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and the fervor of angels,andhave not charity or love, they would be as the sounding brass or the tinkling cymbal. If destitute of Christian benevolence, they might be denominated any thing else, rather than Christian ministers. By what authority do men assume the patronymic name of Jesus, whose whole life was demonstrative of pure, universal, impartial benevolence, unless according to their measure, they possess the same divine principle.A proper degree of zeal and fervor are also requisite to the faithful discharge of the ministerial duties. On the one hand, zeal stimulates the principle of love; and on the other, benevolence chastens and regulates the activity of zeal. A zeal, even for God, which is not dictated by love, arising from a knowledge of his true character, is dangerous in the extreme. If we are allowed to accommodate scripture to such cases, we might exclaim, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." It becomes voracious; and instead of feeding the flock, it devours. When the heat of a false zeal becomes intense, its effects may be anticipated from the desire which accompanies it, -Lord, shall we not call down fire from heaven and consume our opposers? These remarks are not made to discountenance divine ardor; but to expose the folly of clerical madness, under the profession of zeal, for the glory of God. When preachers have as much love and knowledge, as zeal, we care not how zealous they are. Had the preacher an opportunity of saving from danger and destruction, of rescuing from guilt and sufferings, of restoring to holiness and heaven,-we should rejoice to see him rush between the intended victim and the destroyer; or wrapping himself in the indestructible wing of an angel, dive to "the lowest hell," (to use David's words) and seizing the unhappy sufferer, bear him in the strong arms of love, to the regions of glory.

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3. Suitable ability, and decision of character are necessary qualifications in christian ministers.Being well instructed in the principles of the pel, they should be prepared to say with the apostle; "Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament." Not, however, that in speaking of this ability, St. Paul had the imprudence to boast of natural talents, or scientific acquirements; be cause when speaking of sterling ability and philosophical knowledge, without the aid of revelation, he declared, that the world by wisdom knew not God; and again," Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools; and changed the glory of the incorruptible, God, into an image made like corruptible man." He spoke not with the excellency of speech, or in the enticing words which man's wisdom teacheth. The ability to which we allude, consists in," being mighty in the scriptures," and in the doctrine and power of Christ. Able to teach, exhort, convince and overcome the opposers of the gospel. Our commission is," Go ye therefore and teach all nations. Be strong in the grace, that is, Christ Jesus;-and be able to teach others also. Holding fast the faithful words as thou hast been taught, that thou mayest be able to exhort, and to convince the gainsayers." Relying on this sterngth, we are certain of ultimate victory; for " The weapons of our warfare are not carnal,but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand in the evil day; and having

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done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness,and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God: praying with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." Clad in this divine panoply, the herald of salvation goes forth, "determined to know nothing among the people, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." With dauntless fortitude he braves the storm of opposition, exclaiming,-" But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself; that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

4. Uprightness and fidelity or honesty and faithfulness, are indispensably requisite to qualify men for the gospel ministry. They should be prepared to say, in all good conscience;" Wherefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." Nothing in the conduct of the ministers of Christ, is more lamentable, than dishonesty and prevarication. We speak with reference to the manner in which they dispense the riches of the gospel ; for we apprehend there are some, that use unfairness in stating, maintaining and defending the truth. It is quite enough for those who are yet in darkness, to advocate error by sophistry and prevarication; but the servants of Jesus should be men of honest hearts, making an open, frank and full declaration of" the whole council of God."

Faithfulness, also, is a cardinal-virtue in a good minister." Let a man so account of us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful." We should so discharge our duties, that when the hour of dissolution arrives, we can say with a venerable Soldier of the Cross."I am ready to be offered; the time of my departure is at hand: I have fought the good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith: And henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness; and, (blessed be God! what is equally pleasing) not for me only,but for all those who love his appearing." Enrapturing thought! glorious contemplation!

"There shall I wear a starry crown,
And triumph in almighty grace;
While all the armies of the skies,

Join in my glorious Leader's praise."

II. The fundamental principles of the New Testament doctrine, come next under consideration.— "The New Testament," it may be premised, means, the new and glorious dispensation of the gospel; as will be seen by examining the chapter from which our text is selected. The glory of the first dispensation, which came by Moses, and is by way of comparison, called "the ministration of death," was lost in the superior splendor of the revelation of eternal life through Jesus Christ, as the feeble rays of a taper are absorbed in the bright effulgence of the sun. The second dispensation embraced, substantially, the fulfilment of all the great and precious promises of God, and the glorious predictions of his evangelical prophets.

The words here rendered New Testament, might, with equal propriety, be translated New Covenant. If so rendered, three things would be presented for consideration; viz, the Author of the Covenant ;

the beings for whose good it was made, and the Mediator by whom the covenant was to be fulfilled. God alone is its author. He says, unconditionally,

"I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel." Peter declared, "Ye are the children of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with our fathers, saying, In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed;" which shows that God was the sole Maker of the convenant.

But should we apply the received translation, according to the common acceptation of words, the world would not be injured in the reuslt. As a Testameni or WILL signifies, the solemn act by which a MAN disposes of his property for the benefit of his heirs, the doctrine of the New Testament, will embrace, the moral character of God; the duties and character of man, and the mediatorial office of Jesus Christ. We say, the moral character of God; because since the disposition and character of a being are known, by his will, purpose or determination, it is evident that God's character is infinitely good, or diametrically the reverse; or that it is neither of these, but a character imperfectly good. To the law and the testimony then, let us appeal, that we may contemplate the infinite wisdom, benevolence and power of God, and adore him for the ineffable amiableness of his character, as learned from his will, pleasure or purpose in relation to his intelligent offspring.

"Having made known unto us the mystery of his will."-Having made known the MYSTERY? you inquire. But are we not told of God's unrevealed, mysterious or secret will? Why, then, do you say it is made known, and no longer a mystery? Recollect my friends, that I am not responsible for the unscriptual assertions of those to whom you allude. You are presented with naked truth, as revealed in this Volume of inspiration. The WILL of God is unambiguously expressed, as in letters of sun-beam;

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