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what religion and reason uniformly condemn. his profession, he renders himself both a cheat and a hypocrite; whereas, without it, he would only have been demonstrated-a knave. These are hard and bad names; but they cannot be so bad or offensive to us, as the persons to whom they rightly belong most certainly are in the sight of HIM who hateth iniquity.

CHAPTER IV.

How a real Christian should conduct himself towards the Church of God.

THE untamed corruptions and natural blindness of the human heart, have introduced a great variety of disorders into Christian profession, and occasioned the whole multitude of sects and parties. All believers agree, that there is but one spiritual church, the bride of Christ and the mother of the faithful; but all believers do not act as if they really consented to this truth. What mischiefs hath not the carnal mind produced in all ages! Superstition, bigotry, persecution, pomp, parade, and intolerance, are all of them the proper fruits of an evil heart, uncircumcised, unsubdued, untaught, by the Spirit and power of God. They are the evil and detestable weeds in the spiritual field, which do nothing but stifle, overrun, rob, and impoverish the corn.

There are real Christians, perhaps, in every

Christian church or society; and it will scarce be denied that there are hypocrites, formalists, carnalists, and ungodly men in all. Let the Christian's conscience be free; for God is his only master in these things: but to whatever particular profession he may belong, let his conversation be edifying to that, and let his charity be shown to all the rest. He should

be willing to think the best things of any good men, considering the prejudices of education, the differences of situation and temper, and the advantages which God hath given to some above others; and especially considering, that real Christians of all denominations are sincere in their views, and under deep concern for the salvation of their souls. These considerations beget tenderness in every spiritual mind; and the want of this tenderness in any man is no proof that he is not yet carnal. "In things necessary, there should be unity; in things not necessary, liberty; and in all things, charity."

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Whatever difference may be in the outward mode or form of real Christians, respecting the worship of God, their life and spirit of worship are one and the As believers under the law had the like grace of faith with those under the gospel, though there was a vast disparity in their outward dispensations; so these last have an inward and substantial unity, yea, and uniformity too, one with another. Let each then, in his several vocation, not so much strive for the honour of a party, the love of party being only the love of self; but to glorify Christ with all the gracious power which may be given him. would be happy indeed for themselves, and honour

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able for the Christian religion, if all its professors were like-minded in all outward things: but as this is not to be expected, while evil can mingle with good, or darkness with light, they ought however to labour hard, on all sides, to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Let him that useth ceremonies, be candid to him that useth them not; and let him that will not observe times, and days, and rituals, pray for, rather than revile those who do.

The love of Christ preaches this lesson, which the Apostle of Christ, almost in so many words, enforces and confirms.

With respect to those of the same denomination, the Christian is called in a more especial manner to show forth his works of faith and labours of love, for their comfort and edification. He will see, that the true distinction of a believer in Jesus, is not to rise over all, and to set up himself as a great somebody, but to be their servant rather, showing all meekness, patience, gentleness, and truth. The infirmities of others he must not magnify, but pity and pray over, knowing that he himself also is in the flesh. The attainments of others he must not envy, because these are the free gift of God, which if a man can allow himself to envy, it is only because he doth not know this gift aright. Strength of spirit inspires another conduct. Weakness of the flesh alone leads the

professor to this. In fine, whether he be a public servant or a private member in the visible church, he will pray, that he may demean himself according to the settled order, with all gravity and decency, that

he may lay no stumbling-block in the way of the weak, and no offence before the eyes of the strong; but that he may be an example of godliness, humility, faith, resignation, and charity, to all about him.

This, surely, is far better than any nick-name; for this is the true life and essence of what is signified by the best name-a CHRIstian.

CHAPTER V.

On the Reciprocal Duties of Ministers and People.

It would be presumption in me to offer instruction to those by whom I would most gladly be taught. My words, therefore, on this head shall be few; and I trust they will not offend.

The faithful minister is the servant, the shepherd or pastor, the overseer, the teacher, the guide, the physician, the helper, and the comforter of the people committed to his charge. It is not, consequently, a light business for light heads; but an awful and solemn concern, which requires all the grace, wisdom, prudence, learning, courage, faith, patience, and godliness, that are dispersed among the laity at large, to be collected, as much as possible, in one particu

lar man.

The profit of the flock, not the profit from the flock, is the grand object of a true pastor's concern. It is the character of the hireling, "whose own the sheep are not," to care only for the fleece: and when

he gets this, the sheep not being his, (which he proves by his want of care for their souls,) he is nothing better than a robber. The world swarms with these spiritual thieves, who sacrifice all the plunder to their idleness, avarice, pride, or pleasures. What a character doth the Lord give of whom he calls "the foolish shepherd!" He doth not "visit those that are cut off, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor feed that which standeth still. Woe," continues he, "to the idle" (the false or foolish) shepherd, that leaveth the flock: the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye; his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened." He shall eventually be without strength or understanding: Zech. xi. 16. See also Ezek. xxxiv.

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When any congregation of people have the blessing of an able and faithful minister, how ought they to prize so scarce and valuable a jewel! Such a one is worthy of all honour, both for his work's sake and for his own sake; and those Christians are not wise for themselves, who do not all in their power to strengthen his hands, and to assist him in his ministry.

One good way of accomplishing this, is to pray earnestly and constantly in private for the pastor. This would draw down mutual blessings both on the speaker and hearers, and much endear them to each other. The reason, probably, of the dissatisfaction and uselessness, which often arise between them, may be owing to the want of mutual prayer, which begets indifference or remissness, as well as discovers