But above all, be it indelibly imprinted in our remembrance, that the end of all our dignities, and privileges, and services, is the SALVATION OF SOULS-immortal souls! for whom Christ shed his precious blood, and for whom we are accountable before the judgment seat of God. Methinks I hear an awful intimation of danger-a solemn warning to the shepherds of Israel,' lest they feed themselves, and feed not the flocks. If the sheep be scattered because there is no shepherd, and they become meat to all the beasts of the field, at whose hands but ours will God require his flock, his beautiful flock? We are they that must give account,-"how great danger! For all the souls committed to thy charge, thou art to give account." O abyss of judgments prepared for faithless shepherds! when it shall be said in that day, "the diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought out that which was lost." Yet out of the midst of the cloud of danger, there ascends a light of joy and hope, bright, and as the colour of amber in the prophet's vision; the sign of our present privilege, and the earnest of our future recompense. For in comparison with this our holy occupation, to serve him day and night with unceasing prayers, and unremitted zeal, and undivided care, in some sort apart from and above the vain and avaricious pursuits of a delusive world, be assured, our God has no greater blessedness which he bestows on earth, and for none a brighter crown reserved in heaven, than for

1. iii. c. xiv., and St. Jerome, whose testimony at the same time refutes the extravagant pretensions of the Romanists to an universal bishopric. See Pearson de Success R. P., Dissert. ii. c. ii., and Bingham, ii. 1—4.

1 Ezekiel xxxiv. 2.

3 Ezekiel xxxiv. 4.

S. Chrysost. in Hebr.

Bp. Bull, vol. i. p. 160. 4 Ezekiel i. 4.

D

those who shall have turned many to righteousness,'-the watchmen of the house of Israel, and the angels of the churches, who shall be found faithful unto death."

Wherefore, holy brethren, exhort we, finally, one another with the Apostle's words: "Stir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the putting on of hands."3 Αναζωπυρείν Tò xáρoμa, in his expressive metaphor. Rekindle-keep the heaven-descended gift of grace ever burning day and night, on the holy altars of your hearts. Is it bright and ardent ? St. Paul reminds even a Timothy to excite and stir it. Have the flames that erewhile burnt brightly, now, alas! waxed faint and flickering? Fan them with the breath of prayer, and more frequent, and more devout meditations on the blood of Jesus, and the power of the cross, which shall crucify you with Christ. Has the flame in any heart well nigh dwindled to extinction? O! resuscitate the dying embers. There are hidden particles of heavenly fire. "Stir up the gift of God that is in thee." Αναζωπύρει — rekindle it with repentance, and confessions, and renewed vows, and prayers, and more vigorous efforts for the good of souls. Yea, my brethren, for the cross' sake, let us all pray with more fervour, preach Christ with more singleness of heart, handle mysteries with deeper awe, live with a purer and more self-denying holiness, as examples of the believers — examples of examples. This shall be our faithful testimony to the efficacy of the blood of a crucified Saviour. And when we shall be called to exchange the earthly courts of the Lord's house, for the sanctuary of the celestial temple, what nobler theme shall occupy us, than the blood of Jesus, whom saints eternally adore, singing, "Thou art

2 Rev. ii. 10.

3 2 Tim. i. 6.

1 Daniel xii. 3. 4 1 Tim. iv. 12. Jer. Taylor, The Minister's Duty in Life and Doctrine, in two Sermons,-where read a remarkable passage, beginning, "Remember your dignity to which Christ hath called you."-Vol. vi. p. 506.

worthy; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

991

A FORM OF BIDDING PRAYER."

LET US PRAY.

FOR Christ's Holy Catholic Church, especially for that branch of it established in these kingdoms: and herein for our Gracious Sovereign Lady, Victoria, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, in all causes, and over all persons, ecclesiastical and civil, within her dominions supreme for Adelaide the Queen Dowager, the Prince Albert, Albert Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family for the Queen's most Honorable Privy Council; for the great council of the nation now assembled in Parliament; for the Magistrates and all who are in authority; for the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty of this land but for the sake of all, let us pray for the Ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments, as well Archbishops and Bishops, and other Pastors and Curates; and herein especially for the right reverend Father in God, Henry, by divine permission, Lord Bishop of this diocese, and for the Priests and Deacons ministering in the same. And for a due supply of persons qualified to serve God in Church and State, let us implore his blessing on all schools and seminaries of religious and useful learning, and par

1 Rev. v. 9.

2 "The form of a prayer to be used by all preachers before their sermons," may be found in Can. lv. It was called a "bidding prayer," or prayer dià poopwvýσews, because it was "a call to the people to pray, and a direction what particulars they were to pray for." See Bingham, book xv. 1, who quotes at full a comprehensive prayer of this sort from the Const. Apostol.

ticularly on our Universities: that all and each of these, in their respective stations, may labour to advance the glory of God, and the present and future welfare of mankind: remembering that solemn account which they must one day give before the tribunal of God. To these our prayers, let us add our praises for mercies already received; for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life: but above all, for the inestimable love of God our Heavenly Father, in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Finally, let us praise God for all his servants departed this life in the faith of Christ; beseeching him to give us grace to follow their good example, that we may be made partakers with them of the glorious resurrection in the life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lidstone & Brendon, Printers, Plymouth,