none were more successful. It therefore becomes those who would be able and useful ministers of the New Testament, to study these examples; as far as possible, to ascertain the sentiments, and to imitate the conduct of these great preachers. Most of them had been educated at the feet of Christ; all of them had imbibed his spirit, and were replenished by large communications of his grace. They conducted their ministry, with his example fresh in their minds; and were constantly impelled and guided by his immediate influence. By him, their very words were suggested, and "grace was poured into their lips." In proportion then as we enter into their views, we shall be wise to win souls; and as we adopt their method, we shall rightly and effectually distribute the word of truth. The opinions and practice of the Apostles on this subject, may be collected from many passages of their writings, and amongst others from the text, which, in few words, furnishes complete information. The Apostle Paul, speaking on behalf of himself and his brethren, informs us:

I. That in their ministry, they used great freedom of address; and

II. Why this method of preaching was employed.

In the first place; the Apostles used "great plainness of speech," No qualities, are more admired in the intercourse of social life, than candour and ingenuousness; they have universal suffrage in their favour; and all profess to exercise them. However far the practice of the generality may be from their profession, no one will withhold the tribute of applause; and deceit is never so successful, as when it assumes the guise of simplicity and openness. There are, however, those, who will contend for the necessity of occasionally dissembling in civil affairs but no one will be found to advocate the cause of insincerity in the engagements of the Christian Ministry. No one would be bold enough to say, that circumstances can possibly arise, to justify the use of concealment or disguise in the pulpit: but you will allow me to observe to you,

:

1. That, concerning this acknowledged and indispensable requisite, there have been many mistakes; and some things have been adopted which ought carefully to be avoided. You will find preachers, who, pretending to "use great plainness of speech," allow themselves the practice of great vulgarity. If they have a subject to illustrate, they introduce the most familiar and low allusions, such as are

calculated to excite only gross and disgusting ideas; and affirm that the matter is made very plain, when in fact it is degraded and debased. They are careful to select and use the coarsest language; and make plainness of speech to consist in local and vulgar phrases. It is by no means uncommon that their manner is exceedingly rude and overbearing; they deal much in personalities; and seem desirous, chiefly, to irritate and incense some obnoxious individuals. To introduce the names of parties and persons, is a favourite custom ; and this is seldom done in a way of commendation. The mere statement shews, how very different all this is, from the conduct of the Apostles. These things not only fail to do good; they create much evil. Many of the hearers will be disgusted; and perhaps by that disgust be prevented from resorting to those places where they would receive wholesome instruction; while those who, by the eccentricity of the preacher are induced to remain, will have their attention diverted from proper objects, and occupied entirely by the odd say ings of him who addresses them. Such preachers never communicate just representations of religion; and thus mislead those whom they undertake to guide. How differently the Apostles thought and acted, is evident from passages

such as these: "whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus ;"" in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth:" and " giving none offence in any thing that the ministry be not blamed."

There is a species of vulgarity in which these men delight, which is of sufficient importance to justify a separate mention, and to which it would be unjust to appropriate any term of censure less than buffoonery. Under this term I include every thing ludicrous in word or gesture. Compared with this, other improprieties of the pulpit become almost pardonable. Than this nothing is more inconsistent and censurable. It is inconsistent, because nothing can be more serious than the Gospel; or more solemn, than the engagements of him, whose office it is, to announce the way of salvation to perishing sinners. It is deeply censurable, because it is awfully irreverent to God; and betrays a shameful indifference to the destiny of those that hear. If it occur but seldom, it is to be lamented; if it be a prevailing characteristic, it is to be abhorred. Should any of you unhappily adopt

diminished: for that which when combined and well directed is quick and powerful; thus diffused and thrown at random, becomes comparatively powerless. It will be well for those who follow the advice which is given to Timothy, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

To this may be added, but not with equal censure, a propensity to superfluous and excessive definitions and explanations. This, though a mistaken practice, may arise from the purest and best motives. To be understood in preaching is essential; without this, a man had better not preach, because in all probability he is occupying the place of one that would be intelligible but a desire to be understood, may carry us too far, and counteract our very purpose. There are some things which cannot possibly be explained by us; simply because God has not explained them to us. The universal Sovereign has a right, without furnishing an explanation, to demand our faith in doctrines which he has undoubtedly taught. This right he has exercised; and therefore every attempt to define what God has simply declared to exist, must be fruitless and injurious. With respect to the doctrine of the Trinity, for instance, how many