PRIMARY CHARGE.* MY BRETHREN OF THE CLERGY: Among the duties imposed by the Church on her Bishops in this country, is the grave and responsible one of addressing a Charge, as often as once in three years, to the Clergy within their jurisdiction. I have delayed entering on this duty, somewhat beyond the period fixed by the Canon,† partly because of other urgent duties, but more especially because I have desired that, when once begun, it might be prosecuted at intervals less rare than the Canon seems to contemplate, and with some degree of method. It is my purpose now, should life and ability be given, to offer to you, from year to year, a series of connected counsels on some of the most momentous of our common duties as Ministers of Christ. Waiving topics of a more transient nature, I propose to bring before you a few of the great principles, which ought, as it seems to me, always to be kept in view, while we labor at the twofold work assigned us by God, of saving ourselves and saving them that hear us; and I shall endeavor, while presenting these prin * Delivered May 16, 1849. † Canon XXVII of 1832. |