for me to refuse; and it seemed the ❘ forsake it, unless compelled by mo Jess difficult to make it, when I reflected that you had already had the services (I wish they had been more valuable) of my best and most vigorous days; and that if I should remain with you, the gradually increasing depression of my voice would, probably, before long, render me incapable of satisfying you with my pulpit addresses. On the other hand, if I were at all capable of filling the sphere of usefulness to which I was called, it was, in the estimation of competent judges, of greater extent and importance than the pastoral charge of any congregation whatsoever. These are, in substance, the considerations which have induced me to accept the unexpected appointment which separates me from you; and I hope they will satisfy the candid and considerate. To satisfy such, I would not be without concern; remembering, nevertheless, that the responsibility which most demands my regard, is not to man, but to God-not to you, but to our common Lord. I. I shall first call your attention to some duties specially incumbent on you in consequence of my removal; and which will be incumbent, as often as one or both of your pastors shall be removed, whether it be by death or otherwise-At such times abhor the thought of deserting the congregation to which you have belonged, if not urged to it by the most absolute necessity. At other times it may be more allowable to make a new election of the religious society with which you will be connected; mindful, however, that a person who, at any time, is given to change in this particular, is not likely to be either a steadfast or a growing Christian. Under a conviction of this truth, I have never encouraged, in a single instance, even those advances which have sometimes been made by members of other congregations, to join that of which I was pastor. But when a congregation is what we denominate vacant, it is then with it a time of necessity. It needs all its strength and resources of every kind, and its members should consider it as highly dishonorable and unchristian to tives of a truly conscientious kind. Let me also remind you, that at such a season it is not only peculiarlv important to hold together as a society, but also to cultivate real harmony and unanimity among yourselves. To keep together only to contend, is worse than to separate. The preservation of the peace of the church is ever, indeed, an cbject of such high importance, that the man who disturbs it can never be considered in any other light than as either very criminal or very unfortunate, unless the purity of the church itself, indispensably calls for the interruption of its quiet. But as the evil of controversies and contentions in a particular congregation is of the very worst consequence when it is vacant, this evil is then to be specially deprecated and avoided. Remember, as peculiarly applicable to the case before us, the admonition of Solomon *-" The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." Divisions in all societies, but most of all in religious societies, are easily begun, but extremely difficult to end. Guard, therefore, with a truly religious vigilance, against the beginnings of them. Indulge in no irritating and censorious language; have no parties or cabals; withdraw not your confidence from your elders, or from others whose fidelity you have proved; be ready to make personal concessions for the general good; let all feel the importance of yielding something to the convenience and opinions of others; keep in mind the great and well known principle that the majority must govern and the minority submit; learn to acquiesce in some things which you could wish were otherwise ordered. In a word, and that the authoritative word of inspiration †-"Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of * Prov. xvii. 14. † Philip. ii. 3, 4, 5-14, 15, 16. others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus-Do all things things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." Before dismissing this topic, there is one thing more, which I must by no means omit. It is, that nothing will more contribute to your being "at peace among yourselves," both when vacant and at other times, than keeping strictly to the principles and forms of the Presbyterian Church, as laid down in our public standards of doctrine and government. By these standards, try carefully all doctrines, and conduct scrupulously all your proceedings. Esteem it no hardship or oppressionesteem it as an unspeakable privilege and advantage that these standards are given for your direction and control. In this light, I most seriously assure you, I regard them, after all I have read, heard, and seen, relative to the doctrines, discipline, and order of the Church of Christ. It is my solemn and deliberate conviction, that the system we have adopted, is not only fully warranted by scripture, but most admirably adapted to the state of society in this country, and, indeed, to the principles ples of human nature itself. It secures liberty, and it ensures order -abide by it closely, and it will be your guide and your shield.* II. The choice of a minister of the gospel, is the next point, in order, which demands your attention. The members of a church and congregation, while they are vacant, should be much and earnestly engaged in prayer to God, that he would send them a pastor, 'after his own heart.' Pastors were among the ascension gifts of Christ;† and to him should * I would recommend that every family in the congregation make it a point of Christian duty to keep a copy of our Confession of Faith, &c. + Ephes. iv. 8, 11, 12. every eye and heart be directed, when one is to be chosen to a particular charge. Infinitely more may depend on this, than on all other means and efforts which can be employed without it. That people who do not receive a pastor in answer to prayer, have, indeed, much reason to fear, that they will not receive a blessing with any one whom they may elect. In this, as in every other instance, prayer is not only the instituted means of obtaining from God what we desire; but it has also a natural and direct influence on the minds of those who use it, to prepare them for the blessing sought, and to lead them to all the measures calculated to secure it. Whatever we pray for earnestly, we are disposed to seek diligently, and to exert all our vigilance and care to obtain. It is, therefore, perfectly consistent for me to recommend, that while fervent and continued prayer is used, you should, in selecting the man by whose ministry you and your children are to receive "the dispensation of the gospel"-infinitely momentous in its consequences-make the following inquiries, in regard to every candidate for your choiceWhat is his estimation for piety? Is he not only a man of real religion, but is he eminent and exemplary in religion? What is his character as to orthodoxy? Is he not only considered as generally sound in the faith, but is he free from all suspicious peculiarities, which often increase with time, and at length, in some cases, prove infinitely mischievous? What is the complexion of his public discourses Does he preach in such a general and equivocal manner, that you cannot clearly discoverhis sentiments and system? Or does he bring forward plainly, fully, and frequently, the great and distinguishing doctrines of the gospel, illustrate them perspicuously and distinctly, and apply them powerfully and pungently, and yet discreetly and judiciously, to the hearts and consciences of his hearers? Is he in the habit of digesting well what he delivers from the pulpit? Or are his addresses extemporaneous, loose, rambling, incorrect, and incoherent? Does he formances of ministers with a captious spirit, spirit, or a fastidious taste, which is always extremely injurious to those who indulge it; and which may sometimes be hostile to the edification of the whole congregation, by keeping it vacant much longer than is necessary or useful. Still the inquiries I have stated, if (liscreetly used, may be very advantageous. They may serve to direct your attention to those qualities in a pastor, which are the most estimable; and a reasonable proportion and combination of which you ought to require. Piety, prudence, knowledge, diligence, and aptness to teach, you should consider as indispensable. Solid and durable qualities are much to be preferred before any which are not likely to be lasting, however they may dazzle and charm for a season. instruct and reason in his sermons? | criticising the character and perOr is he only, or chiefly, a declaimer? Has he a suitable variety in the topics which he discusses? Or are his discourses all of one kind, and in the same strain? Will he be likely to declare to you "the whole counsel of God" without reserve or timidity? Is his manner of address in the pulpit agreeable and interesting, and sufficiently popular? Is he a man of a fertile mind? Or is he only a plodder and imitator of others? What is the measure of his general talents and furniture? Has he a considerable fund of knowledge, especially of theological knowledge? Does he make theological attainments the chief object of his pursuit; or is the study of divinity only a bybusiness with him, while his time and attention are principally given to general science, or to some object not immediately connected with his professional calling? Is he a diligent and laborious man, who may be expected to make improvements, or at least to continue to do as well, throughout his ministry, as he does at first? Is he likely to adorn and recommend religion, by showing that his practice, out of the pulpit, is governed and directed by the doctrines which he delivers in it? What is his natural temper, and what are his social habits? Is he affable and courteous, conciliating and accommodating, and yet firm and unwavering? Is he a prudent and discreet man; or is he heedless, harsh, rash, hasty, irritable, resentful, offensive, or intrusive? Will he be able and disposed to take his part in endeavoring to promote the general interests of religion, and of our church, for which he will have so fair an opportunity in this city? and let it not be thought indecorous, (for much will depend upon it) when I add, that if he be a man with a family, you will do well to inquire into the character of those who compose it. It is by no means to be understood, that I advise you to choose no man for your minister, in regard to whom all these inquiries cannot be answered in the most favorable manner. Far from it-such a man, perhaps, does not exist. And I think it proper to warn you distinctly against If a candidate for your choice as a pastor, has been educated among yourselves, or has lived for a considerable time within the sphere of your own observation, there will, of course, be less difficulty in ascertaining his real character and talents. But if he be a foreigner, or have come to you from a distance, remember that much more reliance should be placed on the information and opinions which you may obtain from others, who shall have known him familiarly and fully, than on any impressions which he may have made on your own minds, by a few public discourses and a few personal interviews. The latter are often fallacious, and ought, if possible, never to be trusted, if they do not harmonize with the former. So many instances have occurred of unworthy and insufficient men in the sacred office, gaining the hearts of the people and obtaining speedy settlements in important stations, to the unspeakable injury of the church afterwards, that I should feel inexcusable, if I did not put you upon your guard against this danger. In all cases, beware of too much haste, in choosing the man to whom is to be committed a trust so important and sacred, as that of your spiritual instruction and improvement. If you remain a collegiate charge* (and whether you ought so to remain or not, is a point on which, at present, I am not prepared to advise you) one of your ministers, and perhaps sometimes both, may without inconvenience, be young men. But if you are to have but one pastor, he must be'a man of very uncommon powers and activity, if he be able to serve you suitably, till he shall have had the experience and preparation of a number of years in the ministerial life, to qualify him for the weighty charge which numerous a congregation as you compose wili lay upon him. As a general rule, consider it indispensable, in case you have but one minister, that he shall have been a preacher for seven years, before he become an object of your choice. SO In electing a pastor, endeavor by all means to be unanimous. On this both his comfort and your's, and even the success of the gospel with you, will, it is probable, greatly depend. It is not to be expected that the great variety of tastes and opinions, which will always exist among you, can be exactly suited în any one man. Of course there must be a degree of compromise, and it ought to be regarded as a very important branch of Christian * That a collegiate charge is of ten difficult to be sustained, is not to be denied. But that colleagues may live together in perfect harmony and confidence (Idesire to mention it with humble thankfulness to God) I know by happy experience. With no one of the three colleagues, with whom I have been associated, had I ever a word of difference orthe least difficultyinthe discharge of anyduty. To him whom I leave with you I take this occasion to express my sincere and warm attachment, as to a man of tried worth, to whom I owe many obligations, and whose friendship I hope ever to possess. While he shall remain with you, you will have a counsellor and guide in whom you may place the greatest confidence. But in part of this address, I look forward to the time when you may be entirely destitute of the advice and assistance of a living pastor. charity, for individuals, or a minority of the congregation, to sacrifice their inclinations to the general good. Satisfied that the man to be elected is one who will be faithful to his trust, they ought to receive him without complaint, as the choice of their brethren: and where this has been done, it has been sometime seen that the dissatisfied individuals have at length, become strongly attached to the very man whom they would have rejected, and have been convinced that a better choice was made for them, than they were disposed to make for themselves. If, after all, there be any who cannot be reconciled to the choice of the majority - if their consciences forbid them to acquiesce-this will constitute one of the cases, in which it may be proper for the dissatisfied members to withdraw from the congregation, and to seek another in which they may believe that their edification will be more promoted. But this is always to be done in the most quiet and peaceable manner possible, that while it relieves the grievances of those who withdraw, it may not cause a greater grievance to those from whom they separate. (To be continued.) Indian account of the origin of Juggernaut, taken from the Ayeen Akbery; esteemed by the Indians an Authentic Register of all matters relating to Hindostan ;by Abeel Fazit, secretary to the great sultan Akber; and found in Maurice's Indian Antiquities, vol 1. p. 245. In the town of Puroorem, in Orissa, on the banks of the sea, is the temple of Juggernaut. At the desire of an ancient rajah of the province, a learned Brahmin was sent to fix upon the spot most proper for the foundation of a city. Arriving at this spot, and inclining to fix upon guage of bird ports that the infatuated devotees often throw themselves, in a transport of holy fury. In 1710, this image was seen by Tavernier, when it was adorned with a mantle of gold tissue, and had two large diamonds in the place of eyes, and another pendant from his neck, with bracelets of pearls and rubies for his arms. INSTALLATION. this situation, but still not entirely determined, he observed a crow plunge into the water, and after washing its body, pay its obeisance to the ocean. The Brahmin, who is affirmed to have understood the lanof birds, enquired of the crow the meaning of this strange procedure: the bird answered, That he had formerly been of the tribe of Dewtah; but from the curse of a religious man, was transformed into that shape; that the spot whereon he stood was highly favored by the Creator of the Universe, and that whoever worshipped him on that spot, should not fail to prosper. Animated by this intelligence, as well as by succeeding revelations of the divine will, the rajah built a large city, and a place of worship on the spot where the crow had appeared. Not long after, the same rajah was directed by a vision to cast his eyes, upon a certain day, to the sea shore, when there would arise out of the water a piece of wood, fifty-two inches long, and one cubit and a half broad; that this was the true form of the Deity; that he must keep the invaluable treasure seven days in his house, and afterwards set it up in his Temple as an object of adoration. The vision was verified by the appearance of the wooden divinity, which the rajah called Juggernaut, and afterwards ornamenting it with gold and precious stones, deposited it in the Temple, where it became the object of worship of all ranks of people. The Brahmins wash the images of Juggernaut six times eve-peared to hail the event, as very SO ry day, and the quantity of victuals daily dressed for these Idols, is great, as to feed 20,000 persons.They also, at certain times, carry the image in procession upon a carriage of sixteen wheels; and they believe that whoever assists in drawing it, obtains remission of all his sins. In Hamilton's account of India, published 1744, there is an engraving of this temple, which is an immense circular structure, 50 yards high, with the image of an ox, cut out of one entire stone, and projecting from the centre of the building. He has likewise an engraving of the carriage, under whose wheels here ON Wednesday, 20th of January last, the Rev ELI HYDE was installed in Armenia, N. Y. Smithfield Society. This was a remarkable instance of union between ministers and churches of diffierent denominations-The Rev. Mr. Cuyler of the Dutch Reformed Church, Poughkeepsie, made the introductory prayer; Rev. D. L. Perry, of Sharon, Con. Preached the Sermon, from Ezek. iii. 17; Rev. Mr. Hawes of Cornwall, Con. made the installation prayer; Rev. Mr Clark, of the Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Valley, charged the Pastor, the Church and Congregation; Rev. Mr. Prentiss of Canaan, Con. gave the right-hand of Fellowship; Rev. Mr. Stone, of Cornwall, Con. made the concluding Prayer. The exercises were appropriate, solemn and impressive. The greatest harmony appeared both in the Council, and in the Church and Society. All who were present, apauspicious to that long destitute and scattered flock, and the interests of Zion in that extensive portion of Christ's vineyard. |