"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for, in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Tim. iv. 16.

WHEN we consider the paramount importance of the Christian ministry; -the solemn surrender and dedication of ministers to the service of the sanctuary, and the awful responsibility which the ministering in holy things involves and when, in addition to this, we take into consideration, the peculiar relation which they stand in, to the word of Truth, to the soul of man, and to eternity, we cannot help exclaiming, "Who are sufficient for these things?" None, indeed, but those whom God makes so, and calls to this most serious work. Of all callings, this is the greatest and the best. Happy the minister, who duly appreciates his of fice, who is qualified from on high, and is endued with the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit; who lives under an abiding sense thereof; and who is enabled to maintain an holy vigilance of humble mind, and a watchful, prayerful spirit; in some measure proportionate to his high vocation.

If, as one has said, there is such a thing as good in this world, it is in the

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ministerial office; and his business is the greatest and most important in the world." To make full proof of this, requires all his time and talents, and a double portion of grace to be "an example of the believer in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." And he may reasonably expect, that, in proportion to a faithful discharge of the duties of his profession, will be the good resulting from it. But the evil effects consequent upon a deviation from the word of Truth, either in doctrine or duty, will be much greater and more certain: for in the former case he labours against opposing influences on every side;-the corruptions of the human heart, with all its prejudices and pride-the efforts of the prince of darkness, aided by an ensnaring world, all constitute a most formidable barrier to his success: but in the latter, he meets with no opposition: on the contrary, his progress is fostered by congenial principles. Here he will find success most sure: evil will propagate evil. If he preach any doctrines that savour of those corrupt prejudices, to which, in fallen man, there is so great a tendency; what an easy admission will they find, and how will they be cherished and encouraged: and who can tell the serious consequences of a train of

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evil thus introduced, or where it will end. A train too, begun and carried on by him, who so zealously stood forth as the avowed enemy of all evil, and to point out to his fellow sinners, its malignity and direful effects; to exhibit to their view that only antidote against its poison, and the only way to obtain the chief good. Did he commit himself so far, as to fall into such gross deviations, who so sweetly sung of that name, than which "there is no other given under heaven amongst men, whereby they can be saved?"

The minister of Jesus Christ, who has been separated and set apart for the sacred office, is under the most solemn obligations, strictly to adhere to those important admonitions and instructions which are left on record in the New Testament, for his rule and guidance, which relate more especially to purity of life and doctrine. He professes to have received his ministry of the Lord Jesus, and stands forth to declare the gospel of the grace of God through his name; faithfully, fearlessly, and consistently to make known the doctrines of the cross; their infinite value and universal adaptation to mankind. He is the medium, through which is proclaimed glad tidings, or good news to perishing sinners. He is to feed the church of Christ, and to build them up in their most holy faith-to keep a holy and attentive, a watchful and a zealous eye upon the flock committed to his care to encourage and cherish the tender-to support the weak-to console and comfort the afflicted-to reprove and rebuke with mildness and affection -to exhort all, and to declare the whole counsel of God without reservationto keep nothing back through fear; and while fidelity to Christ, and love to souls urge him to this, he will be equally desirous to avoid any interpretations or additions of human invention. He appropriates to himself that passage of Scripture in Ezekiel iii. 17, 18. Son of Man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: If thou speakest not to warn the wicked to save his life, he shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand." And further,

"When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in

his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

Feeling the great weight of responsility that lies upon him, and the high importance of his work, his greatest fear is, lest he should fall short-lest he should not fulfil that ministry which he has received of the Lord Jesus. This compels him to active and vigorous exertion, in preaching the word in season, and out of season; not only in his public and stated addresses from the pulpit, but in his more retired walks in life. His ministrations are not confined to the house of God. He is always devising means to facilitate an entrance by the human heart, to convey to it the word of life:-this is his grand object and aim;-for this, he schemes and plans, and for this he is willing to labour and suffer. So ardent is his love to the souls of men, that his very appear ance among the people of his charge bespeaks it. A principle of holy love seems diffused through all the powers of his mind; and the prevailing sentiment of his heart almost, as it were, beams through his countenance. "Brethren," says he, "my heart's desire and prayer to God for you is, that you may be saved." Such a man-such a minister of our Lord and Saviour, when he bids the flock over which he has presided, a final adieu, and death closes the scene of his long and painful, and faithful labours of love amongst them, may with full confidence appeal to them for their testimony of his zeal and endeavours after their eternal welfare; taking them to record, that he had kept nothing back that was profitable unto them: but had shown and taught them publicly, and from house to house.

If such, then, be the important station which the minister of the gospel occupies, and his affairs be so much elevated above all others, and his objects so interesting and sublime-if he is to be considered as the honoured instrument of training up, and disciplining souls for God and eternity, woe be to him, if he take upon himself the honour, without the suffrages of his brethren; or, if he fulfil not his minis try; if he honour it not by a full and consistent discharge of the duties connected with it. It is a sacred gift which God alone has a right to confer; and he who becomes a minister of his word without it, impiously invades, and profanely tramples upon divine authority: