66 believe (notwithstanding some difficulties connected with such an interpretation) that by the end of their conversation is meant that Saviour, immediately afterwards mentioned, as Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.-If this be the import and design of the passage, it appears to convey sentiments the most delightful and consolatory. It appears to say, Remember, indeed, the servants of Christ with affection and gratitude; but consider not with a slight transient thought, but with reiterated contemplation*, their great Lord and Master, who was the end of all their conversation, for you are aware that for them to live was Christ." Thus is the attention called off from the messenger, and directed to him that sent him. The Church casts an occasional look on the characters and lives of the undershepherds; but fixes a stedfast eye on the Great Shepherd of the sheep, who redeemed us to God by his blood. How rich is the consolation which is here presented to the faithful Christian! * αναθεωρώντες. Only be instant in prayer for the sacred influences of God the Holy Ghost, and they shall not fail to be communicated. With Jesus is the residue of the Spirit; nor shall the necessary grace be withheld from the prayer of faith. He can communicate the same blessings to you under the ministry of your new pastor, as have been bestowed, in years that are past, under your former guides. Let me entreat you therefore, my beloved brethren, to thank God, and to take courage. You are not left as sheep without a shepherd. He who is coming to labour among you, has, I doubt not, already your sympathies and your prayers. His heavy afflictions have been for your consolations and salvation; that he may be able to comfort you, by the comfort wherewith he himself has been comforted of God. You will receive him, as the friend of your late minister, as the messenger of mercy, as the servant of Christ. Nor will you soon forget him, who is now removed from you to another important station in the Church. Here, sin cere respect and esteem could say much. But I must forbear. Nor is it necessary to enlarge. I may, however, be permitted to solicit for your late minister, the continuance of your fervent supplications to the throne of Grace. Nor do I know of any words in which more appropriately to convey that request, than those of a Right Rev. Prelate of our Church, who has occasionally, from this place, addressed to you the word of life. They occur in the conclusion of his Lordship's last sermon previous to his removal from Gloucester to Lichfield. "Let me entreat your prayers for him, that, through the wholly unmerited mercy of our Redeemer, he may be kept, amidst every trial, through faith unto salvation: and find, in his future sphere, a door, mighty and effectual, opened for more abundant and successful labors in the cause of Christ, and of our dear brethren, for whom Christ died. Thus, indeed, maintaining union in the mutual benefit of intercessary prayer, and in the fellowship of consistent Christian conduct, you may hope to meet again in the realms above; where such a connexion, however apparently dissolved upon earth, will be renewed, purified, and perfected; and endure for ever, under far happier circumstances, and with far more exalted feelings. There the redeemed pastor and his flock will have but one aim-to love one another, and to glorify HIM who made their intercourse a mutual blessing. There they will be joint-heirs of one inheritance-the peace and joy of the common Shepherd and Bishop of their souls-the Lord Jesus Christ:" To whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, both now and for ever. |