We cannot affect astonishment when we learn that the good shepherd is one who despises every danger, who braves every difficulty, who suppresses every feeling, who stands prepared to devote life itself for the safety of his flock. The virtues that in common men might fairly challenge our applause and justify our hopes, move far below the perfection required in a Bishop-his worth must be commensurate with his dignity-his life must be heavenly as his office-his heart must answer this solemn appeal which Christ three times repeated to the first of his Apostles; "Simon son of John, lovest thou me more than these:" And as he values the imperishable crown which awaits him, he will give evidence of that superior love required by Christ, not in vain, empty, inoperative professions of attachment, but in real, living, indubitable proofs of love; in imparting safety and support to that cherished flock, which our adored Redeemer prized above his life. A Bishop must not only feel in his heart that love which is strong as death, but he must aspire to that abundant charity, which alone can smooth the rough road of Pastoral care, and lighten the oppressive burthen of Pastoral solicitude. He must seek with indefatigable perseverance the salvation of souls, but science must enlighten, and discretion must guide the impulse of his zeal. When I speak of the science of a Bishop, I do not mean the chilling noxious vapour of mere human learning, which engenders pride, and points the way to ruin-his must be the science of salvation, the knowledge of God, created, improved and made perfect by the Gospel. When I call for discretion as a quality necessary to his office, I do not mean the timid, timeserving thing which the world knows by that name, that worthless prudence which bends the venerable form of Religion, to promote the

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the wretched speculations of selfishness, his must be that discretion which originates in the fear of the Lord, and renders all passing things justly subservient to man's more lasting and more glorious destination.

Placed on an eminence, "held up as a spectacle to the world, to Angels and to men"; the conduct of a Bishop can never be a matter of indifference; his deportment is measured; his every word is marked; the eye of a world that never pardons, is fixed upon him; to him no middle course is granted; the opinion of mankind coincides in this instance with the spirit of the Gospel; if he does not build up, he destroys; if his life breathe not the odour of edification, if his actions. do not carry glory to the Father who is in Heaven, he dishonours his place, he betrays his trust, he breaks his allegiance to the Prince of Pastors, Christ Jesus our Lord. To the Episcopal office it peculiarly belongs to minister to the spiritual wants of mankind the word of eternal life, and point out to their people the narrow path that leads to blessedness; hence they are styled in the Gospel, "the light of the world"; but if that light be obscured by passion, or hidden under the mantle of indolence and sloth, what hand will conduct the unhappy flock to safety? What power can lure them from the wide and perilous road of reprobation and mysery? The flock may perish, but the faithless shepherd shall perish with them: the blood by which they were redeemed may be made void, but let it be remembered, "that blood cries louder than the blood of Abel."

It is therefore of indispensible necessity that a Bishop impart to his flock the word of eternal life. But it is yet more important that he support the authority

of his instruction by a blameless sanctity of manners, and an unimpeachable integrity of life. The fire of heavenly charity must glow in his words, and be visible in his actions: for, if the world can contrast the life of a Bishop with his doctrine, from that moment he has lost the power to save. His discourses may sparkle with eloquence and abound with erudition, but they will fall from his lips, cold, fruitless and lifeless. They may amuse the imagination, they cannot reform the heart. Instead of encouraging the growth of virtue and co-operating with heaven to save the immortal soul, he kills every feeling of good, he confirms the doubts of the unbelieving, and hardens the obduracy of the impenitent. Instead of evincing a shepherd's tenderness, in rescuing his hapless flock from danger, his example encourages their disastrous wanderings, and strengthens the chain of moral death by which they are bound. Heaven will shield the Church of America from such a misfortune as this. Her Bishops will labour to deserve the encomium which the Martyr Cyprian bestowed on Pope Cornelius; "whilst you advance to glory," said that illustrious man," you attract companions to your victory, and induce your people to confess their faith by seeing you prepared to confess for all." Very reverend Fathers! You have not to resort to antiquity for an example of Episcopal virtue. That bounteous God, whose manifold blessings overspread this land, whose boundless mercies claim our warmest gratitude, still preserves for your advantage, a living encouragement to such virtue and a fair model for your imitation. You will seek both in your venerable and most reverend Prelate-you will find both in the father of the American Church, and under God the author of its prosperity. In him you will find that meekness which is the best fruit of the

Holy Ghost, that humility which, for Christ's sake, makes him the servant of all; that richly polished character which none but great minds can receive, which nothing but virtue can impart. Fathers! You are called to a great work, a treasure of countless value is deposited in your hands; even the eternal hope of your people. Your place henceforward is between them and their offended maker. You are to avert his vengeance, to implore his pardon. You must call down mercy and reconciliation from Heaven. The first of your prayers will be for the everlasting salvation of mankind, let your second and last invoke blessings on this dear country. May this land which providence has prepared for the day of the world's distress-this last refuge for the broken spirit of man, never feel the arm of grinding oppression; may the foul fiend of intolerance never cast her dark and baleful shade upon it; may liberty and religion hold it up to the admiration of mankind to the last day of the world. Grant this, thou God of mercy, through thy dear Son, and our adored Saviour Christ Jesus.Amen.

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