And is not even this degree of love to God and man utterly inconsistent with the love of the world? With the love of money or praise? With the very lowest degree of either ambition or sensuality? How much less can it consist with that poor, low, irrational, childish principle, the love of diversions? (Surely even a _man_, were he neither a minister, nor a Christian, should _put away childish things_.) Not only this, but the love of pleasure, and what lies still deeper in the soul, the love of ease, flees before it. *3. As to his _practice. Unto the ungodly, saith_ God, _why dost thou preach my laws_? What is a minister of _Christ_, a shepherd of souls, unless he is all devoted to God? Unless he abstain with the utmost care and diligence, from every evil word and work; from all appearance of evil; yea, from the most innocent things, whereby any might be offended or made weak? Is he not called above others, to be an _example to the flock_, in his private as well as public character? An example of all holy and heavenly tempers, filling the heart so as to shine through the life? Consequently, is not his whole life, if he walks worthy of his calling one incessant labour of love? One continued tract of praising God, and helping man? One series of thankfulness and beneficence? Is he not always humble, always serious, tho’ rejoicing evermore; mild, gentle, patient, abstinent? May you not resemble him to a guardian angel, ministering to those _who shall be heirs of salvation_? Is he not one sent forth from God, to stand between God and man, to ♦guard and assist the poor, helpless children of men, to supply them both with light and strength, to guide them through a thousand known and unknown dangers, ’till at the appointed time he returns with those committed to his charge, to his and their Father who is in heaven? ♦ “gaurd” replaced with “guard” *O who is able to describe such a messenger of God, faithfully executing his high office? Working together with God, with the great Author both of the old and new creation! See his Lord the eternal Son of God, going forth on that work of omnipotence, and creating heaven and earth by the breath of his mouth! See the servant whom he delighteth to honour, fulfilling the counsel of his will, and in his name speaking the word whereby is raised a new spiritual creation. Impowered by him, he says to the dark, unformed void of nature, _let there be light: and there is light. Old things are passed away: behold all things are become new._ He is continually employed, in what the angels of God have not the honour to do, co-operating with the Redeemer of men, in _bringing many children to glory_. Such is a true minister of _Christ_. And such, beyond all possibility of dispute, ought both you and I to be.