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Not wishing to interrupt the direct line of argument in the text—we throw into the form of a note the suggestion (applying it with equal decision to Ministers in every department of the Church)—whether an engrossing interest in worldly politics does not canker the spirituality of Christian Ministrations? ‘Politics and party’ (Bishop Burnet observed of his day) ‘eat out among us not only study and learning, but that which is the only thing that is more valuable—a true sense of religion, with a sincere zeal to advance that for which the Son of God lived and died, and to which those who are received into holy orders have vowed to dedicate their lives and labours.—These remarks—important in themselves—derive additional weight from being found in the preface to the last edition of Pastoral Care, written only three years before the Bishop’s death, when we may hope that the remembrance of his own course (far too political for the sanctity of his office) suggested the caution. It is not meant, that the clergy should neglect the exercise of their civil privileges, or the enforcement of civil obligations. But surely the Minister of a “kingdom not of this world “ought to be ready to say of his own interest in the politics of this world—“Let the potsherd strive with the potsherd of the earth.” The more we are of politicians, and of party men, the less we are of Ministers; and the less of unction, fruitfulness, and comfort will be found in our work.—See some useful hints to ministers in Scott’s Life, pp. 306, 307.