happy indeed for themselves, and honourable for the christian religion, if all its professors were like-minded in all outward things: but as this is not to be expected, while evil can mingle with good, or darkness with light, they ought however to labour hard, on all sides, to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Let him that useth ceremonies, be candid to him that useth them not; and et him, that will not observe times, and days, and rituals, pray for, rather than revile, those who do.

The love of Christ preaches this lesson, which the apostle of Christ, almost in so many words, enforces and confirms.

With respect to those of the same denomination, the christian is called in a more especial manner to show forth his works of faith and labors of love, for their comfort and edification. He will see that the true distinction of a believer in Jesus, is not to rise over all, and to set up himself as a great somebody, but to be their helper or servant rather, showing all meekness, patience, gentleness, and truth. The infirmities of others he must not magnify, but pity and pray over, knowing that he himseli is in the flesh, and is also encompassed with them. The attainments of others he must not envy, because these are the free gift of God, which if a man can allow himself to envy,

it is only because he doth not know this gift aright. Strength of spirit inspires another conduct: Weakness of the flesh alone leads the professor to this. In fine, whether he be a public servant or a private member in the visible church, he will pray, that he may demean himself according to the settled order, with all gravity and decency, that he may lay no stumbling-block in the way of the weak, and no offence before the eyes of the strong; but that he may be an example of godliness, humility, faith, resignation, and charity, to all about him.

This, surely, is far better than any nickname; for this is the true life and essence of what is signified by the best name,—a CHRISTIAN.

CHAP. V.

ON THE RECIPROCAL DUTIES OF MINISTERS AND PEOPLE.

Ir would be presumption in me to offer instruction to those, by whom I would most gladly be taught. My words, therefore, on this head shall be few; and, I trust, they will not offend.

The faithful minister is the servant, the shepherd or pastor, the overseer, the teacher,

the, guide the physician, the helper, and the comforter of the people committed to his charge. It is not, consequently, a light bu siness for light heads; but an aweful and solemn concern, which requires all the grace, wisdom, prudence, learning, courage, faith, patience, and godliness, that are dispersed among the laity at large, to be collected, as much as possible, in one individual man.

The profit of the flock, not the profit from the flock, is the grand object of a true pas tor's concern. It is the character of the hireling, whose own the sheep are not, to care only for the fleece: and when he gets this, the sheep not being his (which he proves by his want of care for their souls) he is nothing better than a robber. The world swarms with these spiritual thieves, who sacrifice all the plunder to their idleness, avarice, pride, or pleasures.

What a character doth the Lord give of whom he calls the foolish shepherd! He doth not visit those that are cut off, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor feed that which standeth still. Woe (continues he) to the idle (the false or foolish) shepherd that leaveth the flock: the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye; his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. He shall eventually be without strength or understanding. Zech. xi. 16. See also Ezek. xxxiv:

When any congregation of people have

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CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCER.

the blessing of an able and faithful minise
how ought they to prize so scarce als
valuable a jewel! Such an one is wort
all honour, both for his work's sake amir
his own sake; and those christians 2
wise for themselves, who do not all
power to strengthen his hands, and to ask
him in his ministry.

One good way of accomplishing this
to pray earnestly and constantly in private
for the pastor. This would draw down
mutual blessings both on speaker and he
ers, and much endear them to each other.
The reason, probably, of the dissatisfaction
and uselessness, which often arise between
them, may be owing to the want of mutual
prayer, which begets indifference or remiss-
ness, as well as discovers too lax a spirit of
watchfulness and faith. And, then, how
can the word, on one side, profit; and, on
the other, how can the preacher be ap-
proved?

The minister of Christ, who gives up all
his time, labour, and expectations, to his
holy calling, ought to be comfortably and
honourably supported in it. The labourer

is worthy of his hire; and the very beasts eat of the corn for which they toil. If the maintenance be voluntary, it ought to be the more liberal for that very reason: If it be settled, it ought to be punctually cornplied with. business is of a higher kind, that the covetIt is sad for ministers, whose

ness or dishonesty of their people should ke it just and necessary for them to at`d, with any anxiety, to lower affairs. rtainly, it betrays a want of love to God, en men can suffer his ministers or his or to starve by their dwellings. How the pastor give himself up to the word d to prayer, when he is constrained to tve tables? And how can he minister withcit distraction, when poverty and care haunt ad worry him all the day long?-As a yman, I may ask these questions, without daraspicion of any interested attachment to an order.

It is a melancholy fact, that the worldly ›ride and laziness of some clergymen have nade the laity regardless of their sacred profession, and ready to treat it with ad, Wrongs; and that the spiritual ignorance po and irreligion of the laity have rendered the e situation of the clergy, in some respects, not so honorable, or desirable, as it should be, for themselves.

tions However these things may be, the chrisfortian hath one security of hope which can The never fail; The foundation of God standeth er sure, having this seal; "The Lord knoweth them that are his;" And, "Let every one, that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." God is our Refuge and Strength; we have found him abundantly so in trouble: Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be car