←850
←850
Country Parson, ch. v. Bishop Sprat strongly rejects this practice. Bishops Bull and Burnet however recommend it to the younger and uninformed clergy. The former suggests the use of Tillotson’s sermons, the Homilies, or a section of the Whole Duty of Man. Clergym. Instructor, pp. 249-251, with 297, 298. Burnet, Past. Care, ch. ix. The Homilies indeed, as we have observed, were compiled with some reference to this purpose; and as the genuine expression of the sentiments of our Reformers, they may be considered (with some allowance for the phraseology of the times) the best substitute for original composition. Bishop Wilson recommends, as a part of academic instruction for Ministerial Students, the abridgment of some of the best practical sermons, marking the manner of handling the subjects, the ways of discussion, arguments, etc.— adding. however (in character with our remark), that ‘few discourses are nicely proper for any other place or circumstance, than those for which they were composed.’ Works, iv. pp. 381-383. Perhaps compilation may be allowed in extreme cases, but not as the established rule. For where is the evidence of a Divine call to the sacred office in total destitution of an important Ministerial qualification ‘apt to teach?’ Until a man (to use Bishop Burnet’s illustrations) ‘is able to go without crutches, and work without patterns,’ had he not better remain in the important character of a Christian student, until by prayer and study he should be able to ‘purchase for himself a good degree ‘in the Christian Ministry’?