duties, which bind us to earth and to heaven, to time and to eternity, to our fellow beings and to our Creator.*

2. PASTORAL VISITS AND PRIVATE INSTRUCTION.-Ministers are "to watch for souls, as those, who must give an account." So solemn a direction seems to imply and to require, that they must concern themselves with individuals, as well as with the great congregation. However careful the pastor may be, his public instruction will in general only apply to the public or common wants of his hearers. At any rate there are many troubles of the soul, which can be more effectually counteracted by private conversation, and in the bosom of one's own family. At their fireside the feelings of the people are more readily and freely disclosed than elsewhere; the

* The earliest preachers of the Congregationalists did not use NOTES; their sermons were unwritten, although they could not always be called extemporaneous. The first person in North America of the Congregational sect, who is known to have used notes, was Rev. John Warham, a worthy minister of Windsor in Connecticut. Cotton Mather, to whom we are indebted for this fact, gives us to understand, that Warham, by this practice, gave considerable offence to some judicious persons, who had never heard him. But he adds, "when they once came to hear him, they could not but admire the notable energy of his ministry."-The preachers of the present day pursue, in some respects, a middle course. Generally speaking, the more formal sermons, preached on the Sabbath, are written; but on other occasions, as private lectures and conferences, they frequently preach without notes. And this course seems to give general satisfaction.

A remark of the celebrated Baxter, in reply to certain gainsayers on this subject, is perhaps worthy of being added here. "It is not, (says he,) the want of abilities, that makes us use our notes; but a regard to our work and the good of our hearers. I use notes, as much as any man when I take pains, and as little as any man, when I am lazy, or busy, or have not leisure to prepare. It is easier to us to preach three sermons without notes, than one with them. He is a simple preacher, that is not able to preach a day without preparation, if his strength would serve."

seriousness of devotion assumes an unknown loveliness of character, because it ascends to heaven, mingled with all the kindly charities of home; and a new friendship is formed for the visitant himself, which is the inore sacred and dear on account of the place of its origin.

It has also been expected of the pastors of these churches, that they attend in particular to the instruction of children in religious things. Accordingly it is common for them to impart catechetical instruction, and to aid more or less in the formation and support of Sabbath schools and Bible classes. And these means of religious knowledge, through the favor of God, have been greatly blessed.

§ 47. The duties of ministers further considered.

There are various other duties of greater or less importance. At the business meetings of the church, the Pastor, with the implied consent and approbation of the members, acts as MODERATOR; which the superior office, sustained by him, seems to render suitable. The duty may also properly be assigned to him, if the church think it best, to keep the records of the church, and to act as its clerk. There is a convenience in this practice, if other circumstances are favorable, since all instances of baptism, both of infants and of adults, whether the latter be admitted into full communion or not, ought to be noted in the church records. We may naturally suppose also, that many ecclesiastical incidents of a historical nature, and worthy of notice, would find a place in the records. through the instrumentality of the pastor, which would not be likely to be recorded by another hand.

In the admission and exclusion of members, although the vote of the pastor has in itself no more weight than that of other individuals, it is particularly his duty to inform himself both as to principles and facts.

$48. Of committees of Laymen, for religious purposes.

But it is sometimes asked, Are the two classes of officers, Ministers and Deacons, sufficient for the performance of the duties of the church? Would not its interests be subserved, if there were other grades of office ? -Before directly answering such inquiries, let it be noticed, there has undoubtedly existed a jealousy on this subject; an unwillingness to establish in the church at greater number of permanent officers, even if some advantage might at times be expected from it, than are clearly authorised in the Scriptures. Such scruples are not only natural to a truly religious mind, but they commend themselves to common foresight and prudence; especially, when we consider, how prone men are to pervert to improper purposes the power they possess.

Nevertheless there are occasional duties, arising out of the relations and wants of the churches, which are performed, without recourse being had to the pastors or deacons. Members of churches, who sustain no permanent office, are often chosen by their brethren to act as delegates at Conferences, Ordinations, and at other times. Committees also are frequently appointed to perform duties, both secular and religious. For instance, it is the custom in some of the churches to visit formally, perhaps once a year, all their members, by means of a Committee, consisting wholly or in part of laymen. The object of these visits is religious; to learn the spiritual condition of the members, and to excite them to renewed watchfulness and faithfulness.

As, therefore, the lay-members are liable to be called upon for very considerable services, and are in point of fact frequently called upon for such services, it may be safely said, that the interests of our churches need not necessarily remain unattended to, or be in any way neglected, And this system, while it secures the general in

terest of the churches, possesses the merit, by putting it to new tests and exercises, of communicating additional consistency and beauty to the religious character of lay members who are thus employed.

$49. Duties of the brotherhood or private members.

Beside the duties, which are appropriate to particular offices, or the performance of which is especially assigned to a small number of individuals of the church, there are others, which pertain to the whole of the church alike. It makes nothing against this statement, that the duties here referred to, are of a general nature.

(1) The private members or brotherhood are bound to take heed to their PRINCIPLES.-Whether they relate to doctrines or practice, it is their duty to profess them openly and seriously, and to defend them, when they are attacked. They thus escape the imputation of acting under hypocritical pretences, and exhibit a decision, which is becoming in all men, most of all in a follower of the crucified Redeemer. The church is declared to be "the pillar and ground of the truth," 1st Tim. iii. 15; and again, the church is required" to hold forth the word of life," Philip. ii. 16. And this may be done in various ways; by refuting the infidel, by reproving the worldling, and by taking part in the prayers and exhortations of religious meetings. Accordingly it is remarked in commendation of the three thousand, who were baptized at the Pentecost, that they continued STEADFAST in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship.

(2) Furthermore, the private members or brotherhood are bound to take heed to their CONDUCT.-In all their intercourse with the world, their calling enjoins the utmost purity, the most sincere good-will, and the strictest integrity. "Whatsoever things, (says the Apostle, Phil, iv. 8,) are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever

things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think of these things." And more than this, they are bound, not only to avoid evil, but to do positive good. They are required to exhibit a living and active holiness, and to see that the divine excellency of Christ's religion leaves its stamp, not only on their own souls, but on their neighborhood, on their country, on the age in which they live, and on the world. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, (says the Apostle, 1st Cor. xv. 58,) be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know, that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." -See Dr. Owen's Brief Instruction in the Worship of God and Discipline of the Churches, Quest. 24.

CHAPTER V.

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

50. Of the character of those to be admitted.

The materials of a church are visibly religious persons or saints by calling, as they have sometimes been termed; that is, those, who are professedly and apparently followers of Christ both in principles and practice. Of such it is to be composed in the beginning, and of such only it is to be made good, and increased in subsequent additions. But when it is said, that the members of a church must give evidence of being persons of this description, something more is requisite in their character and life, than a mere exemption from gross and open scandals. There may be an outward correctness, an un