have grown beyond conception; though the church by the preservation of the truth as it is in Christ, has led the way to these flourishing times; though the blood of her priests and martyrs to secure this truth was freely and boldly spilt, she has not reaped any harvest of substantial gratitude from man. She has not shared the fruit of those triumphs, which without her would not have been won.

God forbid, and I speak sincerely, God forbid our church should ever be a wealthy one; for Christ has in a very urgent tone warned us of the danger and temptation of wealth; which warning must of necessity be applied to all classes of men alike. But this I do maintain, that, though the church should be saved from the peril of riches, though it were unkind to wish or to make her wealthy, she should at least be independent. Independence in temporal matters (without endowment an impossibility) is all we ask, all that need be given, and just what is not given. Excluded as the clergy are, excluded wisely from every avenue that might open to them some worldly gain, forbidden every other calling and occupation but that of preaching the gospel of Christ, this surely should bring them at least a livelihood; those who are ministered unto should have some thing more than the gratitude of words towards those, who, to teach

them the ways of life, to bring them to their Redeemer's fold, to win them from the enemy of their souls, have forsaken all and followed Christ. To give them independence of spirit, you should give them temporal independence; and if, as things are, our country has the blessing of a bold, free-speaking, fearless, and faithful priesthood, the laity of the present day have done nothing to earn, to keep, or to deserve it. But I ask you, is it right that we should suffer the continuance of what is in truth a pauper church? church? Should the clergy, besides the care, the burden and toil of their pastoral duties, which make sad ravages on the health of many, should they be ever fearful lest they outrun their scanty means? Should they be oppressed with private anxiety and disquiet, while from the sights of grief, misery, and distress, they so often see, they must indeed be made of stern materials always to remember the cold lessons of a precise and rigid prudence? Should they too, while they are on all sides exposed to sickness and infection, ever be in dread of leaving their families without provision, leaving them with no legacy but their blessing, and no inheritance but the pure word of God which they have taught?

It is true there is now-a-days much profession of love for the church; eloquent harangues in

its favour are not scarce; a worthy remuneration for spiritual labours is frequently commended; the independence of the clergy is insisted on and approved; we hear that they should be placed above that wretched uncertainty, called popularity; they should be above trusting to voluntary offerings and gifts; they should be secured a becoming maintenance, quite beyond the controul of their congregations, so that they may be indifferent whether in preaching against men's vices they offend or please. Churchmen are every where heard to reprobate and condemn the voluntary system; "away with it, away with it!" is the common cry; it contains the seeds of death and ruin; the truth will be sacrificed or impaired for meat and for drink; the gospel will be preached not as it is, but as men would like it to be; congregations will be humoured and indulged; popular applause will be the ambition and the gain of preachers; extravagant doctrines will spring up, to gratify itching ears, as these thirst for novelty and change; all this we hear, than which nothing is more true. But in the midst of this noisy declamation, these well and wisely expressed professions, what comes of this much talking, this vaunted love of the church? what in short, what is done? We are all the while sinking fast into the very system we condemn; arguing and

talking and reasoning, yet neglecting to act, neglecting to give, neglecting to endow, though in the midst of luxury and in the midst of wealth. Whether or not you, my brethren, take part with those who thus profess much and do little, you have this day an opportunity of proving. This day there is presented to you, through God's mercy, an occasion of devoting to His glory and the spiritual welfare of your fellows some portion of that wealth which he has intrusted to you as a trial of your faith. A Chapel of Ease has been erected within this very parish, which makes it a home question, which brings it to your own doors, and prevents every excuse for withholding your gifts. The advantages of endowment in general have been set forth, and it only remains that you apply them to this particular case. This Chapel too has been placed among those, who for the most part, even if they had the will, have not the means to be liberal; but they are your brethren and neighbours, they are of the same fold and flock, united under the same Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Let me therefore intreat you to remember what the Lord hath ordained; so give of your worldly things, that, according to His will and word, those who preach the gospel of redemption, may live of the gospel. Your wealth, which God has not been slack in giving,

thus used will be put to a heavenly and immortal use; though scattered and given away, it will be sowing you a blessed harvest; when laid at the apostles' feet, and not at the perishing shrine of worldly luxury, it will be cast into a treasury, which will one day re-issue it ten thousand-fold more than it was thrown in. Give then, I beseech you, by the mercies of Christ, give in the spirit of Christian self-denial, for, if you take on you that cross, it will bless and sanctify your gifts; and thus, when this life, which passeth away as a flower of the field, or a dream of the night, has past; then, having confessed Christ Jesus upon earth with self-denying love, He will confess and welcome you before the angels of light in the happy courts of His eternal home.

J. CHILCOTT, PRINTER, WINE STREET, BRISTOL.