is weak. Supply that which is wanting. Correct that which is amiss. Where there is any part corrupt, purify and restore it. And grant that I may ever remember mine infinite obligations unto Thee, O Lord, who hast opened unto me a door of hope for entrance into this high Office. Make me to "give myself continually to

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prayer, and the ministration of thy word." Enrich me with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and of wisdom, for my sacred work. And let thy hand of mercy be ever laid on me for right guidance to others and holy government of myself, to thy honour and glory, O blessed Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus. Amen.

MEDITATION VI.3

THE mind is now, in some measure, prepared for the solemn vow about to be taken. Let me hope that, when I have

The Oath of the Queen's Sovereignty will be considered, as it is purposed, in the Meditations on the Ordination Service for Priests.

been examined, I shall be approved, and be presented to the Lord through His ministering servant. The heart might be expected to respond heartily to the demands of our spiritual Father, of itself. It needed not, as some might think, a prescribed form of words to convey the assurance of sincerity. But is it not safer for us to distrust ourselves, and to have the answers recorded, that we should have time for meditating on them, and for advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God adopting them as our own? Thus may each word be weighed beforehand, and the peril avoided, of a rash, unpremeditated

VOW.

If it be a needful command, "keep thy "foot when thou goest to the house of God," how important, in such an hour, to "set a watch before my mouth, and

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keep the door of my lips!" What a question am I soon to answer before God! "Do you trust that you are inwardly "moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon

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you this Office and Ministration, to serve "God for the promoting of His glory, and "the edifying of His people?" And I am to answer, I trust so." It is an awful thought, that such a word should ever be spoken by one who is not in earnest in desiring to be a helper in saving souls. What should I deserve, if, after such a declaration, I be found scarcely differing in mind and life from others of the laity around, and be distinguished only by some slight peculiarity of dress? What tokens of God's wrath can be too severe, if I make such an avowal as this lightly, deceitfully, or in a hardened state of mind? On the other hand, I may not needlessly alarm and distress myself, for God is allmerciful.

I have to do with this God of infinite mercy. Let me not encourage ungrounded scruples. Though my sins have been many and grievous, let not the blessed vision of Calvary be obscured. Let not the gloom of Repentance darken Faith, when Faith should be pressing on towards Hope. While I search my heart anxiously, let

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me not unnecessarily suspect its sincerity. Have I humbled my soul before God, and sought reconciliation through faith in Christ? Have I sincerely prayed to God to refuse my services openly, if it were His will to shut me out from the Ministry? Have I taken counsel of my parents, and sought the advice of good and judicious friends, and faithful Ministers of God? Have I revolved my motives again and again without being able to pass sentence on myself as a hypocrite, trifler, or impenitent?

The Church does not, in her wisdom, demand of me, Do you feel that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost? This would be a delusive test. Feelings and affections are implanted not to direct, but to impel our course. Fear makes me cautious. Anger gives zeal. Pity leads to deeds of sympathy. Joy carries men buoyantly over difficulties. But the principle on which I am acting is to be my solemn inquiry-Am I herein striving to please God?

Do I trust? Am I persuaded on suffi

cient grounds? Does my turn of mind incline me to seek the world, or retreat from it as dangerous? Am I (let me search honestly before the One true God), am I desirous of wealth, title, notice, rank, advancement? or do I think these should be approached with fear and trembling, lest they usurp the place and sovereignty of God within the soul? Have I the desire to forego my own wishes and ease, and to labour in bringing others under the self-denying, safe, and gentle yoke of Christ? When I look forward to the work of the Ministry, does the thought of teaching the ignorant, of warning, yea even, if need be, of reproving and rebuking-does this seem troublesome and hateful? Can I discern any worldly influence mingling with my motives? Does the notion of ease or rank, as a clergyman, or the thought of access to good society, or the hope of preferment, unduly sway my mind? At this moment, if a lucrative civil office for life were offered me, would I take my hand from the plough and look back? Or am I prepared to endure the