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they are entrusted to our care to be nourished and brought up for Christ. As pastors of His flock, we are to warn them against the "rudiments of the world;" and feed them with "the sincere milk of the word;" daily reading and {illegible: weighing?} the Scriptures, that we may {illegible: wax?} {illegible: upon} and stronger in our ministry," and become faithful and wise stewards, able to give them their portion in due season."
By taking heed to ourselves, beloved brethren, and to the ministry which requires us thus to {illegible: wait? want?} for the souls of those committed to our care, dispensing to them diligently the comfortable sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, -- that precious pledge of His love, and memorial of his death, we may hope to promote "an agreement in the faith" to fulfill the work we have been commissioned to perform, and to save ourselves and those who {illegible} us.
From this brief view of the work before us, many particulars suggest themselves as necessary to its --accomplishemt. Besides the preparation of our own minds and hearts, by diligent study, and earnest calling upon God for the enlightening and sanctifying influences, of his Holy Spirit; parishes are to be organized, and competent men sought for whose attainments, zeal, and piety, shall fit them for aiding us in the work of the ministry.
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Just now we may scarcely hope to find willing to come among us from abroad, in sufficient numbers to supply our immediate wants; we must, therefore, mainly rely on raising them up from among ourselves. God has given us a word to perform; and doubtless, if we be faithful, He will supply the instruments necessary for its accomplishment.
That regard to enactments for the regulation of our ecclesiastical affairs, it may be unnecessary to observe that, for a diocese so recently organized, our wants of necessity are few and simple. Such as may be required, I doubt not your wisdom and prudence, under the guidance of the great Head of the Church, will adequately supply.
Commending you to His Grace,
I am, faithfully
Your Brother in Christ
Leonidas Polk --
New Orleans January 20th 1842.
