ELEMENTS OF POWER IN THE PULPIT. and benevolence, to be a preacher of the gospel. But there is a happy art, learned by the love of truth and the love of souls, of making men rebuke their own errors by the truths they are taught, and condemn their own sins by the laws to which they listen. And remembering the sad variety of sorrow that lies in the midst of every congregation, the good preacher would grieve to send one stricken heart away without the comfort for which so many lock to him as a minister of that Saviour who binds up the broken spirit, dries the mourner's tears, and bids the contrite go in peace. This pulpit power is one which wounds, but wounds that it may heal; makes men tremble that they may come to the cross for safety, and find their resting-place in the bosom of God. Not a little of the power of the pulpit resides in the preacher's Christian manliness and moral intrepidity. To no human agent is the dignity of the conscience of more value than to him. Since his work consists, mainly, in dealing with the consciences of his hearers, his own conscience should often suggest what to say: his conscience is to act, by moral sympathy, on theirs. Many of his sayings, whether in the desk or privately, are likely to fall obliquely-as from an angle or by a side light-on some of the unexplained associations of thought, by which the secrets of the soul are laid bare to itself; yet as he aims in his preaching to rouse the conscience that sleeps, to guide it when perplexed, and to soothe it when in trouble, it becomes to him of infinite moment that his ability to do this shoud be fresh and healthy. So it will be as long as he holds fast his integrity, wisely cultivating his love of what is right because it is right; maintaining the undisputed authority of God within his own breast; never slighting his own convictions; and, as one going calmly to that tribunal where Supreme Righteousness presides, ex 449 ercising himself to have a conscience void offence toward God and toward man. Let him be only sure that the verdict of his judgement in moral questions is the judgement of God, and let him unswervingly act on that judgement-no fear will make him falter in his speech or shrink from duty, though his earthly all may seem to be cast upon the hazard. How much of this power there was in the preaching of Jesus! He was an incarnate conscience: his thoughts, words, life, death, were the perfection of the moral sublime. He "loved righteousness and hated iniquity." The preacher has to "commend himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God, by the manifestation of the truth." This manly intrepidity does not show itself in audacity, arrogance, or recklessness-faults too often mistaken for it—but in boldly denouncing every form and disguise of sin; clearly expounding truth even when most unwelcome; patiently upholding principles which do not happen to be popular; faithfully inculcating the duties which are most neglected; and doing all this with the modesty of a fallable mortal, with the meekness of wisdom, and with the most transparent charity. It would be a criminal omission to forget that the power of the Christian pulpit is, pre-eminently, the power of love. We can scarcely recommend the morbid sentiment which is sometimes substituted for the intelligent compassion of the gospel. At the same time, we call to mind the important fact-that men endowed with the largest compass of intellect have exhibited, on proper occasions, the deepest tenderness. The preacher who made a Roman magistrate tremble, and whom the tears of loving friends could not move from his purpose, though he confessed that they could "break his heart," was yet as gentle as a mother, pouring forth his manly pathos as he besought sinners to be reconciled to God. There is ample warrant, we think, for yearning importunity, for er, trusting to it while speaking, and the vehemence of impassioned affec- gratefully celebrating it as the efficition, in the preaching of the gospel. ent cause of all the good they did, Without overlooking the danger, their preaching has been mighty. on one side, of too far separating, Never can the modern preacher reaand on the other, of seeming to iden- son too closely on the utter impotence tify the human and divine power, the of his work, as one of moral suasion, preacher may attain to that enlight- addressed to men who have not the ened reliance on "the grace of God," | living principle of love to God and to which is as remote from fanaticism as truth. Never can he feel too keenly it is from presumption. He whose the manifest disproportion of his best "word was with power," had been doings to the end he has before him. "anointed by the Holy Ghost." The It is not possible that he should be success of the evangelic mission, in too consciously dependent on the its morning freshness, is unequivocally Spirit of God; and, for this reason, attributed to the "hand of the Lord" he cannot pray with too much trust"with" the preachers opening the fulness or fervour for that power hearts of their hearers. In proportion without which his ablest performances as preachers in following times have are but as the whisperings of a child fully believed this, seeking it by pray- among the sepulchres of the dead.American Magazine. DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS, Being the substance of an Address at an ordination. "Let all things be done unto edifying."-1 COR. xiv. 26. MY DEAR BRETHREN,-In the solemn and impressive service of this morning your minister and pastor was affectionately reminded of his various duties, and of the solemn responsibility resting on him in the office to which he has been called. You have requested me on this occasion to address you, the members of the christian church formed in this place, on the duties you owe to him, to each other, and to God. Though I am sensible of my own incompetency to discharge this service in the most efficient manner, I request you to suffer the word of exhortation. The words I have chosen as the guide of my observations were originally addressed to the church at Corinth, with a view to direct them in the exercise of the various miraculous and spiritual gifts with which they were endowed. They were thus taught to use them not for ostentation, but for edification, as though the edification of the church was the great end they should ever keep before them, and to which all their gifts and exercises should be subservient. This exhortation, given under such circumstances, suggests that even gifted and favoured persons in a christian church may sometimes need the admonitions of practical wisdom. The words of our text admit of a wider and more general application. They teach us that the entire course and conduct of the members of a church of Christ should tend to the advancement of true religion, and to the promotion of the honour, happiness, and enlargement of the church itself. There is here a beautiful figure or metaphor involved in a single word. To edify is to "build up." This word, as applied to an individual christian, suggests, that he is, as it were, a building, a temple of God, and that as his own mind and heart are DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS. This word too, as applied to the church of God, implies that that church is a building" a spiritual house"consisting of "lively stones," or christian people, united by a common faith to the Lord Jesus and to each other, and who are "builded together for a habitation of God through the spirit." To carry on this building to its perfection, either by the addition of those who obtain "like precious faith with us in the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" or by the strengthening and improving of those already incorporated in this spiritual temple, is the edification of the church; and it is to this end that all your actions, purposes and prayers should contribute. 451 the estimation of men, insignificantbut you are a true and scriptural church of Christ. The term church is ever applied, in the New Testament, to such communities, whether large or small, and the directions, admonitions and encouragements contained in the apostolic writings were addressed to such as they, whether located in Galatia, at Corinth, Phillippi, or elsewhere. It is anti-scriptura), and contrary to the usage of the primitive and purest age, to apply that term to a corporation of governing ecclesiastics; or to the whole inhabitants of any region, including every variety of character. You are, as an association of christian people, a christian church; and now having your bishop or pastor, and your deacons, you are organized, in our view, according to the true apostolic model and form. Before I proceed any further per- but I will glance at some of the more mit me to observe,prominent, and leave the rest for your future meditation. That it is assumed that you are all sincere christians; that you have individually exercised repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; that you are " renewed in the spirit of your mind," and " accepted through the beloved;" and having "yielded yourselves to God as those alive from the dead," that you are "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." If this is not your character and experience you are not in your right place as members of a church of Christ; and instead of being exhorted to "do all things unto edifying," you should rather be admonished to "repent and do the first works." Again let me premise, that as christians, united together for the purpose of maintaining the ordinances, doing the will, and promoting the kingdom of Christ, you are a proper christian church. You may be few-and, in If you would do all things unto edifying, let the whole of your deportment in the world be such as becomes your christian profession. There is ever a mighty influence for good or ill, as to a church of God, depending on the conduct of those who are connected with it. If they are "blameless, and harmless, and without rebuke;" if they follow peace with all men;" if they exemplify in their general conversation, the integrity, fidelity, benevolence, and purity of the christian life; if they thus have their "conversation honourable mongst men," fulfilling the various duties of their calling and station with conscientious care and punctuality, the world will take knowledge of them; and though there may be a disposition to "cast out their names as evil," sinful men will "be ashamed when they behold their good conversation a in Christ. Let this be ever your course. You will thus "adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour." You, and through you, your church and your profession will acquire an honourable character, and a moral influence, of the greatest importance to your advancement and edification. This will attract others to become united with you; it will greatly cheer your minister and sustain his efforts to promote the salvation of men. But, where the reverse is the true picture of the deportment of professed christians, how much evil ensues! Their conduct pulls down the walls of Zion-covers its friends with shame dishonours God, and destroys man! Be then, brethren, every one of you, attentive to these things; and "walk worthy of God who has called you to his kingdom and glory." Be regular and devout in your at tendance on all the public means of grace. These, whether on the Lord's-day in general worship, at the Lord's table, or on other stated occasions, are instituted for the edification of the church. There the believer worships God with the brethren; cele. brates his praise, hears his word, and commemorates the triumphs of redeeming love. Be attentive, brethren, to all these means. Contrive and arrange, if possible, that you shall be always there; there in time; and there with hearts prepared to wait on the Lord. Let the language of the Psalmist express your sentiments, "I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord." "Lord I have loved the habitation of thine house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” This will promote your own edification. While they who neglect the means of grace invariably decline in all spiritual enjoyment and life, "they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." It will also promote the well-being of others. It cheers the brethren when all thus with one heart wait on You will excuse me if I add, avoid the habit of wandering abroad on every occasion to the neglect of your own place. Visiting abroad on the Lord's-day seldom tends to edification; nor do the roving tastes of some who profess to belong to our churches. Your proper place is among your own people. Is the church a family? let its members be "keepers at home." Is it a flock? let the sheep be in their own fold. Is it an army? let each soldier muster with his own regiment. Is it a building? let each stone be in its right place. Whatever influence you may have for good is best exerted among your own people." 66 Be prepared and willing, in all the efforts and sacrifices of the church, to take your full share of duty and responsibility. Connected with a christian church are inany things which require attention, and which demand the exertion and regard of every member. There is the support of the ministry, and the discharge of the various pecuniary obligations connected with the maintainace of public worship. These are properly provided for, not by legal exactions, but by the free contributions of those who enjoy them. Every member of a church, therefore, should feel that it is his duty and privilege to contribute to these objects "according to his ability." What he does in this way should be done cheerfully," as unto the Lord." As far as may be, let your minister be comfortably supported. It will conduce to his effici DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS. ency and your edification. One of the reproaches brought against voluntary churches is, that the ministry is inadequately sustained. What you do in this way do cheerfully and promptly; so that your pastor may have confidence in your liberality; and the deacons, whose business it is to have charge of pecuniary concerns, may find the execution of their office agreeable and pleasant. Be a willing and liberal people. your presence. 453 Let the maxim of our text be your guide when there, and you will be likely, with the blessing of God, to promote the good of the whole. Be very careful in the reception of members-that they be such as give evidence that they have " "passed from death unto life." And in the admonition or expulsion of the erring and fallen, let the spirit of Christ rule, and the general good be your aim. Support your pastor in the execution of the will of Christ, and do not leave to him alone the performance of every difficult duty. As you are all mem Cultivate and display towards each other the spirit of christian affection, and let everything in your 'demeanour tend to its advancement. The christian church is the centre of various benevolent and useful exertion. There is the Sabbath school; the benevolent society for visiting and reliev-bers of one body, take your share of ing the afflicted around you; the tract the more irksome duties that require society for the distribution of religious attention. books among the thoughtless or ignorant: there are prayer-meetings, and meetings to converse with enquirers: there are public objects that claim attion, as missions at home and abroad for the spread of the gospel. In some of these spheres of labour every one may find something to do. Every member has some gift, some talent that may be usefully employed; every one should in some way be a worker for the common good. When all are thus usefully and zealously employed, it is pleasing to behold them—“ all things are done to edifying." Do not, however, be discouraged if you are feeble, and cannot perform all these duties of a christian people. Set them before you, and labour after them let each and all endeavour to find his own proper sphere, and the blessing of the Lord will be upon you. In a christian church, too, there are duties which pertain to its vital interests. It is for the church to see to the reception of members; and to the administration of discipline on the delinquent and offending. Attend therefore regularly the meetings which are convened for these purposes. Let every member, as well as office-bearer, attend church-meetings. There is a common responsibility which should be borne by all. There is often something instructive and cheering, or admonitory: and always the demand for How often did our Lord, and how earnestly did his apostles, inculcate brotherly love! How powerful were the considerations by which their exhortations were enforced! A new commandment I give unto you—that ye love one another." "Love one another as I have loved you." "Love as brethren-be pitiful, be courteous," "Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves." "We know that we are passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." "Though I speak with the tongues of men, &c., and have not charity, I am nothing." Love is the uniting principle in the church. It is the true cement which binds together the spiritual edifice. Let it then be real, cherished, and fervent. In all your thoughts and words of each other, let it prevail. Endeavour to think well of each other's piety and purpose. "Let each esteem other better than himself." Let your regard to each other's happiness and welfare be apparent in all your demeanour. Be kind and respectful to the aged, and to such as bear office, especially to your minister and pastor. "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which |