35^ LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [l792 



Church of Christ spoken of in Holy Writ ! By whatever names they 

 are mentioned, their relation to Christ is always kept up. 



If they are called "the salt of the earth," it is a salt that will not lose 

 its flavor through Christ. 



If they are called "ministers," they are the ministers of Christ ; if 

 laborers, they are fellow-laborers with Christ in his own vineyard. 



If they are called "watchmen," they are watchmen over the souls of 

 them whom Christ died to save. 



If they are called "pastors," they are pastors of that flock whereof 

 Christ is the chief pastor, or shepherd. 



If they are called "stewards," they are stewards of the mysteries of 

 God, and of Christ's word. 



If they are called "ambassadors," they are ambassadors of Christ; 

 and hold their commissions from an authority that is paramount to all 

 human authority and power! They derive them from that power, 

 which governs all things in heaven, and on earth ; and are declared to 

 be " sent of God, as though God did beseech the world through them in 

 Christ's stead " — "Be ye reconciled unto God." 



Having, therefore, such high and dignified names bestowed upon us ; 

 having our commission from such a supreme and divine authority with 

 such a promise annexed to it* — I say, having a sure promise, from our 

 omnipotent Master, that he will be with us, to support us in our duty, 

 amidst all trials and sufferings ; and that, as the reward of our perse- 

 verance, he will place us in the world to come, among those bright 

 luminaries of glory, who sit at his right hand, and rejoice in the beatific 

 vision of his refulgent presence forever and ever ! Let us be strong in 

 him. 



Moreover, brethren, standing, as I think we may consider ourselves, 

 nearly on the same primitive foundation of purity and simplicity in 

 church government, and a free order of things among ourselves (under 

 our happy civil constitution), as the apostles and first Christians stood, 

 when they neither courted human authority, or human splendor, nor 

 were courted by them ; let us, I say again, be bold and diligent in the 

 name of the Lord, carefully to hear and obey the last part of the apos- 

 tle's charge, namely : 



To watch and to be strong, ready to endure afflictions, and to make full proof of the 

 gospel ministry; and to convince men that it is from God, and will be supported by 

 him. 



Thus, when it is seen that, according to the measure of grace which is 

 given them, and of their abilities, the pastors labor, with all holy zeal 

 and diligence, to watch over, to preserve, and duly to feed the flock, 

 committed to their charge ; it must naturally follow, as an indispensable 



* " Go ye and teach all nation!?, and lo ! I am with you, unto the end of the world 

 They that turn many unto righteousness shall shine as the stars, forever and ever.' 



