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fessors, this is mentioned as the first characteristic of religion; the foundationstone on which its graces rest; the root from which all its other virtues must shoot forth. Useless, therefore, will our labours be, and vain our preaching, unless by our own pure example we induce our hearers to "provide things honest in the sight of all men ;" and to abstain not only from the commission, but from the appearance, of evil." To ensure this effect, the purity of the Minister of the Gospel, like the fame of Cæsar's consort, must not be suspected; the ephod must be without a stain; the hands that touch the altar must not be polluted with a spot.

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Let it not be imagined that I dread the existence of such a dismal combination, as the sacred office of the priest blended with the worst vices of the most abandoned laic; but should such an incongruous character arise, in times like these, so big with moral contradictions, poor would be the price which such a profligate must receive“ in exchange for his soul;"-the abhorrence of the worthy, the reprobation of the wise, and the contempt even of those who share in his sin, and will partake in his perdition.

These, my Reverend Brethren, if the

authority of an Apostle is to be regarded, these are the qualities with which we are to be adorned, and the arms we are to use; and, as they are adequate to the work of our ministry, so are they sufficient for the defence of our ARK. It cannot now be said, indeed, as it was in an early stage of her history, that the CHURCH has peace, for her enemies are numerous, and her danger is not equivocal; but, simple in design, beautiful in proportion, solid in structure, and broad and strong in her foundations, she may long resist the storms that howl around her, if she be not self betrayed: if they who eat her bread, do not desert her interests. The Virgin Daughter of Zion may laugh her foes to scorn; the Daughter of Jerusalem may shake her head at her assailants; for she will have the protection of Heaven, as long as her gates are guarded by vigilant watchmen, and her defence conducted by wise and faithful servants.

Powerfully, however, as the safety and welfare of the CHURCH with which we are connected, should urge us to the diligent discharge of the duties we have undertaken; let it not be thought that this is the highest motive to engage us to their faithful execution. The Apostle presents to us one infinitely more animating than any consi

deration of a temporal nature; for, says he, "in so doing thou shalt SAVE thyself, and "them that hear thee."

To Christianity alone belongs the high privilege of carrying the eye beyond the grave; and encouraging to the performance of temporal duty, by views of everlasting recompense. Whatever the motives or solaces of virtue might be, under the dif ferent systems of philosophy which have by turns enlightened or bewildered mankind, they were still confined to time; and no future reward appeared to cheer the labour of well-doing, or refresh the spirit, exhausted by the difficulties of a virtuous course. But when Christianity enlarged the sphere of human duty, by adding the obligations of a spiritual religion to the sanctions of the moral law, it at the same time unfolded prospects of future gain, which vastly overpay the extended service. To all believers, of every rank, tongue, and nation, under the canopy of heaven, it promises immortality, on the equitable conditions of repentance, faith, and obedience to its precepts; and makes everlasting happiness the precious remuneration of a sincere temporal attachment to its cause. But for the ministers of the word, as their work is more arduous, so its provision of motives is more ample; to

the one that is best suited to awe the soul, it has added that which is most calculated to move the heart; having built upon the solid promise of their own salvation, the no less substantial assurance of the salvation of those committed to their spiritual care. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy "doctrine; continue in them; for in doing "this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

FINIS.

ERRATA.

Vol. I. page 1, line 2, for antipated, read anticipated. 40, line 2, for reward, read rere-ward.

Vol. II. page 6, line 26, for unobserved read unobscured. 117, line 30, for thaas, read that as.

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Published, by the same Author,

Under the expressed approbation of several Prelates and distinguished Dignitaries of the ESTABLISHED CHURCH,

SERMONS on the EPISTLES or GOSPELS for the Sundays throughout the year; (including Christmas-Day, and GoodFriday.) FIFTH EDIT. 2 vols. 12mo. 16s. boards.

ALSO,

OLD CHURCH-OF-ENGLAND PRINCIPLES, or SERMONS for every Sunday, &c. in the year, explanatory of the Old Testament, and showing its connection with the New Testament. 3d edit. 3 vols. demy 12mo. £1 boards.

"AND HERE I TURN TO MR. WARNER. ALL THAT IS IN"TELLIGIBLE, SCRIPTURAL, ELOQUENT, AND PIOUS, I FIND "THERE. MR. WARNER HAS DONE GREAT SERVICE TO THE “CHURCH, AND, 1 WOULD BELIEVE, EVEN TO THE STATE. "PRACTICAL AND PLAIN DISCOURSES LIKE HIS, SO WELL "FOUNDED, AND SO CLEARLY EXPRESSED, WERE MUCH "WANTED, &c "-The Plain Bible, and the Protestant Church in England, by the Rev. WM. Lisle Bowles, rector of Bremhill, Wilts.

ALSO,

In I vol. 8vo. price 10s. 6d. in boards, especially adapted to the use of Private Families, Male and Female Schools, and Young Persous entering upon the Study, or intended for the Profession, of Divinity,

A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, (from the compounded Texts of the authorised version of the four Holy Evangelists;) or the ENGLISH DIATESSARON; with a Map of the Holy Land, settled by the late Dr. Clarke, the celebrated traveller; nearly one thousand explanatory Notes, and Illustrations of the sacred Text from the Rabbinical Writers, and the late Oriental Travellers; various preliminary Articles of useful Information; a Vocabulary of the Proper Names occurring in the four Gospels, with their Significations; a brief Harmony of the Evangelists; and copious Indexes. 2d edition, greatly aug. mented and improved.

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