall's Notes on the Old and New Testament, 3 vol. 8vo. 
 
 Wells on the Old and New Testament, 6 vol. 4to. 
 
 Wells's Historical Geography of the Old and New Testament, 
 
 4 vol. 8vo. 
 Kennott's Abridgment of Pearson on the Creed, 8vo. 
 Rotherham's Apology for the Athanasian Creed, 8vo. 
 
 — on Faith, 8vo. 
 
 Essay on Establishments, 8vo. 
 Burgh on the Divinity of Christ, 8vo. 
 
 on the opinion of the Fathers respecting Christianity, 
 
 8vo. 
 Rogers's Discourse of the Visible and Invisiblo Church, 8va 
 Warburton's Alliance of Church and State, 12mo. 
 Bossuet's Discourse-on Universal History, English 8vo. 
 Sermons, Taylor's, (Je rem.) folio 
 
 Porteus's, 2 .vol. 8vo. 
 
 Home's, 5 voL 8vo. 
 
 Hickman's, 2 vol. 8vo. ' 
 
 Dr. Gardiner's, 8vo. 
 
 Dr. White's Bampton Lectures, 8vo. 
 
 Dr. Taylor's (Dr. Johnson's) 2 vol. 8vo. 
 
251 
 
 Leland's, Dr. John, 3 vol. 8vo. 
 ■ Dr. Ogden's, 2 vol. 12 mo. 
 • Daubeny*s, 8vo. 
 
 Cleaver's (Bishop of Bangor) 3, on Sacrament, 8vo. 
 
 Do. on Creeds, 8vo. 
 
 Do. on the Articles, 8 vo. 
 
A 
 
 XETTER 
 
 ON 
 
 THE ART OF PREACHING. 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM M. REYBAZ 
 
 2 G 
 
255 
 
 LETTER 
 
 ON 
 
 THE ART OF PREACHING. 
 
 BEING about to take upon yourself the office of 
 a Preacher of the Gospel, you solicit my advice^ 
 which I consider as a proof, that you feel the diffi- 
 culties attendant upon what you are going to per- 
 form. How many young Preachers do we see, who 
 have received no previous instructions— and who 
 have not, it may be presumed, considered instruc- 
 tion necessary — presenting themselves, with confi- 
 dence before a public assembly I The modesty 
 which characterizes you, is an omen of your suc- 
 cess, and you deserve a more able guide, than my 
 knowledge and abilities allow me to be. 
 
 As you have resolved to adopt the ecclesiastical 
 vocation, you have, doubtless, made a previous in- 
 vestigation of your resources, and compared your 
 several faculties, not with those of persons, whose 
 lives have been devoted to their profession, but 
 with those which the discharge of the -duty requires. 
 
256 
 
 You have also, I trust, compared the importance 
 of the Avork, with the powers of your mind ; re- 
 membering, that you should not undertake any en- 
 gagement without having first ascertained your ca- 
 pability to fulfil it. 
 
 Few vocations require such an union of talents^ 
 as that of a Minister of the Gospel. It calls forth 
 every endowment of the mind, all the faculties of 
 the soul, ^nd the most attractive gracefulness of 
 the body. Of these several powers, some are 
 more essential than others ; some are so indispens- 
 ably necessary, that a young man is unpardonable, 
 if He engage in this work of the Lord, without 
 them. 
 
 * 
 
 If our studies have been well directed ; if we 
 have profited by application ; and if we are ambi- 
 tious to distinguish ourselves in our profession ; 
 it is quite sufficient to have been born with com- 
 mon abilities, to possess the qualities of mind re- 
 quisite for a Preacher. A certain flow of ideas, 
 and a perfect knowledge of the Holy Scriptures^ 
 is the effect of mature study. One view of a sub- 
 ject will discover what it principally contains, to 
 form the basis of a discourse ; and a knowledge of 
 logic will teach you to make an happy decision, 
 and just arrangement. There is not a man, de- 
 voted, in any degree, to his calling, who cannot, 
 with care and labour, compose a Sermon, which, 
 if not eloquent, will, at least, be useful and edify- 
 ine. 
 
257 
 
 A knowledge of the human heart is just as ne- 
 cessary to a Preacher, as that of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures. The human heart is a difficult book, and 
 if we do not read, carefully, every page, we ought, 
 at least, to study the principal chapters : it will pre- 
 vent us from erring, by describing an imaginary, 
 in the place of a real, being, and will supply us 
 with that information, which will enable us to 
 know, what is of all things the most difficult — our- 
 selves* 
 
 For want of society, which is, in this respect, 
 the best school for a Preacher, but which we can- 
 not always frequent, he should study the most 
 celebrated moralists : let him, above all, read that 
 celebrated orator, Massillon, from whom nothing 
 that concerned the human heart was concealed. I 
 atn not ashamed to recommend to his perusal, 
 works of imagination, which are distinguished by 
 purity of morals, and detail of character, designed 
 at once, to interest the affections, and improve the 
 understanding. 
 
 There is not a subject within the sphere of an 
 orator, which does not demand a certain di- 
 versity of thoughts, the solution of which requires 
 care, and exercises judgment, together with an 
 order and method, in the arrangement of them. 
 There is, moreover, a certain quality, valuable in 
 itself, and indispensable to an orator, w^hich ani- 
 mates and inspires all his discourses, and which 
 displays its intuitive power more fully in some per- 
 
258 
 
 5ons than others ; this quality is inherent in the 
 soul ; it cannot be acquired by diligence : I de- 
 scribe it in one word — sensibility. 
 
 If an orator has not sensibility, he cannot attain 
 the highest end of his labours, which is to affect 
 the heart, whilst he informs the understanding. 
 There is no emotion produced by eloquence, 
 which does not spring from sensibility. It was 
 that w^hich inspired Fenelon, Bossuet, Flechier, 
 Massillon, Saurin, the Abbe Poul, in some of 
 their finest passages. He, who is so phlegmatic, 
 as always to leave his hearers unaffected, is in 
 want of an oratorical requisite, for which no 
 learning can atone, and which no diligence will 
 supply. 
 
 What then shall we say of those Preachers, who, 
 far from transforming into sentiment, the abstract 
 principles of morality, even speak in the language 
 of metaphysics ? Would an orator, endowed with 
 sensibility, pursue so inefficacious a mean of edifi- 
 cation ? Be a philosopher ; but in discourses from 
 the pulpit, assume neither the tone, nor the lan- 
 guage, of philosophy. 
 
 Sensibility, it is to be observed, has its degrees^ 
 and may increase by exercise. Thus, I would not 
 prevent a man from becoming a Preacher, because 
 he discovers no more than a spark of it, or because 
 his attempt to introduce it into his discourses is fee- 
 ble, and in consequence unsuccessful. It is sufficient 
 
259 
 
 to be not absolutely devoid of sensibility, provided 
 we can, by the force of application, excite in our- 
 selves a certain degree of energy. For that pur- 
 pose, shun those exhibitions which harden the 
 heart ; frequent no spectacles which do not give 
 soft impressions ; let your time be employed in 
 that course of reading, which inspires virtue, 
 whose natural delineations affect the breast with 
 gentle emotions, without rending it. When this 
 power has taken possession of the heart, it will 
 shew itself in your public discourses. You have 
 then only to yield to its impressions; iind when 
 you come to deliver your subject from the pulpit, 
 your enunciation, whilst it evinces your meaning, 
 will communicate your portion of sensibility to your 
 auditory. 
 
 In order that your Sermons may produce the 
 effect intended by them, you must endeavour to 
 rehearse them from memory. Have you then a 
 memory adapted to that purpose ? Can you, with- 
 out occupying too much time, and giving too 
 great diligence, learn your Sermon, so as to de- 
 liver it with ease, and repeat it without embarrass- 
 ment ? Memory is, like sensibility, strengthen- 
 ed by exercise. I know it. You cannot have 
 finished your academical studies, without hav- 
 ing frequently exerted your memery, and tried 
 its power. You can, therefore, form, in this res- 
 pect, a tolerably competent judgment of your- 
 self. 
 
260 
 
 If your memory be treacherous, and you cannot 
 depend upon it — how will you be distinguished 
 in a profession, of which it is a principal requisite ? 
 If you attempt to repeat your Sermon, and do not 
 perfectly recollect it, you occasion great distress 
 to your audience : and how can you give that 
 freedom to your utterance, and that action to your 
 elocution, which are indispensable towards pro- 
 ducing a high effect ? If you hesitate, you deprive 
 your delivery of the advantages it has over read- 
 ing. In that case, rather read, than attempt to 
 repeat ; or, I would say, rather give up the pulpit 
 for ever, where there is a barrier to your success, 
 and which, if you have any attachment to your 
 profession, or respect for yourself, will produce 
 in you only uneasiness and mortification.* 
 
 But in vain do you possess an unruffled memory, 
 if your audience lose any parts of your discourse, 
 through the weakness of the organ which is to trans- 
 mit it to them. A clear loud voice, which can, with- 
 out straining or effort, be distinctly heard by a nu- 
 
 * To address the congregation, is the mode of speaking 
 both the most pleasing and useful to the auditory, and at the 
 same time, the most natural and satisfactory to the orator ; 
 by which, I mean, the directing his voice both to the right and 
 left : to be able to do this oratorically, he must know his Ser- 
 mon thoroughly, and by glancing his eye upon it, as he turns 
 his head from one side to the other — for there should be scarce 
 any motion of his person — he will have the appearance of re- 
 peating, whilst he possesses the advantage of frequent recourse 
 ^.0 his manu-script. 
 
261 
 
 merous assembly, is a happy and an invaluable 
 (piality in an orator. A powerful voice commands 
 the attention, and prevents the distraction of mind, 
 which is, alas ! too prevalent in the best disposed 
 congregations. It is not only requisite, tliat every 
 individual should, without being eagerly intent, 
 and throughout every part of the Church, hear 
 the Preacher ; but it is also requisite, that it 
 should be impossible not to hear him ; and that 
 the sound should be clear and full, even when he 
 is giving the utmost melody to his periods. 
 
 It is not always that a voice is of sufficient 
 extent, and it is not always that a public speaker 
 is an orator. It has happened to me, more than 
 once, to have been present at a Sermon^ and not 
 to have heard it : many others were in the same 
 predicament. What signified it, therefore, whe- 
 ther the Sermon was good or bad ? The Preacher 
 may, under shelter of one defect, conceal many. 
 
 Monotony is one of the natural and unhappy 
 attendants upon a feeble enunciation. The orator, 
 possessing only a small compass of voice, cannot 
 vary his cadence. It is still worse if he make any 
 eiforts to be heard : he then does not speak ; he 
 only squeaks ; his voice becomes unnatural ; he 
 has only one tone, and it offends the ear. 
 
 Exercise, it is said, strengthens the voice, gives 
 it power and extent ; this is true, when the weak- 
 
 2 H 
 
262 
 
 ncss is in the organ only ; when the voice wants 
 merely to be exerted, and to have a more amj^e 
 range. But if this defect, as it often happens, 
 arises from the lungs, it cannot be overcome^ 
 except at the risque of one's health, or, it may be, 
 of life. 
 
 The chief means of remedying the weakness of 
 the organs, is to articulate very distinctly. Clear- 
 ness of pronunciation will contribute to make 
 you heard more than the greatest exertion of voice ; 
 the syllables should, in succession, strike the ear, 
 and this should be the object of unceasing atten- 
 tion. You will form a very erroneous j udgment,, 
 if you take the tone of familiar conversation as a 
 rule for a public discourse. In the one case, you 
 speak, if I may be allowed the expression, to the 
 ear of your hearer, and nothing escapes him : in 
 the other, the word has to find his ear — to reach 
 hm at the extremities of a large building ; feeble 
 sounds never arrive there ; and if even the pronun- 
 ciation is not unusually distinct, nothing is heard 
 in the remote parts of the Church, but sounds 
 Vv'hich are altogether inarticulate. 
 
 Clearness of pronunciation is, to the ear, what 
 clearness of perception is to the mind ; we must 
 express ourselves without embarrassment, to be 
 heard ; and we may apply to the delivery of a dis- 
 course, what Quintilian said of the discourse itself • 
 Prima virtus orationis pei'spicuitas. 
 
263 
 
 I suppose, then, you possess those elemental 
 qualities, I have briefly mentioned, and which con- 
 stitute the very first principles of elocution; yoii 
 are now about to commence your vocation. 
 
 Do you knov/, my friend, how to read ? This 
 question may astonish you ; but you may have 
 read a great deal, without knowing how to read. 
 — There are some Preachers, who, arrived at 
 old age, have read all their life, and who are, 
 themselves, the evidences, that good reading is 
 veiy rare. 
 
 ' To read, is not to collect letters, and syllables ; 
 it is not to pronounce words and sentences : it 
 is to express the sense of these sentences ; it is 
 to represent the thoughts of a discourse, in their 
 appropriate colours. It is to blend the different 
 passages, in such a manner as not to injure each 
 other ; but, on the contrary, to give to each mu- 
 tual strength and assistance. It is to distinguish, 
 by the accent, what is only argumentative, from 
 what is pathetic and oratorical ; it is to discern 
 any important end in a sentence, in order to de- 
 tach it from the rest, and express it without affec- 
 tation, and without the appearance of design ; it is 
 to convey the idea, rather than the expressions, 
 the sentiments, rather than the words ; it is to fol- 
 low the impulse of the discourse, in such a man- 
 ner, that the delivery may be quick or slow, mild 
 or impetuous, according to the emotions it should 
 e:xcite. 
 
264 
 
 To read, is to express, by variations of voice, the 
 comforts arising from the consciousness of inno- 
 cence, and the horrors, from the instigations of 
 vice ; the warmth of zeal, and coolness of indif- 
 ference ; indignation, fear, pity, and benevolence ; 
 the blessings and chastisements of God ; the pride 
 and misery of man ; the supplications to the Su- 
 preme Being, and the pathetic exhortations to sin- 
 ful men. In short, to read, is to distinguish our 
 several thoughts and sentiments, by inflections of 
 voice, which should, at once, describe their mean- 
 ing, and impress their power. 
 
 When you have got the better, if it be possible, 
 of all provincial accent, and your pronunciation is 
 pure and correct ; when you have accustomed 
 yourself to read aloud, with feeling, and varying 
 your tones, in such a way, that what you read, 
 maybe well understood ; then, progressively, raise 
 your voice, three or four notes higher than the 
 common tone : and do not appear in the pulpit, 
 until you have many times repeated this useful 
 experiment. 
 
 Timidity, when its influence is greatly predo- 
 minant, disconcerts ; it prevents the exertion of 
 talent. On the other hand, presumptuous confi- 
 dences prejudices an auditory against the speaker, 
 who should, by all means, preposses their good- 
 will. Keep then, a wise mean. Appear, at least, 
 to entertain a very modest opinion of yourself, 
 which has always the effect of disarming criticism, 
 
265 
 
 and conciliating the esteem of a congregation. I 
 have seen Preachers, who, to practice a little de- 
 ceit on themselves, and thereby shun the distrac- 
 tions which their timidity might occasion, fix their 
 eyes on a pillar of the church*, and address their 
 discourse, exclusively, to it. This mode of 
 speaking is not judicious. The Preacher loses 
 by it all the warmth of his zeal, and destroys the 
 effect of the expression of countenance. It is the 
 assembly he ought to look in the face. To them 
 he proposes his questions ; to them he addresses 
 the reasoning of his propositions, the gentleness 
 of his reproofs, and the earnestness of his exhort- 
 ations. It is the assembly which animates the ora- 
 tor, which inspires him with suitable tones, and 
 with a pleasing cadence. How, without looking 
 continually around, him, can he perceive, whether 
 the attention of his congregation is supported, or 
 relaxed ? And how can he again attract it, when 
 it has been suffered to escape, but by redoubled 
 zeal, and a more impassioned address ? 
 
 Scarcely has the Preacher opened his mouth 
 than a religious fascination inspires the audience. 
 He is no longer an ordinary person. He is an 
 heavenly ambassador, invested with divine autho- 
 
 * Vvhen a Clergyman preaches in a Church, with which he 
 is not at all acquainted, to direct his voice, at the beginning of 
 his sermon, to a distant object, is not injudicious. Dr. Hinch- 
 iifte, the late bishop of Peterborough, always did so, and he 
 was, during his life, considered one of the best preachers in 
 the Church of England. 
 
266 
 
 rity : his language, his accents, assume a more 
 grave and solemn character than those of a mere 
 man. Happy, if nothing throughout the discourse 
 happen to dissipate the illusion, and divert the at- 
 tention of the auditory 1 
 
 You comprehend, that it is not necessary, 
 in the exordium of your discourse, to give your- 
 self up to declamation. If you except these 
 cases when the Preacher seems overcome with 
 a thought which prepossesses him; when he 
 communicates to his auditory, a powerful im- 
 pulse, the effect of his preceding meditations ; 
 except, I say, these cases, which are rare, you 
 ( should enter on your discourse with composure, 
 elegance, and simplicity. 
 
 We see Preachers who seem to be exhausted 
 w^ith their exordium. They elevate their voice 
 to the highest pitch at the very commencement. 
 Did that exordium constitute the whole of the 
 Sermon, they would not be reprehensible ; but it 
 is only an introduction ; and when they come to 
 the main point of the subject, they are not able 
 to support the power with which they set out ; 
 and their discourse appears like a monster, with 
 a large head and a meagre body. 
 
 Let the mildness of your exordium prescribe to 
 you the proper tone in which it requires to be deli- 
 vered. Your' guarded gesture should corrcpond 
 ■ivith it, and all action should be restrained- An ex- 
 
267 
 
 ordium, indeed, is not always necessary ; some- 
 times a preacher enters on the subject without a 
 previous introduction. 
 
 I do not hesitate to prefer, in a Sermon, divisions 
 formally announced, to those which are only inti- 
 mated by transitions, in the arrangement of the 
 discourse. This last method, is doubtless, the 
 most oratorical, but, certainly, not the best adapted 
 to assist the memory of those Avho pay little at- 
 tention. 
 
 In printed discourses I prefer divisions, rather 
 implied th?ji expressed, where the reader can re- 
 view the plan which the author has traced, — 
 Whereas, in a discourse, which is to be delivered, 
 clear divisions are necessary, for the sake of re- 
 membering what has been spoken. It is the 
 handle of a vase, in the taking hold of which, every 
 thing it contains, goes with it ; but if it has no 
 handle, and is out of our reach, its contents are lost 
 to us. 
 
 After having fixed the attention of your audience 
 on the plan you propose to follow, you then fully 
 open your discourse, and pass, by means of transi- 
 tion, from one point to another. 
 
 It is by incorporating argument and eloquence, 
 doctrine and exhortation, precept and address, that 
 you are enabled to vary your delivery ; if, at least. 
 
268 
 
 your mode of speaking corresponds to your plan of 
 composition. 
 
 Most of the French Catholic Preachers^ are full 
 of fire ; but as they begin they conclude ; the whole 
 discourse is a constant peroration.* Let me not 
 be mistaken ; — a tone always exalted ; a severe 
 system of morality ; singularity of sentiment, and 
 extravagance of hyperbole, are only the characters 
 of vehemence, and by no means denote the excel- 
 lence of the Preacher. I would rather un-do, than 
 over-do, the thing : what does not attain the propos- 
 ed end, is but feeble; what exceeds it, is ridiculous. 
 
 There are some cases in the delivery, where the 
 manner of speaking depends entirely on the prece- 
 ding parts. After, for instance, some very ve- 
 hement passages, the more tranquil should gra- 
 dually abate of their force ; the waves of an agi- 
 tated sea do not calm immediately, although the 
 w^ind ceases. 
 
 Would you be, indeed, distinguished — be simply 
 elegant, and uniformly proper — be calm, in general, 
 in order to be vehement, when the juncture shall 
 arrive. Reserve your oratorical powers for the con- 
 
 * Nolwithstauding this censure passed upon the Catholic 
 Preachers, sure I am, that their Sermons, if judiciously abridg- 
 ed, andadupted to an Engiish Protestant congregation, would 
 produce tlie highest effects. The Preacher, who would thus 
 pTcpare them, would, I doubt not, have an auditory, both en- 
 crea!=ing in numbers, and improving iii morals. 
 
269 
 
 elusion of your discourse, when you apply more 
 particularly to your audience, the general truths 
 which you have been propounding. 
 
 In avoiding monotony, that is, a tone uniformly 
 the same, be careful not to fall into what is called a 
 whine or cant, which is still more insupportable 
 than monotony itself. This whine or cant, con- 
 5>ists in the use of two or three tones, which return 
 in the same order, and terminate by the same fall ; 
 the Preacher acquires these bad habits, when the 
 weakness of his voice forbids the variety of neces- 
 sary tones, or when habit takes the place of sense 
 and of earnestness. This fault is intolerable to an 
 audience, and not infrequently, renders preaching 
 useless. 
 
 I much Vv^ish, that young Preachers would not 
 neglect any means of forming their voice, and im- 
 proving their ear. Some know^ledge of vocal mu- 
 sic* would be very useful to them ; the practice of 
 it would acquaint them With many secrets. 
 
 What I remark on the voice, may, in many res- 
 pects, be said of action. It ought to be just, ex- 
 pressive, simple, and at the same time vai'ied. But 
 
 * I once heard the following remark made by a Clergyman, 
 who is an ornament to his profession^ and it is consonant to ge- 
 neral observation : — " The recommendation of vocal nmsic 
 seems equivocal, and is not founded on experience, since I 
 have known the fmest singers and players unable to read well, 
 and on the contrarv, excellent readers make very bad •fingers.'"' 
 
 2 I 
 
270 
 
 what gives expression to action? What are its 
 defects and qualities? Are there any rules to follow 
 concerning it ? We have no fixed model to con- 
 sult, as we have on written eloquence. We must 
 collect transient observations, and determine he- 
 tween disputed principles. 
 
 Action is indispensably necessary in the art of 
 oratory ; it is dictated by feeling, emotion, and 
 zeal, and is not always regulated without difficulty. 
 Observe the drawings of great painters, in their 
 representation of the action which they give to 
 persons. Junius, in his treatise on the painting 
 of the ancients, says, that the hands assist the 
 v/ords, that they can demand, promise, call, detest, 
 interrogate, refuse, and declare the different affec- 
 tions of the soul. Action is the means by which 
 the dumb make themselves understood: by it 
 they express all their sentiments, and convey all 
 their thoughts. 
 
 Gesture is very common and familiar to persons 
 who are quick and lively ; it is less so with sedate 
 and quiet people. The Italians use much gesticu- 
 lation when they speak ; it is not the case with the 
 inhabitants of the more northern countries. In 
 France, where exterior appearance is so much stu- 
 died<, good taste suppresses all gesture ; the wo- 
 men, especially, who pass for the most accomplish- 
 ed, absolutely renounce it, finding, no doubt, that 
 it is much easier to abstain from, than to regulate 
 it. Their conversation would, in consequence. 
 
271 
 
 appear uninteresting, did they not supply the place 
 of action, by a cadence in their speech, and an case 
 in their deportment. 
 
 An orator, without action, would deprivehimscli' 
 of one great means of persuasion and effect ; his 
 eloquence would be unaffecting, and would be des- 
 titute both of its charms and power. 
 
 Gesture should not approach to pantomime. 
 Too much repeated, and too vehement, it fatigues 
 the eyes, and loses its excellence. 
 
 If any profound sentiment affect you ; if you 
 speak of any thing which inspires you with rever- 
 ence, as God, His Providence, and adorable Per. 
 fections, gesture is then, altogether, unseasonable ; 
 more especially, if you introduce the Divinity as 
 speaking unto man, let a perfect composure have 
 place throughout your whole frame ; as gesture 
 and action could give neither power to your Ian- 
 guage, nor dignity to your sentiments. 
 
 If you have any principle to establish, any feel- 
 ing to describe, call in action to your assistance ; 
 but let it be grave and chaste, and not intemper- 
 ate and ludicrous. The violent motion of the 
 hands is not less offensive, than the babbling of the 
 tongue ; there is a dignity peculiar to the pulpit, 
 which is violated by unseemly action. 
 
 Action should be free and unrestrained. It 
 
^72 
 
 ihould proceed from the shoulders; that which 
 arises from the elbow, and, more especially, from 
 the hands, is not sufficiently dignified. When 
 your period is finished, let your action cease: and 
 do not use a variety of gestures to express one idea. 
 
 The two arms, only, can contribute to action. 
 Be careful, when you use them together, that their 
 motions correspond. Their want of concord would 
 be as offensive to the eye, as harshness of sound is' 
 grating to the ear. 
 
 In general, when one hand only is used, the right 
 should be preferred. Not that it has any advan- 
 tage over the left ; but whether it is that a public 
 speaker is more accustomed to use it, or that the 
 eye is more habituated to the use of it, the action 
 of the left hand seldom appears graceful. 
 
 Some writers on oratory have endeavored to pre- 
 scribe bounds to the height the action of the hand 
 should be carried : do not, it has been said by some 
 let it pass the head ; by others, let your passions 
 direct you ; and if they impel you to raise your hands 
 above your head, they will produce no bad effect. 
 It is, then, nature which dictates it. Nature, alone, 
 should limit you in your animating exclamations ; 
 and in an ardent invocation, and in a transport of 
 admiration, nature, alone, should be your guide. 
 
 But let your action be always just ; there are some 
 men, in whom it is, unfortunately, alwa^ys false. 
 
273 
 
 Having neither judgment nor ear, their action is 
 never what it should be. 
 
 Should this, unhappily, be your case, discard 
 action altogether. It is much better to deprive 
 yourself of its advantages, were it even unexcep- 
 tionable, than to make it either embarrass your 
 periods, or give them a contrary meaning. Just 
 action, and a correct] udgment, usually go together. 
 Nature seldom allows the perfection of one, with 
 the absence of the other. 
 
 The action which would attempt to express 
 w^ords, af which a sentence is composed, would 
 evidently fail in its effect. It would be as offensive 
 as trifling ; it is the general meaning, and predo. 
 minant idea which should be conveved. But how 
 is this to be accomplished ? It cannot be taught. 
 Judgment, taste, and above all, good models will 
 illustrate it. 
 
 To vary the gesture is a talent, and this talent 
 leads to correctness ; for, if the turn of a discourse 
 varies considerably, the action in order to express 
 it, ought to vary likewise. When a Preacher has 
 only one gesture, it will, necessarily, be incorrect 
 or insignificant : notwithstanding which, a dull 
 Tmiformity of action is the common defect of 
 Preachers. The whole eloquence of the person, at 
 least, with many Preachers, consists in spreading 
 their hands, for the purpose of uniting them with a 
 
274 
 
 loud noise^, and in continually repeating this peri- 
 odical motion. Thus they make the auditor the 
 victimoftheirunskilfulness ; they torment his eyes, 
 and wound his ears, without mercy, by means in- 
 judiciously designed to attach and please them. 
 
 The arms and hands are not the only instru- 
 ments of action ; the whole person ought to concur 
 in it. The positions of the body should vary, some- 
 times by turning to the right f, and sometimes to 
 the left. I have often regretted, that our pulpits J 
 were not, as in many places in Italy, formed like 
 a tribune, where the Preacher could move at 
 liberty. 
 
 Expression of countenance, the fire* and energy 
 of the looks, add greatly to the manner of delivery ; 
 the turn of the eyes is a species of action, which 
 gives life to eloquence. 
 
 These various talents are only means to add ef- 
 ficacy to the action of the Preacher. To action, all 
 
 * This censure equally applies to the Methodists, Calvi- 
 nists, Independents, &c. 
 
 t In small Churches no inconvenience may arise from fol- 
 lowing these directions, but in a large building, where the pul- 
 pit is central, whilst the person of the Preacher is turned to- 
 wards one half the congregation, the other is generally pre- 
 vented from hearing. 
 
 \ IVIany of the English pulpits ai^, it is true, sufficiently 
 awkward : but such as M. Reybaz proposes, would only tend 
 to make the speaker theatrical, and Avould totally destroy the 
 solemnity of the preaching. 
 
275 
 
 the observations I have made, exckisively relate. 
 It is the vehicle of thoughts and feelings, with 
 which a Minister can more sensibly aSect his 
 audience. To say that a preacher has just and ap- 
 propriate action, is to say, he possesses, in an emi- 
 nent degree, all the exterior qualities of an orator, 
 in alliance with the liveliness which gives to these 
 qualities their power, and determines their effects. 
 
 Demosthenes being asked, in what eloquence 
 consisted J centered the whole in action ; and re- 
 peated the same word three time, as if he had said, 
 it included every thing, and that eloquence could 
 not exist, independent of it. I contrast action with 
 the coolness of those orators, little deserving of 
 the name, with those Ministers of habit, who do 
 not, themselves, feel the truths of which they are 
 commissioned to make others sensible ; or, who 
 are absolutely indifferent to the religion which 
 they preach, and the effect it is intended to pro- 
 duce. 
 
 I do not hesitate to pronounce, however influ- 
 enced we may be by custom, that the effect of elo- 
 quence is astonishing. Compose an indifferent 
 discourse, and repeat it perfectly, you will satisfy 
 your audience much more, than with an excellent 
 sermon, delivered with disgusting monotony, or 
 lifeless utterance. 
 
 How many times have we been delighted with the 
 delivery of a composition, the perusal of which we 
 
276 
 
 could not endure ? And, on the contrary, how often 
 has a work, which pleased us in the reading ap- 
 peared otherwise when spoken ? what inference 
 shall we draw from this ? That elocution is an im- 
 portant art ; and that a Preacher cannot apply 
 himself to it too attentively ; not for the purpose 
 of giving effect to a bad discourse, but to exhibit 
 with ail its advantages, a sermon, convincing by 
 its argument, and efficacious by its persuasion. 
 
 You will find, in the History of Eloquence, that 
 the orator owes his success, principally, to decla- 
 mation. The harangues of Pericles, produced, in 
 his mouth, the highest effect. He published 
 them ; but Quintilian esteemed them unworthy of 
 the reputation they had acquired. The Minister 
 Du Bosc was deputed by the Protestant Clergy 
 to address to Louis XIV. their remonstrances. 
 I have just heard, said that Prince, tlie finest 
 Preacher in my kingdom. The extreme feeble- 
 ness of the Sermons published by Du Bosc, 
 strongly prepossess us in favour of his exterior 
 eloquence. 
 
 There are three ^ sorts of declamation ; that of 
 the Pulpit, of the Theatre, and of the Bar. But as 
 each has a species of eloquence peculiar to itself, 
 so it hath of declamation likewise. Whatever it is 
 that a person repeats, he should always consider 
 
 * M. Reybaz knew nothing of the Eloquence of the British 
 Parliament, which surpasses often the eloquence of the Pulpit* 
 even in Franch. 
 
277 
 
 who It is that speaks — who are the people addres - 
 sed — ^ what ought to be the subject matter of the 
 discourse — and under what circumstances the au- 
 ditory is convened. These considerations regulate 
 the art of speaking. 
 
 The Preacher commonly speaks to instruct the 
 •assembly ; he is transported with the emotions he 
 endeavours to excite. If he feel sensibly, if he be 
 sometimes moved to tears, he has always in view 
 the welfare of his audience : the declamation of the 
 Preacher will be influenced by that single motive ; 
 the whole tenor of his action will be to persuade 
 the affections, and to impress the heart. 
 
 One successful method of an orator's conciliating: 
 the esteem of his audience is, by the observance 
 of oratorical decorum. It is not becoming in a 
 young Preacher to censure old age with severity ; 
 it is not becoming in him to be austere in his sys- 
 tem of morality, to declaim against permitted 
 pleasures, and not to allow any thing to human 
 weakness. It is not becoming in him whose situ- 
 ation in life is obscure, to inveigh loudly against 
 riches, nor to censure, indiscriminately, the appli- 
 cation of them, as he will only subject himself to 
 the suspicion of envy. He must take care, at the 
 Festivals of the Church, and on days set apart, by 
 authority, for solemn worship, not to preach on 
 moral subjects which have been often discussed, 
 since they will not be esteemed judicious and ap- 
 propriate. 
 
 2 K 
 
278 
 
 Be attentive to what your age, your rank in the 
 Church, your condition in society, the times, pla- 
 ces, and persons prescribe to you to say, and you 
 will preserve decorum. Religion does not discard, 
 but enjoins it ; Religion recommends prudence, 
 which suggests the greatest caution in not wound- 
 ing, unnecessarily, the feelings of others. The 
 Essay of the Abbe Mallet, on oratorical decorum ^ 
 is worthy of your serious perusaL 
 
 There are many works on preaching : the aera 
 of Louis XIV produced many, and the seventeenth 
 century has produced more. Much as may, con- 
 fessedly, be gained by the study of Treatises on 
 Oratory, if your object be to arrive at celebrity, 
 as a Preacher, still, a great genius is far superior 
 to their instructions. They will teach you to 
 shun the defects of the art ; but will they inspire 
 you with its beauties ? There exists a natural 
 relation between the mode of speaking, and of 
 w^hat we speak. I have never heard an eloquent 
 composition delivered, by the Author, in an un- 
 graceful and uninteresting manner. 
 
 The substance of all the rules I have laid down 
 is this, that a Preacher ought not merely to seeniy 
 but actually TO BE impressed with the truths he 
 delivers. Let a truly religious disposition prevail 
 throughout your discourse. Let not your preach- 
 ing be such as will be flattering to yourself, but 
 adapted to the improvem.ent and edification of 
 your audience. The perfection of eloquence, in a 
 
279 
 
 Christian orator, consists in forgetting himself ; 
 the importance of what he is delivering, and the 
 effect it ought to produce, should suppress all con- 
 sciousness of his own talents. 
 
 Above all, let your morals be correspondent to 
 your doctrine. Let your appearance excite the 
 ideas of wisdom, integrity, and piety. By your 
 virtues, attract the respect and confidence of man- 
 kind, that every heart may be disposed to profit 
 by your instructions. Justify, by your example, 
 the definition which Quintilian gave of an orator, 
 when he said — the upright is the eloquent man. 
 
 You asked me for instruction in the Art of 
 Preaching, persuaded they would be useful to you. 
 If I have been fortunate enough to answer your 
 expectations, answer mine in return. May you 
 make an happy application of the principles I have 
 laid down. May your ministry flourish, and be 
 productive of the most blessed effects ! May you, 
 by the successful cultivation of the Lord's vine- 
 yard, receive, as the reward of your labors, not the 
 admiration and the praises, but the blessings, of 
 those you have instructed, consoled, and nourished, 
 with the words of life ! 
 
 REYBAZ 
 
THOUGHTS 
 
 COMPOSITION OF A SERMON, 
 
 AS ADAPTED TO 
 
 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 
 
283 
 
 THOUGHTS 
 
 QH THE 
 
 COMPOSITION OF A SERMON, 
 
 AS ADAPTED TO 
 
 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 
 
 SO many are the Treatises on the Composition 
 of a Sermon, produced by the wisdom of the learn- 
 ed, and the zeal of the pious, that to attempt to add 
 to their arguments, or to illustrate their positions, 
 may subject me to the imputation of overweening 
 vanity, and intolerable arrogance. But by such 
 motives, I can solemnly assure my readers, I am 
 not, in the remotest degree, actuated. Some ob- 
 servations contained in this Essay may perhaps, 
 be useful to those who have not an opportunity of 
 consulting the elaborate and philosophical writings, 
 which accurately examine, and clearly explains the 
 several parts of which a Sermon is composed ; my 
 intention being merely to submit a few observa- 
 tions, to the young and inexperienced, and make, 
 at the same time, such reflections, as may, if duly 
 considered, tend to introduce among such, whose 
 mode of writing and speaking is not unalterably 
 
284 
 
 fixed, some improvement in the art of public 
 preaching in the EstabUshed Church. 
 
 Whoever sits down to write a Sermon should 
 first examine, whether he is possessed of the vari- 
 ous requisites^ which will enable him to produce a 
 composition, creditable to himself, and advantage- 
 ous to his hearers ? Has he a thorough knowledge 
 of the Sacred Writings ? Is he able to apply them 
 w^ith exact judgment, and uninterrupted facility, 
 in the support of an evangelical truth, and in the 
 extirpation of a pernicious error ? And are they 
 so familiar to him, that he can *, by incorporating 
 their language with his own, give vigour to his 
 thoughts, and ornament to his style ; convey in- 
 formation to the mind, delight to the imagination, 
 and piety to the heart ? Can he, by a diligent stu- 
 dy of the best writers in divinity, adduce the 
 strongest arguments, and combine the clearest 
 ideas, which the nature of the subject requires ? 
 I speak not of taste, philosophy, logic, philology, 
 and classical learning — with each of which, I sup- 
 pose him to have become, to a certain extent, ac- 
 quainted in the University. I speak not of a 
 knowledge of the human heart, it being a book, 
 which a young man cannot, in general, have very 
 diligently inspected. 
 
 * Th^ admirable Sermons of Archbishop Seeker, are, in tliis 
 respect, the very best models : it is peculiar to that distinguish- 
 ed Prelate, to express his thoughts m the beautiful language 
 of the Sacred Writings. 
 
285 
 
 If he be possessed of talent which enables him 
 to compose, he will next consider, what is the de- 
 sign of a Sermon ? It is to illustrate God's Book, 
 and to persuade the assembly, to whom the com- 
 position is to be addressed, to become God's peo- 
 ple : it is to combat with power, and eradicate with 
 effect, the prevalence of open, and the propensity to 
 secret, sins. The undertaking is bold, the task dif- 
 ficult, the success uncertain. The Preacher, 
 therefore, not only previous to the entering on his 
 labor, but throughout every part of it, should be- 
 seech the Almighty to endow him with a spirit, to 
 think only what he can approve. For, becoming 
 as we do, in a more especialmanner w^hen we com- 
 pose public discourses, *' laborei's with God ;" 
 employing ourselves, professedly, w^hen we illus- 
 trate evangelical truth, in the more immediate ser- 
 vice of our Master, we can scarce expect to be 
 accounted worthy to promote his glory, which 
 should be our sovereign aim, if we neglect to sup- 
 plicate by fervent prayer, the direction and assist- 
 ance which are graciously promised, and individu- 
 ally given, to all diligent and faithful dispensers of 
 the heavenly w^ord. '' Form yourselves thorough- 
 ly," says Archbishop Seeker, '' by devout medi- 
 tations, and fervent prayer, to seriousness of heart, 
 and zeal for the eternal welfare of souls : for 
 then every thing else, that you are to do, will 
 follow of course. Every sentence we write, and 
 
 The reader will probably be gratified by seeing the scvcraJ 
 observations contained in this volume, supported by the autho- 
 rity of the venerable Sfecker, 
 
 2 L 
 
286 
 
 every thought we conceive, should be with thi^ 
 impression on our souls, that we are appointed the 
 ambassadors of him, whom *' the Lord anointed 
 *' to preach good tidings." In the various argu- 
 ments therefore, which we urge, and the several 
 addresses which we make, the end of both should 
 be to *^ bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim 
 ** liberty to the captives, and the opening of the 
 ** prison to them that are bound." I mention, 
 particularly, the habitually pious * disposition, 
 and uniformly devout frame of mind, in which a 
 Sermon should be composed ; because, from 
 many of those discourses which we both read 
 in prints and hear from the pulpit, we may, 
 without censure or uncharitableness, conclude, 
 that their authors have scarce a sense of the 
 blessings of redemption on their hearts : on 
 which account, they are, it may be presumed, 
 delivered without feeling, heard without inter = 
 est, and read without effect. Religion and piety 
 must be inscribed, in indelible characters on the 
 
 * " A fervent desire of being useful, will teach you more than 
 any particular directions can upon every head. Without this 
 desire, you will^ either be negligent ; or if you would seem 
 zealous, you will be detected for want of uniformity and perse- 
 verance. Therefore make sure first that all be right within, 
 and out of the good treasure of the hearty you ivUl bring forth 
 good things^ naturally and prudently, and through the Grace of 
 the Holy Spirit, effectually. It is not easy inded even to in- 
 struct the willing ; much less to convince the unwilling, and 
 reform the wicked. But still these are the purposes for which 
 we are God's Ambassadors." — Abp. Secker. 
 
287 
 
 mind and soul of a composer, who' aspires to be- 
 come, as a Preacher of the Gospel, an instrument, 
 in the hands of Providence, of '' turning many to 
 " righteousness." Living under such influence, 
 he prepares a discourse to be addressed to an as- 
 sembly of fallen creatures, alienated from God and 
 ReUgion, for whose redemption the blood of the 
 Son of God was shed, and to whom is offered a 
 covenant of mercy, very generally, either egregi- 
 ously misunderstood, stupidly disregarded, or wil- 
 fully transgressed. Instead of producing an ab- 
 stract philosophical essay, or a metaphysical dis- 
 quisition, difficult to the writer to express, and, in 
 consequence, to the hearer to comprehend, he 
 cheerfully sacrifices all parade of learning, and os- 
 tentation of knowledge, and confines himself to 
 the elucidafion of the * Evangelical Covenant. 
 The congregation he is to address, he esteems as 
 his children. ** He has them, therefore, in his 
 "heart;" and the expressions of his desire for 
 their welfare, and of his zeal for their happiness, 
 are manifested, in his solicitude to reclaim them 
 from the seductions of negligence, to withdraw 
 
 * " Though the Science of Morals and natural Religion is 
 highly to be valued, yet the Doctrines and Precepts of the 
 Gospel require your principal Regard beyond all Comparison. 
 It is of the Gospel that you are Ministers : all other Learning 
 will leave you essentially unqualified ; and this alone compre- 
 hends every Thing that is necessary. Without it, you will 
 never ap/irove yourselves to God^ as Workmen that need not to 
 be ashamed^ nor make your Hearers wzsew/z?o Salvation ''~-Ahp. 
 
288 
 
 them from the paths of error, and to deliver them 
 from the punishment of sin. 
 
 Such is the design of a Sermon. Whereas judg- 
 ing from the generality of English discourses, the 
 object of one writer, seems to be to display his ta- 
 lent of reasoning, of another, his accuracy of ex- 
 pression ; of a third, his knowledge of Theology ; 
 but to give men a comprehensive idea of the Gos- 
 pel Covenant — to persuade them to bear in mind, 
 in their whole behaviour, the relation in which 
 they stand to their Redeemer and Judge — to consi- 
 der themselves as the Temple of God, in whom 
 the Almighty, by his Spirit, vouchsafes to dwell 
 — appears to be only a secondary part of their 
 design. Be our attachment to our excellent esta- 
 blishment ever so great, we are compelled to 
 acknowledge, that the Sermons -* usually preached 
 and published, are not so animated in their style, 
 
 * *' I have," says a popular writer, " attempted to show, 
 that however many of those (Sermons) may be esteemed beau- 
 tifiil moralEssays, they are devoid of that evangelic and pasto- 
 ral unction, which the pulpit demands : that they are not cal- 
 culated to reach the affections, nor, in correspondence with 
 the object in view, either to disturb, terrify, soften, encourage, 
 or console. They contain no communicative sensibility, and 
 have nothing that is glowing, seraphic, or incentive. If any 
 authority were requisite to corroborate my opinion on this 
 subject, I find the sentiments of Bishop Warburton in perfect 
 consonance with mine : in his Directions for the Study of The* 
 ology, he has these words : — " A pathetic address to the pas- 
 sions and affections of penitent hearers, perhaps the most ope- 
 rative of all the various species of instruction, is that in which 
 
289 
 
 and vehement in their manner, as the frequent 
 contemplation of the happiness of heaven, or the 
 torments of hell, awaiting every hearer of them, 
 might be expected to produce : — the defection 
 from the Church in many, and the unpardonable 
 neglect of her ordinances, accompanied with the 
 total absence of vital religion, in more, of her pro- 
 fessed adherents, are, I fear, incontrovertible evi- 
 dences of the truth of the assertion. Of printed 
 Sermons, I could mention many volumes, very 
 creditable to the several authors, as specimens of 
 didactic composition — the arguments well se- 
 lectedjthe arrangements happily made, the language 
 elegantly expressed — but this is all. Does the 
 Preacher, in every page, exhibit solicitude for the 
 glory of the Master w^iose credentials he bears ? 
 Does he demonstrate an evangelical zeal for the 
 everlasting welfare of his fellow-creatures, commit- 
 ted to his charge, applying that solicitude, and 
 directing that zeal to every faculty of their mind, 
 and every passion of their heart, to convince 
 them of the necessity of living in favor with the 
 Almighty — of considering themselves as account- 
 able to his justice — ^and therefore, impressing the 
 duty he himself feels, as one commissioned to 
 announce truths, in themselves inexpressibly aw- 
 ful, and in their consequences, infinitely important ? 
 Go into a conventicle. You hear the preacher 
 
 the English pulpit is most defective." — See an Essay on the 
 PLloquence of the pulpit in England, prefixed to the translation 
 of Select Sermons, from Bossuet, by Mr. Jerningham. 
 
^90 
 
 conjuring and miploring the assembly, in the tnost 
 urgent and affectionate manner, to avoid the 
 punishm.ent denounced against sin, and embrace 
 the happiness promised to religion. The scenes 
 of future misery, which he delineates, aifect the 
 senses, and melt the hearts, of his admiring audi- 
 tors : in his descriptions, his exhortations, his 
 appeals, his denunciations, he artfully interweaves 
 his own solicitude — the pungent misery he feels 
 and the alarming apprehensions he entertains, 
 about their salvation. When an ignorant person 
 hears such declarations — when he perceives the 
 Peacher so benevolently interested in his behalf — 
 when the voice, the manner, the language of the 
 speaker, all concur to shew him a danger which he 
 never saw before ; when he contrasts the imposing 
 warmth of the conventicle— where every sentence 
 is adapted to his understanding, and addressed to 
 his feelings — with the frigid caution of the Church, 
 which he has attended, it may be, all his life, with- 
 out being once awakened from the security of sin, 
 and terrified with the anticipation of punish- 
 ment — can it be any wonder, that the Church 
 should, under such circumstances, yield to the 
 conventicle, and that error should triumph over 
 truth? . ' 
 
 It will here, I doubt not, occur to every one, 
 that the subjects which are proposed to the atten- 
 tion of our congregations, are not always the most 
 interesting; the Scriptures supply many, seldom in- 
 troduced into the pulpit, yet arc very important in 
 
291 
 
 themselves, and would be rendered extremely affec- 
 ting to the auditory, by the exercise of judgment, 
 and the display of zeal, by which some of the 
 Clergy are pre-eminently distinguished. Common 
 topics are too generally enforced ; by which means 
 little * attention is given to public discourses, and 
 a lamentable ignorance pervades the hearers. I 
 shall not be understood to signify, that texts 
 should be chosen for their singularity. I am sup- 
 posing, that when a Preacher chooses a subject, 
 he consults his judgment, and considers what is 
 best adapted to *^ bind up the broken-hearted, 
 '' and to give deliverance to the captives, sold 
 ** under sin." Impressed by such a sense of duty, 
 we need not be apprehensive that he will be di- 
 rected by an offensive and ridiculous singularity 
 of choice. 
 
 * " Coming to Church the Bulk of Mankind even still con- 
 Mder as a t Duty ; but hearing as they ought, they partly neg- 
 lect, and partly experience to be difficult. Therefore we must 
 not only admonish, but assist them. For this End, we must 
 shew them from first to last, that we are not merely saying 
 good Things in their Presence, but directing what we say to 
 them personally, as a Matter which concerns them beyond 
 Expression. More general Discourses they often want Skill 
 to take home to themselves ; and oftener yet Inclination ; so 
 they sit all the while stupidly regardless of what is delivered. 
 Therefore we must interest them in it, by calling upon them 
 to observe, by asking them Questions to answer silently in 
 their own Minds, by every prudent Incitement to follow us 
 closely.— -Abp. Secker. 
 
 t A very alarming" and a very awful change has taken place, both in 
 religious sentiments and public morals, since the worthy Arclibisbon 
 cempesed this excelienjt Chai-g-e. 
 
292 
 
 I have not, 1 must repeat, proposed to myself, 
 to write an abstract discourse on the Composition 
 of a Sermon, but merely to consider the subject as 
 it relates to the Church of England. For which 
 reason I purposely decline laying down *' rules for 
 the exordium, the argumentative, and pathetic 
 parts, and the peroration of a sermon. 
 
 I shall, however, remark, that the introduction 
 of a Sermon, should be, in general, mild, and 
 conciliating ; that it should contain nothing that 
 will offend or prejudice the audience, and that 
 it should not detain the attention too long from 
 the chief part of the discourse. Dr. Johnson, 
 whose Sermons f ai'e entitled to frequent and 
 serious perusal, is by no means happy in his 
 introductions. In his beautiful sermon on Mar- 
 riage, consisting of twenty-four pages, just one 
 half is taken up in preliminary observations. 
 He then divides his subject into two heads, 
 and concludes the Sermon without any applica- 
 tion or address to the audience. Both the intro- 
 
 * The reader will receive all necessary information conoern- 
 the several parts of a discourse, by consulting Cicero de Ora- 
 tore, Quintilian, Longinus, Blair's elaborate Lectures, Mr. 
 Neale's Translation of the L'Abbe Mauri on Eloquence, and 
 Dr. Gregory's Essay on the composition of a Sermon ; he 
 should, however, guard against entertaining Dr. Gregory's pre- 
 judices, respecting French writers. In the Doctor's Sermons 
 he will often meet with original thoughts and beautiful language. 
 
 t They are entitled Sermons on different subjects, left for 
 publication, by John Taylor, L.L.D. late Prebendary of West- 
 minster, &c. in two volumes. 
 
293 
 
 duction and the conclusion, are strongly objection- 
 able. And though the name of Johnson cannot 
 be too highly revered, I do not propose his Ser- 
 mons to a young Divine, as a pattern of the 
 highest excellence : they may, notwithstanding, 
 be recommended to incessant perusal, although 
 they are the least finished of his compositions. 
 They are vi^ritten, according to his own account, 
 and no man ever disputed the veracity of John- 
 ,soN, each in a few hours; and it is probable, 
 that, as they were composed for the service of 
 other persons, they received from him no subse- 
 quent correction. We see, in every line, the hand 
 of the moralist, and the philosopher ; but the 
 pen of the Divine, which, in Sermons, ought to 
 be prominently conspicuous, we do not easily 
 (race. 
 
 The French Catholic wTiters maybe pronounced 
 the best models for imitation, more especially in 
 the exordium. Flechier, Bossuet, Massillon, are 
 all deserving of peculiar regard and attention. 
 
 It may, however, sometimes, be expedient to 
 adopt a different mode of introduction, from that 
 now recommended. Unusual, or accidental cir- 
 cumstances may have occurred, which may not 
 only warrant, but even demand, either an abrupt en- 
 trance on the subject, or, as it were, a personal apolo- 
 gy, or affectionate conference with the congregation * 
 
 * " The degree of knowledge, rank, and circumstances of 
 life, the prevailing notions and customs of jrour congregationsi 
 
 2 M 
 
294 
 
 An exordium of this kind bespeaks attention ; aixl 
 if the whole of the discourse be, as, in such cases, 
 it invariably ought to be — and it is unpardonable 
 if it is not — supported, so as to sustain that atten- 
 tion, the end of the Preaclier is answered — his de- 
 sign is complete. Such an attempt, indeed, de- 
 mands both judgment and talent ; and their union 
 is indispensably requisite to ensure success. 
 
 Rhetoricians seem not to be agreed whether a 
 Sermon should pass without a formal notice, 
 from the exordium to the argumentative part, 
 or should be divided into heads. The one gives 
 greater scope to oratory ; the other affords more 
 information and relief to the hearer. A subject 
 sometimes naturally divides itself ; but may often 
 be usefully divided by the Preacher, into two or 
 three heads. Should he, however, prefer the 
 inore oratorical method, he must employ all his 
 diligence, and exercise all his judgment, first in 
 the selection, and afterwards in the arrangement, 
 of his arguments. " I m.ight add," says Mr. 
 Jerningham, '' that the splitting the subject into 
 *' different members, and informing the audience 
 " how each division is to be treated, is an injudici- 
 " ous and defective method." This observation 
 should, however, be received with a degree of 
 limitation. The Preacher, whether he divides his 
 
 Mill afford you Employment to make your Sermons local, if 
 1 may so express it ; calculated to promote the virtues, which 
 they are chiefly called to exercise, and guard against the sins, 
 of which they arc chiefly in diuiger." — Abp. Secker. 
 
295 
 
 Sermon or not, after his introduction, enters upon his 
 subject. And in this part of the discourse, some im- 
 provement, it is generally thought, may be made. 
 Open the Sermons of Dr. Clarke, of Bishop Coney - 
 beare, of Dr. Horbury. You will see in each of them 
 the powers of a great mind, employed on their 
 subject. But the misfortune is, that they treat it 
 as if their hearers were as well acquainted with it, 
 had considered it as maturely, and had digested it 
 as carefully, as themselves : they apply themselves 
 solely to the understanding, and leave the heart en- 
 tirely out of the question. It may, perhaps, be 
 said, that Bishop Coneybeare, and Dr. Horbury 
 v/rote their Sermons for the purpose of preaching 
 them before the University. But whatever be the 
 auditory — whether an University, or one of the 
 Inns of Court, which are considered the only 
 LEARNED auditorics — the Preacher should not for- 
 get that the greatest part of it will consist chiefly 
 of young men, some not thoroughly, and others 
 not at all, conversant with the subject on w^iich he 
 expatiates ; and that, therefore, to those who most 
 need instruction, not to add warnmg, expostula- 
 tion, reproof, and exhortation, his discourse is pro- 
 ductive of little good. Would not a Preacher, 
 even to such an assembly, feel more satisfacion in 
 the reflection, that he had " preached the Gospel, 
 " the power of God unto salvation," than in the 
 idle praises of a few who seek intellectual gratifi- 
 cation-*, rather than spiritual improvement ? "• Dis- 
 
 * The most useful Sermons, I have seen preached before an 
 
296 
 
 courses," says the excellent Seeker, '^ containing 
 '' little that awakens drowsy attention, little that 
 '* inforces plainly and home what men must do to 
 '' be saved ; leave them as unreformed as ever, 
 " and only lull them into a fatal security." What 
 was St. Paul's conduct before the Philosophers of 
 Athens, when " certain men clave unto him, and 
 <' believed ?" What, again, before Felix, when 
 the power of his eloquence made the governor 
 tremble ? What before Agrippa, when he cried out 
 — " almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian ?" 
 Let the reader look into Bishop Pearce's Sermons, 
 preached for the edification of the Parish of St. 
 Martin's ; into Dr. Jortin's, addressed to the In- 
 habitants of Kensington ; and let him si^y, whether 
 he believes the several congregations would depart 
 from Church, persuaded to be " altogether Chris- 
 tians ?" No ! such discourses seldom reach the 
 heart, and are, therefore, as pulpit discourses, I 
 had almost said useless. Let him read them in 
 his own family, and he will there see how little cal- 
 culated they generally are, to inspire men with a 
 sense of the value of salvation : I would not be un- 
 derstood to insinuate that the Sermons of these 
 learned Divines are without merit, and therefore, 
 unworthy of perusal. The very contrary. They 
 cannot be read, by the Clergy, too frequently. 
 They are, indeed, written upon a wrong plan. 
 
 University, are those by the late Bishop Home ; some of the 
 Discourses of Bishop Hiird, and those of Mr. Archdeacon 
 Nares, before the Society of Lincoln's. Inn, are both well adapt- 
 ed to that learned Auditory. 
 
297 
 
 Though they are not altogether unintelligible, yet, 
 devoid of the graces and attractions, the address 
 and persuasion, essential to popular discourses, they 
 awaken little attention, and therefore, excite little 
 interest. The Clergyman who preaches discourses 
 of this description, may discover in almost every 
 family in his parish, many moriifying instances of 
 their inutility. Dry, uninteresting Sermons, pro- 
 claim loudly their own inefficacy . For Religion and 
 Piety do not lie concealed, and continue inactive : 
 they are not, it is true, so much prominent features, 
 as powerful principles, influencmg general deco- 
 rum, and directing civil intercourse ; they exert 
 their vigor, indeed, in the regulation of families, 
 in a devout observance of the ordinances of the 
 gospel, and in a consequent suppression of the ha- 
 bits of vice. Does a Clergyman perceive this ef- 
 fect to be, in any tolerable degree, promoted by his 
 preaching ? It is his greatest encouragement ; it 
 is his refuge in affliction ; his comfort under mor- 
 tifying neglect ; and his support under grievous 
 disappointments. Do his congregations decline, 
 and are his communions less frequently attend- 
 ed ? He has sufficient evidence, that he is an 
 useless^ laborer in the Lord's Vineyard. Evidence 
 of such a fact, so reproachful to himself, disgrace- 
 ful to the Church, and injurious to Christianity, 
 
 * If you have preached a considerable time in a Place, and 
 done little or no good ; there must, in all probability, be some 
 Fault, not only in your hearers, but in you or your sermons. 
 For the roord of God, when duly dlspen-it d, is to this day, as it 
 was originally, /iC/'z:'er/«/ and ^harjier than a tiro-edgrd sivord.-^ 
 Abp. Secker. 
 
298 
 
 would, it might be supposed, induce him to exa- 
 mine, whether the discourses he delivers are calcu- 
 lated to awaken the sinner, and comfort the chris- 
 tian ? And if his sermons are either moral essays 
 or consist of abstract reasoning, he may easily ac- 
 count for his want of success as a Preacher, and 
 for the decline of religion in his parish. When 
 they, whose salvation is committed to his care, so- 
 licit bread, and he, in the phraseology of scripture, 
 ofters them only a stone, is it not to be expected, 
 that many of them should, as the prophet strongly 
 expresses it, " perish for lack of knowledge ;" and 
 that many should desert a Church, in which their 
 Pastor administers disappointment for edification, 
 and coldness for piety ? How can it be, supposed, 
 that women, with the common education of a board- 
 ing-school, that shop-keepers, tradesmen, farmers, 
 and servants, should give their attention to what 
 they do not comprehend? The arguments the 
 Preacher uses, are derived from -much read- 
 ing, and deep reflection ; and the whole subject 
 tliereby becomes familiar to his mind. And can 
 the generality of hearers, who have neither au^ 
 thors to consult, nor if they had, inclination to 
 open them — who have never been taught to ar- 
 range their ideas — can they be supposed to give 
 their attention to metaphysical abstraction ? Let 
 the Clergy, if they are so disposed, cultivate, 
 with the utmost diligence, philosophical and me- 
 taphysical studies, but let them most cautiously 
 abstain from introducing their language into the 
 pulpit. When the atteiition of the congregation 
 
299 
 
 fs once lost — when the sermon ceases to be inter- 
 estmg, because it is unintelligible — the Preacher 
 preaches in vain; and what is a very melancholy 
 consideration, they who assembled to hear him, 
 instead of being *' filled with good things," are, 
 however " hungering and thirsting after righteous- 
 '* ness, sent empty away." 
 
 The necessity of delivering animated and em- 
 passioned, instead of argumentative and philoso- 
 phical, discourses, is, I presume, obvious. But 
 as it is evidently the intention of preaching — v/he- 
 ther as some term it, to convince, or as others, 
 to persuade — to make men, on the whole, better ; 
 let the Preacher try the effect of argument upon 
 himself. I will suppose the subject of his discourse 
 to be the -^ necessity of family worship, and that 
 he urges the most solid arguments in support of 
 it. I would enquire of him, whether, after hear- 
 ing the discourse, he would, supposing him to 
 have lived in the neglect of the precept, be so 
 affected by it, as to be prevailed with to put the 
 duty in practice? If he acknowledge that, though 
 he might be convinced, yet he should not be in- 
 duced to ejUer on the observance of it — such be- 
 ing the general effect of argument — how can he 
 
 * " We should confine our severity to our ovrn practice. 
 Only we must watch with moderate strictness over ourFaniilies 
 also : not only keeping up the joint and separate Worship ol' 
 God in them — which I hope no Clergyman omits — but form- 
 ing them to every part of Piety and Virtue and Prgdcnrc. — 
 Ahp. Secker. 
 
300 
 
 imagine that the greater part of the hearers, after 
 an imperfect attention — after not comprehending, 
 it is probable, seme of the arguments, should be 
 prevailed with to establish in their families, a pi- 
 ous custom, which, unhappily, is, by the mem- 
 bers of the Church of England, very generally 
 neglected? It cannot be supposed. I infer, there- 
 fore, that a discourse, promising no higher effect, 
 ought not, under any circumstances, to be ad- 
 dressed to a Christian assembly. Were the duty 
 of family worship inculcated in a conventicle, the 
 preacher, instead of having recourse to abstract 
 reasoning, would conjure his auditors, as they 
 valued the salvation of their souls, as they dreaded 
 the reproaches of their children and families at the 
 tribunal of God, to supplicate upon their knees, 
 the blessing of the Almighty upon themselves, 
 and upon their whole house. And the probabili- 
 ty is, that the success would be much more abun- 
 dant. A Clergyman can scarcely do a greater in- 
 jury, either to religion or to the church, than by 
 preaching a Sermon which fails to interest his 
 congregation. The Sunday is passed by them 
 without edification, Avhich is the day set apart by 
 its gracious Author, for the express purpose of 
 establishing in his people, just principles, and of 
 promoting a correspondent practice. But such a 
 Preacher, from want of consideration, defeats 
 that very design which he was ordained to effect. 
 The consequence is, that men lose both their rev- 
 erence for Religion, and their attachment to the 
 Church. It is, therefore, greatly to be wished, 
 
301 
 
 that the Clergy would * examine their discourses, 
 previous to the delivery of them, \vith an unpreju- 
 diced mind, and convince themselvss, whether they 
 are really f calculated to dissuade men from walk- 
 ing in the way that leads to destruction. The 
 improvement to be made in the Composition of 
 Sermons, if my observation does not greatly de-^ 
 ceive me, is, that they ought to resemble exhor- 
 tations more than they generally do : the hearers 
 should always be made to feel an interest in them, 
 by the argumentative part being more popular, and 
 by uniting a degree of warmth and earnestness, 
 which, I know not why, are seldom attempted. 
 Were our Sermons addressed to the heart, and the 
 affections, instead of the understanding, the fre- 
 quenters of the Church would, I am persuaded, 
 consider it an happy deviation from the established 
 practice. They would attend public worship with 
 
 * " We must consider all the while we compose, and recon- 
 sider as we preach, and afterwards — ' Is this adapted sufficient- 
 
 * ly to the Capacities, the State of Mind, the Circumstances of 
 ' the poor People who are to hear it : will this Part be clear, 
 
 * that home enough, a third well guarded against Mistakes : 
 
 * will they go back as much better disposed than they came, as 
 <it is in our Power to make them?" Perhaps one or more 
 Ways of representing a necessary Doctrine or Duty have fail- 
 ed. We must think whether a more likely may not be found, 
 ©r a less likely in Appearance prove more successful." — Abp. 
 Seckeii. 
 
 t " The monotonous, wearisome sound of a single bell might, 
 be almost as soon expected to excite moral impressions, as 
 the general tenour of our public discourses, v.hich are (with 
 some exceptions, drow.lly composed, and drowsily delivered. 
 •^Jehninxsham." 2 X t 
 
302 
 
 more readiness, and would give their Pastors more 
 unequivocal proofs of its efficacy, both upon their 
 minds and behaviour. Let the general characters 
 of those who profess themselves members of the 
 Church, be considered; and will the fondest attach- 
 ment, and the blindest partiality, pronounce, that 
 they are what the Gospel requires them to be — that 
 their love abounds more and more, in all know- 
 ledge and in all goodness ? It is a reproach cast up- 
 on the Establishment, that her adherents are as 
 lukewarm in the profession of faith, as remiss in the 
 practice of duty — that they are, from want of reli- 
 gious knovvledge, unable to defend her doctrines, 
 and from want of religious principle, negligent in the 
 observance of her Ordinances. We allow the jus- 
 tice of the reproach, for we cannot deny it. And 
 what is still more to be lamented, many seem to 
 think they have Religion enough, provided they go, 
 generally, to Church, and live as well as their 
 neighbors, although they obviously are strangers to 
 that vital, inward, piety, which is the distinguishing 
 characteristic of the Gospel. The state of such 
 men, which we cannot believe to be a state of sal- 
 vation, may it not be attributed to the moral Es- 
 says, and argumentative Discourses to which 
 the Clergy are, with such an unaccountable in- 
 fatuation, attached ? How greatly then, is it to- 
 be lamxcnted, that all this deplorable * ignorance 
 
 * " Teach your People what is grievously wanted in the pre- 
 sent Age, to value their Bibles more, and understand them 
 better, and to read them both with Pleasure and Profit." — 
 
 Abp'. SICKER. 
 
.303 
 
 and astonishing insensibility, cannot prevail with 
 them to renounce the mode of writing and speak- 
 ing, which has had so powerfid a tendency to pro- 
 duce, what wc cannot but esteem a disgrace to 
 the Church, and w^hich is, to its enemies, a cause 
 of exultation ! The improvement that every one 
 acknowledges necessary to be made in the esta- 
 blished Church, is evidently this — to impress its 
 members more generally^ with a sense of the im- 
 portance of salvation — to persuade them that re- 
 ligion does not consist in mere profession, but in 
 a renewal of the heart and mind, and that it is of 
 them, that God hath spoken, saying — '' I will 
 *' dwell in them, and walk *in them; and I Vvill 
 *' be their God, and they shall be my people." 
 To produce this blessed effect, the natural ef- 
 fect of preaching,^ animation must stand in 
 the place of dulness, and zeal in that of indiffer- 
 ence. 
 
 It is a lamentable consideration that moral, unin- 
 teresting discourses have been so long preached, 
 that the apostolic declaration — that many men '* will 
 ** not endure sound doctrine," is literally verified in 
 our own Church. If a Clergyman " speak the 
 *< truth as it is in Jesus" — if he illustrate the ge- 
 nius, arid enforce the precepts, of the gospel ; they 
 
 * " I would have every Minister of the Gospel," says tlic 
 amiable Fenelon, " address his audience with the zeal of a 
 friend, with the generous energy of a fother, and with the exu- 
 berant affection of a mother — Soijcz peres^ ce n'cst /las. a.iscz 
 soyez meres'' — Jerxingham. 
 
304 
 
 are scandalized. They discover their own ignor- 
 ance, they vilify his labours, and confer the highest 
 honor on the sectaries, by representing him as a 
 fanatic, and an enthusiast. There is not, perhaps, 
 one single Clergymen, who is distinguished by the 
 excellence of his Sermons, and the impression of 
 his elocution, whom ignorance has not industrious- 
 ly proclaimed, and suspicion cautiously received, 
 as preaching the distorted doctrines, and pernicious 
 errors of the conventicle. 
 
 I shall not be misunderstood, in deprecating 
 cold, moral discourses, and recommending, in their 
 stead, lively and animated exhortations, to encour- 
 age vague and empty declamation, such as we hear 
 sometimes delivered by some Clergymen, whose 
 sole object seems to be, to display their own super- 
 ficial talents, and excite the unmeaning admiration 
 of their auditors. I am solicitous to introduce 
 a very different mode of preaching — to impress 
 the preacher with the awful consideration — that 
 he stands as the ambassador of God, between the 
 living and the dead — that he is entrusted with 
 the word of God, to awaken the obdurate, and 
 alarm the impenitent, to encourage the despond- 
 ing, and confirm the believing, Christian ; and 
 which seems to be unaccountably neglected by 
 the Clergy, to console and bind up the brok- 
 en-hearted — to comfort them that mourn, and 
 to speak peace to the afflicted soul. *' Eter- 
 ** nity ? heaven ! hell ! death ! these are scenes 
 
305 
 
 *' which cast around an awful and universal inter- 
 est."* If a sermon be declamatory, it may dazzle 
 the imagination, and strike the ear, but will not 
 interest the affections — if it be diffuse, it may be- 
 wilder the mind, but cannot improve it. Ge- 
 nuine eloquence, on the contrary, being addressed 
 to the heart, leads it captive — the glory of God, 
 the salvation of men, the welfare of society sug- 
 gest the thought, and not infrequently, give it ex- 
 pression. 
 
 French Sermons, which, upon the ^vhole, I con- 
 sider more useful, than even the best of those in our 
 own language, are liable to objections ; and there- 
 fore should be read with care ; the Catholic, which 
 are more oratorical, abound with declamation, with 
 point, and antithesis ; the Protestant, which are 
 more doctrinal, are verbose, and often, by conse- 
 quence, tiresome in the perusal. There is, how- 
 ever, another objection, which applies more es- 
 pecially to the Catholic — theirf system of theology 
 
 * " I beg, I may not be understood, that I am recommeml- 
 ing to the Preacher to diffuse a gaudy colour over his compo- 
 sition." ijERNINGHAM. 
 
 t " The severe precepts, tlic austerity of doctrine, the un- 
 remitted rigour, that prevails in the moral discourses of the 
 French Preachers, carry with them something of a repulsive 
 nature. Those moralists survey the christian institution with 
 a splenetic eye ; a sombrous, monastic melancholy broods 
 over their religious instructions : they dwell on the terrific 
 part of the christian doctrine, deepening those clouds, which 
 
306 
 
 IS gloomy, unsocial, and forbidding. Like our 
 own Sectaries, they do not consider religion as in- 
 terwoven with all the acts of life ; their godliness 
 consists in tautological prayers, and extatic rap- 
 tures. But this is not the religion of the New 
 Testament. Religion is to be the governing prin- 
 ciple, to direct us in our several stations, as pre- 
 paratory to a future, or eternal state of bliss or 
 misery. When, therefore, the young Divine stu- 
 dies, or translates, or abridges French writers, 
 he must not suffer himself to be so far transported 
 with their beauties, as to forget their defects. — 
 They may, by a due exercise of judgment, be ad- 
 mirably adapted to the English pulpit ; and when 
 they have the advantage of being well delivered, 
 they will not merely ensure attention, but also aifect 
 the heart. 
 
 Another objection made to the Catholic sermons 
 is, that they are all peroration ; and that they con- 
 tain very little reasoning. Allowing this objection in 
 its full force, they will, being persuasive and highly 
 oratorical, be listened to with more eagerness, and 
 applied with more efficacy, both by a rustic and a 
 polite auditory ,notwithstandijigthis imputed defect, 
 
 appear to the affectionate believer, little' more than relieving 
 shades to attemper the blazeof mercy.— -Jehningham. 
 
 It may be farther added, that the French Catholic Preachers 
 afe much too sparing of Scripture language, which, when judi- 
 ciously introduced, is, in practical sermons, the highest orna- 
 ment. See a preceding Note, p?.ge 264. 
 
307 
 
 than the most elegant moral essays. Such is the 
 address of the Preacher, that the auditor feels, as 
 if the Sermon was composed for his necessities, 
 and on his account. The chief objection brought 
 against the French Protestant Sermons is, as hath 
 been already intimated, that they are immoderately 
 lengdiened, by a disgusting tautology. The Preach- 
 ers inculcate their doctrines with great gravity, 
 and often with much persuasion, but they are not 
 so insinuating, as the Catholic writers. Both, 
 however, may, in skilful hands, be made eminently 
 conducive to the conviction of the understanding, 
 as well as the persuasion of the affections. 
 
 A very general ^ prejudice, notwithstanding, 
 prevails against them. But as far as I have had 
 an opportunity of observing, that prejudice is, with 
 very few exceptions, confined to those who preach 
 argumentative discourses, and who are not usually 
 considered the most useful Preachers. A young 
 Clergyman, who was appointed to the care of a 
 Church, which is attended by, what is commonly 
 denominated, a genteel congregation^ requested me 
 to recommend to him some of the most energetic 
 
 * To all who suffer their understanding to be, on the sub- 
 ject of French Sermons, subservient to their prejudice, I 
 would recommend a very judicious and instructive Pamphlet, 
 published as an antitode to Dr. Gregory's sarcastic remarks, 
 entitled, Brief Reflections on the Eloquence of the Pulpit, by 
 the Fvev. Dr. Gardiner. I have derived from the pcnisal of it, 
 th a highe St satisfaction . 
 
308 
 
 English Sermons. I mentioned a * few distin- 
 guished writers, thinking, that each would supply 
 him with some eloquent and useful discourses. 
 He selected the most popular: his congregation 
 increased ; his hearers flattered him with their at- 
 tention, and pronounced him a very excellent 
 Preacher. His communicants likewise increased : 
 but he had the mortification of observing, that the 
 t genteel people, in their addresses to the Throne 
 of Grace, continued to sit carelessly on their seats 
 — that whilst he was reading the most affecting 
 parts of the Litufgy, they appeared insensible to 
 the value of the blessings he was supplicating, and 
 to the horror of the curses from which he was 
 praying they might be delivered. He perceived 
 little change of conduct ; little progress in piety : 
 the Religion of his auditory consisted in mere 
 formality. He lamented grievously his lot. But 
 hoping that I might reconcile him to his situation, 
 in which he would, I was persuaded, be singu- 
 
 * Bishops Home, Shipley, Kurd, Dr. S. Johnson, Dr. J. 
 Leland,in 3 vols ; Dr. Ogden, Dr. S. Car, Sec &c. 
 
 t The custom of sitting during the time of prayers is, un- 
 fortunately, becoming very general throughout the Church of 
 England, which is reducing the service to a mere matter of 
 form. The highest classes of society, I mean families of dif^- 
 tinction, usually behave with great reverence in the Churcli, 
 and in that respect set a very laudable example ; whereas ma- 
 ny genteel people — those who imitate people of fashion in their 
 follies — neglect to imitate them where imitation would be 
 praise -worthy. The Bishop of London has lately addressed 
 an admirable Letter to his Clcr^ry on this subject. 
 
309 
 
 larly useful, I requested him to read the first vo- 
 lume of Massillon's Synodal discourses. — I knew 
 his aversion to the French Preachers — but I hoped 
 he would derive both consolation to his heart, and 
 information to his mind. I had soon reason to 
 congratulate myself. He eagerly perused the re- 
 maining volumes. His prejudice was so far over- 
 come, that he expressed a wish to see some practi- 
 cal discourses. I sent him both Catholic and 
 Protestant authors. He abridged and preached 
 some sermons of both, greatly to his own satis- 
 faction, and to the edification of his hearers. His 
 congregation again increased ; and instead of being 
 mortiiied by addressing a polite auditory, he was 
 comforted by seeing an assembly, consisting of 
 many devout people. A spirit of devotion became 
 more visible throughout the Church. The fame 
 of his preaching attracted some of the Methodists 
 and dissenters. He was not, however, induced by 
 such testimonies of approbation, to become, what 
 is termed, an Evangelical Preacher ; I mean to 
 say, his judgment and his conscience, forbade him 
 to preach the doctrines of the Conventicle. 
 
 A learned friend of mine, lately deceased, was 
 a great admirer of the argumentative writers. — 
 Bishop Butler, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Jortin, Dr. Bal- 
 guy, Mr. Stone, &c. 8cc. were among his favorite 
 authors. Although he had composed many ser- 
 mons, some of which he had occasionally de- 
 livered before the University, yet he sometimes 
 adapted a Sermon from those writers^ to his own 
 2 
 
310 
 
 congregation, to which he preached upwards of 
 twenty years ; but he ingenuously acknowledged, 
 that he could not discover any improvement in 
 morals, or attainment in religion. As he found 
 his parishioners, they, with little variation, con- 
 tinued. He was, notwithstanding, a diligent pas- 
 tor. But, unfortunately, he placed all excellence 
 in what he termed good sense and sound reason- 
 ing ; and such was, he said, the national character, 
 that every Englishman preferred, upon every occa- 
 sion^ argument to eloquence. I mentioned to him 
 some preachers, distinguished by their powerful 
 address, and energetic elocution : he called them 
 preachers of a day. I appealed to the effects pro- 
 duced by that mode of preaching : they would not, 
 he thought, be lasting. A few years before his 
 death, he was compelled to defend some pro- 
 perty by an assize trial. Enquiring what counsel 
 he had retained, he mentioned the leader of the 
 circuit, of whom he had the highest opinion. 
 The gentleman, I observed, to whom you have 
 committed your cause, is confessedly, an elo- 
 quent pleader, who will address himself to the 
 affections of the jury ; whereas there is another 
 professional gentleman, attending that circuit, 
 who is distinguished by his good sense and 
 sound reasoning, and being totally devoid of all 
 rhetorical talents, he w^ould address his arguments 
 to their understanding. My friend instantly 
 perceived my meaning, but begged that I would 
 not, by any illustration or analogy, disturb his 
 mind. The prejudices against eloquence in the 
 
311 
 
 pulpit, which he had imbibed in his youtli, he 
 possessed through the middle part of life, and che- 
 lished in his old age. He was a truly good man, 
 an excellent scholar, and a sound Divine ; but the 
 highest esteem and warmest attachment could not 
 pronounce him an useful preacher. By Ministers 
 of such a description, hovv^ever valuable their sense 
 or enviable their learning, the flock will not be 
 confined within the fold. Preachers, like my 
 friend, will never accomplish the great end of 
 preaching, which is, and it cannot be too often in- 
 culcated, to awaken the sinner, alarm the impeni- 
 tent, and comfort the broken hearted. Does ex- 
 perience testify, that, in prophetic language, ^' men 
 " take hold of the skirt of him," that is a moral 
 preacher or a deep reusoner^ *' saying, we will go 
 *' with you, for we have heard that God is with 
 you ?" Do the amiable qualities, the incorrup- 
 tible integrity, the vital piety of the congrega- 
 tion, to whom moral or argumentative Sermons 
 are addressed, proclaim their efficacy, and justify 
 their use ? As reasonably almost might you 
 expect branches without a stem, or a stem with- 
 out a root ; or to apply the elegant illustration of 
 our Saviour to '' gather grapes from a thorn, or 
 *' figs from a thistle." 
 
 Of style, it is foreign to my purpose to speak. If 
 a Sermon is to be prepared for a country congre- 
 gation, it cannot be too simple. *' And one princi- 
 pal contrivance, says Archbishop Seeker, '' to gain 
 the attention of the audience, is to make a Sermon 
 
31S 
 
 extremely clear. Terms and phrases may be fa- 
 miliar to you, which are quite unintelligible to 
 them ; and I fear this happens much oftener than 
 we suspect." Let your style have the amoenity of 
 Addison, and the simplicity of Seeker ; combine 
 ornament with ease, and piety with precision, still 
 it will not be adapted to the pulpit, unless you can 
 unite warmth, vehemence, and persuasion. In 
 the Sermons and Lectures of the Bishop of Lon- 
 don, we meet with many very striking instances 
 of religious animation, and genuine eloquence. If 
 a Sermon is intended for a popular auditory, and 
 the Preacher strives — and every preacher ought 
 to strive — to excel ; the best models of style 
 w4iich can perhaps, be proposed, are the writings 
 of Barrow, of Dr. Johnson, of Gibbon; the Bamp- 
 ton Lectures of Dr. White ; and above all, the 
 political works of Lord Bolingbroke. Yet in these 
 writers, excellent as they are, there is one defect, 
 against which the student cannot too carefully 
 guard ; and it is this — their sentences are often too 
 long ; and a Sermon consisting of long sentences, 
 which can only be heard, is rendered, to a part of 
 the hearers, almost unintelligible. Addison is ge- 
 nerally praised as among the most elegant of the 
 English authors : but his style, to use the expres- 
 sion of the incomparable Johnson, " sometimes de- 
 scends too much to the language of conversation," 
 to be adapted to the pulpit. * Unless it possessed 
 
 * What Dr. Johnson says of the style of Swift, is strictly ap- 
 .pjicablc to all the writers of this class ; aincng vv honi may, I fcar» 
 
313 
 
 great advantages in the delivery, the congregation 
 would scarce be kept awake. A sermon should be 
 always animated ; and it is only by reading the best 
 authors, that a young composer can attain to excel- 
 
 be ranked the excellent Seeker. " He pays no court to the 
 passions : for purposes merely didactic, when something is to 
 be told that was not known before, this easy conveyance of 
 meanl,:^ is the best mode, but against that inattention, by 
 whic" kno vn truths are suffered to lie neglected, it makes no 
 provision , it instructs, but does not persuade.'* 
 
 The character of Tillotson's style is very justly delineated 
 in Fitzosborne's Letters (XIV) : 
 
 " Dr. Tiilotson, who is frequently mentioned, as having 
 carried this species of eloquence, viz. persuasion, to its high- 
 est perfection, seems to have had no notion of rhetorical num- 
 bers ; and may I venture to add, that I think no man had c^ er 
 less pretensions to genuine oratory, than this celebrated 
 Preacher ? One cannot but regret, that he who abounds with 
 such noble and generous sentiments, should want the art of 
 setting them off with all the advantage they deserve j that the 
 sublime in morals should not be attended with a suitable ele- 
 vation of language. The truth, liowever, is, his words are 
 frequently ill-chosen, and alm.ost always ill-placed j his periods 
 are both tedious and unharmonious ; as his metaphors are 
 generally mean, and often ridiculous." 
 
 I have much wished that the valuable Sermons of Tiilot- 
 son— -and out of his vast collection, many such might be 
 found — were reprinted, and the objections made by the au- 
 thor of the Letters removed : that part of his writings might 
 then, with unqualified praise, be recommended as models to 
 the young clergy ; and also as a family book, containing 
 sound doctrine and genuine morality, corweyed in a pious and 
 insinuating maimer. 
 
5U 
 
 iencc; by a careful perusal of the wi'iters I have 
 just mentioned, he will learn to be energetic with- 
 out being declamatory, and vehement without be- 
 ing ostentatious. Whoever wishes to become an 
 useful and accomplished Preacher, perspicuous 
 but not inelegant, and persuasive but not enthusi- 
 astic, must give his days and nights to the acqui- 
 sition of religious knowledge, and the cultivation 
 of evangelic eloquence. 
 
 For the indispensable requisites of ornament, of 
 figures, of the pathetic, and of the sublime, I re- 
 fer the reader to Dr. Blair's admirable Lectures, 
 which the oftener they are read, will excite greater 
 emulation, and produce more visible improvement. 
 
 All rhetorical writers recommend in the perora- 
 tion or conclusion of the Sermon, peculiar warmth 
 and animation. And it is to be lamented, that 
 both the old, and especially the modern, authors 
 of Sermons, either contemptuously disregard, 
 or intentionally overlook, what is equally indis- 
 pensable to an eloquent, vehement exhortation, 
 and to a plain practical Sermon. The conclu- 
 sion, unquestionably, requires a more thorough 
 knowledge of human nature, more address, 
 greater power of language, than any other part 
 of the composition ; it is, therefore, proportion- 
 ally difficult in the execution. The Preacher 
 should, in the conclusion of his discourse, seize, 
 warm, melt the heart ; and should dispose the 
 hearer by persuasion, or compel him by terror, to 
 
315 
 
 descend into it. He should make, as it were, a 
 personal appeal to his auditory, and should, by the 
 energy of his expression, and the vigor of his sen- 
 timent, attempt to infuse, as far as is possible, into 
 every individual, a solicitude to know, and a re- 
 solution to fulfil the terms of salvation ! Were 
 this interest excited in the breasts of our congre- 
 gation, we should not have such abundant cause, 
 as we now have, to lament the little effect pro- 
 ducedby preaching; we should not be mortified, 
 by observing that our several flocks, either seem 
 to have forgotten the discourse, the moment the 
 Preacher has pronounced the blessing ; or, which 
 we cannot sufficiently deplore, to consider their 
 duty as discharged by a mere attendance on pub^ 
 lie worship. I am not able, unfortunately, to re- 
 fer the reader to one single author, who excels in 
 the peroration of his Sermons. Dr. Blair, who 
 has in his Lectures, strongly recommended this 
 oratorical conclusion, has not once, in his cele- 
 brated discourses, attempted it. To my great dis- 
 appointment and mortification, I have not met 
 with an eloquent peroration in the compositions 
 of some distinguished living* authors, where I na- 
 turally expected to find it. The prevailing methods 
 alas ! are, either coldly to recapitulate the argu^ 
 
 * A volume of sermons, lately published by Dr. Gardiner, 
 abounding with much cleai' reasoning, and fervid piety, and at 
 the same time interspersed throughout with the most brilliant 
 passages — had they possessed the requisite I am recommend- 
 ing — might have been considered as containhig the happiest, 
 and, indeed, the most complete, specimens of pulpit eloquence. 
 
316 
 
 mcnts, which, often by eluding the attention, exer- 
 cise the patience of the auditory ; or to draw in- 
 ferences, which, having no tendency to rouse the 
 affections, and enflame the mind, are reluctantly 
 heard, and instantly forgotten. How much higher 
 would be the effect, were the Preacher to awaken 
 his auditory to a sense of their duty — to impress 
 with all possible solemnity, the account they 
 must give, to a righteous and just Being — and to 
 conjure them with paternal affection, not to dis- 
 appoint the expectations, and frustrate the designs 
 of their Almighty Judge ? To this part of the dis- 
 course more especially, let him direct all his judg- 
 pfient, and apply all his powers ; let him consider 
 his Sermon incomplete, and his duty imperfectly 
 discharged, if he does not succeed, before the de- 
 parture of the congregation, in persuading to good, 
 or dissuading from evil. Let him consider him- 
 self in the situation of a father, who has been using 
 the most powerful arguments to convince a be- 
 loved child — let him represent that child, as going 
 from his presence, with a degree of conviction 
 impressed upon his mind, but with his heart 
 disposed to act in disobedience to it — would he 
 not enforce these arguments, in the last words 
 he had to utter, by the most importunate address, 
 and the most affectionate exhortations? Would 
 he not describe, in the most glowing colors, the 
 ruin which awaited the child, and the misery 
 which would, in consequence, overwhelm the pa- 
 rent ? Or rather, let him consider himself as the 
 Ambassador of Heaven, admitted to the honor of 
 
317 
 
 being commissioned by the Almighty to co-ope- 
 rate with him, in restoring his children, the works 
 of his hand, and the objects of his love, to that 
 favour which is better than the . life itself. Let 
 him place before his eyes, and engrave upon his 
 heart, the interesting peculiarity of his situation, 
 and the ineffable importance of his charge ; the 
 happiness accompanying a faithful execution, and 
 the punishment awaiting the inexcusable neg- 
 lect, of it ; and to his effort to produce an eloquent 
 exhortation, will then be super-added an ardent 
 desire to promote the glory of God, and an incon- 
 ceivable solicitude to become, through the Divine 
 interposition, the blessed instrument of the salva- 
 tion of men. 
 
 To give a Sermon merit, as a religious compo- 
 sition, and utility, as a popular exhortation, one 
 thing more must be added, without which it will, 
 generally, be incomplete ; I mean a fervent and 
 devout prayer. For is it not natural, after having 
 faithfully shewn, and earnestly entreated, men, to 
 walk in the way of salvation; after having con- 
 vinced their understandings by argument, and 
 persuaded their affections by exhortation, to im- 
 plore him from whom cometh every good gift, 
 that the word which has been spoken, in his name, 
 and for his glory, should accomplish die eijd for 
 which it was delivered ? The most striking argu- 
 ments in the discourse should form the subject of 
 the prayer, which should be expressed in simple, 
 yet animated language ; the whole strain should be 
 
 2 p 
 
318 
 
 go pious and affecting, that the heart and soul, both 
 of the Preacher and the congregation^ should be 
 raised, on the wings of devotion, above this sub- 
 lunary scene, and transported to those celestial 
 mansions, where the object of hope ceases, in ac- 
 tual possession, and where the discharge of duty is 
 remunerated, with an exceeding reward 1 
 
 The preceding Essay on the Art of Preaching, 
 which although adapted to a foreign, rather than 
 an English, pulpit, shews the necessity of oratory 
 in a public speaker, be the congregation he addres- 
 ses, learned or unlearned. And notwithstanding 
 the just observation of Archbishop Seeker, that 
 ** our nation is more disposed than most others, 
 to approve a temperate manner of speaking ;" yet 
 it is, in some measure, from the want of a certain 
 degree of oratory in the Clergy, that our Churches 
 are so lamentably deserted. 
 
 It is generally supposed, that every writer adapts 
 his composition to his mode of speaking. Thus, it 
 is only necessary, it is said, to read a Sermon, in 
 order to appreciate' the manner of the Preacher. 
 The observation, with very few exceptions, is, I 
 believe, just ; which is an additional argument, 
 to prove the necessity of excellence in composition ; 
 for if the composition be indifferent, so, it may be 
 inferred, will be the * elocution. A bad speaker 
 
 * " Previously studying and writing Sermons tends to fill them 
 tv'ith digested and well adapted Matter, disposed in right order ; 
 
319 
 
 may, if learned, be attended by sensible men ; bul 
 those who have penetration to discover, and can- 
 dor to approve, real excellence, when it has not 
 the recommendation of exterior embellishment, 
 seldom constitute a considerable part, even of a 
 popular assembly. And they, surely, would pre- 
 fer an eloquent, to an inanimate preacher. When 
 such extreme solicitude is shewn by every des- 
 cription of men, to be present at the debates of the 
 Great Assembly of the nation, is it to give their 
 attention to the common, dull debaters ? No ! to 
 the elegant harangues of the most accomplished of 
 speakers, and to the indignant reply of his exaspe- 
 rated rival. When the same solicitude is express- 
 ed to hear a cause of importance tried in the 
 Court of King's Bench, is it to be entertained 
 by inferior pleaders ? No ! by Gibbs or Erskine, 
 or Garrow or Park. Are the Theatres filled 
 by the desire of hearing those who perform 
 the lowest, or the highest characters ? Are our 
 Churches thronged, when the pulpit is occu- 
 pied by an ordinary Preacher, or by an orator, 
 
 especially, if you will carefully revise them every Time you 
 preach them ; supply deficiencies, blot out repetitions, correct 
 improprieties, guard against misapprehensions, enlighten wliat 
 is obscure, familiarize what is too high, transpose what is wrong- 
 ly placed, strengthen the weak parts, animate the languid ones. 
 Your composition needs not be at all the stiff cr, but may be the 
 freer, for the pains thus employed upon it. You may frame 
 it purposely to be spoken as if you were not reading it : and 
 by looking it over a few times when you are about to use it, 
 you may deliver it almost withovit being observed to read it •' 
 See note in P. 240. — Abp. Secker- 
 
S20 
 
 who addresses his congregation, as personally inte- 
 rested in the efficacy of what he is deUvering ? And 
 is it not surprising, that seeing, as we have, our 
 Churches more and more deserted, during the last 
 thirty years, no attempt, no efficacious attempt, at 
 least, has been made by the Universities, the places 
 of resort for young men, preparatory to the office 
 of the Sacred Ministry, to teach them to speak with 
 gracefulness, in order that they might preach with 
 power ? Unless a different mode both of writing 
 and speaking be introduced into the Church — 
 should the same proportion of its members desert 
 it during the next thirty years, as have in the pre- 
 ceding period-— the enemy may adopt the lan- 
 guage of the prophet, and exclaim in degrading 
 contempt, and bitter derision — " the punishment 
 of thy negligence is accomplished, O daughter 
 of Zion." Rather may the excellence of her Mi- 
 nistry be so eminently conspicuous, that the esta- 
 blished church may emphatically be called, " the 
 way of holiness ! May no lion be there, nor any 
 ravenous beast go up thereon! But may the re- 
 deemed walk there, and may the ransomed of the 
 Lord return, and come to Zion with songs, and 
 everlasting joy upon their heads ! May all her 
 members obtain spiritual joy and gladness, and 
 schism and disaffection flee awav !" 
 
A PRAYER, 
 
323 
 
 PRAYER. 
 
 GOD, and Father of Mercy, who hatest nothing 
 that thou hast made, who seest all our miseries, 
 and knowest all our infirmities, I prostrate myself 
 at thy Throne, beseeching thee to hear my prayer, 
 and to receive the petitions which I now offer unta 
 Thee. I present myself, in humble adoration be- 
 fore thee, ardently desirous of knowing thy will, 
 and earnestly supplicating the assistance of thy 
 powerful grace, that I may be enabled to fulfil it. 
 To this end, correct and subdue in me all inordinate 
 desires and unholy attachments : impress thy law 
 on my soul, that it may both establish my principles, 
 and influence my behaviour ; that both the thoughts 
 of my heart, and the tenor of my life, may be such 
 as '* become a Minister of the Gospel of Christ." 
 Let no avocations withdraw me from entering daily 
 into myself, that I may become more and more ac- 
 quainted with my own heart ; that its approbation 
 may be my greatest comfort, and its reproaches my* 
 greatest dread. 
 
324 
 
 Engrave upon my mind the character which thou 
 expectest me to sustain in society ; the good which 
 my example will produce, if it be irreproachable 
 and amiable ; the evil, if worthless or suspected. 
 Guard me, therefore, against levity of behaviour ; 
 against sudden passion and violent transports ; 
 agamst bewitching pleasures, contemptible mean- 
 ness, detestable avarice, and unlawful gain. Let 
 no deviation from piety be encouraged by my de- 
 meanor; but may my private life most efficaciously 
 enforce my public preaching. May no soul sanc- 
 tion its indiscretions, or extenuate its vices, by 
 pleading the licence of my unworthiness. 
 
 As a Minister of thy holy word, grant me an 
 uniform and regular diligence, which riiay neither 
 be overcome by indolence, nor enfeebled by re- 
 laxations. Let no indulgence in amusements, 
 how^ever innocent, nor attachment to studies, hovf- 
 ever enticing, seduce me from an invariable ap- 
 plication to the several duties of my calling ; but 
 may every pursuit, wdiich is not an immediate part 
 of it, be regulated by prudence^ and restrained by 
 severity, lest my mind should be alienated from the 
 discharge of ecclesiastical functions, and divert- 
 ed from the attainment of evangelical holiness ; 
 lest I should forget that I am, in thy holy Church, 
 " a guide to the blind, and a light to them that 
 are in darkness ; and lest, after having preach- 
 ed it to others ;" and warned them against the 
 habits of temptation, and the allurements of 
 sin, I should myself be treacherously overcome 
 
325 
 
 by the one, and everlastingly ruined by the other. 
 Grant me to be a watchful shepherd, preser\ in^, by 
 prudent advice and salutary counsels, tlie flock 
 within the fold, which I have undertaken to in- 
 struct in faith, and deliver from danger. 
 
 Impress me with such a sense of the station 
 which I am appointed to fill, that I may devote all 
 the powers of my mind, and all the faculties of my 
 soul, to a faithful discharge of it : let me never 
 forget, that, whether it is obscure or exalted, 1 
 am equally an ambassador of the King of Kings, 
 and a servant of the Lord of Lords. Thus honor- 
 ed, thus distinguished, may no temptations of in- 
 terest, nor allurements of pleasure, damp the vigor- 
 ous exertion and unwearied diligence, inherent in 
 the commission of thy Ministers, to bring the souls 
 of whom thou hast appointed me the spiritual 
 overseer, to *' a knowledge of the truth ;" to an ac- 
 quaintance with their moral condition ; to a firm 
 trust in thy goodness and an uniform obedience 
 to thy will. May every discourse which I deliver, 
 be calculated, by thy divine blessing, to awaken 
 the thoughtless, and alarm the impenitent, or to 
 establish the righteous in the ways of godliness, 
 and comfort those that mourn. When I '' preach 
 thy laws, and take thy covenant in my mouth," 
 let me not be satisfied with the persuasion, that 
 the discourse which ought to excite, in every 
 one who hears it, an ardent desire of salvation, is 
 ingenious iu its composition, solid in its arguments, 
 or elegant in its stvle ; rather, O God, may it pe- 
 
 2 Q. 
 
326 
 
 rietf ate the hearts, and supply the wants of those 
 '* very many m the open valley, who are very dry;" 
 and ma}^ thy spirit, in the delivery of it, " say unto 
 them, O ye dry bones hear the word of the Lord, 
 behold I will cause breath to enter into you ; and 
 may they stand up upon their feet, an exceeding 
 great army : put thy spirit into them, and they 
 shall live;" awaken them, and all men, from the 
 deadly torpor of insensibility ; animate them with 
 a lively sense, and a deep conviction, of their de- 
 plorable condition ; and, if it seem good unto thee, 
 leave them no rest in their souls, until they see the 
 danger, and anticipate the punishment, of their 
 horrible ingratitude and daring rebellion. '' Open 
 *^ their eyes that they sleep not in death. Pour 
 upon them the spirit of grace and of supplication." 
 May the temples, in which we assemble to wor- 
 ship thee, exhibit congregations of men, not col- 
 lected by the power of habit, but actuated with 
 reverence and godly fear : and that they may not 
 presume to present themselves before Thee 
 with unseemly levity, and with unprepared minds ; 
 *' approaching thee with their lips, whilst their 
 hearts are far from thee." Do thou inscribe 
 on their souls this awful sentiment — '' where- 
 '' with shall I come before the Lord, and bow 
 *< myself before the high God !" May the pa- 
 rents, by the influence of example, infuse into 
 their offspring a priniple of devotion ; may " thet/ 
 '^ infuse the same into theh^ children, and 
 *' f/z^ir children ir to rt/zo^Aer generation." When 
 we '* thus call upon thy name, we know that 
 
327 
 
 Thou wilt hear us; thou wilt i^raciously sa\ , it is 
 my people ; and we, in humble thankfulness, shall 
 say, the Lord is our God." Let thine heritage, 
 the Church, which thou hast purchased wiih thy 
 Blood, be no longer defiled by the lamental)le ig^ 
 norance and abominable stupidity, which contemp- 
 tuously refuse to hear the calls of Truth, and impi-^ 
 ously set at nought the exhortations of Piety. 
 
 But w^hatever shall be the effect of the Holy 
 Word in my mouth ; whether I am encouraged to 
 meditation, study, and labour, by the increase of 
 morals, and the prevalence of Religion ; or hum- 
 bled and depressed by ignorance of the Laws, and 
 contempt of thy Word, let me not be discontented 
 and impatient, but wait thy good time, when it 
 shall please thee to give the increase. May judg- 
 ment direct, and zeal stimulate me to try every 
 method, and adopt every expedient, to convert 
 sinners unto thee. And oh ! if it be thy blessed 
 will, let me not labour in vain. May the hearts 
 of all those over whom thou hast appointed me to 
 watch, be induced to '' receive the word w'ith meek- 
 *' ness," to apply it with fidelity, andto^'brnig forth 
 *' the fruits of the Spirit." May the quiet of famiiies, 
 the obedience of servants, .the kindness of masters, 
 the duty of children, and the affection of parents, 
 all result from the preaching of thy Holy \\'ord. 
 May the study of the Sacred Oracles employ their 
 leisure, and edify their minds ; and may it be thy 
 good pleasure, to '' make a covenant of peace 
 with them, to set thy Sanctuary in the midi»t of 
 
328 
 
 them, that they may be thy people, and thou be 
 their God, in truth and in righteousness." Pro- 
 duce, I humbly implore thee, this conversion unto 
 thee, this change of will and renewal of heart, that 
 as often as thou shalt call those entrusted to me, to 
 give an account of their conduct, I may have the 
 consolation of believing that they have " died in thy 
 faith and fear ; that their peace was made with 
 thee ; and that their names were written in the 
 Book of Life!" 
 
 When I pray that all the flock may be thine, 
 humbly and earnestly do I beseech thee, that the 
 Shepherd may not be abandoned of thee. Let 
 not my unworthiness to minister at the altar, be 
 the cause of my reprobation : but when Thou 
 shalt summon me to give an account of my stew- 
 ardship — of my behaviour as a Man^ of my piety 
 as a Christian, and of my fidelity as a Minister — - 
 grant that my soul maybe supported by faith, and 
 enlivened with hope ; that the retrospect of a life 
 passed in " keeping thy commandments," in 
 preaching thy word, and promoting thy Glory, may 
 smooth the face of death, and bereave the grave of 
 all its terrors. 
 
 And whilst I implore thy blessing on my labors, 
 and on the people committed to my charge, beseech- 
 ing thee, that our lives may be holy, in order that 
 our deaths may be happy, I pour out my soul in 
 supplications,that thy gospel may dispense its benign 
 influence through every land : may it be faith- 
 
329 
 
 fully preached, and conscientiously practised ; and 
 may it be productive, in the hands of all thy Mini- 
 sters, of the everlasting salvation of those to whom 
 it is announced. May the peace which it pro- 
 claims, be universally established, and nation go to 
 war with nation no more : may the several families 
 of the earth be actuated by religious principles ; 
 and may concord and unanimity, brotherly love 
 and Christian charity, be the distinguishing cha- 
 racteristics of all those — to whatever sect they i^e- 
 long, and to whatever party they are attached — 
 " who name the name of Christ." 
 
 Above all, I humbly entreat thee, that thy Pro- 
 vidence may, in an especial manner, be extended 
 over this thy Church, *' which thy own right hand 
 hath planted ;" do thou be pleased to dwell in the 
 midst of it, that it may be called, '' the dwelling 
 of the truth, and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts, 
 the holy mountain : may the inhabitants of every 
 city and of every place, go one to another, saying, 
 let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to 
 seek the Lord of Hosts in his holy Temple ;" 
 may it no longer be said of any of its members, 
 that " they trust not in the Lord, and that they 
 draw not near to their God ;" but do thou, in mer- 
 cy " make of them a name and a praise among all 
 people of the earth." May the Gospel be preached 
 in it, in all its purity, and may the lives of its Mi- 
 nisters be its brightest ornaments ; '' may the law 
 of truth be in their mouth, and let not iniquity be 
 found in their lips ; may they walk before thee in 
 
330 
 
 peace and equity, and turn many away from their 
 iniquity:" may its worship be duly frequented, 
 and its Sacraments, in particular the commemora- 
 tion of our Redemption, in the Holy Communion, 
 be religiously observed : may that Blessed Ordi- 
 nance be no longer '' a stone of stumbling" to the 
 ignorant '' and a rock of offence" to the weak ; 
 but may the " old men, and all the inhabitants of 
 the land, receive it to their comfort," and may it 
 no longer be *'the reproach of their children, that 
 they go away from the Heavenly Feast, and do not 
 keep it ;" may schism be extirpated from " the 
 habitation of thy House ;" and may attachment to 
 it, proceeding from a conviction of its purity and 
 truth, be individually established ; may the voice 
 of joy and salvation be heard in every dwelling; 
 and may the several families of which this thy 
 Church is composed, erect an alter unto thee, and 
 may they daily offer upon it " an oblation of great 
 gladness ; saying, blessing, and glory, and wis- 
 dom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, 
 and might, be unto our God, for ever and ever, 
 Amenl" 
 
 THE END. 
 
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