without an external commission, derived from Christ and his Apostles, there can be no authority to minister in sacred things, the enquiry is surely an important one. But how little, I need not say, is this enquiry regarded? "How can he preach except he be sent "," is an Apostolic question, which one would think is the first, that in every case of a claim to the ministry would be asked. And this would lead to another. Has he that commission which is the indispensable evi tles' times, there have been these orders of ministers in Christ's Church, Bishops, Priests and Deacons. Which offices were evermore had in such reverend estimation, that no man might presume to execute any of them except he were first called, tried, examined and known to have such qualities, as are requisite for the same; and also by public prayer, with imposition of hands, were approved and admitted thereunto, by lawful authority. And therefore, to the intent, that these orders may be continued, and reverently used and esteemed in this Church, no man shall be accounted or taken to be a lawful Bishop, Priest or Deacon, in this Church, or suffered to execute any of the said functions, except be be called, tried, examined and admitted thereunto; according to the form. hereafter following, or hath had episcopal consecration or ordination." Preface to the form and manner of making, ordaining, and consecrating Bishops, Priests and Deacons. And in this form, these offices, the Bishops having the exclusive power of ordination, are spoken of as appointed by God, or by his providence and Holy Spirit. n Romans x. 15. dence of his being sent? But, now alas-the only enquiry is, is he a good preacher, that is, is he captivating in his language, his manner, his gesture? This question supersedes all solicitude, as to the soundness of his doctrine, or the validity of his commission; and, if answered in the affirmitive, the " good preacher" will become the object of general attention; and crowds will contend for the envied privilege of catching the sound of his voice, or a glimpse of his animated elocution. VII. Little regard is now paid to a principle which distinguished the Apostolic and primitive days of the Church, the heinousness of the sin of schism. If in those days, even that lower species of this sin, which consisted in forming parties in the Church, under a ministry acting with Apostolic authority, was pronounced a "carnal" sin, how much more deserving of this censure must be that higher species of this offence, which consists in the exercise of the ministerial office without being invested with Apostolic authority for the purpose; and in attending on the official acts of those who thus exercise it. From "schism," as well as from all heresy and false doctrine," we pray in the • 1 Cor. iii. 3, 4. Litany to be delivered. Surely then it is of importance that we enquire in what this sin consists.. And for this purpose we should "seek for the old paths;" and we shall be satisfied that while we continue in communion with those orders of the ministry, which "have been from the Apostles' times," and through God's good providence preserved to the Church of which we are members, and de-. voutly and regularly attend on their ministrations, the guilt of the sin of schism will not rest upon our conscience, nor appear in judgment against us at the day of account. VIII. And have we not also to lament the little attention which is paid to that holy season which the Church has wisely set apart, previously to the commemoration of her Saviour's death, in which she expects such an abstinence from even innocent, social festivities, as is suited to extraordinary acts and exercises of devotion; and which was observed in the primitive Church, with a rigor and solemnity which would appal the relaxed zeal of the present day? Have we not to lament that the holy table to which the primitive Christians pressed in crowds, that they might commemorate their Saviour's death, and receive the means and pledges of his grace and merits, is now surrounded by comparatively few of those who are invited to participate of its celestial blessings? But, on these particulars, your time, and I am apprehensive, your patience, will not permit me to enlarge. My brethren-it is one of the solemn promises of the Christian pastor, when he receives the commission for the priesthood, not only "so to minister the doctrine, and sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded, and as this Church hath received the same;" but also "to teach the people committed to his cure and charge with all diligence to keep and observe the same*." In fidelity then to my ordination vows, and firmly persuaded that the institutions of the Church of which I am a minister, bearing the impress of divine and Apostolic authority, will be the means and pledges of salvation to those who duly receive and observe them, and that they are the "old paths," the "good ways," in which primitive saints walked, and found rest to their souls; I have sought to admonish you against those deviations from them, which modern custom sanctions, and to which modern fashion so powerfully allures."Thus saith the Lord-Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find your souls." rest for Ordination Office. SERMON XXVI. CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS PREDICTED. MATTHEW XXVi. part of the 24th verse. The Son of Man goeth as it is written of him. THE Church this day, and through this week, presents to us Jesus Christ as a suffering Saviour. In his sufferings he fulfilled what the prophets had previously "written of him." But the necessity of his sufferings arises from the various relations which he sustains towards us, and from the important offices which he had to discharge.' As our pattern, as well as our guide, he was called, to exhibit in his character and life, those lowly, meek, and self-denying virtues, which attract the most when beaming forth from the shades of adversity. It was essential, that as our spiritual Intercessor, he should be " touched with a feeling |