holy, temperate;
SERMON XI.
TITUS, Chap. i. verses 7, 8, and 9.
7. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8. But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Those who are called to preach the word of God, may here learn what their office or duty is; and thereby be enabled to perform it faithfully to God, and to the church. This subject must be well understood, if we wish to profit by the text. Christians, generally, ought to understand what is requisite in a good minister. They ought not to choose him thoughtlessly, or from mere fancy and ambition; but they should have the profit and common salvation of all the children of God before their eyes. This ought to be observed by those who are already in the office; and unless they conduct themselves according to the direction of the Holy Ghost, they ought not to be suffered to continue therein.
The virtues here spoken of by St. Paul, are necessary for all ministers of the word of God; who must show the way to others: it is also a useful lesson for us all. The minister ought to behave himself well, in a godly manner; and the people ought to refrain from all kinds of wickedness. The minister must point out the way, and set good examples; and the whole body of the church