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 MINISTERIAL FIDELITY. 
 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 DELIVERED AT THE 
 
 INSTALLATION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. JOSIAH HA WES 
 
 ;o TEE PASTORAL CHARGE OF THE CHURCH IN LYME } 
 NORTH SOCIETY, NOV. 23, 1814. 
 
 by PRINCE HA WES, 
 
 Tastor of the Church in the first society in Glastonbury* 
 
 fUBLISHED BY THE FEMALE ASSOCIATION, NORTH LYME, 
 
 NORWICH: 
 
 PRINTED BY RUSSELL HUBBARD, 
 1815. 
 
3 \*o € \' 1 
 
 a 1 
 

 INSTALLATION SERMON. 
 
 REVELATION ii. 10. 
 
 JSE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE 
 A CROWN OF LIFE. 
 
 AFTER the Lord Jesus Christ had ascended to 
 heaven, he appeared, in a vision, to his servant John, 
 in the isle of Patmos, where he had been previously- 
 banished for preaching the gospel. Having proclaim- 
 ed himself, " The Alpha and Omega, the beginning 
 and the ending, the Almighty," he delivers to his 
 faithful servant, a message, for the seven churches of 
 Asia. A separate message, for each church, was 
 copied from the mouth of the Lord, and then directed 
 to the seven Angels, or Ministers, to whose special 
 care these churches were committed. 
 
 The words of our text are included in the address, 
 which was sent to the minister of the church at Smyr- 
 na. " And unto the Angel of the church of Smyrna 
 write ; These things saith the first and the last, which 
 was dead and is alive ; I know thy works, and tribu- 
 lation and poverty, (but thou art rich,) and I know 
 the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and 
 are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none 
 of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the 
 devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may 
 be tried ; and ye shall have tribulation ten days : be 
 thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown 
 of life. '' 
 
4 
 
 This message, when received by the presiding min- 
 ister at Smyrna, was doubtless communicated to the 
 church under his care. And it may be supposed to 
 contain a word of instruction and encouragement, to 
 both minister and church. 
 
 The words of our text might be profitably illustra- 
 ted with reference to a church, taken collectively, to 
 an individual christian in a private capacity, or to a 
 minister of the gospel. On the present occasion they 
 will be considered principally with reference to the 
 last. Yes, brethren, we may hear a voice from heav- 
 en, saying to every one who is called to minister in 
 holy things, " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will 
 give thee a crown of life." While considering these 
 words, with reference to a minister of the gospel, two 
 things will naturally claim our attention. 
 
 I. The duty enjoined ; " Be thou faithful unto 
 death." 
 
 II. The reward promised to a compliance with 
 the duty. " I will give thee a crown of life." 
 
 L We are to consider the duty enjoined in the 
 text. The injunction upon every minister of the 
 gospel is, " Be thou faithful unto death." 
 
 Fidelity is a desirable trait in the character of any 
 man, whether he be called to act in a public, or pri- 
 vate capacity ; but especially in one to whom is com- 
 mitted an important trust. It is desirable, in civil 
 rulers, to whose management, are committed the con- 
 cerns of the public. It is desirable, in the instructors 
 of colleges, academies and schools of learning, who 
 are entrusted with the education of children and youth. 
 It is desirable, in parents, who are placed at the head 
 of a rising family. But it is most of ail desirable in a 
 minister, who is called to teach his fellow-sinners, the 
 way to heaven. He is entrusted with the care of im- 
 
mortal souls, and is placed in a station, where his 
 ifulness or unfaithfulness, will aifect the condition 
 of a vast multitude beyond the grave. 
 
 What, then, are the duties required of a minister, 
 in order that he may be accounted faithful ? 
 
 1. We say, he must fully and plainly preach the 
 gospel of Christ. And here, it is evident, that he who 
 ministers in holy things, he who is called to preach 
 what God commands, is not at liberty to teach for 
 doctrines the commandments of men. He is not, for 
 a moment, to listen to those, who would persuade him 
 to betray his solemn trust, saying, " Prophecy not 
 unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, 
 prophecy deceits. " There have been some, in even- 
 age of the world, who would more readily embrace 
 those doctrines, which have their origin in human de- 
 pravity, than those which are from heaven. These 
 will endeavor to entice God's ministers, to throw 
 aside the gospel, and prophecy only those smooth and 
 deceitful things, which are agreeable to the carnal 
 heart. But he who would be a faithful minister, will 
 not listen to their enticements. The Apostle Paul, 
 when writing to the Gallatians, expresses his surprise, 
 that they should so soon be seduced by false teachersy 
 and holds up to the view of every minister, an awful 
 warning, not to pervert that gospel which is commit- 
 ted to his trust. His language is, " I marvel that ye 
 are so soon removed from him, that called you into 
 the grace of Christ to another gospel, which is not 
 another, but there are some that trouble you, and 
 would pervert the .gospel of Christ. But though we 
 or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto 
 you, than that we have preached unto you, let him 
 be accursed." 
 
 Every minister of Christ, if he would be accouMed 
 
faithful, must in his preaching, take the word of God 
 for his guide. From this sacred treasury, all his en- 
 couragements, all his instructions, all his reproofs and 
 all his warnings must be drawn. Nor must he han- 
 dle the word of God deceitfully, and endeavor to 
 make it speak a language which it does not contain* 
 As he is a witness for God, under the solemnity of an 
 oath, he is to " speak the truth, the whole truth and 
 nothing but the truth." He must preach no doctrine, 
 which is not contained in the sacred volume ; this 
 would be adding to the things which are written in 
 this book. Nor must he omit any doctrine which is 
 there found ; this, would be taking away, from those 
 instructions, which are designed for us and for our 
 children. He must so fully preach the gospel, that 
 at the close of his ministry, when about to depart and 
 give an account of his stewardship, he can say to his 
 people, u I have not shunned to declare untcryou all 
 the counsel of God." 
 
 It will not be expected, on this occasion, that we 
 should go into a particular enumeration, of all the 
 doctrines which the gospel contains, and which a< 
 minister is bound to preach. We mention the fol- 
 lowing as being essential, and leading truths in the 
 christian system. The being and perfections of God 
 — His eternal existence, in three distinct persons, the 
 Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost — The primitive 
 purity of man — His total depravity after the fall — The 
 divinity and atonement of Jesus Christ — The divinity 
 of the Holy Ghost, and the absolute necessity of his 
 special influence to renew and sanctify the hearts of 
 ram— The necessity of repentance, faith and good 
 works — The perseverance of the saints, in holiness 
 unto eternal life — The eternal and unchangeable coun- 
 sels of God — Predestination and election — The free- 
 
agency and accountability of man — The resurrection 
 of the dead — A future judgment— The final separa- 
 tion between the righteous and the wicked— The. 
 endless happiness of the one and the endless misery 
 of the other. These, brethren, are doctrines, which 
 a minister, who would stand approved in the sight of 
 God, must not shun to declare. While preaching 
 the everlasting gospel, he may, indeed, consistently 
 with fidelity, choose acceptable words to convey his 
 instructions ; but in doing this, he is by no means to 
 conceal the truth. He is not to account any doctrines 
 which are found on the inspired page, among those 
 secret counsels of the Most High which are to be ex- 
 cluded from his public discourses. " Secret things 
 belong to the Lord our God ; but those things which 
 are revealed, belong unto us, and to our children." 
 Some have supposed, that a minister is authorised, 
 from this passage to pass over important truths con- 
 tained in divine revelation and give them no place in 
 his public instructions. But we think this supposi- 
 tion is altogether without foundation. It is evident, 
 the inspired writer, here places those secret things, 
 which belong to the Lord our God, in opposition to 
 those which are revealed. Of course those things, 
 which are revealed, or in other words those things 
 which are contained in the holy scriptures, are not 
 among the secret things to which the prophet had 
 reference. The secret things mentioned in this pas- 
 sage, which belong to the Lord our God, we cannot 
 exhibit to our hearers, because they are not found in 
 divine revelation. It would be presumption in us, to 
 meddle with those secret counsels of the Most High 
 which are known only to himself. But the doctrines, 
 which are contained in the gospel, are not among the 
 secret things ; these, are clearly revealed, and conse- 
 quently are for us and for our children, 
 
The holy bible contains no doctrine, which infinite 
 wisdom, did not think best to reveal. " All scrip- 
 ture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable, 
 for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruc- 
 tion in righteousness." How inconsistent, then, is 
 the opinion, that a minister may be faithful, in his 
 preaching, and yet omit important truths, which he 
 knows, and which, the world must know, God has 
 revealed ? How inconsistent the sentiment, that cer- 
 tain doctrines, which are found in the gospel, arc so 
 unprofitable, that they ought to be entirely suppres- 
 sed ? If, my hearers, we say that God has revealed 
 truths, which are unprofitable, and which ought not 
 to be known, we call in question his wisdom. Yen; 
 we charge the infinite God with folly. He has given 
 us this revelation, for our instruction, and he has in- 
 cluded nothing in it, which he deemed superfluous* 
 
 Were we to admit the erroneous opinion, that a 
 preacher might lawfully omit some doctrines which 
 God has revealed, we ask how it shall be determined, 
 what may be lawfully omitted? Is he to be guided 
 by the feelings of depraved men? Here we find one 
 opposed to the doctrine of total depravity. Another 
 to the doctrine of regeneration. Another to the per- 
 severance of saints. Another to the divinity of Christ. 
 Another to the sovereignty of God» And another to 
 the future endless punishment of the wicked. In- 
 deed, there is scarcely a doctrine in the gospel, which 
 does not receive the opposition of unholy men. On 
 the principle then, that part of the gospel may be pas- 
 sed over, we have no bounds, and may continue to 
 expunge one doctrine after another, till no traces of 
 the gospel are left. When we once begin to cut the 
 
 I 
 
1 
 
 iearfes from our bibles, and cast them into the fire, v/e 
 shall never know where to stay our hand, till we have 
 committed the whole to the flames. Besides, we say, 
 further, it is impossible, in a land of bibles, for a 
 preacher, wholly to conceal the doctrines of the gos- 
 pel. These are revealed, and will stand upon the 
 pages of inspiration, as long as the world shall stand. 
 If men search the scriptures, as they ought, they will 
 know that these doctrines are there, and if the preach- 
 er has not brought them to view, they will know that 
 he has not been faithful to his solemn trust* 
 
 We say then, a minister has no authority to omit, 
 or endeavor to conceal any doctrine of divine revela- 
 tion. He is a steward of the mysteries of God, and 
 " it is required of stewards that a man be found faith- 
 ful." And as he is to preach the whole gospel, it is 
 evident, he is not to dwell upon one doctrine to the 
 exclusion of others. He must " study to show him- 
 self approved of God ; a workman that needeth not to 
 be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 
 
 iMo truth is to be neglected, because it is displeas- 
 ing to the carnal heart. Every minister ought, inf 
 deed, to pray that his hearers may be pleased with the 
 truth ; but he is *iot to refrain from preaching the 
 truth for fear of exciting their displeasure. He is npt 
 in this sense to be a man-pleaser. Saith the Apostle* 
 <4 As we are allowed of God to be put in trust with 
 the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men 
 but God who trieth our hearts. — For do I persuade 
 men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I 
 yet pleased men I should not be the servant of Christ. 5 * 
 Thus tho' a minister should endeavor by every lawful 
 method, to secure the affections of his hearers, ye$ 
 
 4 
 
10 
 
 this desirable object, is not to be sought, at the ex- 
 pence of his duty, the sacrifice of a good conscience 
 and the approbation of his Judge. 
 
 What has already been said, we think sufficient to 
 show, that a minister, in order to be faithful, must 
 " not shun to declare all the counsel of God/' One 
 observation more will conclude what we have to say 
 respecting his public preaching. That is, that he use- 
 great plainness of speech. If he speak to his people j 
 in a language which they do not understand, he is the 
 same to them as one who speaks in an unknown 
 tongue, and the effects of his preaching are wholly 
 lost. It is therefore of the first importance, that his 
 style be adapted to the capacity of his hearers. No 
 saving benefit, can be derived, from the most excel- 
 lent discourses, if they are not understood. A min- 
 ister may preach all the doctrines of the gospel, and 
 yet do it in a style so far above the capacity of his 
 hearers, that his meaning will not be perceived. In 
 this case, though he declares the truth, yet his preach- 
 ing cannot be profitable. Saith the Apostle, "And 
 I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with 
 excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto 
 you the testimony of God ; for I determined not to 
 know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and 
 him crucified. — And my speech and my preaching, 
 was not with the enticing words of man's wisdom, 
 but in demonstration of the spirit and of power.--' 
 Here is an example for every minister of the gospel. 
 Thus we have considered ministerial fidelity, as it 
 respects the preaching of the word. 
 
 2. If a minister would be faithful, he must be con- 
 cerned to know the spiritual state of his flock. He 
 
11 
 
 must not be unmindful of the admonition, which the 
 holy Apostle gave the elders of Ephesus, in view of 
 his final departure. Take heed therefore to your- 
 selves, and to all the flock, over whom the Holy Ghost 
 hath made you overseers. Sensible of the worth of 
 immortal souls, and the solemnity of his trust, he must 
 not be indifferent to their eternal salvation. He must 
 use every lawful exertion, for the everlasting welfare 
 of those committed to his care. Hence other labors 
 will necessarily Revolve upon him besides those per- 
 formed upon the sabbath. Not knowing how soon 
 death will bring his ministry to a close, he must 
 *' watch for souls as one who expects to give an ac- 
 count." He must not only preach the word, but " be 
 instant, in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, ex- 
 hort, with all long-suffering and doctrine." As far 
 as practicable, he must seek to know the state of every 
 family, and every soul committed to his charge. If 
 health and other circumstances permit, he may spend 
 a portion of his time among his people, attending re- 
 ligious meetings, visiting from house to house, coun- 
 selling, exhorting, and warning every one as oppor- 
 tunity presents. As there are those, who are wholly 
 indifferent to the salvation of their souls, whose man- 
 ner it is to forsake the assembling of themselves to- 
 gether, he may by this means have opportunity, to 
 preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, to some who 
 seldom or never appear in the sanctuary of God. And 
 who knows, but some of these, when they see how 
 much their spiritual watchman is interested in their 
 immortal welfare, will awake to a sense of duty, and 
 feel a degree of concern for their own salvation ? But 
 though such should not be reclaimed, the watchman^ 
 
12 
 
 living given faithful warning, will not be crimsoned 
 with the blood of their souls. 
 
 He must be ready to minister to the sick and dis^ 
 t tressed, to pour the consolations of the gospel, into 
 the hearts of the afflicted, to lead enquiring souls to a 
 crucified Saviour, and to warn sinners of every de- 
 scription, of the awful consequences of their impeni- 
 tence. If they perish in their sins, if they fall under 
 3 tremendous doom, he must leave them without ex- 
 cuse. 
 
 3. If a minister would be faithful, he must admin- 
 ister the ordinances that Christ has appointed, and; 
 carefully maintain the discipline which he has insti- 
 tuted in his church. The holy sacraments, of bap- 
 tism and the Lord's supper, are to be administered to 
 the proper subjects. The sacrament of the Lord's 
 supper, is to be administered to visible believers, who 
 have taken upon them the covenant of God ; and the, 
 ordinance of baptism to believers and their seed. 
 These ordinances can be properly administered, only 
 by a minister or a bishop, who has received regular 
 Ordination. And it is his duty, not only to attend tq 
 these, but to see that gospel discipline be maintained 
 in the church over which he is placed. A church, 
 tliat disregards christian discipline, will soon forfeit 
 its character, and have nothing to distinguish it from 
 the world that lieth in wickedness. In this condition, 
 it will resemble a garden, which is left without cultiva* 
 tion, which is all grown over with noxious weeds, or 
 which is trodden under foot by the beasts of the field, 
 
 The minister, therefore, who is to take the over- 
 sight of the flock, must look well to the qualifications 
 of those who offer themselves as candidates for the holy 
 communion. He must here make a difference be- 
 tween the holy and the profane* He must gdmit 
 
13 
 
 none into the church of Christ, without satisfactory 
 evidence that they are his disciples. And when ad«* 
 mitted, he must see that they walk worthy the voca- 
 tion wherewith they are called. After ail his vigih 
 a nee and care, there will doubtless be some, who are 
 not real christians, and there may be some, whose 
 conduct is such, as to call for the censure of the 
 church. In such cases, that course of discipline is to 
 be pursued, which is pointed out in the gospel* Di- 
 rections, on this head, are found in the following pas- 
 sages. Saith our blessed Saviour, " If thy brother 
 trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between 
 ihee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou hast 
 gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then 
 take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of 
 two or three witnesses, every word may be establish- 
 ed. And if he neglect to hear them, tell it unto the 
 church ; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him 
 be unto tl}ee as an heathen man and a publican*" 
 J^aith the Apostle, "Now we command you, breth- 
 ren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye 
 withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh 
 disorderly, and not after the tradition which he receiv- 
 ed of us. — And if any man obey not our word by this 
 epistle, note that man and have no company with him 
 that he may be ashamed. ~A heretic, after the first 
 and second admonition, reject." If then there are 
 disorderly members, or heretics in the church, it is 
 the duty of the spiritual watchman, to see that proper 
 steps be takea, if possible to reclaim them, or if they 
 cannot be reclaimed, to cut them off from christian 
 fellowship and communion. The church is not to re- 
 tain in its bosom, those who reject the essential doc- 
 trines of the gospel, or who, by their vices, prove 
 themselves to be enemies to the cross of Christ. . 
 
14 
 
 4. If a minister would be faithful, he must be care , 
 fill to maintain a christian deportment. In vain does 
 he preach, if he does not, in all things, show himself 
 a pattern of good works. There must be a manifest 
 correspondence between his preaching and his prac- 
 tice. He must regulate his own conduct, by those 
 divine and heavenly precepts, which he recommends 
 to his hearers. He must be one to follow his own in- 
 structions. In meekness, in purity, in temperance, 
 in gravity, in patience, in heavenly- mindedness, yea 
 in all things, he must be an example to the flock. In 
 his general deportment, he must exhibit evidence, 
 that he is an experimental christian, that he has felt 
 the power of religion on his own heart, and that he 
 means to live, and act under its blessed influence. If 
 he would hope for success in his preaching, he must 
 prove by his example, that the spirit and temper of 
 the gospel have been wrought in his heart, by the pow- 
 er of the Holy Ghost. His hearers must know that 
 he can condemn vice, not in word only, but in deed 
 and in truth. While he, in his public discourses^ 
 recommends the christian graces to his fellow-men, 
 lie must see that they adorn his own character* And 
 while he fervently prays for the salvation of sinners, 
 and warns them to flee from the wrath to come, he 
 must take the path to heaven himself, and say to a 
 thoughtless world, this is the way, walk ye in it. He 
 must be a burning and a shining light in a benighted 
 world, holding forth the word of life, to those who 
 are perishing in darkness. While professedly travel- 
 ling the way to glory, his path must be that of the 
 just, shining more and more to the perfect day. Thus 
 my hearers we have considered what is included in 
 ministerial fidelity. We proceed in the 
 
 •II. Place, to consider the reward, which the grea^ 
 
15 
 
 head of the church, has promised to a faithful minis- 
 ter. This, brethren, is a crown of life. The chris- 
 tian minister will be greatly disappointed, if he ex- 
 pects, in a world of sin, to execute the duties of his 
 station, without being called to encounter difficulties 
 and trials. He may not, like most of the primitive 
 preachers of the gospel, be called to resign his life, 
 for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus, 
 But it would be remarkable, if when his ministry 
 comes to a close, he could testify, that he had suffer- 
 ed nothing for Christ and the gospel. But though 
 trials, of some kind, be the portion of the faithful min- 
 ister, yet, blessed be God, he shall not fail of his re- 
 ward. He does not labor, contend, and strive, in 
 vain. Whether we consider him as laboring in a 
 vineyard, as running a race, or as engaged in a war- 
 fare, let him but persevere, and continue faithful unto 
 death, and his Lord and Master will bestow upon 
 him a crown of life. This in other words is called a 
 41 crown of righteousness" and a "crown of glory 
 that fadeth not away." 
 
 It is easy to perceive, that this blessed promise is 
 expressed in figurative language ; and is designed to 
 represent, the honor and dignity, the glory and feli- 
 city, which Christ will bestow upon his faithful ser- 
 vants at the last day. Yes, brethren, the faithful 
 minister, having finished his labors and toils, having 
 fought the good fight, and finished his course, shall 
 receive a crown ; not like the garland of flowers, 
 which the victor obtained in the Grecian games. A 
 crown like this would soon lose its beauties and fade 
 away. Not like the crown which is placed upon the 
 head of an earthly monarch j this, though it may daz- 
 zle for a moment, must shortly lose its lustre, and all 
 its glories perish. But there shall be placed upon his 
 
is 
 
 Tiead, an unfading crown ; a crown which shall remain 
 untarnished, when all the charms and splendors of 
 earthly crowns shall have departed forever. 
 
 The Apostle Paul, as his ministry drew to a close, 
 consoled himself with the consideration that he should 
 receive this crown. Saith he w I am now ready to 
 be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I 
 have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, 
 I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up 
 for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the 
 righteous Judge shall give me at that day." 
 
 The faithful minister shall not only have a crown, 
 but it shall be " a crown of life, a crown of glory that 
 fadeth not away." Christ the chief Shepherd, will 
 not only acknowledge his faithful ambassadors, but 
 he will give them to share in the distinguished honors 
 and glories of his kingdom. M They that be wise 
 shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and 
 they that turn many to righteousness, as stars forever 
 and ever." Yes, my hearers, the minister who is 
 faithful unto death, shall not be a cast away, nor shall 
 he lose his reward. He has a glorious inheritance 
 reserved for him in the heavenly world. In the last 
 great and solemn day, he will be welcomed with 
 ei Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
 the joy of thy Lord." He shall enter that kingdom, 
 where labors and toils where suffering and death are 
 known no more ; and where he shall enjoy, without 
 interruption, the blessings of life eternal. In heaven 
 he shall meet his spiritual children, who with him 
 shall join the society of all the good, and live and 
 reign with Christ to all eternity. Such, brethren, is 
 the reward of every minister who is faithful unto death. 
 
 In review of our subject w T e are led to remark, 
 
 1. That the fidelity of a minister will materially af- 
 fect the condition of his hearers in the world to come. 
 
17 
 
 There is little reason to hope that all will receive 
 saving benefit from the ministry of reconciliation. 
 The most persevering and faithful labors will not save 
 a single soul from death, without the blessing of God. 
 Ministers are nothing more than instruments, by 
 which God carries into execution his gracious de- 
 signs. The blessed treasure of the gospel is com- 
 mitted to earthen vessels, that the excellency of the 
 power may be of God and not of men. " Paul plant- 
 ed, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." 
 
 Like the prophet in the valley of vision, it is the 
 duty of ministers to prophecy upon the slain, and to 
 say " O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord ;" 
 but the power of God alone can render the word ef- 
 fectual. Never till the spirit of the Highest breathes 
 upon them , will dry bones revive and live. The most 
 friendly entreaties, the most affectionate calls, the 
 most solemn warnings, and the most awful consider- 
 ations, will not, of themselves, awaken sinners from 
 their death-like slumbers. They will never awake 
 from their stupidity, they will remain as they are, 
 " dead in trespasses and sins," till they are quicken- 
 ed by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 It is not, however, the less important that a minis- 
 ter' be faithful, because he is not able, by his own ex- 
 ertions, to effect the salvation of sinners. On faith- 
 ful labors only have we any reason to expect the bles- 
 sing, and on these the blessing is usually, in some 
 measure bestowed. Though God acts as a sovereign, 
 the faithful servant of Christ will doubtless see some 
 fruit of his labors. And though the majority of his 
 hearers should misimprove his ministry and perish 
 in their sins, yet he shall not labor altogether in vain, 
 and spend his strength for nought. He will, in all 
 probability, be an instrument in the hand of God, to 
 
18 
 
 prepare some precious and immortal souls for the 
 endless blessedness of heaven. 
 
 Nor will his ministry be wholly without effect, as 
 it respects the condition of those who reject the offers 
 of mercy and die in their sins. It will render them 
 inexcusably guilty, and awfully aggravate their future 
 doom, Saith the Apostle, 6w We are unto God a 
 sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in 
 them that perish. In the one, we are the savor of 
 life unto life ; to the other, the savor of death unto 
 death. " We say, then, that the fidelity of a minister 
 will materially affect the condition of his hearers in 
 the eternal world. They will be more happy, or 
 miserable, according as they improve or abuse the 
 light and privileges with which they are favored. 
 
 2. If fidelity is a desirable trait in the character of 
 a minister, then his people should be extremely cau- 
 tious how they hinder his faithfulness. 
 
 It is sometimes the case that depraved men mur- 
 mur and complain, merely because a minister is faith- 
 ful ; and instead of affording him their aid and en- 
 couragement, throw every possible obstacle in the 
 way of his fidelity. They render hatred for his love 5 
 evil for his good, and reproaches for his prayers. 
 Did they realize the importance of his trust, did they 
 consider the solemnity of that account which he must 
 render in the judgment day, would they complain of 
 his faithfulness ? Would they endeavor to draw him 
 aside from the path of duty? If they saw the Judge 
 enthroned, and guilty millions trembling at his tribu- 
 nal, could they have the most distant desire that their 
 minister should pervert the gospel of Christ, or con- 
 ceal any of its doctrines ? Would they say to him, 
 1 'Prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us 
 smooth things, prophecy deceits?" Were they 
 
19 
 
 sensible that by unfaithfulness, he would bring an 
 awful weight of guilt upon his own soul, and be in- 
 strumental of plunging many of his hearers into end- 
 less torments, would they wish him to be unfaithful ? 
 Hard and unfeeling must be that heart, which can 
 tempt a minister to betray his solemn trust. Those 
 who can be guilty of such a deed, not only prove that 
 they have no just conceptions of the responsibility of 
 his station, but also that they have no realizing sense 
 of eternal scenes. 
 
 A people, if disposed, may do much to aid and en- 
 courage their minister in his important labors. Per* 
 suaded that they approve of his fidelity, that they are 
 with him in heart, that they are ready to afford him 
 their aid, his heart is encouraged, his hands are 
 strengthened, his labors become comparatively light, 
 and difficulties, which would otherwise appear insu- 
 perable, vanish away. Under such circumstances, 
 he can go forth to his work with courage and anima- 
 tion. 
 
 On the other hand, a people may do much, if dis* 
 posed, to dishearten and discourage their minister. 
 They do this, when they endeavor to encrease the dif- 
 ficulties and trials which he must encounter in the 
 faithful discharge of duty. They do this, when they 
 become his enemies, because he tells them the truth. 
 If they oppose him, because he preaches the gospel 
 in its purity, if they reproach him because he bears a 
 decided testimony against vice, or if in any case they 
 endeavor to persuade him, that prudence points out a 
 different course of duty from that which the gospel 
 prescribes, they oppose his fidelity* 
 
 If then a people would not pierce the heart of their 
 minister with many sorrows, if they would not cause 
 his soul to weep in secret places, let them not, by 
 
20 
 
 their stupidity and ingratitude, encrease his difficul- 
 ties and trials. Let them never cavil and object when 
 he preaches the unsullied doctrines of the gospel. 
 Never complain, when he warns the wicked in view 
 of a judgment, to come, to forsake their evil ways, and 
 denounces death and destruction on the finally im- 
 penitent. As it is desirable he should save his own 
 soul, and the souls that hear him, let them encourage 
 him in his fidelity. 
 
 3. If a minister and people are mutually faithful, 
 they will meet each other with sensations of joy in the 
 day of judgment. 
 
 Fidelity which is so desirable and important in a 
 minister, must be deemed of no inconsiderable conse- 
 quence in a people. Their spiritual watchman may 
 be concerned for their salvation, he may be fervent 
 in his preaching, in his exhortations and in his pray- 
 ers, but if they have no concern for themselves, they 
 will assuredly perish. If they remain at ease in their 
 sins, without any disposition to enquire what they 
 shall do to be saved, their perdition is inevitable. 
 
 Some who have attended upon a preached gospel 
 for a number of years without any saving benefit to 
 their souls, may be disposed to complain of their 
 teachers ; but the fault may, notwithstanding, be in 
 themselves. It is possible they have attended with 
 wrong affections of heart, and without the least desire 
 to receive the blessing of God. Saith the Apostle, 
 " The word preached did not profit them, not being 
 mixed with faith in them that heard it." However 
 faithful a minister may be, if there is no fidelity on the 
 part of his hearers, though he will deliver his own 
 soul, they cannot expect to be profited. But O how 
 blessed, where both minister and people shall be found 
 faithful unto death ? The time is fast hastening, when 
 
21 
 
 they must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. 
 The faithful minister will there stand approved ; and 
 if his people have faithfully improved his ministry, 
 they will have a joyful meeting. The minister ap- 
 proaching the holy Judge, with humble confidence, 
 will say, here am I and the children which thou hast 
 given me ; and the people will rise up and call him 
 blessed. Brethren, without attempting to describe 
 this delightful scene, we shall leave it to be realized 
 by those who are found faithful unto death. 
 
 We shall now close this discourse, first by an ad- 
 dress to the Pastor elect, and secondly to the church 
 and congregation, who are deeply interested in the 
 transactions of this day. 
 
 My Dear Brother, 
 
 This is to you an interesting and solemn day. The 
 consequences of the connexion which is now about 
 to be formed between you and this people, may be 
 lasting as eternity itself. You are now to be placed 
 over this people in the Lord. Here are some of the 
 precious and immortal souls to be committed to your 
 care. Yonder is the judgment-seat, where you must 
 meet to give an account. O how solemn the thought, 
 that the transactions of this day are recorded in heav- 
 en, and that the consequences will be realized, when 
 these visible heavens shall be no more ! 
 
 Being called to labor in this part of the vineyard, 
 we sincerely hope, and fervently pray, that you may 
 enjoy the presence of the Great Head of the church, 
 and that your labors among this people, may be own- 
 ed and blest. You have doubtless felt more deeply 
 than has been described, the importance of ministeri- 
 al fidelity. We trust the cause of Christ lies near 
 your heart, and that to advance this cause, will be the 
 rejoicing of your soul. You will ever feel your de~ 
 
jpendenee upon the grace of God for success in your 
 ministerial labors. You will not only preach there- 
 for, but pray. And who knows but you may have 
 the satisfaction to see the work of the Lord prosper 
 among this people ? O my brother, how joyful and 
 animating is the consideration, that you may meet 
 some of these souls in glory, who shall be given you, 
 as the fruits of your labors? But whether they are 
 saved or lost, you are to be faithful. When you 
 come before this people, in the name of the Lord, 
 you are to realize that their souls are precious, and 
 have ardent desires for their salvation. You are to 
 preach, reprove, exhort, and warn, in view of a judg% 
 ment to come, and the solemnities of the eternal world. 
 In view of every thing that is precious, in view of the 
 dying love of our Redeemer, in view of every thing 
 that is solemn, in view of the joys of heaven, and the 
 miseries of hell, you are to beseech sinners to be re* 
 conciled to God. And now, brother, we commend 
 you to God and to the word of his grace ; and for 
 your encouragement and comfort, only listen to him 
 that speaketh from heaven, saying, " Be thou faithful 
 unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 5 ' 
 Brethren and Friends, 
 You hav r e heard what it is for a minister to be faith - 
 fill, A minister, thus faithful, is one of the richest 
 blessings which heaven can bestow upon a people. 
 O then be entreated, to pray for your minister, and 
 do all in your power, to encourage his fidelity. Be 
 willing that he should declare unto you u all the coun- 
 sel of God;" and never cavil, or complain when he 
 preaches any doctrines, which are found in the gospel 
 of Christ. And while your minister watches for 
 
y6\iY souls, be not indifferent to your own salvation. 
 If it is his duty to preach, it is your duty to hear, and 
 receive instruction. Do not, therefore, " forsake 
 the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner 
 of some is." Never without excuse, turn your backs 
 upon the house of God and upon the ordinances of 
 the gospel. Consider, " the time is short." Soon 
 you will close your eyes in death, and your state of 
 probation come to a final period. And O remember, 
 that you, and your minister, must one day meet at 
 the tribunal of the infinite Judge. Then, O then, if 
 you have faithfully improved your privileges, if you 
 have repented of your sins and embraced the Saviour, 
 you shall give up your account with joy. But if, 
 after having been favored with the invitations, the 
 calls, and warnings of the gospel, you are at last found 
 in impenitence and sin, it will be more tolerable for 
 Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of judgment, than 
 for you. Who among all the millions of the wretch- 
 ed, can have a deeper place in hell, than those who 
 perish from under the gospel ! May God bless to you 
 the instructions of his word, may you be found among 
 those, " Who are Washed, who are sanctified, who 
 a r e justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by 
 the Spirit of our God;" and at last, may you join 
 that blessed company, around the throne, who shall 
 say, " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy 
 name be all the glory." 
 
 I cannot close this discourse, without calling the 
 attention of this whole assembly, to the solemn scenes 
 that await us all. My hearers, you are all hastening 
 to the grave, and to the world of spirits. In time, 
 you form characters for a long eternity. Soon you 
 
24 
 
 will-all be in the world of glory, or in the world of woe* 
 Soon you will surround the throne of God, and unite, 
 in the song of Moses and the Lamb, or lift up your 
 eyes in torments, where is weeping, and wailing and 
 gnashing of teeth* Are you then prepared for the, 
 solemn scenes that await you ? Are you prepared to 
 die the death of the righteous? Are you prepared to 
 enter upon the inheritance with the saints in light ? 
 Answer th^se enquiries, my hearers, in view of that 
 tribunal, from which there is no appeal. May minis- 
 ters and people be found faithful unto death, then we 
 know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be 
 dissolved, we have a building of God, not made with 
 hands, eternal in the heavens. AMEN, 
 
 THE CIUUGE TO THE PASTOR* 
 
 BY THE 
 
 HEV. ELIJAH PAftSONS, 
 
 Of East-Haddam. 
 
 WE who are ministers of the gospel, do none of us pretend 
 to any superior or spiritual authority over each other. We 
 openly profess that we can neither communicate any extraordi- 
 nary gifts nor receive them from men. We believe that it is 
 the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, to qualify his servants, in- 
 cline their hearts to engage in his work, and to give to his peo- 
 ple pastors after his own heart. But we are bound to pursue 
 the order he has prescribed, to keep the unity of the spirit in 
 the bond of peace, and preserve the fellowship of the churches. 
 We therefore according to scriptural example, and apostolic 
 authority, are met together this day, to recognize the solemn 
 designation of our brother to the gospel ministry in this place, 
 and the interesting relation now avowed between him and this 
 church and people. 
 
25 
 
 Fte having been honorably discharged from the obligation m> 
 was under, to serve the interest of the Redeemer in another 
 part of the vineyard ; and having taken the oversight of this 
 church and people ; will permit me to admonish him of the sol- 
 emn charge committed to his trust. 
 
 Take heed, brother, to the ministry that you have received in. 
 flie Lord, that you fulfil it with fidelity. Feed this flock of God 
 over which the Holy Ghost hath made you an overseer. Preach 
 the word. Be instant in season and out of season. Reprove, 
 rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. Shun not 
 to declare all the counsel of God, so far as it is revealed in the 
 inspired writings. Be careful to know the state of this peo- 
 ple, and adapt your instructions both in public and private ta 
 their particular circumstances. Warn the wicked — instruct 
 the ignorant — comfort the feeble-minded — bind up the broken- 
 hearted — and endeavor to promote their growth in faith, love, 
 humility, and every other grace. Administer the sacraments 
 of the New-Testament, Baptism and the Lord's Supper to all to 
 whom they belong. Dispense the discipline of God's house, 
 when there may be occasion for it ; but take care that it be 
 done with meekneas, candor, prudence, and impartiality. Give 
 yourself to prayer as well as to reading and meditation : pray 
 always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, for your- 
 self and your people also : and watch thereunto with perse- 
 verance. Be an example to believers in word^ in conversa- 
 tion, in charity, in faith, in purity. 
 
 We give you this charge in the sight of God who quickeneth, 
 all things, and before his Son Jesus Christ, to whom you must 
 render an account in the day of his appearing to judge the 
 w orld in righteousness. If you ask with solicitous concern 
 " who is sufficient for these things ?" be careful that you be 
 not discouraged nor sink in your mind — put on the whole ar- 
 mour of God — war a good warfare — be faithful to the death 
 and you will receive a crown of life, which the Lord the right- 
 eous Judge will bestow in that day upon all them that love his 
 appearing. • . 
 
 RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV. MR. HOVEY, 
 Of Saybrook. 
 
 IN the primitive ministers of Christ evidently e!dsted a 
 strong desire for the salvation of the souls of men. To spread 
 abroad the gospel, which brings life and immortality to light, 
 they were willing to travel around the world, to expose them- 
 
 4 
 
2§ 
 
 selves to dangers and perils of every kind, and to sacrifice 
 temporal wealth, worldly honors, and personal ease. 
 
 The great Apostle of the Gentiles exhibited in himself an 
 illustrious example of the true spirit of the gospel ministry. 
 Sensible of the hardened and blinded state of his own nation, 
 it was his heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel that they 
 might be saved. Receiving much personal abuse from the Jews, 
 after his conversion to Christianity, instead of seeking to re- 
 venge his wrongs, or retaliate for his injuries, with no small 
 portion of the spirit of his divine master, he could pray for his 
 enemies, and even wish himself accursed from Christ, for his 
 brethren, his kinsmen according to the flesh. 
 
 As all the faithful ministers of Christ have drunk into the 
 same spirit, although possessed of different gifts and zeal, they 
 are actuated by an ardent desire for the future welfare of the 
 60uls of men. Such a desire is connected with that spirit of 
 universal benevolence and good will to men, which is essen- 
 tially involved in the character of God's children, and is the 
 result of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost upon then- 
 hearts; — it arises from a sense of the worth of souls, as im- 
 mortal, capable of endless happiness, or endless misery ;— and 
 from a supreme regard to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose hon- 
 or is so much involved in the salvation of men. 
 
 Possessing the true spirit of his station, the minister of Christ 
 Will feel himself impelled to action. It will be, not merely the 
 desire of his heart, but his prayer to God, the fountain of all 
 saving influence, that the souls of men might be saved. He 
 will aim to make to his hearers a faithful and affectionate dec- 
 laration of the gospel of Christ, reproving, rebuking, and ex- 
 horting them, with all long-suffering and doctrine ; at the 
 same time endeavoring to become an ensample to believers, in 
 word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity ; 
 that when the chief shepherd shall appear, he may not only 
 receive to himself a crown of glory, that will not fade away, 
 but present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, with exceeding 
 joy. 
 
 When James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars 
 in the church, perceived the grace that was given unto Paul, 
 discovering in him the true spirit of the gospel ministry, they 
 gave to him- and to Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that 
 they might go unto the heathen publicly acknowledged as min- 
 isters of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Did I not hope and believe that you* Sir, who are now in- 
 stalled pastor of the flock of Christ in this place, possess some 
 portion of the spirit, which appeared so illustrious in the great 
 Apostle of the Gentiles, and which is so bright an ornament in 
 a minister of Christ, my feelings would be far different on this 
 occasion from what they now are. But, Sir, I am persuaded 
 better things of you, things that accompany salvation, trust- 
 
27 
 
 uig that your heart is engaged in the great work to which you 
 are consecrated — a work designed to promote the salvation of 
 souls. Actuated by these feelings, according to the example 
 of the primitive ministers of Christ, and by the direction of 
 this ecclesiastical council, I now give you the right hand of 
 christian and ministerial fellowship. It is not an empty, un- 
 meaning ceremony. You are hereby acknowledged to be a 
 regular minister of Christ, and cordially welcomed to this part 
 of the vineyard of our common Lord. Freely do we promise 
 to afford you all the assistance, support, and counsel in our 
 power; and we shall expect and gladly receive the same ex- 
 pressions of christian and ministerial affection from you in re- 
 turn ; devoutly praying that we may keep the unity of the spirit 
 in the bond of peace. 
 
 In desiring the offiee of a bishop you have desired a good 
 work. The Lord hath been pleased in his providence, hereto- 
 fore, to grant you the desire of .your heart — to account you 
 faithful, putting you into the ministry ; and hath now set you 
 to be a watchman upon this part of the walls of his Jerusalem. 
 Here then you are now called to labor for Christ — to watch for 
 soids. May you watch with a solemn sense of tjie account you 
 must hereafter render to your Lord and Master. May you 
 realize the interesting consequences which will follow from 
 your present pastoral relation. Look around, Sir, and behold 
 how many souls are now committed to your charge, each of 
 which is precious beyond expression ; the everlasting life, or 
 death of which, is materially depending on the wisdom, the 
 fidelity, and the zeal of your labors ! If your instructions, if 
 your reproofs, if your example, if your prayers can prevent it, 
 let not one of these immortal souls perish. 
 
 Your experience has taught you that the gospel ministry is 
 attended with trials ; you are apprised also of its consolations. 
 Shall we give way to despondency in this work, seeing our 
 Lord hath said, for the support and encouragement of his min- 
 isters, ho, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world 
 -—be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of 
 life ?— May you, Sir, on this occasion, to the solemnity of 
 which your feelings are tenderly alive, renewedly give your- 
 self to God. May you feel an increasing desire for the salva- 
 tion of souls, inciting you to action for their everlasting good— 
 a desire arising from a sense of the worth of souls, and from a 
 saving love to Christ. May the arms of your hands be made 
 strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. Possessing 
 the true spirit of your station, may you not refrain from warn- 
 ing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that you 
 may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Amen. 
 
•^ 
 
 Jl CHARGE, 
 
 ADDRESSED TO THE 
 
 CHURCH AND CONGREGATION 
 
 OF THE THIRD ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY IN LYME, 
 
 Mthe Installation of the Rev. Josiah Hawes,Ncv. 23, 1815, 
 5Y FREDERICK WILLIAM HOTCHKISS, a. m. 
 
 PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN ^AYBROOK. 
 
 Dearly Beloved in the Lord, 
 
 IN the bereaved state of this part of the vineyard of our 
 Redeemer, you have been the subject of many ascending 
 prayers to Heaven, from the ministry, and the saints in the 
 christian church. 
 
 Those prayers have been heard, and are, this day, an- 
 swered. 
 
 Behold, now, the man of your choice. We present before 
 you him, whom "the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, 
 has designated to set over this congregation, to go out before 
 you, and to go in before you ; and to lead you out, and to 
 bring you inj that you be not as sheep without a shepherd."* 
 
 He has been solemnly consecrated by prayer, and the lay- 
 ing on of the hands of the presbytery ; and you have heard 
 the holy charge administered to him, to be faithful : — a charge 
 too weighty for mortal man to bear, unless buoyed up by the 
 power of Omnipotence. 
 
 Having charged him to be faithful in the ministry commit- 
 ted to him, we have a charge for this church and people, in 
 the spiritual relation now formed. 
 
 When the church in the wilderness were called to contend 
 with their enemies, their leader ascended the mount to pray. 
 As he continued long in this holy exercise, his hands became 
 weary, and they fell ; but he had assistants with him, who 
 came forward, and stayed up his hands. § Like these, you 
 are to conduct towards your spiritual leader, whose whole life 
 Is to be devoted in prayer, on this holy mount, for the church > 
 
 *Nura. xxvii. 16 ? 17. §Exod. xvii. 1% 
 
 
29 
 
 While you are warring with Amalek, he is to wrestle with 
 the Angel of the Covenant for you. — We need the prayers of 
 Hie church. — " Brethren, pray for us." Stay up the hands of 
 Moses on the mount, for they may become weary in your ser- 
 vice. Oh ! how much depends on a praying people for a useful 
 ministry 5 and oh ! what immense blessings, temporal and spir- 
 itual, are suspended on the united prayers of the ministry and 
 church ! 
 
 But while we charge you to pray for him, forget not the du- 
 ty of acting forth that spirit of prayer in your conduct towards 
 him. Cheerfully fulfil your covenant for his temporal sup- 
 port ; and remember that they who serve " at the altar, must 
 live of the altar : and that while they minister to you in 
 spiritual things, it is not hard that they reap of your carnal 
 things." — He brings an order from the King of Heaven ; it 
 must never be protested ; it must be faithfully paid ; "for the 
 laborer is worthy of his hire." — He is charged to read, medi- 
 tate and pray, and ^ give himself wholly" to the ministry : 
 but how can this be done, without the supply of his temporal 
 wants ?— -Worldly embarrassments are almost fatal to the 
 ministry. The Lord's people were the Levites' inheritance, 
 in the ancient church. They were scattered among the tribes 
 of Israel, without possessions like their brethren, because the 
 people and their tithes were to be their portion. — Heaven has 
 wisely continued the same orderings of his providence, in the 
 christian church ; that the ministry be not entangled with the 
 cares of this life ; but with a single mind, be devoted to the 
 spiritual concerns of the flock of God. They must have leis- 
 ure for study ; and there must be preparations for the service 
 of the altar. — W Beaten oil must be brought into the sanctuary 
 of the Lord, to give pure light: and no unhallowed fire may be 
 offered in the holy place." 
 
 Experience has long proved that extemporaneous efforts, 
 without study, are not profitable to a people, but for a short 
 time. — They may please, they may enrapture for the moment, 
 but they are like the meteor in the sky, at which we gaze with 
 admiration, but while it attracts, it expires and is forever gone : 
 there is no oil to feed it 5 how then can you expect the light to 
 be supported ? — You have juster sentiments than to expect a 
 useful ministry without the requisite preparations ; and we en- 
 tertain no doubt that your covenant will be faithfully perform- 
 ed, that the ministry may not be embarrassed by worldly cares, 
 and prevented from the duties of the sacred office. 
 
 Forget not, that while the minister is set as an example to 
 the flock, you are not to expect perfection. — An Apostle hath 
 said, " we are men of like passions with you." — We need your 
 candor and charity, as well as your prayers. — To publish and 
 exaggerate the failings of others is always unchristian, but to 
 spread reports unfavorable to the ministry, ^injuring bis use* 
 
3d 
 
 fainess, and striking at the dearest interests of the people : for 
 the moral and religious happiness of the flock are intimately 
 blended with the dignity attached to the Christian ministry.— 
 For your own good, and that of your children, for your tem- 
 poral peace and spiritual prospects, we do solemnly charge 
 you to be very tender in your regards to the holy office. 
 
 Fathers ! this is the Elder set over you in the Lord, who is 
 to feed the flock of God.— -Children ! this is your spiritual fath- 
 er, who is to pray for you, and carry the lambs in his arms to 
 the shepherd of souls. — And,ohZion! this is thy wedding- 
 day. The marriage union is solemnized ; the covenant is 
 sealed, and is now recording in heaven. The solemnities of the 
 day are closing, and attending angels are mounting on high, 
 and flying with the report to glory. — Will you be faithful to 
 the covenant ? A crowd of witnesses, this day, attest the so- 
 lemnity of your covenant transactions, and will one day meet 
 you in the court of heaven. — Yes, we must all meet there ; 
 and may it be, as witnesses of mutual fidelity, — I see before 
 me some of the lambs of this flock : I remember the solemn 
 season when they offered themselves to the Lord. I read tc 
 them the holy covenant. It was the Pentecostal day of this. 
 Zion ; — what sacred tenderness of feelings ! what holy fear ! 
 what elevated affections were then visible in every face ! — You 
 cannot forget the memorable solemnity : and while you re- 
 member, we charge you to be faithful. To day, the Redeemer 
 sends his servant to watch over you, and pray for you : may 
 you, with your fathers, be faitnfuf to the covenant now ratified, 
 and be faithful to him placed over you in the Lord. 
 
 While you support him in magnifying his office, we charge 
 ibis people to take heed how ye hear. — Forget not the assem- 
 bling of yourselves together : and forget not your families 
 when you go up to the hill of Zion. — Bring your dear lambs 
 with you, that they may feed in these green pastures, and 
 drink the pure milk of the word from the sanctuary. Oh ! how 
 pleasant it is to walk together, and take sweet counsel, in the 
 place where the shepherd meets his flock. — Scarce any atten- 
 tions do more strengthen the hands, and encourage the heart 
 of a christian minister, than readiness and engagedness to 
 hear the word. — A failure here will greatly diminish his use- 
 fulness. A minister cannot preach to naked walls and empty 
 seats. — The example of the fathers will influence the children : 
 you will not therefore admit slight inconveniences to detain 
 you from the sabbath and the sanctuary. — The word of truth 
 will, by some, be opposed ; and by others evaded through ab- 
 sence : we therefore charge you to be willing to hear truth 
 though it wound you.— Conviction must precede conversion : 
 and neither a genuine conviction nor real change of heart is to 
 be expected, but through the word plainly preached, and af- 
 fectionately enforced on the hearer's conscience. "Of his 
 
si 
 
 own will, begat he us, with the word of truth."* — By your ex- 
 ample therefore embolden the ministry to speak openly, 
 whether others will hear, or whether they forbear. — God will 
 never leave yon, while you are faithful to the ministrations of 
 his word : for it is written, — that in every place where He re- 
 cords his name, he will there meet, and bless his people. 
 
 It is but as yesterday, aiid we saw you weeping ; and Zion 
 here was covered with sackcloth. — The minister was called 
 from you, and had finished his stewardship ; — the ancient 
 sanctuary, where your fathers worshipped, was falling ; and 
 the elders, with the faithful, seemed to be but very few : your 
 hands were weakened, and your hearts began to despond : you 
 pointed to the grave of your deceased father, hung your harps 
 on the willows, and wept as you remembered Zion. — Still you 
 loved the gates of the sanctuary ; and the prayers of the faith- 
 ful ascended amidst the tears of the saints. Those prayers 
 arose for a memorial before God. — He heard them, and soon 
 bid Zion rise from the dust and sing his praise. — Three suc- 
 cessive tokens of his love were shewn you ; and those were so 
 unquestionably the finger of heaven, that unbelief itself stood 
 abashed. — The first of these was the effusion of his spirit and 
 grace, accompanied with a happy accession to this church, be- 
 fore unparalleled. The prayers of the good father, deceased, 
 have borne fruit while he rested from his labors. — This first 
 token of the Redeemer's love was followed by a second. — The 
 desponding hearts of numbers were animated, and the hands of 
 the faithful were strengthened to undertake a great and good 
 work of re -building the walls of Zion. And this day presents 
 us a new sanctuary, and a new altar erected to the Lord. — 
 This second token of his love, in your weak and broken situa- 
 tion, exceeded the expectations of multitudes, but not the faith 
 of the saints. — To finish the demonstration of heaven's propi- 
 tious remembrances of this Zion, the third token of his love is, 
 this hour, displayed, and an ascension gift, from the Redeemer, 
 is now presented before you. 
 
 How has the scene changed ! — We will take up the harp 
 from the willows, and the suspended song shall break forth in- 
 to the Redeemer's praise, — " Arise, shine, for thy light is 
 come, and the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee." — 
 " Awake, awake, put on thy strength, oh Zion ! put on thy 
 beautiful garments, oh Jerusalem, the holy city !" — " Open 
 your gates, oh Zion ! that the King of glory may come in." — 
 « Who is this King of glory ?"— " The Lord of Hosts ; He is 
 the King of glory !" — « Peace be within thy walls, and pros- 
 perity within thy palaces ; for my brethren and my compan- 
 ions' sake, I will now say, Peace be within thee." 
 
 James i. 18, 
 
migwi 
 
^"'I'IImIIIII! 
 
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