yourself, for a time, till you can honestly purchase; and use not the property of others, under the notion, and semblance of its being your own, with discredit to yourself, and injury unto them. Look forward to the regulation of your household, how small soever it may be, as a concern of the most important nature. Many a lesson may be learned from the management of a limited circle, which will be most valuable, in administering the concerns of the Church of God. You must introduce the practice of Religion, openly, as the foundation of your domestic government. You must not expect, that all will equally profit by your daily prayer, and reading of Scripture. Nor, must you imagine, that, merely to introduce family prayer, will act as a charm. On the contrary, the froward, among servants, will often think that their very attendance, is a favour done to you; and their joining in prayer, a sort of excuse for frequent misconduct. Persevere, nevertheless, in training up a little Church under your roof, for supplying the congregation with faithful members, and adding to the Host of Saints in Heaven. Rebuke sharply, or gently, as the disposition of each may require; and let those, who will not profit under such a godly system (after sufficient trial) be dismissed, to make way for others, who are willing to accompany you in the journey to the kingdom of God. A private Christian's house, without any open worship of his God and Saviour, is a sight, that would astonish even the Heathen; who burned incense regularly to their Lares and Penates. But, the house of a Minister of Christ Jesus, without a domestic altar, and the daily sacrifice of praise, who shall describe! What Timothy was expected to require of the Ephesian Pastors, it is just as necessary to require now. The circum stances of temptation may be altered; but the great Enemy of salvation neither slumbereth nor sleepeth. When the greatness of the work of the Ministry-with death, with the value of one immortal soul, with the judgment seat before our eyes, is considered, is it not amazing, that so many are found ready to undertake such an office? One, in which their own eternal happiness seems to depend, in some degree, on the willingness of others, to follow Christ and be saved? But this is a thought of distrust and unbelief. "He is faithful that hath promised'." He hath died (a sacrifice for sinners) who hath said, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world?" He hath ascended, that hath sent down His Spirit, for our guide and support. Is this a God whom we may doubt? Is this a Saviour to be distrusted? Is this a Comforter, whom we may disbelieve? To Pastor, and to people, is Jesus a Saviour, willing that none should perish. Build every hope on Him, as the rock of your salvation; and "in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment," His love, and His mercy will be fully manifested. 1 Heb. x. 23. ' Matt. xxviii. 20. 151 LECTURE VIII. 66 1 TIм. iii. 8-16. LIKEWISE MUST THE DEACONS BE GRAVE, NOT THE TRUTH. AND WITHOUT CONTROVERSY GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH; JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT; SEEN OF ANGELS; PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES; BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD; RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY." THE appointment of Deacons, arose, in the first instance, as we know, in a case of necessity. An appearance of partiality, exercised towards the Hebrew poor, in the distribution of alms among the needy at Jerusalem, led to a complaint from the widows of those Jews, who from long residence among the Gentiles, spake the Greek tongue. The Apostles, unable to relinquish their more important calls to prayer, and to the promulgation of the word of God, were yet anxious to remove this unfair imputation. They therefore appointed "seven men of good report, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." Attention to the names of the first Deacons, shows the justice of the Apostles. The seven seem to have been Grecians and this, at once afforded security, that the Hebrew widows would not, |