nursing-fthers." They are to nurse up! 2. There is the grave ancient father who their subjects in ])iety, by tlunr good edicts is venerable for old age, Avliose grey hairs and exam|)les; and to nurse tliem up in i are resembled to the white flowers of the peace and plenty. Such nursing-fathers almond-tree, Eccl. xii. 5. There are lathers were David, Hezekiah, Josiah, Constantine, for seniority, on whose wrinkled brows, an<i 'J'heodosius. It is hMj)py for a people who in the furrows of whose cheeks is pictured have such nursing-fathers, whoso breasts the map of old age. These lathers are to milk comfort to their children. Tliesc fa- be honoured: Lev. xix. 32., " Thou shalt thers are to be honoured ; for, rise uj) before the hoary head, and honour
(1.) Their jilaee deserves honour. God the face of the old man." Esjx-cially, those hath set these political fathers to preserve are to be honoured who are fathers not only
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(or their seniority, but their piety ; wliose I souls arc flourishing, when their bodies are a-dccaying. 'Tis a blessed sight to see the springs of grace in the autumn of old age, — to see men stooping towards the grave, yet going up the hill of God, — to see them lose their colour, yet keep their savour. Such, whose silver hairs arc crowned with righteousness, are worthy of double honour; they are to be honoured, not only as pieces of antiquity, but as patterns of virtue. If you see an old man fearing God, whose grace sliiites brightest when the sun of his life is setting, O honour him as a father, by reverencing and imitating- him !
3. There are spiritual fatlicrs, as pastors and ministers. These arc the iiistrumciits of ' the New-birth,' 1 Cor. iv. !.>., '' Tliougli ye have ten thousand instructors, yet liave ye not many fathers ; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you tlirough the gospel." The spiritual fathers are to be honoured.
1. In respect of their oflice. Wliatever their persons are, their office is honourable ; they are the " Messengers of the Lord of Hosts," Mai. ii. 7. They represent no less than God himself, 2 Cor. v. 20., " Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." Je- sus Christ was of this calling ; he had his mission and sanction from heaven, John viii. 18., and this crowns the ministerial calling with honour.
2. Ministers, these spiritual fathers, are to be " honoured for their work's sake ;" they come, like the dove, with an olive- oranch in their mouth : they preach glad tidings of peace ;" their work is *' to save souls." Other callings have only to do with men's bodies or estates, but the minis- ter's calling is employed about the souls of men. Their work is to redeem spiritual captives, and turn men " from the power of Satan to God, Acts xxvi. 18. Their work is " to enlighten them who sit in the region of darkness," and make them " shine as stars in the kingdom of heaven." These spiritual fathers are to be " honoured for their work's sake;" and this honour is to be shewn three ways :
(1.) By giving them respect, 1 Thess.v. 12, 13., " Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and esteem them very highly in love for their work's