TRACTS FOR THE TIMES.
being served by others, let it be with regret, and let me exact no more service than is necessary.
Luke x. 3. "Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves." It belongs to Thee, O Lamb of God, to guard both me and my flock from wolves who assault us, either openly or in sheep's clothing, I depend entirely upon Thee, in whatever relates to my own preservation, or that of the people committed to my care.
Luke xix. 20. "Lord, behold, here is Thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin," O my Saviour! I tremble to think how I have followed the example of this slothful servant; and what reason I have to dread his doom. Rest is a crime in one who has promised to labour all the days of his life; and in me, therefore, it is a great evil, not to be always doing good. Pardon me, my God, for what is past; and let me not imagine that, because I am free from gross and scandalous crimes, that, therefore, I lead a good life. O Lord, give me grace proportionable to the talents I have received, and to the account I am to give; that I may faithfully perform all the duties belonging to my state. Amen.
Whoever is associated in the Priesthood of Christ, ought, in imitation of Him, to sacrifice himself for the advantage of His Church, and for all the designs of God.
Luke xxii. 26. "But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." A Bishop does not know his office in the Church, if he pretends to distinguish himself by power, imperiousness, and grandeur; or by any other way than by humility, and by a great concern for souls. Marks of distinction are rather a burthen, which he bears out of necessity, but complains of them secretly to God. He considers himself as the servant, not as the Lord of souls. Even Jesus Christ made Himself our pattern in this.
Translation of Bishops and Pastors.
Self-love is too often at the bottom, and not the glory of God or the good of souls. When men's labours are attended with tolerable success, yet, because either they can better their temporal condition, or think that a more public station would be
