CHARGE, DELIVERED AT THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. RICHARD BOWDEN, AUG. 15, 1799. T It is impossible but that I should feel deeply interested in the solemn transactions of this day. I have cordial satisfaction in the designation that has taken place, and the confession which preceded it. It behoves me, with heartfelt gratitude, to acknowledge the God of my mercies therein: "He will ever be mindful of his covenant." Now, my son, I have to address you as my brother in the Gospel-I have to congratulate you as "a servant of Jesus Christ:" you need not, you cannot, aspire after a title and character more truly honourable. May it ever be your ambition to wear that inscription stamped on your brow, and to demonstrate to all around you, in the fervour of your Christian affection and zeal, and in your self-denying and unwearied labours, that you are truly 66 a servant of Jesus Christ." At your request, I appear on this solemn occa sion, to offer you the admonitions of parental and Christian love. There were considerations that would have recommended the appointment of some other person, and I felt their force; but nothing of this kind had I power to decline, for "being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also ourselves, because ye were dear unto us." You feel the importance of the trust reposed in you; I pray God you may feel it more and more; that your eye and your heart may ever be fixed on your work, your Master, and your reward; that you may be ever watchful, depending, and prayerful. The plain and serious hints I have to offer shall be grounded on the Apostle Paul's advice to his son Timothy, 2d Timothy ii. 15.: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The words lead me to remind you of the character which you are now to sustain: "A work. man, a steward: "-then, of that excellency of character which I hope it will be your ambition to deserve: "A workman that needeth not to be ashamed;" a steward, rightly" (that is, faithfully and skilfully,)" dividing the word of truth;' a workman, and a steward, "approved unto God." A few considerations and counsels may afterwards be offered, to urge your very serious attention to this apostolic charge: "Study to shew thyself approv ed unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And may the good Spirit of God, who alone can teach us to profit, afford to each of us his effectual presence and grace! I. You are here reminded of the character in which you will now appear: A Workman! God calls his ministers to a life, not of indolence and indulgence, but of labour. Here is labour for your body, and labour for your soul; but it is labour which glorious angels would esteem their honour; it is labour worthy of a God. The reference is to the great design of God's eternal mercy, to deliver sinners of mankind from darkness, sin, and death, and bring many sons and daughters to glory. This is represented under a variety of metaphors: two of them are particularly applicable. Sometimes, the God of salvation appears in the character of a Husbandman, who applies himself to the cultivation of a degenerate and neglected soil; and exchanges the dreary and comfortless appearance of a desert, for the delights of a garden, the luxuriance of autumn, and the joy of harvest. At other times, he is pleased to assume the character of an Architect, a Builder, who, of materials gathered from a ruined world, world lying in wickedne s," raises, on a living Foundation Stone, a holy temple, a habitation of God, which shall survive the wreck of worlds, and stand eternal in the heavens. a |