2. To those who hear —
[The same simplicity of mind as befits your minister, be- comes you also. You should not wish for displays of oratory, or affect that preaching which savours of human wisdom : you should desire only " the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." You should be on your guard against adopt- ing the Shibboleth of a party, or the dogmas of any particular sect : beware, too, of becoming followers of Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, as your own carnal prejudices may incline you : you must receive the truth as little children ; and embrace it, '* not as the word of man, but as the word of God." If rightly ministered, the Gospel will " be declared to you as the testi- mony of God" respecting his dear Son*". Now, a testimony is not received on account of the figures with which it is em- bellished, but on account of its intrinsic importance, and the veracity of him by whom it is borne : and in this precise way must you receive the testimony of God, who says, that " He has given us eternal life, and that this life is in his Son ; and that he who hath the Son, hath life ; and he who hath not the Son of God, hath not life*^." To know this truth, to feel its importance, to taste its sweetness, and to experience its sanc-
b ver. 1. *• 1 John v. 11, 12.
tifying and saving efficacy, this must be your end in attending on the ministry ; and, in comparison of this, all gratifications resulting from a display of human wisdom ought to be lighter than vanity itself.]
In CONCLUSION, let me recommend to you,
1. That you form a right judgment respecting spirtual edification —
[There is scarcely any subject on which the Christian world are more in error than this. If persons are pleased with the talents of a preacher, they are ready to suppose that they are edified : but real edification consists in our being more humbled, more quickened, more strengthened in the service of our God : and whatever produces not these effects, however it may please us, is only as a musical exhibition, which leaves us as carnal and corrupt as we were before*^.]
2. That you seek edification in the way in which alone it can be obtained —
[God alone can work it in the soul: " Though Paul should plant, or Apollos water, it is God alone that can give the increase **." You must cry to God for the gift of his Holy Spirit ; and beg that " the word may come to you, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance^." To Him you must look in prayer, before you come up hither ; and whilst you are hearing the word ; and when you go hence : then may you hope that the word shall be clothed with energy, and prove " The power of God to the salvation of your souls."]
d Ezek. xxxiii. 31, 32. ^ \ Cor. iii. 5—7. ^ 1 Thess. i. 5.