Let us next turn our attention to the promises, by which we bind ourselves on that occasion.
In the service for the Ordination of Priests, there is an exhortation from the bishop, which every minister would do well to read at least once every year. To give a just view of this part of our Liturgy, we must briefly open to you the contents of that exhortation; the different parts of which are after- wards brought before us in the shape of questions, to every one of which a distinct and solemn answer is demanded, as in the presence of the heart-searching God. The exhortation consists of two parts ; in the first of which we are enjoined to consider the impor- tance of that high office to which we are called ; and in the second, we are urged to exert ourselves to the uttermost in the discharge of it.
In reference to the former of these, it speaks thus : " Now we exhort you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance, into how high a dignity, and to how weighty an office and charge, ye are called : that is to say, to be messengers, watchmen, and stewards of the Lord ; to teach and to premonish, to feed and provide for the Lord's family; to seek for Christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever."
Where in such few words can we find so striking a representation of the dignity of our office, as in this address? We are "messengers" from the Most High God, to instruct men in the knowledge of his will, and to communicate to them the glad tidings of salvation through the mediation of his Son : we are " watchmen," to warn them of their danger, whilst they continue without an interest in Christ : and we are " stewards," to superintend his household, and to deal out to every one of his servants, from day to day, whatsoever their respective necessities require. Now, if we occupied such an office in the house of an earthly monarch only, our dignity were great ; but to be thus engaged in the service of the King of