as they that must give account ; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for youq."]
4. Co-operation with him in every good work —
[A minister cannot do every thing. Moses had seventy elders given to him, as assistants in his great work : and such should our people be in the Church of God. They can aid in instructing the rising generation : they may do incalculable good, in searching out the wants and necessities of the poor, and in administering, not to the temporal benefit only of their neighbours, but also to the benefit of their souls. Women, as well as men, have much in their power : and, without the aid of their people, it is little, comparatively, that any ministers can effect. The Apostles themselves were greatly indebted in this respect to their people ; and to this even St. Paul ascribed, in some degree at least, the efficiency of his labours1. What if, in a large family, the children cannot supply the place of their father? can they do nothing to second his endeavours, and to promote the welfare of the whole ? Thus then should even the weakest amongst our people labour, according to their ability, to promote to the uttermost the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the glory of his great name. The richer part should contribute of their abundance to help forward every pious and benevolent plan ; and the poorer afford their aid also in any way that may best comport with their sphere, and be best suited to their several capacities.]
Improvement —
1. How is such a blessed state of things to be produced 9
[Let all consider the relation into which they are brought: and above all, let them consider, how the honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the success of his Gospel, are involved in their conduct. Ministers can never hope to be extensively useful, unless they put away all worldly and selfish interests, and labour to attain all those holy feelings which their station imperiously demands. Nor can any people really adorn their holy profession, unless they also on their part seek to become as little children, and cultivate a humble, loving, and heavenly deportment. Let us then, each in his station, aim at this ; and pray earnestly to God for his grace, which alone can qualify us for the discharge of our respective duties.]
2. How is such a blessed state of things to be revived ?
<5 Heb. xiii. 17. r Rom. xvi. 1,2, 6, 9, 12,
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