SERMON. II. CHRONICLES, XVIII. 13. "And Michaiah said, as the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.” WHAT I have now read to you, my hearers, was the reply of an honest and faithful prophet of the most High, when an attempt was made to persuade him to suit his message to the occasion, and to accommodate his answer from the Lord to the wishes of his royal master. Not like the prophet of Moab, on a similar occasion, was he to be induced by proffers of the gains of unrighteousness to resort to evasions and try expedients, that he might pronounce an oracle gratifying to the passions, and favorable to the wishes of his employer. This fearless and conscientious prophet of the old cov. enant resembled more in his character the great apostle of the Gentiles under the new; who could appeal to his Ephesian converts, that in the discharge of his apostolic mission among them, " He had not shunned to declare unto them all the counsel of God." The minister of the Gospel now is as truly, though not in precisely the same manner, a messenger of God, as were the prophets of old, who were sent with special messages, and on particular errands; or the apostles and primitive preachers of Christianity.-It may be allowed then to apply the text to the present occasion, as indicating an important part of the character, which should be found in the Christian minister. I shall accordingly confine myself in this discourse to some remarks on that particular part of the character of a minister of the Gospel. I. I shall first speak of the boldness and honesty, which are indispensable to the faithful execution of his office as a messenger of God to men, II. And secondly shall make some remarks on the limitations to which it is proper, that the spirit which we recommend should be subjected. I. I am first to make some remarks on the boldness and honesty, which are indispensable to the faithful execution of the ministerial office. I unite these together, not because they imply each other, or are invariably found together. Either of them may exist without the other. A minister may be bold and yet act with disguise-honest and yet timid. But there is a distinct trait of character formed by their union which is highly important to a minister of the Gospel. This part of character might seem at first indeed to. be less necessary to him, than to any other man. The religion which he teaches makes little account of active courage. Its encouragements and commendation are bestowed on meekness, forbearance, patient suffering, and a yielding spirit. Its teachers are withdrawn in a great measure from those interests of the world, and en gagements in society, which produce collision, and call for that activity and energy of character, which are requisite in other employments. They are besides required, in that intercourse which their office allows, to be exemplary for their humility and meekness; to be gentle to all men, not resisting the violent, but meekly instructing them, that oppose themselves; and employing no weapons either of aggression or of defence, but such as comport with its mild and peaceful spirit, and benevolent design. Thus situated, it might be imagined, that ministers of the Gospel would have little occasion for courage in the exercise of their office. But, though the spirit they are always to display is meek, gentle, pacific; there may be circumstances, in which, to execute the duties of their office with fidelity will call for resolution, firmness, and energy of charac ter. The Christian minister is an ambassador of Christ, in his stead to persuade men to be reconciled to God. To this end he is to deliver to them without fear and without reserve, the whole scheme of doctrine and duty, which is revealed in the Gospel. He must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God, and be induced by no motive to keep back any thing, which would promote the great end of his ministry. 1. He must teach and enforce the purity and strictness of Christian morality. Not bend the rule or explain away the precept, or bring it down till it shall correspond with prevailing practice and the custom of the world. But will men bear to hear a doctrine inculcated, which is a constant reproach to their practices; duties enjoined as essential, which they uniformly neglect, and |