as to the spirit which informed it, and the wisdom which prescribed its economy, it remains for ever an object of imitation.

First, as to its structure, it was the household of God-built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Here again we find no allusion to Peter, as being singly the rock of foundation to the Church of Christ; but the preaching of the Apostles, and the strict agreement of the Gospel with the prophecies; that is, in fact, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament: these are the foundations, on which that glorious structure rests: and whatever part of the visible Church is not directly built thereupon, is not an integral nor essential part of that Church: but whatever part is built upon the hay and stubble of traditions, as opposed to, or incompatible with those foundations, may be propped up for a time by the devices of human builders, but must at the last be made manifest, of what sort it is.†

As to the persons, who occupied the different departments in the rising household of God, and laboured together in the work of edification, we read that He gave some Apostles, and some + 1 Cor. iii. 12.

* Eph. ii. 19, 20.

prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.* The different orders, and the different kinds of spiritual gifts, are elsewhere variously described by St. Paul and it is not easy for us to determine with precision their number or nature: but we may collect that the Apostles were distinguished above all the rest, by a preeminence of authority, of spiritual gifts and powers. Next in order were the Prophets, inspired men, who were enabled by the Spirit to declare to the assembled believers the meaning of the Scriptures, to pray, and exhort with power, and sometimes to foretel future events. Then Evangelists, whose office it was to preach Christ to the people; that is, to relate his miracles, and to explain the nature of that atonement which he had made for the sins of mankind. Such certainly was Philip the Evangelist, who is described as preaching Christ to the Samaritans; and to the devout Eunuch is said to have preached Jesus, † taking for his text that remarkable prophecy of Isaiah, which described the humiliation and death of the Messiah.

* Eph. iv. 11.

+ Acts viii. 35.

As the prophets were probably of the presbyters, so the deacons might be evangelists; while some, who enforced perhaps the moral duties of the Gospel, or superintended the general course of instruction given to the flock of Christ, might be called pastors or teachers. The term Pastor was certainly applicable both to the Apostles and to presbyters: for Jesus Christ had charged Peter, and his brethren in him, in that earnest injunction, thrice repeated, Feed my sheep;* and with equal earnestness did St. Paul enjoin the elders from Ephesus, to feed the Church of God, which he had purchased with his own blood. May all those, to whom is committed a dispensation of the Gospel, ever bear in mind the sacredness of their pastoral relation to the flock which they are appointed to feed, and the account which they must one day render of their trust, when the chief Shepherd shall appear!§ I speak of them, as being appointed to feed the flock. If one thing be plainer than another in the history of the early Church, it is this; that the teachers and guides of the people in spiritual things, call them by what name you may, were neither self-constituted, nor chosen

* John xxi. 16.

1 Cor. ix. 17.

+ Acts xx. 28.
§ 1 Pet. v. 4.

by the people, but appointed by the Apostles, and those to whom the Apostles delegated the right of choosing. It was only with reference to the secular part of the deacon's office, as relating to matters of which all were competent judges, that the disciples at large were required to select seven; to whom the Apostles gave authority.

This is but a brief, imperfect sketch of the ministerial economy of the primitive Church. As to the body of the people, they lived in the unity of the faith, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Imbued with the doctrines of the Gospel, pure from the fountain head; replenished with the gracious influences of the Spirit; raised above the world; they adorned the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things;* and set forward the cause of the Gospel, by displaying its blessed, influence on themselves. To sell all their worldly goods, and give to the poor, where need required; to look upon their possessions as the common property of the Church, when the necessities of the brethren demanded a free ministration of their means; to pray for their enemies; to render blessing for cursing; to pay a conscientious obedience to the powers

*Tit. ii. 10.

ordained of God; these were the earliest symptoms and results of Christian charity and love. Steadfastness in the Apostle's doctrine and fellowship; a punctual and religious attendance upon the teaching and ministry of those, who were over them in the Lord; a devout observance of the sacramental ordinance instituted by the Saviour himself; constant and fervent prayer; the regular assembling of themselves together, for the purposes of common worship and mutual edification; a careful searching of the Scriptures; the singing of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with grace in their hearts, to the Lord;* these were the tokens and expressions of piety amongst the primitive believers. The most wonderful gifts of the Spirit were possessed and exercised (with few exceptions) not for the gratification of personal vanity, but for the furtherance of the Gospel cause. The most consummate wisdom in spiritual things was co-existent, as indeed it always will be, with the most perfect meekness, humility, and self-renunciation.

The Apostles, and evangelists, and teachers of the Church, secured to themselves the affection and respect of the people, not merely by the * Col. iii. 16.