the world is by degrees laid aside for a conversation at once reasonable and edifying, which it is his pleasure to hold with his pastor and friend.

There is an inward self-reproach if he should ever, by indiscretion, unintentionally wound the feelings of one who he is convinced seeks only his true and eternal happiness. The exhortations of the pulpit are fastened upon his heart by the kind interchange of friendly offices, and thus step by step the servant of the altar introduces the long lost sinner to an acquaintance with his divine master, and is made the instrument of everlasting comfort to the prodigal, who though once "dead" in trespasses and sins, is "alive again," though "lost," long lost to virtue, is once more "found" in Christ. You see,

from what has been said, brethren of the laity, how great is the work which lies before us- -and how jointly and severally we are interested in its present labors and duties, and in its future and eternal results. Esteem then, "very highly in love," those "who watch for your souls." It is not your praise which is here invoked. Alas, what can avail us the praise of men when we come to stand before the eternal God. No, it is for the great work's sake in which we are mutually engaged. And by this esteem, there is something more to be understood than the passing ceremonial of those common courtesies which good manners may require. Nay, something more than the mere approbation of sincere good will. It is an esteem which has God for its object and source. An esteem which your hearts are made to feel by a realizing sense of spiritual and eternal benefits, which the pastoral office has been the instrument of conveying to you. Esteem very highly in love, the spiritual guide who has led your

steps to the city of refuge. Esteem him in love to God, who has been so gracious to you, in love for the spirit of all grace, who sanctifieth and consoles the people of God.

Thus shall you strengthen the hands and encourage the hearts of those who watch for your souls. No trouble can much prevail when the people thus esteem the Christian pastor, for when he unburthens his sorrows before them—when he makes them acquainted with his griefs, he knows there is a responsive sympathy in every heart. If there is any rest for the clergy on this side the tombhere, here it is, next to the approbation of God and of conscience, the "esteem" of the people for the "work's sake." Here, brethren of the laity, once more your warm cooperation is invoked. Here let the clergy never meet a disappointment. Nerve their arm by this holy and cordial "esteem." Aid them in subduing your every thought to Christ. Give them your strong, and vigorous, and generous support, in the promotion of Christian knowledge and piety. Consult now in delightful concord for the interest of that portion of the Lord's vineyard where our work more immediately lies. Pray earnestly to God for his blessing upon our imperfect services.

And now may his abundant blessing succeed the feeble effort that has been put forth by your unworthy fellow-laborer. May the God of all grace, infuse a spirit of ardent, well directed zeal, into the heart of every true son of the church- -a spirit which shall for ever redeem the character of that church from all imputation of indifference to the high destinies of her calling-and place that branch of it which belongs to this diocese at least, upon the footing of

the most favored churches in Christendom, favored by God's own divine and eternal benediction. "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of thy hand upon us; yea the work of our hands establish thou it."

A SERMON,

PREACHED IN ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH, N. YORK, ON TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, 1839.

BY REV. L. P. BAYARD, D. D.,

RECTOR OF SAID CHURCH.