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In concluding my remarks on family visiting, it must be acknowledged, I think, that the complaints we hear in relation to it are not always without reason. When some are visited frequently, and others, perhaps more needy cases, are neglected, dissatisfaction is the natural result; and the only way to prevent this evil is to have a plan, and adhere to it with as much regularity as circumstances will admit of. Nothing should be done by partiality, and nothing at hap-hazard.

But there are limits to the pastor's powers. The work to be done is great, and requires many hands. The ablest and most zealous can do but little, comparatively, by himself. Hence the importance of skill and energy on the part of the pastor in the organization of church work and evangelistic operations, or in directing and aiding such operations.

His eye should be upon the working of the local staff of preachers, the conduct of the class meetings, the prayer meetings, the Sundayschools, the Bible Classes, the management of chapel affairs, tract distribution, etc. And sometimes fresh measures are required to be set on foot. This oversight appertains specially to the superintendent of the station; but his colleagues should feel their responsibility to render him all the aid they can, for they are workers together with him for the getting on of the cause of God. And all who have a name and a place amongst us should be helpers of those "who labour in the word and doctrine" in any or every way of which they are capable: all "standing fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel."

Although the management of Church work is not in the hand of the minister exclusively, yet he is the chief and most responsible party, being wholly set apart to the work. And while the ruling power is largely shared with him by the class leaders and other office bearers, the exercise of discipline, so necessary to permanent prosperity, depends very much upon his practical wisdom and fidelity. He is supposed to have received a commission from the Head of the Church to declare his will, according to the Scriptures, "to warn every man, and teach every man in all wisdom," somewhat after the example of the ancient prophets, who were authorized to reprove even kings and priests when guilty of negligence or unfaithfulness. "These things command and teach," says Paul to Timothy." "These things," i.e. all that relates to sound doctrine, holy living, and useful labour, speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. And that passage in 1 Thess. v. 12, 13 implies the same thing: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." At every Leader's meeting, which should be held regularly once a month, the class-books should be carefully examined, and

inquiry made both in regard to the attendance and the moral conduct of the members, and steps taken for the correction of anything that may be amiss, or the bringing back of any wandering sheep.

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The duties of Primitive Methodist pastors are so numerous, including so much evangelistic work, that they have but little opportunity of evincing their catholic spirit-of co-operating with ministers and members of other evangelical churches in any movement for the promotion of the public weal, and the general interests of Christianity. This is, in some sense, to be regretted; for, notwithstanding the importance of minding our business, it is important that we give evidence of our sympathy with all who hold the Head, and are labouring for the advancement of the kingdom of our common Lord. No opportunity for this purpose that our own peculiar duties will admit of should be neglected. Such catholic fellowship has an enlarging and inspiring influence upon our minds and hearts, besides advancing the credit of the Connexion. For I am supposing that we are now qualified to take our stand among brethren who have had a regular training for the ministry. At all events, though we may yet be comparatively deficient in intellectual culture, if, with other improvements, we keep up our Primitive fire, we shall never be despised.

It cannot be reasonably required, or expected, that Christian pastors should be indifferent to the politics of their country, especially while there is a State Church. But as their ministry is for the benefit of all classes and parties who choose to put themselves under it, it would be contrary to the wisdom of winning souls for them to be eager political partizans, or to take any very prominent part in politics. The chief thing that belongs to them, in this respect, is to teach and exhort their people to use their franchise conscientiously, in the fear of God, with a view to what they believe to be the common good.

In regard to a pastor's qualifications, we observe—

He must have a conviction that he is called of God to the work. Without such a conviction he will hardly be likely to abide by it in all circumstances. We do not, of course, believe in the indelible character given by the laying on of the hands of a bishop professing to be in the apostolic succession. But every true bishop or pastor is made such by the Holy Ghost. He who is not conscious of having been really moved by the Holy Spirit to take upon him this office and work, lacks one of the main springs of ministerial energy. On the other hand; the thought that I have not taken this honour upon myself, but that it has been put upon me by God -that I have been apprehended by the Master, and counted faith

ful, and put into this ministry, must greatly aid my faith for success, and be a powerful incentive both to zeal and patience.

He must have the requisite gifts for his office, and some considerable experience in the Divine life. I do not say that he should be learned, though learning is a great advantage. But he should have a good understanding, a sound judgment, a fair acquaintance with the Book, an audible voice, a natural manner of speaking, and, above all, such a dependence on the grace of Christ as experience alone can teach. Gifts are necessary, but grace is still more so; and the greater the gifts the more necessary the grace; for injudicious friends will be sure to help the devil to inflate with pride talented, but inexperienced, ministers. He must "not be a novice," says Paul to Timothy, "lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil." another place Timothy is charged to commit the things connected with the Christian ministry to "faithful men," who should "be able to teach others,"-men whose fidelity and ability had been proved. And hands were not to be laid suddenly on any

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The qualifications of a bishop, or pastor, are particularly stated in the third chapter of the first Epistle to Timothy. In the first place, the Apostle says, he must be "blameless," a man of irreproachable character. He cannot be expected to be an angel, or absolutely perfect; but he must be able to look his observers in the face, and challenge them to lay anything to his charge inconsistent with the holy cause which he is appointed to promote.

The other particulars are more specific, pointing out, in a number of instances, what is comprehended in blamelessness. He must be free from the charge of irregularity in his conjugal relation -"the husband of one wife, cleaving to her alone, according to the original institution of marriage." Observe, he is not to be a celebate; but he is to keep himself pure-an example of chastity. "Vigilant:" He must be temperate in all things; circumspect, watchful, wide awake to everything that concerns his office, keeping his eyes upon the flock, and upon the movements of "the wolf," which seeks to come in "to kill, and to destroy:" ever ready to forego his own ease and comfort for the sake of those over whom he has been made an overseer. "Sober:" A prudent man: thoughtful, judicious, "making haste slowly," avoiding all rashness in thought, speech, and action; in a word, a man of sound. mind, having a good understanding, a wise heart, and complete self-control. "Of good behaviour:" Decent, grave, courteous : neither clownish nor finical; neither gloomy nor trifling; neither sullen nor comical; neither arrogant, nor sycophantic; in all things showing himself a pattern of good manners, as well as of good morals; a gentleman, without affectation. "Given to

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hospitality:" Disposed to acts of kindness; a helper of the stranger in distress, and a friend of the poor. Apt to teach :" Not only qualified to give instruction, but taking pleasure in it; gladly seizing every opportunity of preaching Christ to individuals, as well as "in the great congregation." "Not given to wine:" Not fond of the glass, or of any kind of sensual indulgence, after the fashion of the world; not a patron of convivial parties, where the fear of God does not reign; one who is willing to abstain even from what is innocent or lawful in itself for example's sake. "No striker:" Not quarrelsome nor resentful; "not soon angry," and never revengeful; doing nothing in a forceful, violent manner, which indicates self-will rather than godly zeal. An imperious manner, and an impatient, unyielding temper, are contrary, alike, to the instincts of human nature and the genius of Christianity. "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, etc." "Not greedy of filthy lucre:" Not desirous of sordid gain: while living of the Gospelas God hath ordained, careful to avoid all occasion of being thought mercenary-not making merchandise of the Gospel; practically saying, "I seek not yours but you." I am your servant, not for my own interest, but for the love of God-" for Jesus' sake." As the love of money is the prevailing sin of the world, and the chief characteristic of the great apostacy; and as a suspicion that ministers, like Balaam, preach for reward, is one of the most formidable obstacles to the success of the gospel, it is of the utmost importance that the Christian pastor give evidence of his disinterestedness, even though, in some cases, those who are "taught in the word," do not, as they ought, "communicate to him that teacheth in all good things." But all who rightly value spiritual things will cheerfully give this evidence of it-will in this way acknowledge their indebtedness. "But patient:" modest, gentle, unassuming, not overbearing; "showing all meekness to all men." This particular looks as if it should have immediately followed the words "no striker," which we have duly noticed. "Not covetous:" This is just the same as "not greedy of filthy lucre." Not a brawler;" not a wrangler; not given to disputation and fiery controversy; but with quiet earnestness opposing the truth to error, "speaking the truth in love," and administering reproof "in the spirit of meekness;" one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" A pastor should teach the people their duty in all the relations of life; as the family relation is the most important, a well-ordered family being a type of church order, and family religion essential to church

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prosperity, it would be something more than discreditable if, when he is exhorting parents to bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," they should have occasion to apply to him that proverb, "Physician, heal thyself." "Moreover, he must have a good report of them that are without." He must have a fair reputation among those outside the church, whose conversion he is to seek. If he is not known to be a man of integrity, or honesty, philanthropy, or public spirit, he cannot expect to gain their attention and win them to Christ. Character is the most

potent of all moral forces, and the most essential qualification of a minister of that religion which is to put the world right. Whatever his abilities may be, if his conduct is not a living sermon of the truth he teaches, he will do more harm than good, and confirm those that are without in their scepticism and indifference. It has sometimes been asked, Ought ministers to be more exemplary for holiness than Christians generally? I would say yes, for the following reasons:-They are to be examples to their flocks, as Peter says: 1 Pet. v. 3. Hence Paul's admonition to Timothy, "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Secondly, they are under special obligations, having been doubly devoted to Christ; first, as Christians, and afterward as His ministers. Thirdly, they have special privileges, having less to do with secular affairs, and more opportunities for secret converse with God, and the reading and study of His Word, etc. And, lastly, they are more observed, standing, as they do, on the summit of the hill on which the Church is set.

The following exhortations are as important to modern ministers as they were to Timothy :-"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth." "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." "Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." "Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in so doing thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

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ART. VIII. THE NATURE AND AIM OF METAPHYSICAL SCIENCE.

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HE thought of the present age is, in some respects, superficial; but, considered generally, the world never witnessed a profounder period. Earnest inquirers after truth were never more

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