For example, the monasticism of the early ages came, recom- mended by the necessity of providing an asylum for youth from the deteriorating influence of heathen society; and the first christians went into it without suspicion. But, when it was found, that the spirit of the world could penetrate even the seclusion of a monastery, that retirement from the duties of life was not tantamount to a renunciation of its vices, and that the remedy itself introduced new evils, some of them even greater than those, which it cured, the opinions of re- flecting christians became gradually modified, and were re- duced to a more scriptural standard by reasoning upon the experience of a preceding age.
So it was also with the charitable imstitutions of the early church. That for the relief of widows for imstance, though it began in the days of the apostles, when the numerous martyrdoms of the heads of families bequeathed them to the charity of survivors, and was continued at an age, when it was less needed, with so much liberality as to give occasion to various abuses, came afterwards to be laid aside, partly perhaps from the declining piety of later ages, but partly also, because experience has taught us, how asylums or hospitals for this purpose may be so contrived as to bestow the requisite relief without exciting the cabals and heart-burnings and mischievous rivalry, of which Chrysostom complains.
But after all, the grand subject of the treatise, the awe and reverence, with which the functions of the christian priesthood ought to be regarded by those, who look forward to be en- gaged in it, the singleness of aim, and freedom from interested motives of worldly advancement, which ought to characterize persons, who profess to be inwardly moved by the holy Ghost to take upon them this office and administration, and the fearful responsibility, incurred by those, who intrude into it without that call, and who consequently may be expected to injure the flock, which they profess to feed, these considera- tions are placed before the reader with a force and truth, calculated to impress him with right feelings and holy senti- ments on a matter of such deep moment to the church: and, if the publication of this translation shall be instrumental in leading any inconsiderate candidates for the ministry to pause, and reflect seriously on what they are doing, it will not be without its use. Iam persuaded indeed, that the purity of the motives, which ought to actuate a christian in seeking admission to the ministry of the blessed gospel, cannot be inculcated too strictly. The necessary qualifications for the priesthood may be rated too highly, but not the purity of the motives, which should influence those, who come to it; and I would venture to lay it down, as one proper test of that purity, that no one ought to enter the ministry of an established church, R R who would not equally desire to enter it, if it were not estab- lished. The motto of christian ministers should be—‘ The ‘love of Christ constraineth us’—: and, while they have always, upon the authority of our lord and his apostles, a just claim for their personal maintenance, whether the provision for that purpose be secured to them by law, or otherwise, no con- siderations of worldly interest ought to mix themselves with the objects, which a christian has in view, when seeking to engage himself in that holy office. Clergymen are subject to like passions with their hearers; they have this treasure in earthen vessels; and every allowance ought to be made for their infirmities and mistakes. But their motives ought to be pure; and no inducements of a worldly nature should prevail with persons, who are insensible to higher considerations, to undertake the weighty charge of an overseer in the house of God. When the nature of that charge is considered, when it is remembered, that a clergyman is not only to preach the word, but to be instant in season, out of season, to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffermg and doctrine, and to watch for souls, as one, who must give account, it is clear, that these are duties, which can only be fully undertaken, or faithfully executed by persons, who take the oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, neither, as beg lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.