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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-begotten 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 circumstances so conducive to the present welfare, and eternal happiness of men, the good old Simeon, addressing himself to the mother of Jesus, proclaims, that this New Priest, who is "the light of the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel," is, notwithstanding, 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 representative of every Minister of the Gospel, when he

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first appears in the House of God, duly ordained to discharge the sacred offices of Religion. And to him, may be addressed these awful wordsBehold, 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 flattering 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 distinction, 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.

Some feel an inherent propensity to ambition, and embrace, in the sacred professon, the opportunity 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 considering that, when we have once engaged in it, we become public men; our talents eloquent instructors, our lives amiable examples: we are, as it were, 'the chief corner-stones' on which the whole edifice rests; and hereafter we can neither continue firm without supporting those around us, nor can we fall without involving them in our ruin.

To a Minister of the Gospel, whether his station 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 established 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.

Now he whose heart is devoted to the world, 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 Being whom he does not know, and whom he is afraid to address in his own behalf? What advantage 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 considered, 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 sanctuary 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

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