THE  pastoral  relation  is  described  in  the  Scrip
tures  by  images  well  calculated  to  convey  an  idea  of
anxious  concern,  and  fond  endearment.  St.  Paul
sometimes  speaks  of  himself  as  "  the  father"  of  his
converts,  as  "  having  begotten  them  through  the
Gospel a ;"  and  sometimes  as  their  mother  '•  travail
ing  in  birth  with  them."  Corresponding  with  these
images,  are  the  feelings  of  a  minister's  heart  in  re
ference  to  his  people.  If  he  see  them  in  a  sick
and  dying  state,  he  will  not  be  indifferent  about  their
recovery,  but  will,  with  parental  tenderness,  admi
nister  such  instruction  and  advice  as  may  conduce  to
their  welfare.  There  are  too  many  indeed,  who,
from  an  affection  of  candour,  hope  well  concerning
the  states  of  all  their  people.  But  the  faithful  mi
nister  dares  not  to  act  on  such  delusive  principles ;
he  knows  the  danger  to  which  the  unconverted  are
exposed,  and  the  awful  responsibility  of  his  own
office  ;  and  therefore  he  will  faithfully  discharge  his
duty,  and  "  divide  to  every  one  the  word  of  truth,"
consoling  or  reproving  them  as  occasion  may  require.
In  the  words  before  us,  we  see,

I.    What  a  minister  chiefly  desires  on  behalf  of  his
people —

a  1  Cor.  iv.  15.
176  GALATIAi^S,  IV.  19,  20.  [2074.
