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I'UBUSIIED AT THE UEQUEST OF THE CLEUOV. , \_/'^-V-\-->-'^-'w-\.^."^^\-' HALIFAX. riUNTEl) JJV WM. OOSBir, AT THE CUUUCll TIMES OFFTOK. 1854. .>'''' »■ 1 ■< , AClIxYRGE, Sfc Sfc. My lli:VEIlKND BUKTIir.EN, I It ig with much pleasure tliat I meet you now for the 6rst time asscmblod together, and yet it ia with unfeigned diffidence, and a deep sense of my ina- bility adequately to perform the duty which devolves upon mo to day, that I proceed to address you. Indeed as time rollrf on I feel more and moro pain- fully conscious of my own insufficiency for tho great trust committed unto me. Let me ask tho aid of your prayers my Krethron, that strength and wisdom may bo vouchsafed to me, that tho Church of God may not suffer loss through my weakness, yea that it may ever thus bo tho rather manifest that the ex- cellency of the power is of God and not of us. At the same time I depend upon your hearty co-operation in the work in which wo are together engaged, in the success of which we must be equally interested, and if at any timo tho cour.'.e pursued by me does not altogether commend itself to you, I shall bo happy to receive and ready to consider your representations, though it must be remembered in every case that a responsibility is laid upon me, of which I cannot divest myself, and that I may somotimes be compelled to act according to my own judgment, when I unhappily differ from those with whom I should always wish to agree, and I can only pray that I may have a right judgment in all things. Tho custoiu of triennial Visitations has never been adopted here, and having already explained to you my reasons for not calling you together sooner, I will now only add that I am doubtful whether the system as conducted in England is altogether suitable for these new countries. There the Bishop summons his Clergy to meet him in some of tho larger Towns, in different parts of his Diocese, whore a considerfible number may be assembled, without bringing any ono beyond a short drive from his own Parish. But in a now coun- try this is not possible. In this Province, there is no Town except Ilalifaz where more than half a dozen Clergymen could meet together, and secure ac- commo! validity of any code of ecclesiastical h;w, tho Bishops of these Dioceses experience great dilliculty in acting in accord.iuco with tiieir Episcopal Conunl-ssion an.l ju-erogatives, and their decisions are liable to mis- construction, as if emanating from tbcir individual will, and not from tho general body of the Cl'.urch. Wo therefore consider it desirable in tho fn-st piece tiiat the IJishops, Clergy, and Laity, of tho Church of England in each Dioceso, should meet together in Synod, at such times and in such manner as may be agreed, -dly, tliat tho laity in .such Synod should meet by repre- sentation, and that their representatives be eonnnunicants." Again, without a regular Assembly wo have no moans of ascertaining and making known the opinion of tho Church upon any subject of common inte- rest, or in which it is necessary to apply cither to the Lii))erial or Provincial Legislature. Tho evil resulting from this defect may bo illustrated by tho Church IJill, insertod in the Kcviscd Statutes of this Province, which is unsa- ti.>factory both to Clergy and Laity, arid this I believe not from any want of good will on tho part of the Legislature, which would doubtless, on repealing the old Act, have given us .such an Act as we required fur tho management of our own affairs, if only tliero had been any Synod or Convention to discuss and prepare a suitable measure for them. I will not however detain you with a detail of the various reason,! for liolding such Assemblies, which may 1)0 more })ropcrl; onsidcred to-morrow. •^'^■. Sniiic persons Imvc sug^ijc.-'tod lli:it I \vi..li to forrc Church A. •'sciii lilies iipoii the Pioeexe, to which I can only reply that 1 desire no such thiii;^. The nisult of the experiment is uneortain, ami I am fully sensilile that (hey mny lu) proiluctivo ofovilusweil as of good, but [ do wish to luivo as eompleto an ex- presHJon as may l)o nttalnablo el' the opinion of the whole liody of Clunehmen (■omiiiltt(!d to my eare upon the subject. T (rust, (hereforc, (hat the matter luay be fiUly discussed, and that after such discussion the expression of opinion may liedi 1 ided onone side or the other. I am sorry that several Parishes li:>vti l)ountl their represeiitnlives to vote, some for, and some a;!;ainst, the proposed meetini^s, whilst they were not 8..iuuicully aeiiuainted with the subie(!t to form a right judgment. It would have been better to send them, with general in- structions if they pleased, but Btill, so far unfettered us to be at liberty to voto according to tiieir discretion, after hearing the arguments. I rc(piested tho several Parishes to send representatives to a general nsseiubly hero, because the reiiuiHito information could not be obtniiicd without a public discussion ; but this will bo to no purpose if tho delegates merely act upon a resolution of a Parochial Mooting ^hich might us well havo been trnusuiitted in the ordi- .lary way. Divisions and dissensions havo been dreaded as tho probable results of such Meetings, but I do not boliovo that this is at ull a necessary consequence. On tho contrary, I belie'") that, where they are properly con- ducted, men who were oj)posed to each other will be drawn together, and that their differences will be buried under their combined efforts for tho com- mon good. It may not bo possible to find in every Parish men (|ualiiied by their edu- cation to tako part in tho proceedings of a Convention, but probably there aro not many placet; in which at all event" one competent person cann^'' be found. Nevertheless I must confess that Education is at a very low ebb, and that tho condition of the country in this respect is very lamentable. School Houses havo been built at convenient distances througliout tho Province, but many of them arc empty, and in many others tho Masters and Mistresses arc so in- efficient aj to bo almost useless. Any one who is unfit for other occupations becomes a teacher, thougli almost as ignorant as those whom ho is to instruct. Then again, whilst in every other trade, business, or profession, adequate ro- nmncration may bo obtained, wo cannot expect young men and women of su- perior ability to devote themselves to teaching without any prospect of obtain- ing more than a miserably insufficient salary. Until lately, those who wished to fit themselves for this orcupation could not do eo, but the want of Training Schools is now likely to be fully supplied, that conncctod with the Colonial Church & School Society i/cing in full operation, and in a most satisfactory state, whilfct a Provincial School is proposed, and likely to bo soon completed. Still, oven supposing the public school system to bo in most satisfactory ope- ration, in the best of these schools we have to deplore the want of tho most t'sscatial element of a sound education, upon which I trust that wo shall all agree in tho sentiment lately expressed by Lord J. Russell, though I fear that the feeling to tho existence of which he testifies in England does not generally prevail. "No scheme of education," said his Lordship, " which should omit religion from its plan, would he was sure bo found suitable to the minds and feelings of this country. And for himself he would say, that it appeared to him an utter fallacy to propound that there should bo two separate systems of education, the one for secular instruction, tho other for religious. It seemed to him that religion was a thing not apart, but intimately connected with tho whol'3 secular business of life, and which therefore was precisely one of the very first and leading things which those who had to teach the people should teach them. Instruct the child in reading, in writing, in geography, in arith- metic, in history, yet omit to toll him his duty to God and to man, and you nave failed in the office which you undertook when "you said that you would instruct him. The separation then of secular firom religious instruction, ap- peared to him as objectionable in itself, as he conceived it to be impracticablo of operation." Since then religious instruction is not provided for in our Common Schools, we must endeavour to supply the defect, by tho only instrumon- tility available, I mean that of the Sunday School. There is reason to believe that the first Schools of this kind were commonced in this Province, and I would fain hope that the importance of attention to them is understood and felt by all of us. Without the preparatory teaching of the Sunday School your preaching will be almost useless. You will speak as it were in an un- known tongue, and even the most simple statements of doctrine will be un- intelligible to those who have not been early instructed in the elementary truths of religion.* The nature of your Parishes presents a seriouo obstacle to * Speaking of Parochial Schools ffenerallf, the present Bishop of London said in 1830,—" It is to these seminaries that we are to look for a succession of youthful branches, which having been grafted into the body of Christ's Church at l^aptism.may here imbibe the sap of holy principle, and be preparcl by culture under tho gracious influences of the Spirit, sought for in prayer, to become trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. It is hardly going too fur to assert, that ' Clergyman's attention 9 tlie Sunday School, as it is impossible in most cases to exorcise that supeiin- tenJence which U requircu, and in many Districts it is very difficult to find any qualified person to tako charge of the School in your absence. Still you should make a point of establishing a School in connection with each Church in the Parish, and I doubt whether there are many cases in which some per- son cannot bo found competent at least to hear the children read the Scrip- tures, and repeat the lessons learned under your direction. And although much of your Sunday is often occupied in travelling from one Church to another, it is very desirable so to arrange as to visit at least one of your Schools on each Sunday in rotation, and to catechise and instruct the chil- dren yourself for a brief space. This will aid very much in keeping both teachers and children atteativo to their work.* -t'itli m?j»^ constraint, their whole attention is given to " finding their places," and we cannot be surprised that even our most spiritual and beautiful Liturgy appears to them to be dead and formal, and incompatible with earnestness and warmth of devotion. We are tc labor to restore the sheep who have wandered from the fold, but far better is it to watch over them and restrain them from seeking forbidden pastures, and you will never succeed in building up the Church unless you give much attention to the instruction and training of the young. With respect to education of a higher class, I trust that we are now well provided, and that our Collegiate Establishment will bear comparison with any Institution that is, or is likely to be, established in this country. Wo have passed through a crisis. At one time wo were tempted to des- pond, but He who never forsakes any who trust in Him has evolved good out of evil, and the withdrawal of the public grant, instead of striking a death blow, has been instrumental in imparting new life, and wo have good reason to hope that both our College and Academy will be more eiScient and prosperous than ever before, whilst the indirect advantages re- sulting from this call to our people arc not to bo lightly regarded. An inte- mg yod matter and ard of glac mind, i| hath nc togetht to join I Ministc self coj Inti f: wander lerience owship, signifi- ces and as as a of our desires, , I hope her ser- ig been aith and ly habit- jR that a so Servi- prayers, quire an abstituto or years, " finding iiual and )mpatible store the itch over ?ill never on to the now well smparison i country. d to des- Ivcd good striking a wo have bo more mtages re- An inte- 11 rest has boon awakened throughout the DiocciM, which, if properly foster- ed and improved by you, will not bo confined to the College, but will estcnd to all other matters connected with the welfare of our Church. It has been frequently charged against our people, and there has perhaps been too much reason for the charge, that they were unwilliug to maintain their own religious system, that they have been so long depending upon extraneous sup- port that they could not walk alone. We may reioice that this reproach is now for ever taken away, and when I reckon up the amount contributed throughout the Dioces3 during the last three years, I thank God and take courage, feeling that Churchmen aro learning to appreciate their privileges and advantages, and proving this in the most satisfactory manner by a readiness to give what is required in order to preserve what they profess to value. I must however state, in justice to those who have done much, that there are still some pla- ces of which it cannot be said, they have done what they could. And I call upon you, who are the appointed teachers in those places where little is done for the Church, where the people contribute grudgingly, and not in propor- tion to their ability, to consider whether this defect may not be attributable to neglect on your part, whether you are in the habit of setting before your Congregations their duty in this respect. Wo are always too ready to find excuses and reasons for not parting with our money, and the Minister of God must enforce the absolute necessitj of alms giving and oblations, not merely because a certain amount is required for God's service, but because a readiness to give, which can only be nurtur- ed by the habit of giving, is an essential ingredient in the Christian character, and because otherwise you will omit the inculcation of a duty on which much stress is laid in Holy Scripture, and to the duo performance of which special blessings are promised. I know that in some cases you are deterred from ask- ing year people to contribute in consequence of their poverty, but if this matter is rightly regarded, you will see that you thus wrong the poor man, and are injuring him who has little, if you do not aflford him the opportunity of gladly giving of that little, knowing that " where there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." Moreover there can be no doubt, that you will bind your people together, and strengthen their attachment to their Church, by leading them to join in Its support, and that each will feel a moro decided regard for the Minister, the Church, and the Institutions, to which ho feels that he is him- self contributing his proportion however small it may be. In this country the perplexities of the Clergyman are much increased by 12 the intermingling of persons of different donominfttions, to s^di fin extent that in nlmost every family there will bo foui:d a variety of creeds, and all dis- tinctive doctrines and principles are necessarily thrown into the shade. The consequence is that views totally opposed are regarded as equally true, and this not on minor points only but on the first principles cf our faith. Thence comes the belief that there is no such thing as absolute truth, and this pre- pares the way for rationalism and infidelity. In considering what course we are to pursue under these circumstances, wo must also consider these two questions. First — Does our Church avow any distinctive principles ? Secondly — If so, are we, her Ministers, at liber- ty to treat them as of no moment ? That she has such principles it can scarcely be neccssaij to prove. In fact, the charge commonly made against Lor is, that she is too exclusive, and too dogmatic. Her orders at once distin- guish her from the great body of Protestants, whilst her Liturgy and formula- ries furnish a standard by which the doctrines inculcated from her pulpits are to be tested. She professes to hold the doctrine, and to maintain the order and discipline, which has prevailed from the beginning, and guards as a precious deposit the form of sound words handed down from the earli- est ages. It is thought uncharitable to hold up our Church as superior to others, and to condemn even by implication those who differ from us, but wo, uiy Reverend Brethren, ought to enLertain no doubt as to our duty in this matter. You and I have sworn before God, under the most solemn circum- stances, that we " will bo ready with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and stranee doctrine, contrary to God's Word " ; and to this I have added that " I will both privately and openly call upon and encourage others to the same." It may be said, that the various denominations who differ from us appeal to the same Scriptures, and profess to derive thoir doctrines also from God's Word. But you arc bound by the interpretation held by the Church of which you are Ministers, and so long as you continue to officiate as such you practically declare that you be- lieve her interpretations to be true. Consequently ycu must hold v.hat is opposed to her teaching to bo erroneous ; for otherwise you allow, either that contraries can be both true which is absurd, or tiiat Scripture gives sucli an uncertain sound that wo cannot learn the truth from it, or lastly, tlmt it is of little consequence whether wc adhere to the truth in its integrity, so long as we do so ia some points wl)i(;h we arbitrarily choose to distinguish as essentials. Doubtless there are some truths which it is much more danger- mg in til can is tc fact,! fait}/ wron snt that all dis- Thc ue, anil Thenco Ihia pre- istances, ch avow at liber- s it can agaiDst CO dietin- formula- cr pulpits intain tho id guards tho earli- to others, I, but wo, luty in this an circum- )anish and 8 Word"; f call upon tho various md profess 3 hound by ;ers, and so lat you bc- lold v.hat is , either that yes such an y, that it is ity, so long istingulsh as iioro danger- ous to deny than others, somo wiiicb can not bo overlooked without iuiminont poril to tho soul, whilst others appear to bo loss requisite for salvation, but surely it is at least hazardous to act upon any euch distinctions. Whatever wo are persuaded is taught us in God's Word, or may be proved thereby, should be held in its integrity, and we cannot say how far wilful contempt of even some of what appears to us less important truths, may conduce to con- sequences most detrimental, to tho soul's welfare. It is our duty therefore to endeavor to lead others to follow what wo be- lieve to be the more excellent way. This does not imply that we oondomn those who differ from us. That we do follow a different way is in itself a declaration that wo think them in some respect or other erroneous, but whilst we object to their system and doctrines in the abstract, we do not presume to pass any judgment upon individuals, or to imply that the Members of any other denomination are loss holy, or less acceptable to God than we are. Indeed tho belief that we enjoy greater privileges, and more aids to our spi- ritual life, should induce humility and fear, l)ecause our responsibility must also be greater. It is however our bounden duty to endeavor to lead others to avail themselves of tho samo advantages, and true charity is not manifest- ed by leaving any in error, whether of a more or loss serious naturOi but by pointing it out with kindness and affectionate solicitude. ••' - -« ^ But unhappily in tho present day, the prevailing system is to sink all differ- ences, to hide whatever may offend the prejudices of a neighbor. We are accus- tompd to overlook altogether the evils of sdiisra, of heresies, and divisions, merely because they are so prevalent ; men divide and subdivide the seamless garment of Christ without compunction, and apparently without any idea that they are thus sinning against Him. But the union of numbers cannot alter the character of any act ; and he who is guided by the Word of God, who simply adopts its teaching, regardless of his own prejudices, must be con- vinced that separations and divisions are condemned thereby, and whilst sedi- tions (or divisions) , and heresies, are enumerated amongst the works of the flesh, ho will not presume to pass them over as of no consequence. In deal- ing with any particular denomination, wo may be fairly required to examine in the first place whether we or tboy are the separatists, whether we or they can most certainly trace our connection with the primitive Church, and this is to be decided by fair investigation, in tho same way as any other historical fact, but the Miiiistor of Cliiist must, if he will not incur the charge of un- faithfulness, uiuuitain that tho present state of things is in itself essentially wrong. ,>f*s^,7' .'.^,iij,j.twM.f* f?^,.;i^ - L. 14 Bis ' E! 1 At the samo time wo may be thankful that cron thus the troth is to a cer- tain extent made known, where otherwise it might not bo published, and that many souls may be saved by the instrumentality of men who, notwith- standing many irregularities and errors, are zealous according to their know- ledge, and we may most heartily say with the Apostle, — " What then, not- withstanding every way whether in pretence or in truth Christ is preached, and I therein do rejoice, yea and will rejoice." .Only we must also bo like him in refraining from in any respect countenancing the error. Again as to the rites and ceremonies and practises adopted by our Church, our duty is no less clear. Some are retained because handed down from Apostolic times, and with respect to these we have a principle, admitted even by John Calvin in one instance, which may be extended to all, " even though there exist," he says, " no positive commandment concerning imposition of hands, yet inasmuch as we see it was always used by the Apostles, we must regard their careful observance of this practice as equivalent to a command." Ho did not indeed act up to this principle, but he was compelled to admit it, and wo should both admit, and act according to, it wherever it is applicable. In other cases rules are laid down which have been framed simply for conve- nience, or for the preservation of decency and order, and of those some might perhaps be advantageously modified or abrogated, but no Clergyman is at liberty to follow his own opiniDn, or to act according to his own judgment herein. Otherwise interminable confusion must ensue, if one adds another may omit, if one omits another inay introduce novelties. In every Society the Members, and especially the office-bearers, are bound to comply with the rules and regulations, and therefore regarding the Church as a mere voluntary association, you are in honor bound to strict conformity. You are moreover bound by your own declaration to conform to the Liturgy, and to use the form prescribed in tho Book of Common Prayer, and none other, and this your obligation must apply to all particulars. If you have any doubt, your proper course is prescribed in the introduction to the same Book, which thus enjoins : "the parties that doubt, or diversely take any thing, shall al- ways resort to the Bishop of the Diocese, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same," And yet we frequently find that a Clergyman, who endeavors conscientiously to perform his vow, and to conduct the services in strict conformity with tho rubrics, is sira; ^y on this account suspected of unsoundness and a tendency to Romanism, as if he attached too much importance to trifles. Now I cannot understand how a Clergyman can bo at liberty to violate his solemn CDgagemcuts more than any 16 a cor- 1, and otwith- know- n, not- 3achod, bo like 3hurcb, n from ed even \ though sition of we must imand." admit it, iplicable. jr conve- ne might nan is at udgment > another bound to lurch as a ity. You gy, and to other, and ly doubt, ok, -which ;, shall al- shall take frequently 1 his vow, sim; V on im, as if he and how a re than any other person, and I think that oven the luity must allow that there iJi muoli more reason to withhold their confidence from one who is careless about fulfilling his engagements, than to suspect him who, fooling that ho in required scrupulously to attend to the directions which he has promised to obey, endeavors to keep a conscience void of offence. There are many matters of detail in the performance of your function*", upon which I might touch ; but as our time is limited, I tliink that perhaps it will be most profitably employed if, omitting all other subjects, I endeavor to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, recalling to your recollection the solemn obligations by which at your Ordination you were bound, and suggesting as I may be able a few hints as to the best mode of fulfilling ihcm. The nature of your charge is thus briefly expressed in the Ordination Ser- vice, ye are to be '• Messengers, Watchmen, and Stewards, of the Lord, " to teach, and to premonish, to feed and provide for, the Lord's Family, " to seek for Christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children " who are in the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved " through Christ for ever;" or, to sum up all still more briefly, the great end and object of your Ministry must be the salvation of souls. He who aims at less than this aims far below his proper object, he who has not this constantly before him cannot be an effieiont Minister of God's Word. It is much, to induce your people to be regular in attendance in the House of God, to lead them to decency and propriety of behaviour ; and when wo perceive this effect we are apt to be satisfied with the resi:!ts of our labors, but though we are to judge of the tree by its fruits, we must remember that all is not sound which appears to be so at the first glance ; rottenness is often concealed under a very fair exterior, and we may have a congregation re- markable for regularity and attention to the externals of religion, with very little of its spirit. Our natural tendency is in this direction, and it is mnqb more easy to attain to the practice of strict conformity with certain rules, even though demanding self denial, and involving trouble, than it is to cultivate the heart. The one may be sometimes traced to questionable motives, the other can only be accomplished by Divine grace, and the immediate opera- tion of the Holy Spirit. And since we are prone thus to rest in what is imperfect and insufficient, the Pastor cannot be too careful to warn his flock, and to lead them away from the barren wilderness, in which their souls must be starved for want of proper spiritual sustenance, to those green pastures, beside the waters of comfort, where the soul will find its proper food, and be strengthened and prepared for heaven. ys^jwii^ ,.ai ^I'jmvn^fm^- IG 1)^ ir,' Doubtless much wiwlom is roquirod, in ordor rightly to •' ilivido tho word of Ood," teftching according to the proportion of faith ; Home will bo inclin. cd to dwell principally on one class of texts and doctrines, others upon ano- ther class, and it is by no means easy to guard against our tendency to run into extremes ; but the faithful M inistcr will watch over himself, he will not indulge his own predilectionp, remembering whose servant ho is, and whono Commission he bears, ho will be anxious to declare tho wholo counsel of (lod. And that he may do this ctfectually, and preserve his people also from one-sided interpretations, and partial views, of Scripture, he will dwell frequently upon those portions and those doctrines, which they are most in- clined to overlook, knowing that tho teaching which would be tho most pleas- ing to them is probably that which would be least beneficial. Different places and classes of people may require a different mode of treat- ment in some respects ; nevertheless certain principles may be stated as appli. cable to all, and I therefore proceed to consider the case with which wo have most commonly to deal. A Clergyman has the care of a District or Parish con- taining a certain number of Members of our Church, of whom the greater part are only so in name, i. e. persons who have been baptized into it, who have been made Members of Christ, and so Members of his body tho Church, bat who instead of always remembering our profession, as thereby represented unto us, appear to have entirely forgotten their vocation, whose affections are set upon this world, who are not abiding in Christ and therefore have no life in them ; and few in number compared with these will bo the faithful disciples, or those of whom he can entertain a good hope. - What system ought we then to adopt, in dealing with this case ? One man will say, the great majority of my people are practically heathen, and will treat them simply as such, dwelling sohsly upon tho naked doctrine of the Atonement, and the need of conversion, without reference to their respon- sibilities or despised privileges. Another regarding their profession rather than their actual condition, will teach them to rely principally upon their bap- tism, will talk only of the necessity for reformation, and will be satisfied with those who are persuaded to conform to the Church's system, and to partake of the sacraments administered in her according to Christ's holy institution. These are opposite extremes, both erroneous, but tho latter certainly tho more dangerous of tho two, and tho right course appears to be iHtermodiutc, partly according to one mode, and partly according to the other. The doctrin(f of the Atonement can never bo published too cleaily and con- stantly, and yet the preacher may bo wrong if he omits other matter of im- 17 word inclin. on nno- to run will not d wliopo insol of plo also ill dwell most in- st ploas- I of trent- as appli- wo havo arifth con- eater part liave been I, bat who 1 unto us, set upon ! in them ; IS, or those ise t One ithen, and doctrine of leir respon- sion rather 1 their bap- itistied with I to partato institution, crtainly the itermodiato, rly and con- latter of im- portance, whilst ho who is alwnys Ppeakinp; of \]n> Saoramonts will prnlKihly lead his flock to regard them, as ends rather than means, as having a saving power in themselves, instead of being channels of grace. Under all circum- stances then, Christ crucitiod nuist be the sum of our preaching. He must bo thi3 centre to which every lesson points, from which every doctrine radiates, which must never bo lost sight of, and every other topic must be treated of in its relation to this. But we must see that wo do not hide important truths, that we preach the whole Gospel. Can it be said that we are doing so, when we omit all mention of the means of grace appointed by the Lord himself { Some say they desire only to preach Jesus. Act my Brethren according to this resolve, but see that you really and faithfully do so. If you take Holy Scripture as your guide, you will find that more is involved in this than is commonly understood by those who use the phraso. When Philip explained the meaning of the Evangelical Prophet to the Eunuch in the desert, we aro told that ho preached unto him Jesus, and we learn incidentally that this in- cluded a preaching upon Christ's ordinance, for unless Philip had thus in- structed him, he would not have said, " see here is water what doth hinder me to be baptized Y" Again, what is the practice of every Minister ? You urge upon those whom you address the necessity of Prayer and the study of God's written word, and you will not allow that this is inconsistent with the faithful preaching of Christ crucified, for you know that such admonitions cannot be dispensed with in the discharge of the Ministerial office. Surely then you have no right to act otherwise, with respect to the Holy Sacraments mercifully instituted for us, or to arbitrarily select two of the means of grace, and to neglect other two as being of less importance. We would have you examine the teaching of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, with reference to this matter, and you will find the doctrine of baptism, and the benefits connected with it, much more plainly and constantly inculcated, than those would lead us to suppose who have moulded their teaching according to a human pattern, instead of following the method of the inspired writers. But it is objected, that there is great liability to adopt erroneous views, and to attach too much importance to tho Sacraments, and to substitute them for Christ. When we neglect every gift or appointment of God, which has been abused, or is liable to be misapplied, we shall be deprived of every blessing, and of every spiritual aid. Take tho two instruments before mentioned, the study of God's word and Prayer, do wo not often find persons trusting in their use of them with little reference to the Saviour ? And yet you do not on that account 18 (•eftfjo to enforce their obllgiitioii. Do not then neglect to enforce llie neeofsity of attention to thu Holy Sacranient«, both that in which wo arc ninde nioniherH of Chriiit, amlthut by which our union id inuintained and strengthened, setting forth the advantages to bo derived from them, and the danger of despising them. At the same time you must bo careful to guard against encouraging false views, and unhappily most of your people will probably be in such a Htate, that you can only address them as differing from the heathen in this, that their guilt is greater, and their condemnation greater also, unless they bo con- verted. You will therefore point out to them the blessings of the covenant, of which baptism is the seal, that you may make them more sensible of tho value of what they have forfeited, through non-compliance with its essential conditions. You will have to enlarge on the privileges of tho baptised, that you may set before them in more awful array tho guilt and danger of trifling with privileges, of neglecting to improve the measure of grace vouchsafed to them, of doing despite to the Holy Spirit. You will have to call on them, to repent and turn unto God with their whole hearts, to be converted. A prejudice has been raised against the use of the word conversion, bo- cause it has been the favourite term of those who practically ignore the Sacra- ments, depriving them of all their efficacy and virtue. But uso what term wo will the same thing must be required, there must be no room left for miscon- ception on this head. They who are walking in the ways of this world es- tranged from God, must be converted to His Service, the hearts set on things below must be turned to heavenly things, they who ore in darkness must be enlightened, their eyes must be opened that they may see, they who are asleep must be awakened, to those who are dead life must bo im- parted. No term that can be used is too strong for the change which must be wrought, even in the baptized who are fallen away from grace given, no less than in the unbaptized. And I believe that the real power of your preaching, and success of your Ministry, will depend upon the clearness with which you enforce the necessity of this change, and explain the mode in which it is to be accomplished. They who are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God, and it follows that they who are not led by the Spirit aro not the Sons of God ; and it is only by HiR operation that life can be imparted, or maintained in the soul. To be carnally minded is death, but to be spirit- ually minded is life and peace. Those only are free from condemnation who arerin Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Where the Holy Spirit dwells. His influence must be felt and seen. Love to God, which is the first fruit of His presence, must manifest itself. They wIjo ir 19 lovo Iliin cannot luvo wlint lie hates ; their happiaefla ilu|)on(lB upon a fieuoc of his fttvor, and with the aid of the Holy Spirit they will bo constantly striv- ing to mortify and eradicate every evil ufTuution, to purify themselves oven i\H ho is pure, and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. To inculcate the need of reformation and the improvement of morals, loaving'ttut of sight tho state of the heart, is to begin at the wrong end, your labor will be lost, and worse than useless. To cleanse the outside will only deceive, if the inner parts are still unclean ; the beauty of the whited sepulchres will not at all diminish the loathsomeness of the corruption con- coaled within. The sinner must therefore be urged to have recourse to the only purifying fountain ; the blood of Christ applied by faith to tho soul is the only remedy for its disease. Through faith alone can pardon for the past or graco for the present or tho future be obtainetl. This it is which imparts their virtue to the Sacraments, this is the medium through which we are made partak- ers of all spiritual blessings. "As thou hast believed so be it done unto thee," is tho word of comfort, the language in which the Scriptures ever speak to us. There is no virtue in any Ordinance in itself, but only as used in reliance upon tho divine appointment, and with faith in the promises. So also it is impossible that any human obedience can procure acceptance with God, for he who keeps the whole law, and yet offends in one point, is guilty of all ; neither may we join anything else witli the obedience of Christ to ob- tain reconciliation. To suppose that anything of our own can be accepted, in the way of satisfaction, is to make Christ's atonement imperfect and insuffi- cient. If we insist on paying part of the price, wo must pay the whole. Salvation must be sought as the free gift of God, or we shall never obtain it. And here is the real fundamental difference between us and the Church of Komo. Her various corruptions, especially her doctrines of penance, of indul- gences, of purgatory, may be traced to error on this point, and the great fea- ture of the Reformation was the restoration to light of tho doctrine, of justifi- cation by faith only, so prominently set forth by our Church in all her formu- laries. This doctrine has been perverted to their own destruction by those who turn the grace of our God into laselviousness, and that it may be so per- verted confirms our belief that this was the very doctrine taught by the Apos- tle, for this was urged against it as an objection in his day, and he fully meets tho Antinomian inferences, and refutes tho pernicious conclusions, which have been drawn from it. " What shall we say then ? Shall we continue in sin that ♦rracc may abound ? God fcrbid. How sliall we that are dead to sin livt 20 nny lunger thoroin ?" And oguin, " Wliat then ? Bhull ivc ain bccanso wu uru not under tbo law but undor groco ? God forbid." J)o nut thon allow yourHelvos to l)c influoncod in your proacbing, to koop book tbis groat doctrino bj any foar of ])0«Hiblo ooDM}(|Uonccs, but prouch it fully and constantly, preserving your congregations from error on either uido with reference to it, by clearly distinguishing between our justlQcatiuu and our sanctification, and pointing out that whilst our works must be absolutely ex- cludod from our justification, they are absolutely essential to our sanctifica- tion, that the former is complete at once, whIUt the latter is progressive und continuous, the one implying reoonciliation with Qod, the other Ihu gift of holiness. We do not say that the two things are separable, or that God over pardons without implanting the seeds of holiness, and commencing the work of sancti- fication in the heart. On the contrary we believe that the one gift invariably accompanies tbo other, but it is not the less important clearly to distinguisk what is tlie actual ground of our acceptanoe with Ilim. This can only be learned from the revelation of God's will. Ilia word ulone can enlighten us, and any teaching which is not in strict accordance with its doctrines must be erroneous. As however difibrent interpretations have been received; and controversies have boon maintained as to tho true meaning of tho Scriptures, it may be useful to direct your attention to some of tho authorities, in whom we have most reason to confide as Commentators or In- terpreters. Iiot us begin with the authoritative teaching of our Church. In the Xlth Article she undoubtedly uses* the term " justified" in the sense of being ac- counted, and not of being made, righteous. With tbis agrees, as is well known, the language of the Homily of the Salvation of mankind, ^uerein referred to, probably written by Archbishop Cranmor, and the writings of tho other Reformers, and compilers of our Liturgy. To the same effect speak others also, whoso names are held in no less re- verence. Thus nothing can be more decided than the language of Hooker ; " In him God findeth us if we be faithful, for by faith we are incorporated into him. Then although by ourselves wo be altogether sinful and unright- eous, yet even the man which in himself is impious, full of iniquity, full of sin, him being found in Christ through faith, and having his sin in hatred through repentance, him God oeholdeth with a gracious eye, putteth away his am by not imputing it, takcth quite away tho puuiabmcut due there- ^^$ ^y pardoning it, und acceptutb in Chriyt Jcbuti, as perfectly righteous us it 111 21 lUBc vru to kocp roach it hor Hido and our itcly cx- anctiEea- sivo and lu gift of ■ pardons of snncti- n variably iiitinguisU li, • His vrord lanco vritU .ions havo !o meaning mo of the tors or In- 1 the Xlth »f being ac- as is woll id, Luerein ings of the no less ro- )f Hooker ; acorporated nd unright- lity, full of n in hatred fe, putteth it due there- righteous us if ho hud fullUlod uU that is comninndcd hi'u in the Ijaw, shall I say mure |)crfeetly righteous than if himself had fultillud the whole Law : I must take hood what I say, but Ibo Apostlo suilh, (iod mado him to bo sin for us who know no sin, that we might bo made the rightoousnoss of Qod in him. Such wo are in tho sight of OoJ tho Father as is the very Son of Ood himself," Again tho learned and pious Bishop Ikveridge siiyR, " J^y this merit of Christ it is that ^e arc accounted righteous before Qod, where we may notice by tho way how iur being justitied is here expressed by our boitig accounted righteous, and not by our being made righteous. For it is not by tho inhe- .sion of grace in us, but by tho imputation of righteousness to us, that we are justified, as it is not by tho imputation of righteousness to us, but by tho inhesion of graco in us, that wo aro sanctified. How was Christ made sin for us ? not by our sins inherent in him, that is horrid blasphemy, but by our sins imputed to him. that is true Divinity. And as he was made sin for us, not by tho inhesion of our sins in him, but by the imputation of our sins to him, so aro wo mado tho righteousness of Qod in him, by the imputation of his righteousness to us, not by the inhesion of his righteousness in us." Thus speak two of our most honored Divines, whose opinion ought to havo great weight with us, but since tho doctrine taught by them is impugned, and stigmatized as comparatively modern, and newly invented, by many who hold either that faith is a causo of justification as one a>nongst other good works, upon which it really depends, or that wo are in some way justified through righteousness inherent in us, infused by tho grace of Qod, we will add the testimony of two of the Fathers. St. Clement of Rome, tho friend of St. Paul, says : " We being called through his will in Christ Jesus are not justified through ourselves, neither through our own wisdom, or understanding, or piety, or works which wo havo done in holiness of heart, but through faith, through which the Al- mighty Qod justified all from the beginning." And then, to guard against any abuse of this doctrine, he proceeds, " What then shall wo do. Brethren, shall we idly depart from good deeds, and forsake charity ? Tho Lord forbid that this should by any means come upon us, but rather let us hasten with intensity and alacrity to accomplish every good work." This passage is pe- culiarly important, because in it, " works done in holiness of heart" aro partioukily mentioned, and expressly excluded from the office of justifying, and if such works cannot justify "much less can any other works possess this efficacy. St. Chrysostom writes, " lie made, nays the Apostle, the righteous man a iiii m 22 51111101', that ho might uiake the sinners righteous, yea rather he said not even so, but what was far greater, for he did not mention the habit but the very quality itself. He said not made him a sinner, but sin, not him that had not sinned only, but that had nut even known sin, that wo also might bo made, he did not say righteous but righteousness, and the righteousness of God. For this is the righteousnesd of Gcd, when wo are justified not by works, (in which caso it were rjcessary that not a stain even should bo found,) bat by grace where ah sin is made to vanish away." We conclude then that we, whose weakness is such that we can do no good thing without some mixture of sin and infirmity, aie nevertheless ac- cepted by God, and regarded as if perfectly righteous, through the imputa- tion to us of Christ's righteousness, and that faith is as it were the hand by which it is taken and appropriated to ourselves, faith not being regarded as a work, as the ground of our acceptance, but simply tbo condition without which God doth nc* extend to us his mercy. This is to be noted, for soaio of those who declaim most loudly against any doctrine of justification by works, do in reality rest in such a doctrine, by making their own faith a work through which they may be justified. It is afiirmed by the Council of Trent, that we are justified by our works, but that we may nevertheless be said to be justified freely, because those works are done through grace, and the power to do them is of God, so that in their own words, " what is called our righteousness, because through it being inherent in us wo are justified, that same is the righteousness of God, because it is infused into us by God, through the merit of Christ." But this is a meie quibble, for that righteousness which is infused into us is as ranch ours as our reason is ours, as any one of our bodily or intellectual fa- culties is ours, uud we should be as much inclined to glory thertin, as in any other of those gifts of God which we call our own ; but now all boasting is absolutely excluded, because our justification is entirely owing to an ex- trinsic righteousness even the righteousness of Christ. We may then briefly sum up the distinction between the suceessiva stages of the Christian's life, from its commencement to its perfection, in the words of one whom we have before quoted. " The righteousness whereby we aro hero justified is perfect but not inherent ; — that whereby we are sanctified Jnherent but not perfect : that wherewith wo shall bo clothed in the world to come is both perfect and inlicrent." That whereby we are ji itified is perfect, because it is Christ's, regarded as ours only by imputation, that which is wrought in n«, wh'M'oby we nro fanotifiod, is not and cr.nnot be ])orfo^t, though it must ho C( aspir niul i for 0^ this Ii flocks do so, In the wl search verted cially mos«: E by con would wlthou donomi Ifw find all and en thai it from tl of our •vard it verteuj doctrir profes The! and fa] house and in] upon dual, ing frd oiuiervl it< broil tion, with a I said not the very that had night be isness of not by lould bo in do no lolesa ac- e imputa- B hand by arded as a m without for soaio ication by (rn faith a our work?, ;ause thoso fod, so that I through it icss of God, irist." But into us is as tellectual fa- lerfcin, as in r all boasting ing tc an ex- iiessiva stages n the words of ^ we are hero tified inherent rid to come is crfcct, because is wrought in though it must 1)0 constantly becoming .Tiorc and more nearly so, whereas timt to ./hich wo aspire in a future life is perfect, because all sin sliall then l)c done away, and it \NiU be truly ours, wrought in us to remain undefiled and unassailable for ever. Towards this perfect state, though wo may never attain to it in this 'ife, wo must be constantly progressing, and it is yours *o lead on yoiu* flocks towards it. You are to build up a spiritual house, and that you may do so, you must take care like a wise Master-builder to lay a sure foui.dation. In the present state of the Church, whilst the tares grow so thick amongst the wheat, there is need of constant instruction in first principles, of heart searching appeals, of direct personal application, of earnest r ' la to the uncon- verted. And if every Clergyman would devote a portion of the year espe- cially to this part of his work, for which the seasons of Advent and Lent are most appropriate, and would distinguish that time by special exertions, and by conc^ trating all his powers on this one object, I cannot doubt that there would be a marked revival amongst us. We should have all the benefits, without the evils, of the revival meetings, and protracted meetings of other denominations. If we will use aright the appointment of special times and seasons, we shall find all our wants provided for in tho Church's system, those who desire and endeavour to derive to themselves all the benefit intended by it, will find thai it is full of life, and by following her guidance, you will be preserved from the danger of neglecting to give due prominence to any of the great truths of our religion, since in her services throughouL the year each is brought for- ward in its turn. At one tinu you will be led by her to summon the uncon- verted sinner, at another to comfort her faithful children with the cheering doctrines of the Gospe!!, at Sinother to inculcate the duties implied by their profession. The pulpit ministrations will 'oe the smallest par* of the work of the zealous and faithful pastor, he will constantly be amoi-gst his flock teaching from house to house. Personal application must be made of those warnings and instructions, which, when delivered from the pulpit, too frequently fall upon the ear as general truths, without any particular reference to the indivi- dual. This is e&pociallv necessary with the poor, for very little of our teach- ing from the ihilpit is understood or applied by them. There is, it has been Observed, a sort of mental doafness amongst the mass, so that except the word ib brought to tneri in the smallest parcels, and with the most direct applica- tion, the sound only is heard, while tiie meaning is never fixed upon the mind with an intelligent or permanent apprehension. 24 But this ministry from House to Houso mnst not Ijc confined to the poor, still less mnst it bo limited to the sick. The idea is too common that a Cler- gyman's visit is only to be desired in the time of sickness, whereas your vow is to admonish and exhort both tbo whole and the siok. And this duty is one to which I must particularly direct your attention, for I fear that there is a fault amoi ^ us in this respect, and that many have been alienated from us, and led astray, who would have become and continued useful members of our Communion, if their Pastor had sought them out, and evinced a personal in. tcrost in them, and a more ardent desire for their spiritual welfare. I must say, moreover, that though I can point to some exceptions, you do not appear to me to do all that is practicable with respect to services between the Sundays. In England, every hardworking country clergyman has one or more evening lectures during the week, if not in the Church, in cottages or school houses ; and this cannot be less requisite where, in consequence or iho extent of your Parishes, some Chnrchos can only be visited once in every three or four Sundays. This will involve additional labour, but I cannot think that you wish to labour less than your Brethren in the Mother Countrt-y, and those who are willing to spend and be spent in their Master's service will not be reluctant to undertake any toil, if they can have a hope of thereby sav- ing some, and can mo^ effectually perform the work which he has given them to do. Finally, let me exhort and entreat you to shu*^ all party spirit. I am truly thankful that this Diocese has continued so free from this evil, and that though there are, as there ever must be, differences of opinion amongst you, there has neve * been any positive division into parties one against another. Party spirit ia destructive of gtnauinc piety. Every party will run into ex- tremes, and wherever this spiiit prevails true Christian charity will bo blighted, will droop and die. What can be more unseemly than for Bretbren in the Ministry to be ever assailing ne another, instead of dwelling together in unity, exciting prejudi- ces and suspicions against those who are equally conscientious and zealous with oursel' 3S, merely because they do not happen to view things precisely 313 we do, because they cannot pronounce our shibboleth ? There is a much nearer agreement, in reality than in appearance, between some of those who ■tire thus opposed to each other. Often when closely investigated the difier- •enoe is found to be only or prtnctpally in the use of words, and when the •doubtful term is defined, they who have been contending most fiercely disco- ver that they both meant very much the same thing. regaro 25 ic poor, a Clor- >ur vow y is ono iere is a torn us, of our aonal in. you do between one or )ttages or ice or ine in every I cannot Country, jrvice will ereby sav- ;iven them I am truly ;, and that io"«pt you, St another, an into ex- ity will bo to be ever mg prejudi- md zealous gs precisely c is a much f those who d the diflfer^ 1 when the orcely disco- Do not then make a man an offender for a word. Earnest, spiritually minded, men may bo found on either side, and looking to those points iii which they agree, rather tlian to their differences, they ought to oppose a united front to tho numerous and formidable foes, by whom wo arc surround- ed. Disunion, and strife, and imputations of unsoundness, afford an ad- vantage to the adversary, and whilst tho soldiers are turning their weapons ono a^^inst another, the enemy triumphs, and the cause of truth suffers. A certain degree of latitude is undoubtedly allowed by our Church, and wp would not desire to deprive any one of his liberty, but wo would impress upon you that this must be allowed on both sides, whereas unhappily we find those who claim tho utmost licence for themselves desiring altogether to de- prive their brethren of the same. We f^nd men, who are extreme, oven transgressing the utmost limits that can fauij^ bo claimed, yet reproaching those who do not go near as far in the opposite airection, and wishing to drive them from the Church, of which they are no less faithful and useful Minis- ters than themselves. This is surely altogether indefensible ; let us take heed, and remember His word who hath said : " Judge not that ye be not judged, for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." What strango inconsistency we sometimes observe, when they who talk of the duty of charity towards those who differ from us, and make an osten- tatious display of fellowship with those who repudiate our orders, impugn our doctrines, and separate themselves from our communion, nevertheless regard with suspicion and treat almost as aliens, their Brethren who min- ister at the same altar, who profess the same faith, acknowledge the same standards of doctrine, and are partakers with them at the same Holy Table. Consider, my Reverend Brethren, what effect this must produce upon those who have to look up to you as teachers and guides. Let us indeed en- deavour to live peaceably with all men, and treat with kindness and consider- ation even those who are without ; but let us ever feel that there should be a bor ^ of union between those who eat of tho same bread, and drink of the same cup, which there ought not to be, which there cannot be, between us and any others. These divisions and dissensions within our Church, have more perhaps than any thing else driven mistaken men to apostatize from the truth, and to seek shelter in that corrupt Branch, which seduces by a delusive appearance of unity. And those who in any way promote such dissensions, must bear the guilt of their Brother',s blood, lenity is not a mere ideal good, or crea- 4 26 i; '■ \ 1 1 U i r -' i i lion of the imaginntion having no real existence. It is nn oltject to he souglit after, worth any sacrifice if it can bo obtained by legitimate means, and this cannot be doubted by any one who studios the Epistles of St. Paul, still loss by any ono who reverently meditates upon the meaning of that oft-repeated Prayer of our Lord, " that they all may be onQ." Those however who are induced by their desire for unity to join the Church of Rome, are deceived by a shadow, for as the student of History well knows, she has only the semblance without the reality. At times with- in her pale, and with as much bitterness as is ever manifested amongst our- selves, controversies have been carried on, and on important topics opposite views have been espoused and supported by some of her most learned and able writers. Moreover the unity to be desired is the unity of rational beings convinced of the tr-th, whereas her unity is preserved by proscribing the exercise of the reasoning facultit*R, and demanding implicit acquiescence in every dogma which she has chosen, through a succession of ages, to de- dare an article of faith on her own authority, although unsupported by, or oven contrary to, the inspired Scriptures. This distinction is set forth in eloquent language by a living writer, who has done good service to the Church, " Doubtless," says he, " there is a unity, when every thing in nature is wrapped in the gloom of night, and bound with the chains of sleep. Doubtless there is a unity, when the earth is concealed by frost, and mantled in a robe of snow. Doubtless there is a unity when the human voice is still, the band motionless, the breath sus- pended, and the whole frame locked in the iron grasp of death. And doubt- less there is a unity, when men surrender their reason, and sacrifice their liberty, and stifle their conscience, and seal up Scripture, and deliver them- selves miserable captives, bound hand and foot, to the dominion of tho Church of Home. But this is not the unity of light, it is the unity of sleep and gloom. It is not tho unity of warmth and life, it is the unity of cold and death. It is not true unity, for it is not unity in the truth."* Let us then, repudiating all false pretences, exercise true charity, and be united together in the truth. Let us be united in heart and action, and wo must prevail, for God is on our side, and it can only be through treachery or faintheartedness that we fail. Let us keep the unity of the spiri' in tho bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. If righteousness of life is requisite for all who will be saved, it must be the primary qualification of those who are to point out to others the way of salva- * Wordsworth on the Babylon of the Apocalypse. -^1 iS ,)U»l»t tbb 11 loss peated >in tbe listory witli- st our- pposito earned ational (Scribing iiescenco J, to de- i by, or iter, wbo there is a igbt, and tbe earth tbere is a reath sus- ,nd doubt- rifice their iver tbera- on of tbo ty of sleep ity of cold ity, and be in, and wo treachery iri', in tbo nust be tbe ay of salva- 27 tion. "VVo arc to bo " wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ," and " to beware that neither wo ourselves offend, nor be oooasiou that others offend." The Minister should have his mind well stored with va- ried information, so that as a scribo instructed into the kingdom of heaven, ho may be able to bring forth out of his treasure things new and old ; Init tlio most learned man will effect little towards tho spiritual improvement of hia people, unless ho is himself deeply impressed with the truths which he teaches. Tho work of the Ministry, though commonly classed amongst the learn'-'^ professions, differs from the others essentially in this respect, that with us . .- cess depends upon tho personal character, and spiritual condition, of the agent. We may conceive of a Lawyer, eminent in his profession, a skilful expounder of tha Law, and yet habitually violating it. A physician may be suffering from incurable disease, and yet bo very successful in his treatment of his pa- tients. But tho Clergyman can do little for others if hia own heart is not right with God. Unless he can speak from his own experience, of the love of God, and of the operation of tho Holy Spirit, he must speak of what he does not himself understand. He cannot know the things of the Spirit of God, " because they are spiritually discerned." And no man can be an efficient teacher of what is not perfectly understood by himself. A mere perfunctory discharge of duties may fully occupy your time, and supply material for a satisfactory return, but your labor will be lost, souls will not be saved, the Church will not be edified. Where the heart is not animated by love and devotion, tho coldness of tho Minister will affect the people, notwithstanding bis diligent attention to a specified routine of duty. In like manner earnestness is infectious, and he who acts under the influence of strong conviction and deep feeling, will probably succeed in lighting up in others the flame which burns in his own breast, and in imparting to them a portion of his own warmth. • Lot it ever be our first care therefore to search and examine our own hearts, to make our own calling and election sure. Our very familiarity with holy things subjects us to peculiar dangurs and temptations, and without constant watchfulness it is not possible to keep alive the sacred fire. May the Holy Spirit so teach and guide every one of us, that we may escapo the awful sen- tence to bo pronounced upon him who, after preaching to others, shall be himself a castaway. ■ i' 28 •■f? MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS At xhe Visitation of the Lord Bishop of Nova Scotia, held in tub Cathedral Church of St. Paul's, Halifax, On the IIth Oct. 1854. I'' 1^ |» J: There was Divine Service in St. Paul's at 11 A. M. on Wednesday, October 11th. Prayers were said by the Revd. E, Matorin, A. M., Cu- rate of St. Paul's, and the Sermon was preached by the llevd. T. H. White, A. B., Rector of Shelburno. The Holy Communion was administered by the Lord Bishop and tl.o Venerable the Archdeacon, to all the Clergy and several Lay Communicants. The Clergy again assembled at half-past three, P. M., when Evening Prayer was said by the Revd. Wm. Bullock, Curate of St. Paul's. The names of the Clergy were called by the Revd. Edwin Gilpin, Jr. A. M. The following Clergymen were present : The Rev. R. Willis D.D. Hector of St.FauVs, Halifax. " " W. Bullock, Curate of do. " " E. Maturin, A.M. Curate of do. R. H. Bullock, A.B. J. Alexander, J. Ambrose, A.B. R. Arnold, A.B. R. Avery, J. Breading, R. F. Brine, J. M.Campbcll,A.M. J. Cochran, A.M. H. DeBlois, A B. T. Dunn, C. Elliott, A.M. P. Filleul, A.B. J. Forsythc, A. Gilpin, A.B. Asst. Curate do. St. Mary's, Eastern Shore. New Dublin. Sydney Mines, C. B. Aylcsford. Beaver Harbor. Arichat, G. B. Granville. Bridgewaier. Pictov. Weymouth. Albion Mines. Windsor. 89 IN THE nesday, M., Cu- T. H. and tV.o unicants. Evening Li'iN, Jr. ax. •c. rh(3 Kev K. Gilpin, Annapolis. << It E. Gilpin,. Fun. A.M. 41 II W. Godfrey, A.B. Clements Port. ighy. II II S. D. Green, Mitsqnodohoit. II 11 G. Hill, A.M. Theol Prof. Windsor. 11 II R. Jamieson, Ship Harbor, Eastern Shore. II II W. G. Jarvis, A.B. Gityshorough. l< 11 W. B. King. A. M. Parrshorovgh. 11 II T. C. Leaver, A.M. Truro. wtv, .^oponded liy C. Bowman, Ksq., nnd Resolved — " That tlic thanks of the Laity lo offered to the IJisiiOP for bringing this matter before them:" It was moved by the Ilcvd. R. J. I'niackk, seconded nnd Kcsolvod — " That tlic wannest thanks of the (Hergy bo given to the Uisiioi' for call- ing this as8end)ly together." ft was unanimously llesolved— " That the thanks of the Clergy bo offered to the Churchmen in Halifax, " for their kindness and hosjiitality during the present Visitation." Tho'liisHOp ilismissod the assembly with the Ai)03tolic beuediction. II. NOVA SCOTIA. Edwin Gii.mn, Jr., Clerical Serretary. Nepean Clarkk, iMtj Secret'iry. JI^JW»-1JtW ■ ^^^l^^^^r^'^K^'^^ ,-.f~T' T='^^? q., nn