it requires thought, felf-knowledge, and time to form those principles, and that temper of mind, which can alone properly judge of the facred office. Nor will a fuperficial perufal of the best books enable any one to poffefs, what every Chriftian Minifter ought to "have ready," a reason for the truth of those articles of faith, which by his fubfcription he profeffes to believe, and by his office he undertakes to teach.

I am aware of the inefficacy of general directions. I have therefore given, in the Appendix to this Addrefs, a lift of books, in which I expect my candidates for orders to be prepared. They form indeed a very fmall part of a complete courfe of clerical ftudies; but they contain whatever is indif penfably neceffary for a Minifter of the English Church at his admiffion to know. His future progrefs muft depend on his fu ture exertions. And he will be animated in that progress, by reflecting, that he lives in an age of light and knowledge more univerfally diffeminated among all ranks of men, than in any which has preceded it fince the revival of letters; that literary deficiency is doubly

doubly dishonourable in the members of an order expressly dedicated to learning; that the world will not be urged to virtue, nor deterred from vice, but by the abilities of the established teachers of religion; and that religion itself can neither be explained, nor fupported, but by the general learning, and profeffional attainments of the Clergy.

In the communication of these fentiments, Reverend Brethren, I have been anxious to felect fuch topics as appear to me intitled to your best attention as citizens of the ftate, and as minifters of the established church. They have been chofen as affecting the interests of religion, the credit of your order, and the honour of this diocese; as calculated to promote a spirit of regularity; a love of your facred profeffion; and a zeal to manifest that love by a confcientious concern, both public and private, to your refpective Cures; to refidence, as the only effectual means of proving that attention; to every branch of your holy function; and to the modeft difplay of thofe Christian virtues which dignify and adorn it. My fentiments are thofe of my heart; my language and my conduct to

wards

wards you, during our seven years connection, have in no inftance been influenced by any motive but a fenfe of what I conceive will contribute to the advancement of your weight and happiness; but by a ftudious endeavour to mark my attachment to a Clergy, who, I flatter myself, are not unattached to me; and to discharge my own duty, by reminding you of yours.

APPENDIX.

The CONTENTS.

I. DIRECTIONS relative to the Inftru-
ments which are to be presented to the
BISHOP for obtaining Orders, Licence
to a Cure, and Institution to a Bene-
fice; and also relative to the legal
Requifites fubfequent to the two last.

II. What is expected from Candidates
for Orders at their Examination.