So suddenly was he whose loss we mourn taken from the midst of us, that the necessity and duty of watchfulness naturally presents itself to the mind; such is the injunction implied in the words of my text—to _that_ and the _blessing_ promised let us first direct our attention. Under the figure of a householder, or master, and his servants, Christ represents Himself, and those who profess to be His disciples; for it is evident that the words are addressed to such, and not to the godless and profane. And as Christ’s _watching_ servants are also to be _working_ servants, fidelity, diligence, and perseverance the Lord requires to find in them, when he comes to call them to their account. “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful,” saith St. Paul. No other qualification can compensate for the want of this, and the higher the trust reposed, the greater is the fidelity required. How solemn, then, and awful, is the position of the minister of Christ! he has not only to watch for his own soul, and take care lest his very duties, by their frequent performance, become the means of imperceptibly leading him to trust in them, and think that because he is made useful to others, it must, therefore, be well with himself, but also to watch for the souls of others. As Christ’s ambassador, there is committed unto him the ministry of reconciliation, to entreat sinners in Christ’s stead to be reconciled to God; and should any perish through his wilful neglect, either to warn or to give instruction, against the unfaithful minister is denounced the fearful sentence, “his blood will I require at thy hand.” Deeply did our beloved friend feel this; his daily prayer and study was to make full proof of his ministry, and seek by every means to win souls to Christ. His manner of life from the time of his first coming among you, up to the hour of his death, is known to most present. In his family the kind husband, parent, and master, anxious for the comfort and welfare of all, yet most anxious that each who dwelt beneath his roof, might love that Saviour who was so precious to his own soul. Owing to the delicate state of his health, and what he suffered from even a little unusual excitement, he was, perhaps, seen less in his family than most clergymen; but those friends with whom he felt that he could act freely, and leave when he found himself no longer equal to conversation, will doubtless bear me witness, that as the head of a family few excelled him, and that it was a happy privilege to join with him at the family altar in prayer and praise.