INTRODUCTION.

We live in times when almost every power, authority, and institution are subjected to the severest examination as to their validity, utility, or authenticity: and though much good has resulted by shaking down presumption and vain confidence; by lowering intolerance, and breaking the power of monopolies; yet we are in danger from it of being carried away by popular and extravagant feeling, against lawful power; and of subverting laudable and useful institutions, and leaving no bold promontories or firm embankments, to say to the proud waves thus far "shalt thou go, but no farther, and here shall thy" desolating roll "be stayed."

Infidelity, scepticism, and faction have united with profanity, and long striven to pluck the sun of divine revelation from the firmament of the church; to becloud the glories of the Redeemer; to subvert his throne; to hold up to contempt and ridicule the experience of God's people, and to carry away with floods of persecution, (as

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priestcraft, oppression, and tyranny), "the Pastoral Office."

The language of the Psalmist may be adopted by the church: "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me? many are they that rise up against me. The people imagine a vain thing; the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us."

Every thing connected with the safety and extension of the church is of the greatest importance to true Christians; for they consider the church, as Christianity embodied and alive.

When we consider the preparatory dispensations, and preparations for founding the Christian church; the Foundation Stone, and the bloody ceremonies in laying the foundation; when we consider the storms and difficulties through which it has passed; the conflicts and martyrdoms required in removing the hay, straw, and stubble from the foundation; and the awful disparity between the true and spurious church in its spirit, operations, and end; can we wonder if every true Christian should tremble for the ark of the Lord, and say, "If I forget thee, O" Zion, "let my right hand forget her cunning," "and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth?"

It is evident, therefore, that there is a very close connection between the interests of Christianity in general, and the interests of the church in particular; also between a lively and faithful ministry, and a healthy and prosperous church.

When the spirit has fled from the body, however strong and beautiful it may have been, it soon will become corrupt. The efficient and life-giving ordinances are the vigour of the church. These are like the rolling river of the water of life, or the breath of Heaven; so that most of the enemies of Christianity, wreaking their vengeance upon the church, aim their blows at it through "the Pastoral Office." For either they, or their great leader, perceive that the principal evils which can effect the church, are the enfeebling, corrupting, and bringing into ridicule and contempt, the ministers of Christ.

There was a time when infidels boldly and openly accused and denounced the Prophets and Apostles, as vile seducers, or weak enthusiasts; but finding the great mass of the people were shocked at such awful profanity, they saw it would be much easier and safer to denounce the present living ministry, as a set of mercenary, hypocritical enthusiasts, or crafty tyrants-the nuisance and encumbrance of society-to which sentiments and opinions they have succeeded in bringing greater numbers than to the former.

In this crusade against the Ministry, they have been joined by many, who in other respects do not imbibe their notions; and, also, by many spurious Christians and false brethren, who, though they would revolt at many of their attempts, unite with them to pull down Pastoral authority. The enemies of "the Pastoral Office may be divided into three classes:

The first class, profess to wish to pull down only such

ministers as are not supported by voluntary contributions; the second class are for no regular ministry, except one composed of local or lay preachers; and the third vote for the entire extinction of all priests (as they term them), and priestcraft, in toto. It is useless, with such persons, to appeal to scripture or antiquity; but surely there is some common-sense remaining in some of them, to which, for a moment, I would appeal.

Only let it be admitted there is a God; then it follows, that he ought to be publicly worshipped; then some suitable persons should be employed in conducting divine worship. For religion ought to be connected with the civil and social systems of society; and if any comfort or support, from reason or tradition, could be afforded to the tried, the sorrowful, and the afflicted, it ought to be taken to them; and such would be the ministers of God, for the public good, who would, therefore, need and deserve support.

But, O how unreasonable, inconsistent, and sinful it is for persons professing to believe in the sinful, fallen, and perishing condition of the world, in the interposition of God's mercy, and in the gospel of Jesus Christ, to conspire with profane infidels, to stigmatize and ridicule "the Pastoral Office!"

Could the ministry be brought into general disrespect, they see clearly that their teaching and services would not be received for want of character to recommend them. It is this that prompts the enemies of the sacred office to misrepresent and depress their authority, and to decry

the usefulness of their profession; and when their enemies (as they style them), are disarmed of character and authority, their point is gained; they hope to have pleasure without restraint-vice without reproof.

That man is fallible, is certain; and that many a star has fallen upon the waters, and the waters have become bitter; and they who drank of those waters have been filled with bitterness; by which, I mean that many persons have improperly obtruded into the sacred office, and others have fallen from those qualifications which they once professed (in both cases to the public injury), is beyond doubt: but ought we, on this account, to brand all-pour contempt on all? Ought we not to act as in common and every-day matters? If we know that there is in circulation, base and counterfeit gold and silver, shall we cast all our gold and silver away, and cease to receive any more, because there is some base mixed with the true coin? shall we not rather be more cautious to examine it well to ascertain whether it is full weight, and have every outward mark correct? Just so in reference to the sacred office; marks are laid down in Scripture to enable us to ascertain the true from the false Shepherd. "By their fruits ye shall know them." "Can ye tell a vine from a thorn? or, a fig-tree from a thistle? so may you tell a soul-converted and soul-converting ministry, from a formal and unsuccessful one. True ministers can appeal to their people and say, "Ye are our epistles, known and read of all men."

Hence, also, we see the necessity of works on "the