gard them as commonly having in view objects beyond that of vilifying the clergy. They aim at the subversion of religion. They are pestilent and dangerous effusions, emanating from that spirit of infidelity, and scepticism, which too largely prevails in the present day.

Do you, my brethren, be upon your guard against them. Do you remember the sacred office; the high authority with which we are invested; the important objects for which we are to strive; the awful account which we have to give. Let it not be your employ

'It may perhaps be thought by some, that we ought to proceed steadily onward, and not to be anxious in deprecating the censures, and striving to conciliate the good will of our hearers. I cannot, however, but regard it as a point of great importance and always to be kept in view by the clergy, that they should endeavour to gain the good will of their flocks by all innocent and honest means, and carefully to avoid every thing likely to excite unfavourable sentiments. It appears to me incumbent on the clergy (and however little the world sees, or appreciates it, many of them conscientiously fulfil this obligation) to make great and continual sacrifices of private feeling, and personal convenience, in order to promote the salvation of those committed to their charge. St. Paul says, (1 Cor. x. 32, 33.) "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

We too should "please all men." By all innocent compliances, by avoiding every thing which may unnecessarily or unprofitably offend their weaknesses, or even their prejudices,

ment here to busy yourselves in censuring our conduct as individuals, in scanning our

we should endeavour to conciliate, and to gain both esteem and affection.

The compilers of our Liturgy have, in the Epistle and Gospel for Sexagesima Sunday, presented a forcible argument, upon this point by placing before us, as it were side by side, Luke viii. 4, &c. and 2 Cor. xi. 19, &c. I do not mean to say, this was their intention; as the Collect does not appear to contain any reference to this duty. But certainly the juxtaposition of these two passages does present a very strong and vivid argument to enforce the necessity of our striving to predispose our hearers to receive our instructions with affection and favor. The Gospel exhibits to us our Saviour's beautiful, and animated representation of the various effects of his word, in the parable of the sower and the seed. The seed, which is the word of God, is there described as being productive not merely in proportion to its goodness, or to the skill of the sower; but according to the state of the soil on which it fell. Thus it is intimated that the Word will bring forth fruit not merely in proportion to its own excellence, or to the eloquence of the preacher; but accordingly as the hearts, and minds of the hearers are more or less disposed to receive, and apply it.

The Epistle holds up a practical comment upon this fact, in the earnestness, and solicitude of St. Paul to conciliate his converts, and impress them with a due sense of his claims to their regard and deference. He, to whom glorying is evidently painful, who glories in his infirmities, and delights to acknowledge his unworthiness; he, nevertheless, enters into a detail of his own merits, and services; shews largely how much is owing to him; and he does this not from any personal views but that his sacred office might be respected; that the word of God might not receive "hindrance" from any prejudices or contempt entertained against him individually. This example of his well merits our imitation. The closer we can

imperfections, in criticising our style, in despising our infirmities. These are not the purposes for which you come to the temple of the Most High. You come, to hear the word of God read, and explained; your own duties set forth; to correct your own errors; to pray for your own sins; to learn to work out your own salvation. Account of us then "as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." Co-operate with us in making ready the way" of the Lord, and

in "

turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just." Instead of prying into our defects, do that which affords the best prospect of remedying them. Increase your attention; hear what we preach; compare it with the Scriptures; and if we say the truth, then follow our faith; profit by our admonitions; practise our counsels.

Finally, my brethren," (I here take up the words of St. Paul,)" Finally, my brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified." If it be asked, why you should pray when we have the promise that Christ will be with us to the end of the world; the reasons

for us,

draw the bond of union between us, and our flocks, the more powerful may we reasonably expect to be the effects of our ministration.

are strong; I shall set them before you in a

few words.

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Pray for us" first, and especially, because you are directed to do so in Scripture. St. Paul himself required the prayers of his fellow Christians to implore God's blessing on his ministry.

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Pray for us," because prayer is one of the means, through which God has ordained, that all his bounties should be sought, and is a proper acknowledgment both of your dependance, and that He is the Author of every good, and perfect gift.

Lastly. "Pray for us," because sincere and earnest prayer will naturally dispose you to a sincere and earnest co-operation with us in our important work. He who sincerely prays for God's grace upon his ministers, he will not be anxious to scan their faults and search out their weaknesses; he will have in view other and higher objects; he will be intent upon the attainment of the momentous purposes for which the "ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God," were appointed he will regard with respect and affection, the messengers that Jesus has sent before him, to "prepare his way. He will remember the awful account", which both the

Ezekiel xxxiii. 7-9.

minister and the congregation must one day give; and he will, with all his heart, aim at assisting him in the discharge of his office; and will feelingly join him in the important petitions, which the Church has this day set before us. "O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; that at thy second coming to judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen."