What is the duty of the humble Christian? allow me to reply, that the text gives the answer; Remember them which have the rule over you (or, as the margin more correctly renders it, are your guides), who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation; Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for

ever.

We have in these words

I. THE CHARACTER OF THE FAITHFUL

PASTOR.

II. THE DUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN FLOCK. Suffer me to entreat your earnest supplications to the throne of Mercy, that He "without whom nothing is strong, nothing is wise, nothing is holy," may now deign to assist us with his heavenly influence and Divine grace, to the glory of His Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.

I. THE CHARACTER OF THE CHRISTIAN PASTOR.

Various are the appellations given in

Holy Scripture, to the servants of God. They are called watchmen, stewards, ambassadors. But, not to enlarge on these, let us confine our attention to the description of their character, as contained in the text. We have here four particulars stated concerning the Christian Pastor ;-

The peculiar nature of his work-he is a spiritual guide.

The Divine authority of his messagehe speaks the word of God.

The main-spring of all his exertions-faith.

The grand end of his life and laborsJesus Christ.

Our notice of these several points must necessarily be brief, lest we should take up a larger space of time than is usual-I may add, than is proper-on one of your Sacramental festivals. In reference to the character of the Christian pastor, we are first to direct your attention to

1. The peculiar nature of his work.

He is a guide to the people of God in their journey from this world to a

is exposed,

bable means

conduct to the po

need I add, that,

The spiritual guide, in must know the dangers of pilgrim; must mark those by which he, himself, has bee quently harassed, must be accust look well into his own heart, that he know the depths of inbred sin, and power of corruption. He must be gent toward the inexperienced traveller, as the great Guide of the Church has been toward him. Nor must he merely point out the

dition? It is because it is written, they that

are in the flesh cannot please God. Does he exhort them to repentance? The reason is clear: he knows, that, except they repent, they shall all likewise perish. Does he point to Christ as the only Saviour? It is because there is salvation in none other; neither is there any other name given, under heaven, among men, whereby we must be saved. Does he dwell upon the necessity of the grace and work of the Divine Spirit? It is because no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost; and if any man, have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Does he urge home upon professors the vast importance of a consistent walk and conversation? It is because the word of God exhorts those who through grace have believed, that they be careful to maintain good works; and commands them to let their light so shine before men, that they may see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in heaven. Does he speak of Christian privileges? It is that the Church may know the things that are freely given to her of God. Or does he give warning of danger and