and all this to what purpose? for reasons calmly and clearly proposed, in modest and friendly language, would be much more effectual: they would be more easily perceived, and more readily embraced: they would convince us, at least, that the proposer's temper was such as would not pervert his judgment, and that he had confidence in the goodness of his cause. On the whole, if those who enter into theological controversies, delivered their sentiments in a serious and candid manner; if they did not set themselves to oppose every opinion of their adversaries, nor to defend their own by every species of fallacious reasoning; if they confined themselves to such questions as have a real meaning, and may be decided from the Holy Scriptures; the mischiefs of our dissensions would be greatly lessened, and many of the dissensions themselves soon forgotten for he, who searches for his religion in the Scriptures, will find more points indeed wholly undetermined, of which therefore he must be content to be wholly ignorant; but fewer doubtful, fewer in which the reasons on each side are nearly equivalent, than in the systems of the most able divines.

POW.

SUMMARY OF CHARGE II.

PRELIMINARY observations on the decrease of candidates for the clerical profession: causes of this assigned in the prosperity of the nation, increase of its colonies and wealth, &c.: another also stated, which not only lessens the numbers, but the weight of the sacred order, viz. the common opinion that able, diligent, and worthy clergymen are not secure of obtaining the just rewards of their wisdom and virtue, as in other professions: this topic enlarged on. If the matter be so, it is much to be lamented, as also, if it be so believed; for a general opinion that wisdom and virtue are neglected, is no less pernicious to their interests than the neglect itself. It is the expectation that they will be rewarded, which is of public use: this dilated on. Active and inquisitive minds will court wisdom for her own sake; but others will not seek her unendowed and unadorned: their motives are not wholly to be rejected: vindication of this ambition, when directed and restrained by reason and religion.

We need not yield to the objection, that the clerical profession does not give sufficient scope to commendable ambition: the difficulties which it opposes to a man's rising in it are not insurmountable.

I. The natural and constant effect of superior wisdom is admiration; and where such wisdom is applied to promote the good of others, as well as that of its possessor, admiration is sure to be followed by esteem and good-will: the effects of this shown.

II. But new discoveries and great improvements are within

the reach of few: wisdom has also its degrees of eminence: effects of these dilated on.

III. But the whole merit of a clergyman does not consist in abilities, natural or acquired: it is shown therefore how a good heart in his profession, will, in some measure, supply the place of an able head.

IV. They, who expect more certainty in human affairs than their nature will allow, may be ready to ask, whether, among the numerous candidates for preferments, they are always allotted to such as best deserve them; whether the ignorance or interested views of those who have them to bestow, may not overlook true merit; or the art and assiduity of such as seek them, supplant it: answers given to these questions: reasons why we ought not to repine at the few examples, which may be found, of neglected wisdom, or of prosperous folly: complaints on this head shown to confute themselves.

V. 1. But allowing them true, we may still doubt whether they are just; whether the sons of wisdom are not often answerable for their own miscarriages: superior knowlege is apt to beget pride and insolence, &c. 2. Whilst the rewards of merit are refused to some who demand them too confidently, others forfeit their title to them, by neglecting to assert it: this enlarged on. 3. Moreover, the disappointment of a worthy man is often owing to the advancement of another of the same character: this enlarged on.

VI. Yet it may be urged, that, though merit has generally met with its proper rewards, yet the neglect of it is the peculiar disgrace of the present age: this dilated on. In answer, it may be observed, 1. that the characters of clergymen are far less different from each other now than they were formerly, and many do not step out greatly in advance of the rest: 2. were the difference in their abilities as great as formerly, yet it would not now be so easily discerned this topic enlarged on. It is shown, that the clergy have lost, by the change of cus

toms, some opportunities of displaying their abilities; and others also, by the dispersion of learning among the laity: but still, wisdom and virtue, though they may sometimes fail of their effect from many accidental circumstances, have not less influence among us, than those of former periods. Concluding recommendation of higher motives in the sacred calling.

CHARGE II.

OF THE CONNEXION BETWEEN MERIT AND THE REWARD OF MERIT IN THE PROFESSION OF A CLERGYMAN.

REVEREND BRETHREN,

THE number of persons who enter into our profession has of late years so much decreased, that many, who want assistance in their parochial duty, already feel the inconvenience; and that the smaller parishes, in some parts of the kingdom, seem in danger of being left in a short time without ministers. Some of the principal causes of this decrease are obvious. The general prosperity of the nation, the increase of its colonies and wealth, the improvements in trade and agriculture, draw men off to other more lucrative employments: but these happy circumstances, which may produce some temporary difficulties, will also enable the nation to remove them; and we have little reason to doubt, but they would be removed, by an augmentation of the maintenance of the inferior clergy, if the grievance should extend so far as to become an object of public concern.

Perhaps indeed there is another cause, which not only lessens our numbers, but our weight; and which chiefly excludes those, whose service would be the most valuable: for men, conscious of their own abilities, and determined to exert them, usually hope, when they make choice of a profession, for something beyond a mere maintenance; and therefore will come into ours with reluctance, if they admit the common opinion, that able, and diligent, and worthy clergymen are not secure of obtaining the just rewards of their wisdom and virtue; that they cannot advance themselves by their merits in the church, as men may