of the Christian pastor differ widely and radically from those of the heathen priest or phil0sopher; and they differ decidedly from those of the Jewish prophet 01· priest. 'l'he bonils uniting pa.stor and people together are more sacred, more tender, and more momlly powerful than the official bonds which owe their efficacy merely to superior power or superior wisdom. It is only the religiou of Christ which can furnish the basis for the pastoral relation, eYen among those who accept the great doctrines of man's spiritual nature a.nd the Divine redemption. r. THE NATURE OF THE PASTORAL LIFE AND MINTSTRY. 1. The personal spring of this ministry is the pure devotion of heart and energies to the welfare of those for whom Christ died. ~- The iritellectual character of the pastorate is expressed in the vocation described by St. Peter as "feeding the flock." The reference in this languaae is evidently to teaching, to wise and constant instruction in Divine and spiritual truth. 3. The moral work to be fulfilled is ruling in righteousness. It is not enough for the Christian minister to teach; he is called to guide in the way of virtue aod piety to exercise supervision over the character and the conduct of the members of the flock'. II. TnE TEMPTATIONS AND PERILS OF THE PASTORAL LIFB AND MINISTRY. St:Peter deals very faithfully with his fellow-labourers; he reminds them that they are but men, and are subject to human infirmities, which must be guarded against by watch- fulness and prayer. 1. It is possible for one to assume or to retain the pastoral office with:mt a cheerful &nd cordial delight in it; as e.g. is the case with those who engage in the service of the Church, not by Divine summons, but through the influence of friends or through the force of circumstances. Such ministers lose the greater pan of their power far good, because their heart is not in their work. 2. Mercenary service cannot be profitable to men or acceptable to God. He who for the sake of gain insincerely professes to seek men's spiritual welfare is beneath human contempt. 3. A domineering spirit is contrary to the very nature and purpose of the pastoral relation. That proud and ambitious natures have made the Church the means of rising to high station and to vast power is plainly taught by the history of Christendom. But upon thework of such men the blessing of the chief Shepherd cannot rest; for he was "meek and lowly in heart." lII. THE RECOMPENSE OF THE PASTORAL LIFE AND MINISTRY. 1. It is not present, but future. 2. It is not from man, but from God. 3. It is not perishable, but immortal. For the faithful and the lowly servant of Christ there is reserved the amaranthine crown.-J. R. T.
Ver. 5.-Tlie rightful authority of experienrAJ. Complaints are commonly made in our day that the authority of age, experience, a.nd socia~ and ecclesiastical posi~ion is little reverenced or even regarded. There have been tunes when such authority has been boldly asserted on the one hand, and readily acknowledged on the other. Owing to the growth of education and of democratic sentiment, a. very different ha.bit now prevails. There is no fear of harshness, of foul and arbitrary conduct, on the part of Lbe older, or even on the part of the great, in human society. Th'3 danger ia all in the other direction. Hence the urgent necessity, at the present time, of attention to the directions of St. Peter in this passage. I. Tm: SCOPE OF THE PRECEPT. 1. Children are required by Divine authority to be subject to parents. 2. The young and inexperienced in human society are enjoined to show respect and deference to those who have seen much of life, and who have acquired lessons of experience and wisdom. 3. In the Church of Christ, novices and recruits should place themselves under the guidance of veterans, and members of any congregation should submit to the judgment and authority of th~se who are placed in office. Probably this is the especial reference of the apostle in this passage. It would, indeed be absurd to imacrine that men can be trusted with absolute and arbitrary pcwer: or that a blind, ~easoning obedie';lc~ is required of intelligent ~eings. There are limits alike to authority and to subm1Ss1on. But the lessons of history teach ue that, within such limits, deference, service, and submission may wisely and safely be rendered. ll, THE REASONABLENESS AND ADVANTAGES OF 0BEDIENGE TO THIS PRECEPT, 1. SubmiBBion is for the good of those who are subject. A lawless spirit ie a hopeless Jpirit. Where there is no Illodesty, no humility, there is little prospect of moral OH, v. 1-14.J THE FIRS1' EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. 225