(ib.) c. 101. (Poor) 8 & 9 Vict. c. 70. (New Church) STIPEND, considerations of appointed by Bishop, when in change of duty declaration as to deductions for dilapidations disputes regarding 254 145 19 172 116. 173 173 176 176 173 174 173 174 175 175 171 Curacy with a Citle, &c. &c. A CANDIDATE FOR HOLY ORDERS. Introductory Remarks. As a Candidate for Holy Orders, it is to be presumed that you have already considered, deeply and seriously, the nature and responsibilities of the most solemn and important office that can be undertaken by man. The preparation of the University course, and early intimation of family and friends, that he is "intended for the Church," have too often a fatal tendency to deaden a man's sensibilities as to the magnitude of the work to which he aspires, and to disincline him for the careful and candid scrutiny of himself, whether his heart and spirit be suitable to such a charge as the ministry of the Gospel of Christ. There are passages of God's Book that speak with fearful energy respecting the negligent, and unfaithful No. I. A bearers of this Great Commission. I will quote but one "If thou dost not speak to warn the "wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die "in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at "thine hand" (Ezek. xxxiii. 8.). There is also an enquiry that comes with awful emphasis from our Ordination Service, couched in these words ; 'Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the 'Holy Ghost to take upon you this Office and 'Ministration, to serve God for the promoting of his 'glory, and the edifying of his people?'-Ordination Service. This demands the answer of the inner man. But although it was impossible for me in the commencement of a work having Parochial Ministrations for its object, to refrain from a few words regarding that frame of mind and spirit without which all else is of little worth; my business at this time is not with these great things, but with others of lower worth indeed, but yet necessary. My purpose is rather to direct the outward course and practice of the Candidate for the Ministry, than to call forth and appeal to the inward principles by which he should be swayed. On no subject connected with the Church are more abundant or more impressive instructions and exhortations given by the best and holiest men, than on the spiritual qualifications of the Christian Priesthood. On those inferior topics, however, in which a man's dealings are not with his conscience, and his God, but with the usages of an Establishment, and the machinery of a Parish, information is scanty and dispersed. I seem, therefore, to be performing no needless task in collecting into one work the instruction, scattered through many, which is afforded by actual experience, and Ecclesiastical Law, on matters practically interesting to every Parochial Clergyman. If then, in respect of the spirituality of the question your conscience condemns you not, proceed, in humble and continual dependence upon Him, who alone can make you sufficient for these, and for all things; and "whatsoever thy/ "hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." AGE. You have arrived, it is supposed, at the age of twenty-three? since by Canon 34., No Bishop can admit any one into Holy Orders ́unless he, desiring to be a DEACON, is three-and'twenty years of age, and to be a PRIEST, four'and-twenty years of age': which is confirmed by 44 Geo. III. c. 43. s. 1; as well as by 13 Eliz. c. 12. as regards Priest's Orders. |