On the Priesthood (De Sacerdotio)

Paul magnified his office, it was surely allowable for other ministers to magnify it too, provided they did not exceed the limits of christian sobriety. How far this apology is applicable to the eminent writer of this treatise, will appear in the sequel. ‘But the mere adaptation of ancient mysteries to a more recent dispensation may be in itself innocent, having indeed the hallowed precedent of the prophetic style in its favour, while yet its hability to perversion, and still more its actual perversion by a large section of the vil christian church should make us cautious in the use of it. There are other sentiments contained in the volume, which will surprise a modern reader, and which will be noticed separately hereafter. But the main subject of inquiry, the spirit, in which the holy office of the ministry ought to be undertaken, and the manner, in which it ought to be discharged, constitutes the value of the work, and will amply reward a diligent perusal. ON THE PRIESTHOOD. BOOK THE FIRST. I wap many good and valued friends, who knew, and conscientiously regarded the laws of friendship. But there was one of them, who excelled . all the rest in his regard for me, and aspired to leave them as far behind as they left others, who were indifferent to me. He was one of those, who were always with me: for we applied to the same studies, and attended the same preceptors; we had one common zeal and ardour for the pursuits, in which we were engaged; our inclinations were similar, and produced by a similarity of employment.…