done amiss, and announces to him, not the resentment of a man, but the displeasure of God?

A minister, adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, may be extensively useful in composing disagreements and preventing strife. He is the man to heal wounds, to calm commotions, and extinguish fires. But what can one of an opposite temper do? Can wounds be healed with his scourge? Will you send a fireband to put out a flame ?

But I mean not to exalt meekness at the expense of other virtues. In fact it is not at variance with them, and never would have been thought so, had not the nature of the one or the other been misunderstood. Meekness is not only compatible with other virtues, but is their support and ornament. It is necessary even to decision of character. Where meekness is wanting you may find the stiffness of a bigot, and the surliness of a cynic; but the decision of a Christian you cannot find. The Apostle Paul was distinguished for meekness and gentleness. No man ever had more pliability, than he who became all things to all men. His passions were under such control, that no reproach or suffering could ruffle them. And yet what man ever had more firmness? In the Captain of our salvation, this combination of virtues was perfect. Meekness and gentleness were diffused through all his words and actions. And yet his firmness was immovable.

The same consistency appears between meekness and zeal. Meekness tempers the ardor of zeal, but never extinguishes it. Nor does meekness in the least diminish the influence of zeal; but by directing its operations, and preventing its irregularities, gives it the highest possible efficacy.

Meekness is a powerful aid to ministerial fidelity. Harshness of temper throws a thousand obstacles in a minister's way. It involves him in difficulties. It exposes him to perpetual war, and arms the very elements against him. From these difficulties a minister is generally preserved by the spirit of meekness and gentleness. This diminishes the number and hostility of his opposers. It clears his way of obtacles; and renders his duty practicable and easy. No minister is so likely to preach the

truths of revelation with persevering fidelity, as he who preaches them in the spirit of love and meekness. This will make him bold to declare all the counsel of God, and to reprove wickedness, when violent men are compelled to silence.

The importance of Christian meekness appears in its happy effects on a minister's situation and enjoyments. Although it is sometimes considered a feeble, inactive virtue; it does really impart to a minister the highest degree of energy, and afford him absolute security against his enemies. Let them be ever so numerous, and their wrath ever so great; the victory will be his. But be it remembered, that his victory is not obtained either by force or by terror. It is the victory of wisdom over folly, of sober reason over passion, of religion over impiety. This honor belongs to every minister, who follows the meek and lowly Jesus. By governing his own spirit, by returning good for evil, and blessing for cursing, by treating his opposers with moderation and kindness, he discovers a greatness of mind, which often melts or confounds them, and is always noticed with esteem by impartial spectators. Besides this, he obtains a victory, which the world seldom beholds, but which the wise man esteems above all others -victory over himself.

Meekness preserves a minister from the unhappiness of conten tion. Whatever others do, he will not strive. He will not participate in the agitations of the world around him. While others are suffering the wretchedness of envying and strife; he enjoys the pleasure of a serene and peaceful mind. And he often enjoys the additional pleasure of seeing serenity and joy diffused among those around him.

The value of such a temper it is impossible to describe. The world is full of disorder; and no man is exposed to see more of

it, or to be more affected by it, than a minister of the gospel. He must have trials. How delightful soever his prospect at the beginning, difficulty lies before him. The day may open with a clear sky; but dark and stormy clouds will appear before night. If a minister faithfully preaches the religion of Christ, and lives accordingly, he must encounter opposition in one form or other. But amidst all his troubles, he has peace within. Others are agitated; but he is composed. Others may load him and his doctrine with ignominy. But he is gentle and patient. No resentful or envious thought corrodes his heart. The sweetness and lenity of his disposition secure to him an inward serenity, which nothing can disturb.

Allow me to say further, that ministers have real and sometimes urgent occasion for the exercise of the spirit which I have been recommending, in their connection and intercourse with each other. Yes, brethren, you will have occasion to exercise this Christ-like disposition towards your fellow-laborers in the sacred office. They will be called to struggle with difficulties and bear afflictions which will make an appeal to your compassion and sympathy. Therefore "put on bowels of mercy." They will need substantial acts of friendship from you. Therefore "put on kindness." They will have faults of character - faults, which may interfere with your comfort, and may excite feelings of dislikefeelings which, if allowed to lodge in your hearts, may lead on to animosity and bitterness. If you would be sure to foreclose evils so much to be dreaded, then put on meekness and forbearance towards your brethren, whatever may be their faults. You will certainly have occasion, more or less frequent, to exercise meekness, gentleness and forbearance towards your fellow-laborers in the work of the ministry. And on the other hand, your brethren may discover some faults in you, which may make it necessary for them to exercise the spirit of meekness and forbearance towards you; and thus it will be as the Apostle directs,-" forbearing one another, and forgiving one another."

Finally, consider the importance of the virtue enjoined in my text, as it is necessary to assimilate ministers to the great Shep

He is your standard.

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herd and Bishop of souls. Fix your eyes then steadily upon your Lord and Master. He was meek and lowly in heart. The spirit of the dove pervaded his whole character and life, particularly the closing scene. He was abused, insulted, reproached, and condemned. But the Lamb of God, though possessed of power to crush his enemies in a moment, bore it all with silent meekness! When they finished the work of malice and cruelty, and nailed him to the cross; no emotion of ill-will was excited in his breast; but with indescribable compassion and tenderness he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

My dear brother, behold your pattern! See the lovely virtue, which ought to beautify your character, and to pervade your studies, your preaching, and your pastoral labors. Cherish this excellent virtue. Grow in the meekness of wisdom; and make all your trials and sufferings subservient to this end. Banish forever that proud, irritable temper, which rises against a faithful reprover; and always consider him your best friend, who most plainly points out your failings. Complain not of injuries.—If at any time your feelings are disturbed-look unto Jesus. You can find no other perfect example. You can aim at no honor or happiness so great, as to bear the likeness of him who was meek and lowly in heart.

A SERMON

DELIVERED AT THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. JOEL HAWES, D. D., AT HARTFORD, CONN., MARCH 4, 1818.

Hebrews 13: 17.- THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE

ACCOUNT.

A MINISTER of the gospel must give account to God, as well as the people of his charge. He describes to them the transactions which they must then witness, and in which they must bear a part. But he should remember, that it will be a day of judgment to him, as well as to them. He must stand before Christ, not to preach the gospel, but to be judged by it; not to disclose to sinners, by the light of divine truth, the secrets of their hearts, but to have the secrets of his own heart disclosed; - not to tell his flock, that Christ will come to divide them from one another, and place the saints on his right hand and sinners on his left; but to take his own place on one side or the other, according to his character.

The final account of a minister must be as strict and impartial, as that of his people. No allowance will be made in his favor, because he was solemnly ordained to be a Christian pastor, or because he went through the common labors and trials of the ministry. Nor will any favor be shown him, because he occupied an important station in the church; nor because he preached the truth; -nor because he was held in high estimation for his talents