mus. Ecclesiastical antiquity asserts, that he was placed over the Church of Ephesus, as Bishop, by St. Paul: probably on the departure of the Apostle from that city, after the tumult excited by Demetrius. And well may we imagine, how meekly the pastors of the several congregations would yield themselves to the guidance of one, so high in the confidence of the great Apostle. And as this Epistle would doubtless be read publicly in the churches, from the first, the several expressions therein, tending to confirm the authority of their Bishop, would meet, at once, with cheerful acquiescence from pastors and people. Whether actively employed in Greece, or bound with a chain at Rome, the heart of the Apostle was with the faithful Bishop of Ephesus; and probably in reply to the desires for guidance in his difficult station, were these important Epistles composed. Hence, without doubt, arose the Apostolic custom in our Church, of the Bishop delivering from time to time, a

charge to the clergy of his diocese-an ordinance which we gladly look forward to, as soon to be observed, for the first time, in this portion of the Church of Christ.

Sent by the authority of one of the Apostles, as they were by Christ, as Christ by the Father', to establish the Gospel of reconciliation, and transmit the Divine Commission, Timothy receives every kind of direction for governing the ministers under his control, and through them, regulating the body of the Church of Ephesus. To him, as appears in the Epistle, was entrusted the power of ordaining inferior ministers; for he is here enjoined (and that in the singular number) to "commit to faithful men"," that Gospel, which they were to teach among their flocks. The full character of a Minister is set forth-and the high standard raised, unto which all the elders, under him, must

1 John xx. 21.

2 2 Tim. ii. 2.

strive to attain. The duties of the Deacon also are laid down-and the expectation (not the certainty1) held out, of his advancing to the higher ministerial degree. Nor are the consistency, and superior purity of manners required in the household of a minister of Christ, overlooked by the comprehensive mind of the Apostle 2. He gives directions, yet further, for reproving the faults of ministers, with delicacy, but firmness 3. He exhorts Timothy to give himself to the clear exposition and right dividing of the word of God1. He calls on him to be a zealous "preacher, in season and out of season." He charges him to "lay hands suddenly on no man, lest he should become partaker in other men's sins 5." Instructions are in this Epistle conveyed to him for the regulation of the public services: and the great importance of Divine worship clearly ascertained by

1 1 Tim. iii. 13.

2 Ib. iii. 12.

3 Ib. xix. 20.

4 2 Tim. ii. 15.

5 1 Tim. v. 22.

division of the subject into its several branches-petition, supplication, thanksgiving, and intercession'. Guidance is imparted as to his mode of conducting himself towards those, who were promoting schism or heresy. In the spirit of a prophet, St. Paul foretells the corruptions which would arise to the injury of the Church— which alas! we know, from history and observation, to have been literally fulfilled. With the most refined propriety of feeling, he guards the Bishop of Ephesus against disadvantageous impressions liable to be made by his youthful appearance *; while, with all the tenderness of considerate friendship, he warns him against a regimen too rigid and abstemious for his bodily strength". Nor does he fail, in imploring a blessing upon this devoted man to specify the gifts of grace,

of God

writer) he would have him feel by this expression, that "no man's duties need so great an exercise of mercy from the Lord, as those of an ambassador of Christ. It is reported of Timothy, on the authority of Ecclesiastical tradition, that he underwent sudden and violent martyrdom, while preaching against idolatry. Thus, about the year 97, his spirit returned to God, who gave it and his memory has been sweetly embalmed in the Oracles of God, and in the grateful annals of the primitive Church.

I. Although the body of the Epistle will be the fittest place for commenting on the government of the Church, yet I cannot refrain, at this period, from congratulating all who hear me, on being members, and most of you on the prospect of becoming Ministers, of a Church founded on authority no less than Divine. He that was individually commanded to lay hands,

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