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SERMON I.

ON PROFITABLY PREACHING AND HEARING GOD'S WORD.

PAGE. LINE.

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321. 22.

348.

ERRATA.

for necessities, read necessitous.
for we, read ye.

for examine, read examine ourselves.
for though, read through.

for make, read maketh.

6. for undistinguished, read undisguised.

Iona or novelty, their several ravourers anu admirers. Some contended for a simplicity of manner suited to the plain doctrines and precepts of the Gospel; some, for an extensive range through all the mysteries of godliness: others sought an alliance between the humble unadorned articles of faith, and the blandishments of Gentile wisdom : others declared warmly against such adulterations; each professing his particular attachment to the teacher who most amused his fancy, or conformed with

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his opinion. Therefore, one said, "I am the follower of Paul;" another, "I am the disciple of Apollos;" a third, declared himself the hearer of Cephas; while others, with more just and more scriptural views, looking up to the great Author and Finisher of their faith, professed that they were "of Christ.” Wherefore Saint Paul asks, "What are the several teachers, that you should glory in ranging yourselves under their names or opinions?" They are merely ministers of a religion derived from God, not from human wisdom; instruments of salvation, not standing in rivalry with each other, but uniting in the same holy work, and for the same great purpose, according to their different faculties and endowments, to be esteemed for their work's sake, but of themselves ineffectual. To God's grace alone is their success to be ascribed. This it is which maketh the Word take root and prosper. “I have planted," says he, and "Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."

The Apostle then ascribes all the success that attended his ministry to the " grace of God" given him "as a wise master-builder," declaring that he had only "laid the foundation;" and cautioning his successors in the Christian ministry "how they build thereon:" "for" says he, in the text, "other foundation can

no man lay," or ought to lay, than that which is laid, -even Jesus Christ. Hence we may

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reasonably infer, that before the implanted Word can take root and flourish, the soil must be duly prepared; and that the grace of God, which can alone give due efficacy to the Word preached, is granted to every hearer in consequence of his own fervent prayers, and sincere wishes to receive it. For this reason, mankind are admonished to take heed "how they hear;" how they embrace and improve the opportunities of sacred instruction vouchsafed to them; of which they are one day to render an awful account. Wherefore, it behoves them, as Saint Paul advises, to "receive with meekness the engrafted Word which is able to save their souls." the want of this meek and candid disposition oftentimes rendered the words even of Christ himself and his Apostles ineffectual, how must it operate against the weakness and unworthiness of those ministers who, at this day, preach the Gospel! And with what zeal and caution, with what reverent attention, with what solicitude for improvement, should the hearer of this day attend to the Word read or preached; that by an extraordinary degree of care and preparation of the heart, he may supply the defects of him that now planteth, and of him that watereth! In treating this subject, I mean to confine myself to that part of ministerial and

congregational duty, which consists in preaching and hearing God's Word; and, while I endeavour to explain the disposition of mind with which every hearer should receive it, God grant that no prejudice or prepossessions may close your ears and hearts, my brethren, against the things now humbly submitted to your consideration. Wherefore, in the first place, think of the momentous purposes to which this part of our service is to be applied. We do not come hither, that our imaginations may be entertained; that we may enjoy the amusement of a worldly spirit. If there be If there be any that seek for such vanities, let them consider that a minister of Christ cannot indulge them; cannot, at least, without violating his bounden duty. Woe to the scribe, instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven, if he be content with bringing from his treasures, worthless unprofitable trifles! The things to be offered and received in God's sanctuary are of a different kind. Every individual who comes hither should consider that most important of all questions, "What shall I do to be saved? How shall I conduct myself in this life, so as, by divine grace, to secure everlasting happiness in the next?" We are to be reminded of the gracious promises, and the awful denunciations of God; we are to be exhorted,—to be reproved, to be corrected,-to be instructed in righteousness. The matters to be here delivered

are of themselves so momentous, that no powers of eloquence can add to their greatness, no defects of the speaker can diminish aught from their weight. They require only to be uttered, in order to force their way to an honest believing heart and to an awakened conscience. Nor can any prejudiced heart or hardened conscience be excused, on account of the defects and infirmities of the preacher. The hearer must search for the real cause why the Word preached is unprofitable, in his own evil habits, in his pride and self-opinion. The meek and pious Christian knows that, however plainly and however feebly the doctrine may be delivered, however the manner of it may prove offensive to worldly vanity, yet, that doctrine is one of those ordained means of salvation which it highly concerns us all to embrace and to improve. This consideration, seriously pondered, will surely lead every one of us to acknowledge that we are bound to receive God's Word with profound attention, and deep humility.

If that wisdom, which is from above, were difficult of attainment; were the pursuit painful, and the search laborious; yet, O Christian, would the acquisition recompense thy utmost efforts; for "all things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto it." But it is not difficult of attainment, "it is not beyond the sea that any one should say, who shall go over the sea for us,

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