sanctity of his vocation, to more exemplary, pure, and irreproachable manners, finds himself stained and dishonoured by censures which would not affect the reputation of persons of the world. Thus the Lord, in the Scriptures curseth those who shall even meddle with his anointed. Nevertheless, the traits of slander are never more animated, more brilliant, or more applauded in the world, than when directed against the ministers of his word. The world, so indulgent to itself, seems to have preserved its severity only on their account; and for them it has eyes more censorious, and a tongue more empoisoned, than for the rest of men. It is true, O my God! that our conversation amongst the people is not always holy, and free from reproach; that we frequently adopt the manners, luxury, indolence, idleness, and pleasures of the world, against which we ought to struggle; that we hold out to believers more examples of pride and negligence than of virtue; that we are more jealous of pre-eminence than of the duties of our calling; and that it is difficult for the world to honour a character which we ourselves disgrace. But, as I have often said, my brethren, our infidelities ought rather to be the subject of your tears than of your pleasantry and censures. God generally punishes the disorders of the people by the corruption of the priests; and the most dreadful scourge with which he strikes kingdoms and empires, is that of not raising up in them venerable pastors, and zealous ministers, who may stem the torrent of dissipation; it is that of permitting faith and religion to become weakened, even among those who are its defenders and depositaries; that the light, which was meant to instruct you, should be changed into darkness; that the co-operators in your salvation should assist, by their example, toward your destruction; that even from the sanctuary, from whence ought to proceed only the good savour of Jesus Christ, there should issue a smell of death and scandal; and, in a word, that abominations should find their way even into the holy place. But what alteration does the relaxation of our manners make in the sanctity of the vocation which consecrates us? Are the sacred vases which serve on the altar, though composed of a mean metal, less worthy of your respect? And even granting the minister may merit your contempt, would you be less sacrilegious in not respecting his ministry?
What shall I say? Your detractions and censures are perhaps directed against persons who make a public profession of piety, and whose virtue your hearers formerly respected. You then persuade them that they had been too credulous; you authorize them to believe, that few worthy and intrinsically good characters are to be found on the earth; that all those held out as such, when narrowly examined, are like the rest of men: you confirm the prejudices of the world against virtue, and give fresh credit to those discourses, so usual, and so injurious to religion, with regard to the piety of the servants of Jesus Christ. Now, do all these appear so very light to you? Ah, my brethren! the just on this earth are like the holy ark, in the midst of which the Lord dwells, and any contempt or insult to which, he most rigorously avenges. They may
