binding, in the most solemn manner, all who should be consecrated to it, to a diligent and faithful dis- charge of their respective duties.
When we first spake of the Liturgy, we proposed, after vindicating its use, and displaying its excellency, to direct your attention to one particular part, which on that account we should reserve for a distinct and fuller consideration. The part we had in view was, The Ordination Service. We are aware, indeed, that in calling your attention so particularly to that, we stand on delicate ground : but, being aware of it, we shall take the greater care that no one shall have reason to complain of want of delicacy. It is the can- dour that has invariably manifested itself in this con- gregation, that emboldens me to bring this subject before you. Any attempt to discuss the merits of the Liturgy would indeed be incomplete, if we omitted to notice that part, which so pre-eminently displays its highest excellencies, and is peculiarly appropriate to the audience which I have the honour to address. I trust therefore I shall not be thought assuming, as though I had anypretensions to exalt myself above the least and lowest of my brethren. I well know, that, if my own deficiencies were far less than they are, it would ill become me to take any other than the lowest place ; and much more, when I am conscious that they are so great and manifold. For my own humiliation, no less than that of others, I enter on the task ; and I pray God, that, whilst I am shewing what our Re- formers inculcated as pertaining to the pastoral office, we may all apply the subject to ourselves, and entreat help from God, that, as "we have well said all that we have spoken, so there may be in us such an heart."
There are three things to be noticed in the Ordina- tion Service; our professio?is, our promises, and our prayers : after considering which, we shall endeavour to excite, in all, that desire, which God has so ten- derly, and so affectionately, expressed in our behalf.
Let me begin, then, with calling your attention to the professio?is which we make, when first we become candidates for the ministerial office.