1. Unreservedly, without concealment —
[We must " declare unto our people the whole counsel of Goda," and " not keep back from them any thing that can be profitable unto themV We are at liberty indeed to con- sider what is suited to the state of our hearers, and what they are capable of receiving0. Our object must be, to benefit their souls d: and, consequently, we do well to adapt our in- structions to their capacities, administering " milk to babes, and meat to those who are of full agee." But in this discrimi- nation we must not be regulated by carnal policy ; but must act as before God, " not handling the word of God deceitfully, but, by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of Godf." Our motto must be that of the Apostle Paul : " We are not as many who corrupt the word of God : but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ g."]
2. Impartially, without respect of persons —
[All idea of pleasing men must be utterly abandoned : for if we please men, or seek to do so, we cannot be the servants of Jesus Christ11. St. Peter erred in this respect, when, for the sake of gratifying the Jewish converts, he inculcated, even on the Gentiles, the observance of the Jewish ritual1. The fidelity of Paul is that which we ought to follow. He says, " Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile : but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak ; not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness ; God is witness : nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the Apostles of Christ k." Whether we address rich or poor, we must " use great plainness of speech ; not as Moses, putting a veil upon our face ' ;" but, as with unveiled face, exhibiting before our people the great mystery of godliness, if by any means " the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, may shine unto themm."]
3. Boldly, without fear —
[The prophets of old were enjoined " not to fear the face of man, even though briers and thorns should be with them, and they should dwell among scorpions :" and to speak
Acts xx. 20. c Mark iv. 33.
1 Cor. iii. 1, 2. Heb. v. 11—14.
2 Cor. ii. 17. h Gal. i. 10. 1 Thess. ii. 3—6. » 2 Cor. iii. 12, 13.
a Acts xx. 27-
b
d Prov. xi. 30.
e
f 2 Cor. iv. 2.
g
i Gal. ii. 11—14.
k
m 2 Cor. iv. 5, 6.