1$11.] 
in the affections, and so clesely con- 
riected with the interests, of its citizens 
as our’s is, May in time induce an over- 
weening confidence in its conduct. de- 
structive of civil rights. For history 
fully proves the necessity of a watchful 
jealousy of the governors, on the part of 
the governed, as the only security 
against the accumulations of ‘power. 
The respectability of the Annual Baiiehs 
has induced these remarks, which-~- I 
trust its editor will receive as intended, 
aud ‘consider this as an attempt, to rec- 
tify his judgment on a subject, with 
which he does not appear su well in- 
formed as he is on most others. 
R. Drnmone. 
Washington. 
a 
For the Monthly Magazine. 
On the puTies and apvantaces of the 
OFFICE Of PARISH PRIEST. ; 
‘BY a LAYMAN. 
“Hh 
HE institution of Parochial In- 
} structors of the ‘people in the 
duties of Morality, and in the doctrines 
of Revelation, 1s so eminently wise and 
beneficial, that it may be adduced as 
collateral evidence of the divine origin 
of that religion by which it was formed 
and established. 
IT, 
Tt is an institution so essential to 
a due moral and spiritual influence over 
the people, and it gives so permanent 
‘and universal an effect to vital religion, 
‘that parish priests, and those authorities 
which appoint and superintend them, 
becomeimportantand necessary branches 
of the church of Christ. 
It. 
' Every parish priest is therefore 
an integral part of God’s visible 
chu¥ch on earth; hence arises the evan- 
gelical character of the priesthood; 
hence the respect which it claims of 
‘society; and hence all the obligations of 
personal duty and example. 
The parish priest is bound by the 
nature of his functions, and the object 
of his office, to reside among the souls 
whom. it js his duty to instruct by his 
precept and conduct, and whom it should 
be his constant labour to prepare for 
the immortality announced in the gospel, 
He is the moral guardian of his flock, 
and consequently bound to preserve 
them in unity, in mutual Jove, and in 
good offices towards one anuther. He 
Monraty Mag, No, 207. 
On the Duties of the Office of Parish Priest. 523 
should be their impartial umpire in- 
matters of dispute, should allay their vio- 
Jent and selfish- passions, and preserve 
the social affections among kindred. 
Ile ought, however, never to become a 
party in disputes; but to avoid being: 
treated as a meddler, should evincaiaw 
common affection for the disputants, ex- 
horting the implacable by the doctrines of 
Christ, and honoring mutual forgiveness, 
in the same manner as on the repent- 
ance of sinners rejoicings are made in 
Heaven. : 
Vin ors 
He should constantly assist and ad- 
vise the overseers of the poor in the: 
discharge of their delicate and interest- 
ing duties ; and should draw strong dis= 
tinctions ketween the virtuous and the 
vicious poor, taking care to reclaim the 
latter by gentle means, by forbearance 
and charity, and by extending the rewards - 
of virtue to them as soon as they affurd 
indications of amendment, 
WEE: 
4s ignorance is the parent of vice, 
as knowledge is the parent of civilization, 
and asthe unlettered can have little con- 
ception of the evidences and doctrines 
of that gospel which they are unable to 
read, or of the nature of moral obligation, 
it is his duty to establish and maine 
tain, by his influence and example, all 
“institutions which have for their object 
the decent éducation of the children of 
the poor. ; 
VII. 
Whatever be ‘his income, he should 
live within it, and become a pattern 
of moderation, temperance, and content= 
ment, to those who are expected to curb 
their own passions by his example, and 
who will be likely to respect his precepts 
so far only as their efficacy is demon- 
strated by their influence on his own 
conduct. 
yt P, Stee 
He should know enough of the art 
of medicine to be able to administer reljef 
in cases which do not admit of delay ; and 
he should be provided with a small stock 
of simple gaienicals, the effect of which 
in particular disorders, has been weil as. 
certained. 
gee. © 
He should apply his superior edu- 
cation to remove vulgar errors and super. 
stition of all kinds; he should promote 
intellectual improvement among those 
who desire it; ire should lend books, and 
give advice in the choice of others; he 
should also ee the adoption .¢ 
: 3 be 7 
ay}? 
edad 
