We may see, then, from hence,
1. How we are to preach the Gospel —
[The Gospel was never intended to give to men an oppor- tunity of displaying their own talents, and of getting glory to themselves ; no : we are " not to preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord*^." It is a treasure committed to us, that, as God's almoners, we should dispense it to an ungodly world. We are to think of nothing, but of enriching immortal souls. If we see not this effect, we should account nothing done to any good purpose, even though our names were celebrated over the face of the whole earth. And if we see this seal to our mini- stry, we should account ourselves truly blessed, though we were considered in no other light than as " the filth of the world, and the ofF-scouring of all things." In preparing for our public addresses, we should keep this end in view : in delivering them, too, we should labour with all our might to attain it : and we should consider the enriching of one single soul with the unsearchable riches of Christ, a far more glorious recom- pence than all the dignities and wealth that could be heaped upon us.]
2. How you should hear the Gospel —
[You should lose sight of man altogether, and look only unto God. To " be of Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas," is a proof of sad carnality ; and is the sure way to rob yourselves of God's blessing. You should consider the public ordinances as God's appointed means of dispensing wealth to your souls. You should go up to them poor, that you may be enriched; and empty, that you may be filled. As for the particular talents of the preacher, or the peculiarities which attend his ministrations, you should, as far as possible, overlook them ; and fix your attention only on the treasure which he unfolds to your view, and presents for your acceptance. You would act thus in reference to a casket of jewels which was set before you : you would not despise them because the casket was plain ; nor regard them because it was elegant. The enjoying of the possession is that which would be uppermost in your mind : and so it should be when the treasures of the Gospel are tendered to you. You should not consider the vessel in which they are brought : if it be of gold, your regards should not be fixed on that; nor, if it be " earthen," should you undervalue the treasure it contains. To be enriched with all spiritual and eternal blessings should be the one object of your pursuit ; and for that your mouth should be opened in prayer to God in secret; and your soul be expanded under the